Winter Activities And Things To Do

We can all agree that one of the most iconic winter activities and things to do every year is visiting the famous Hyde Park Winter Wonderland! Experience the very best of winter thrills and chills with their fairground rides, dazzling family performances and live shows at the Magical Ice Kingdom and Santaland!!

Think that’s all? Think again! Soar high on the Giant Wheel that’ll take you up a whopping 70m high – presented by Disney+! Then make your way to Zippos Christmas Circus for jaw-dropping aerial and acrobatic tricks and twists. Of course, you need to glide your way to the UK’s largest open-air ice rink!

NEW FOR 2024 – you can unlock 20% off selected Magical Ice Kingdom and Ice Skating sessions when you buy an off-peak ticket. Also, you need to visit Voodoo Ray’s Bottomless Pizza for unlimited pizza in brand-new, heated, sit-down dining! Plus, if your child has a Santaland Unlimited Ride Pass, they’ll get one free soft drink to enjoy while dining at Voodoo Ray’s Bottomless Pizza Party! What a bargain.

Not forgetting that the Santaland Unlimited Ride Pass is returning for 2024 and is perfect for families wanting to maximise their day out. The pass offers unlimited access to over 15 family-friendly rides in Winter Wonderland’s Santaland area for only £25. Passholders also qualify for free entry to Winter Wonderland!

There’s so much to do, but how will you experience it all in time? Well, here’s the thing: Hyde Park Winder Wonderland is open for SIX WEEKS!

Enjoy a spellbinding evening of live theatre this Christmas with tickets to Wicked, named “London’s #1 show” by LBC.

Now celebrating 19 spectacular years, Wicked is the must-see musical that unveils the untold story of Oz’s iconic witches. Follow the unforgettable journey of Glinda and Elphaba, two young women whose friendship shapes their destinies. Inspired by Gregory Maguire’s novel, Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman bring this backstory of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to life, exploring the twists and choices that lead Glinda to become ‘Glinda the Good’ and Elphaba the infamous ‘Wicked Witch of the West.’

For a little extra magic, indulge in a Wicked-themed Afternoon Tea at The Tea Lounge at The Clermont Victoria from November 21st to December 23rd. Located steps from the theatre, this festive tea includes chocolate & pistachio pebbles, lemon meringue pie, a Wicked macaron, traditional scones with jam & clotted cream, and savoury finger sandwiches.

Plus, additional family-friendly performances are available over the Christmas holidays, giving everyone a chance to experience this award-winning musical!

Get ready to experience the wonder of Glow Marwell, back this year with even more sparkle and excitement!

Follow the magical nature-themed light trail and explore the elements of fire, earth, air, and water, where you’ll dive under the sea, float among neon clouds, toast marshmallows, and even enjoy a snowy wonderland. Kids can add to the fun with UV face paints that glow along the route, plus there are tons of great photo spots to capture the festive fun.

Beloved features like the glowing tree, light tunnel, and moon chairs are back—bigger and brighter than ever—with extra surprises around every corner. On select dates, Father Christmas and his elves will be at Marwell Hall spreading Christmas cheer, and families can book a visit with him in advance.

The festive menu has something for everyone, from giant Yorkshire puddings to glowing candy floss and warm crumble pots with custard. Your Glow Marwell ticket also includes entry to the zoo from 13:00 – 16:00, where you can visit the animals before the lights transform the zoo into a dazzling wonderland.

BRAND NEW for 2024, try the VR safari and travel around the globe in virtual reality, meeting lions, giraffes, and gorillas up close! Glow Marwell runs on select dates from 29th November to 30th December, with two special Quiet Nights on 2nd and 9th December for a more relaxed experience.

Additional charges apply for some activities; card payments only.

This winter, don’t stay indoors with your babies or toddlers. It’s time for some Christmas-themed fun at your local Wacky Warehouse! There’s something for everyone here. Wacky Warehouse is iconic as its bright and colourful soft play excites little kids. As adults, you can relax outside while your kids have the times of their lives! From climbing, jumping and sliding straight into a ball pit of fun!

