Things To Do Between Christmas and New Year

There are always those few days when finding things to do between Christmas and New Year seems like a difficult task. It’s that strange time when you’re never quite sure what day of the week it is, what you’re supposed to be doing or what routine ever felt like – something that’s been affectionately named Chrimbo Limbo!

With Christmas bubbles coming to an end and the leftovers almost gone, there’s still loads of time before the kids go back to school… So, we got our thinking caps on and rounded up some ideas and inspiration to help fill the void. And to keep your excited kiddies entertained!

Attractions To See Between Christmas and New Year in the UK:

jellyfish and whale lanterns

Wakehurst - Glow Wild

If you’re looking for a magical Christmas experience for you and the family to occupy your days – then this is it.

Also… it’s Glow Wild’s 10th birthday!!

This award-winning winter lantern trail at Wakehurst, is an unforgettable adventure and ultimate winter event for families in Sussex!

Step into a world of pure festive magic as you wander along the award-winning lantern trail at Kew Gardens’ wild botanic garden. Let your little ones’ imaginations soar as they explore the never-before-seen route adorned with enchanting bespoke installations.

From the water-spouting blue whale to the UK’s tallest living Christmas tree. Discover a world of enchantment with fairy houses, sleeping dormice, crumbly mince pies, and stars hung by their resident Starkeeper. This is your last call to join the celebration before it’s too late! With sparkling lights and luminescent light displays, it’ll glow you away… Plus, we heard that no other trail is like it.

Book now to secure your spot at this extraordinary winter experience tailored for families of all ages! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create cherished memories together, surrounded by exclusive installations that can’t be seen anywhere else.

Psst…children under 4 go absolutely free!

It’s the must-see event this Christmas!

Shape Location Get directions

Selsfield Rd,
Haywards Heath,
RH17 6TN

Opening Times

Selected evenings from 23rd November 2023 to 1st January 2024
16:30 - 22:00 (last entry at 20:20)

Quiet sessions are available every night from 16:15

Pricing

Child (under 4) go FREE
Child (4-16) £12.00
Adult (17+) £19.00

You can swap/upgrade your tickets up to 72 hours before

Find out more
hyde park real ice slide ride

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Keep the magic going with a visit to an enchanted winter wonderland. Where it’s still a very festive time!

Did you know that Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is open for SIX magical weeks? So, if you’re looking for things to do between Christmas and New Year’s, this festive attraction is open until the 1st of January 2024!

This winter wonderland is filled to the brim with family festivities.  From thrilling rides and dazzling attractions to spectacular family performances and festive food stalls. Not to mention Christmas shopping… It’s the only destination for all things merry and bright!

Soar high above the city of London on the Giant Wheel, venture into a mystical and magical frozen world in the Magical Ice Kingdom and marvel at aerial and acrobatics magic at Zippos Christmas Circus! Not to mention you can skate on the UK’s largest open-air ice rink at Lidl on Ice and join Justin Fletcher’s debut Christmas Singalong!

Did you think that was all? Of course, not! The kid’s favourite Santaland is back! Designed for the family for everyone to enjoy – filled with exciting rides and festive treats, but separate from the hustle and bustle of the main event. Plus, they have a BRAND NEW Santaland Unlimited Ride Pass, that will give you and the family unlimited access to over 15 Santaland rides for just £25.00!

It’s the perfect festive family day out and one of the best Christmas things to do in London!

Psst…if you’re looking for things to do on Christmas Eve, this is a no brainer!

Shape Location Get directions

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland,
Hyde Park,
London,
W2 2UH

Opening Times

From the 17th November 2023 to 1st January 2024
10:00 - 22:00

Morning entry: 10:00 - 12:00
Afternoon entry: 12:00 - 14:00, 14:00 - 16:00 and 16:00 - 18:00
Evening entry: 18:00 - 20:00, 19:00 - 21:30

Pricing

Off-peak Free
Standard £5.00
Peak £7.50

Find out more
lantern festival chester zoo

Lanterns and Light, Chester Zoo

Join the world premiere of the Wild Worlds Brought to Life, lantern festival made possible by Chester Zoo and Sony Music! This fan-favourite festival is back with a new name – Lanterns and Light!

The lantern festival at Chester Zoo is bigger, better and brighter than ever. As you discover a brand-new light and sound experience! In time to immerse you in the festive magic this winter. It’s THE winter event to experience, especially if you’re unsure of what to do after Christmas.

From dazzling and captivating light installations to being transported into enchanting lands filled with colour and festivity! Experience flickering fire gardens, larger-than-life pea-lit animal statues and even a GIANT woolly mammoth projection! Wind along paths and through trees as you discover all sorts of wonderful creatures!

They haven’t forgotten about your family favourites either. Experience an interactive adventure with their stunning puppets, including lions, elephants and zebras! Plus, animal lovers of all ages know that Chester Zoo is one of the best places in the region to see weird and wonderful wildlife!

There’s also festive fairground rides and mouth-watering marshmallow toasting! Perfect for those chilly nights and to entertain the family for Christmas.

Shape Location Get directions

Upton by Chester,
Chester,
Cheshire,
CH2 1LH

Opening Times

17th November – 31st December 2023

Pricing

Adults from £18 - £22.00
Child £12.00 - £17.00

Find out more
a family wrapped up walking in the snow

Pick a Treasure Trail

No matter the weather, there’s no better way to get the whole family out of the house than with a Treasure Trail.

Helping you to love where you live, these great value-themed trails will have you exploring your local area in a whole new light. Searching for clues and solving the mystery in your activity booklet.

