Things To Do Between Christmas and New Year

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

It’s the must-see event this Christmas!

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 5th of January 2025!

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!

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 too, this is a no-brainer!

Returning for 2024 is Chester Zoo’s iconic light festival: Lanterns and Light! They’re partnering with SONY MUSIC again for the most unforgettable trail yet! It’s no wonder it’s Cheshire’s best light trail!

Lanterns and Lights will have brand new GIANT candy canes, oversized festive baubles, a colourful ribbon tunnel and neon walkways to dazzle the family. Not to mention, you’ll discover never-seen-before animal lantern puppets!!

Feast your eyes on stunning and captivating light installations, transport into enchanting lands filled with colour and festivity and don’t forget to walk through the flickering fire garden!

They haven’t forgotten about your family favourites either. With festive fairground rides and mouth-watering marshmallow toasting, it becomes the perfect outing on those chilly nights to entertain the family after Christmas. Don’t forget your hot chocolates!

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! From Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and Epsom on Ice, Skate in Birmingham and Skate in Manchester! Some are covered ice rinks, so you can glide and slide no matter the weather!

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

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…

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 Robin Hood at the Palladium Theatre. With class act stars like Jane McDonald 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.

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…

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!

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!

Another challenging year has finished or it may have been good for your family! 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 2025 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!