For Christmas, the perfect winter activity to do is, sprinkling Christmas magic with the Christmas-themed arts & crafts! A festive way to bring some Christmas spirit to your child’s day. The arts & crafts sessions are available during all Tots Club sessions!

But wait…what’s that sound? It must be jingle bells because Santa Claus is coming to Wacky Warehouse!!  Meet Santa in his grotto at your local Wacky Warehouse – a surefire way to make your child’s day! They may even get a gift too…

If you’re thinking of what to gift a parent with young kids this year, why not gift them Wacky Warehouse’s special edition Play Passes? They’re available in-store and mean lots more play for less – it’s the perfect stocking filler!

As the holiday season approaches, the quest for Christmas presents that are both entertaining and unique becomes increasingly challenging… And with the ongoing financial constraints facing many households, finding gifts that encourage fun, thoughtfulness and affordability can be a daunting task.

Enter Treasure Trails… The leading provider of treasure hunt adventures in the UK! With over two decades of experience, they present a solution that continues to captivate, offering an original and exciting gift alternative. With over 1,200 hunts scattered across the UK, Treasure Trails provides an easy solution for locating the perfect adventure near your loved ones!

Imagine this scenario: rather than opting for another conventional physical gift or grappling with the dilemma of selecting a present that embodies care and originality. You can gift a treasure hunt adventure! Picture the joy on their face as they unwrap this unique experience on Christmas Day.

Plus, with a budget-friendly price of just £11.99, including postage. These adventures are as affordable as they are full of excitement! Whether you aspire to be a super-secret Santa or the giver of a gift that combines thoughtfulness, fun, and uniqueness. Treasure Trails might just be the perfect solution you’ve been seeking.

Ho Ho Ho! It wouldn’t be winter without Christmas, and there’s no Christmas without seeing the jolly man himself, Santa Claus!

Create fantastic memories with the kids and watch their faces gleam with happiness after meeting Santa. How? By visiting a Santa Grotto near you!

Remember to wrap up warm and what you would like for Christmas! You may even get a special treat from Santa Claus too…

Even though winter has come and the skies are darker, we know one winter activity that will illuminate the night sky… Light festivals!

We recommend visiting The Festival of Light at Longleat Safari Park. Why? Because it’s themed like the fantastical world of Narnia! Gaze upon the White Witch and her ice sleigh, wander past dazzling light displays and even sing along with the singing Christmas tree!

Then sip on some sweet hot chocolate!

Looking for a way to kickstart that merry and bright feeling? Go on the ultimate Christmas day out for the whole family!

Whether it’s Christmas shopping, watching a pantomime or even visiting a winter wonderland. There are plenty of winter activities to do! Why not check out our guide to the best Christmas days out and events near you?

There’s nothing like immersing yourself in the joyous season, than a trip to one of many Christmas markets this year!

Browse the festive stalls for unique gifts or arts and crafts, indulge in sweet treats and delectable dishes or enjoy warm mulled wine. It smells like festive spirit to me!

Visiting a classic Christmas Market is the perfect family tradition during the chilly winter. You just need to remember to wrap up warm!

For the little kiddies, it’s time to start writing your letters to Santa Claus!

As adults, you can turn this winter activity into a fun arts and crafts activity! Get the glitter and sequins out as they decorate their important letter to the jolly man himself.

If you miss the deadline it just means you won’t be guaranteed a reply, but you can always get creative yourself to keep the magic alive!

This winter season, make your way to the nearest Selfridges for a FREE event!

In London, Manchester and Birmingham, you and your family can enjoy a variety of festivities this Christmas. From an all-singing and dancing extravaganza, meeting Santa in his grotto and all sorts of musical entertainment.

Not to mention the gorgeous decoration Selfridges will put on show! Avoid the chilly weather and come inside for a festive family afternoon.