Our favourite part is that you can buy, download and print in less than 5 minutes. With over 1,000 trails across the UK, you’ll never be far away from one! Also, if it’s snowy then it’s the perfect way to hear that satisfying crunch underfoot when you step on the white, fluffy goodness!

Chrimbo Limbo is the perfect time to get outside and walk off that Christmas bloat! Whether it’s a morning hike or an afternoon stroll.

Shape Location

Various locations across the UK

Opening Times

Anytime!

Pricing

£9.99

Find out more
two kids ice skating

Glide and Slide with Ice Skating

Need an outdoor activity to help burn your kid’s energy? You’re in luck! There’s plenty of ice skating rinks around that you can slide and glide on. Whether you’re looking for a real ice rink, an indoor festive ice rink or outdoors!

Wrap up warm, grab a pair of ice skates and enjoy some family time. It may even be snowing!

Find out more
people ziplining at zip world

Have a Go At Ziplining

Have an adventurous outdoor afternoon at Zipworld in Wales!

Wrap up warm and have your throats ready for the screams as you zipline past beautiful surroundings. Or have a go at the Tower Coast, the first two-seater roller coaster of its kind in Europe! An exhilarating thing to do between Christmas and New Year’s that everyone will enjoy.

It’s the perfect family day out for those who love a little adventure…

Shape Location Get directions

A470,
Betws-y-Coed,
Conwy,
LL24 0HX,
Wales

Opening Times

School Holidays & Peak Season: Monday to Sunday 09:00 - 17:00
Off-Peak Season (October-March): Friday to Monday 09:00 - 17:00, closed Tuesday to Thursday

Pricing

Fforest Coaster: from £19.00
Treetop Nets: from £13.00
Tree Hoppers: from £18.00
Skyride: from £10.00
Plummet 2: from £15.00
Zip Safari: from £29.00

Find out more

See A Panto

Every child loves a pantomime. From screaming ‘it’s behind you!’, to singing along with the upbeat tunes. This year in London, you can take the kids to watch Peter Pan at the Palladium Theatre. With class act stars like Jennifer Saunders, and Julian Clary it’s bound to be a show that will blow you away!

Your kids will be in fits of giggles and the adults will love the grown-up jokes. You’ll be spending quality time together as a family doing something you all enjoy.

Shape Location Get directions

The London Palladium,
8 Argyll Street,
London,
W1F 7TF

Opening Times

9th December 2022 - 14th January 2024

Pricing

Tickets from £55.00

Find out more
kids at the ice cream farm

Have a Taste At The Ice Cream Farm

Looking for a way to let the little ones blow off some steam? The Ice Cream Farm is open from Boxing Day with loads of activities for the family to enjoy. Home to Europe’s largest indoor sand and water play area, there are mini tractor rides, adventure golf, arcade games and more! And the ‘pay per play’ pricing means it’s purse-friendly too.

Plus, it really is never too cold for ice cream…especially when there are new festive flavours to try! Visiting the largest ice cream parlour in the world should definitely be on your must-see list! We’ve heard there are 50 flavours to try! There’s even a drive-thru option for the ice cream too…

Shape Location Get directions

The Ice Cream Farm
Newton Lane
Tattenhall
Chester
Cheshire
CH3 9NE

Opening Times

Monday to Sunday 09:00 - 17:00

Pricing

Infant (up to 1) free
Child (up to 13) £2.50
Adult £2.50

Find out more

Easy Things To Do Between Christmas and New Year

a women christmas shopping

Go Christmas Shopping

For those who love bargains, you know the Christmas sales follow shortly after the big day! Whether you’re looking for the latest tech gadgets, reduced prices on your favourite clothes or shoes or you’re an early bird and are shopping for next year’s gifts! Maybe you’re one step ahead and bulk-bought the wrapping paper, ribbons and gift bags for next Christmas?

Either way, you’ll find sales at department stores like John Lewis, and Debenhams. Or head to your city centre to hit the shops this holiday season!

party balloons on the ceiling

Plan for NYE At Home

With Christmas done and dusted, it’s time to start turning our attention to New Year’s Eve. And with all plans up in the air, there’s never been a better time to start a new at-home NYE tradition!

From following the celebrations around the world and learning about different traditions to hosting a fun-filled family party night. Check out our ideas for celebrating New Year’s Eve with kids at home.

If you still would like to go out for NYE – have a look at these fab events!

2024 balloons new years eve

Create a 2024 Activity Jar

Another challenging year has finished. It may not have been the year we wanted but we will always look towards the future! It’s now the time to see what 2024 has on hold for us. And this time between Christmas and New Year is a great time to start planning for the year ahead.

Task each member of the family with choosing something they want to do in the new year. Whether that’s a meal at their favourite restaurant, a big day out you’d love to go on, or something as simple as spending more time with the grandparents. Put each idea on a bit of paper, fold it and pop it in a jar. Then pick one each month to complete.

Simple, easy and everyone gets a go!

We hope you have a magical merry Christmas this year and find plenty of things to do between Christmas and New Year. Whether you have the whole family around or keep it small – it’s important to spend that quality time together. Get crafty with the kids this Christmas, take them out for a spot of grub, crepes anyone? Or perhaps, enjoy the in-between this Christmas with a wide range of things to do!

Looking for more attractions to take your kids to? How about heading out for more winter activities and things to do or browsing these spectacular museums? Plan for the new year, book tickets for the BBC Earth Experience and find out the newest attractions that have opened up in the UK. Did we hear of a place where it’s always Christmas..? Find out for yourself!

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