Real or fake? That’s the question…

Whichever you choose, why not make a day of it when you go to pick it up? Wrap up warm and bring the kids along as you pick up your tree either at a Christmas tree farm or at your favourite supermarket!

It’s the perfect time to start looking for your Christmas tree this year. Then why not pick up all the trimmings, like baubles, tinsel and fairy lights?

Thanks to step 7, you’ve got your Christmas tree! Now it’s time for the best winter activity… decorating it!

Gather your kids, stick some Christmas music on and start decorating. Wrap twinkling lights around the branches, dangle some colourful baubles and add a tree skirt to really spruce up your Christmas tree.

Fill your house with the smell of ginger and cinnamon to really add to the Christmas season.

A tasty, warm and great activity to banish those winter blues away and a fabulous way to spend quality time with the kids. You could even have a go at making a gingerbread house!

Why not pair your gingerbread biscuits with some hot chocolate and settle down to watch some Christmas movies…?

When it’s cold outside, indoor activities are a must and nothing beats cosying up on the sofa with a good family festive film.

Whether it’s the Santa Claus, Home Alone and Arthur Christmas or The Santa Chronicles! Kick off your festive season with the most uplifting winter activity. Psst…don’t forget the snacks!

Anybody whose anybody knows London goes ALL out for Christmas.

From dazzling displays and luminescent lights covering streets all over the capital city. Head to Covent Garden with the beautiful baubles dangling down, delicious sweet treats and entertaining entertainers. Or walk along Oxford Street, Regent Street, Trafalgar Square, Bond Street and even Carnaby Street, right up to the London Eye, for Christmas lights galore!

Colder months don’t mean you have to stay inside. Wrap up warm, and explore London! You’ll find plenty of festive events happening in London too. From Christmas at Kew Gardens to Somerset House!

Feeling crafty and looking for ideas? Watch our video for how to make origami Christmas trees using just wrapping paper and some clever folding. It’s easier than it looks, promise!

We have more Christmas crafts too!

The best thing about the nights getting darker quicker is that it’s prime lantern season!

Whether it’s at Chester Zoo with illuminated animals or a forest trail with lights scattered above you in the trees or on the forest floor.

You’ll be enchanted by the lanterns and will witness a special moment when the kids first spot them! A magical winter activity that will make a lovely me-merry.

An exciting event that all families will be jumping for joy to experience.

To give that added personal touch to your Christmas cards, gather the family and have arts and crafts day!

Include any Christmassy theme, like snowmen, angels, reindeer, or even hand-drawn Christmas trees. Add a touch of sparkle and warm the hearts of your family and friends with these hand-made cards.

An intimate winter activity that will bring joy and laughter to the family. Check out these 12 printable Christmas cards for kids by Kids Craft Room!

When December falls on us and the decorations come out to dazzle you, go on a drive with the family and find what houses have the best decorations!

Do they have Santa on their roof, illuminated reindeer at the door or snowmen perched on their lawns?

Go exploring and find out! A fun, outdoor winter activity for all ages, maybe see who can spot the best one first?

Want to jazz up your Christmas decorations this year?

Well, if you have plenty of scrap paper lying around, why not put that to use and make some paper snowflakes?

You can stick them around the house or on windows and turn your home into its own winter wonderland!

A great hands-on activity to keep the kiddies entertained. And to bring Christmas cheer!

The ultimate comforting winter activity is baking!

Whether it’s an apple pie or apple crumble, any appley dessert is a real treat and a perfect activity for the kids to get involved.

Top the pie off with pastry cut out into Christmas shapes, and sprinkle some cinnamon for a real festive touch. Then when it’s time to enjoy it, pair it with some glorious custard.

Prepare for the new year by creating your own family calendar!

Print the best pictures and memories you’ve had this year and DIY! Get the kids involved and turn it into a family occasion. Gather the sequins, coloured paper and maybe glitter, if you’re feeling adventurous.

You can take in turns to decorate a month in whatever way you’d like! Then hang it up and admire the hard work you all put in.

Saying goodbye to the old year and welcoming the new one with your little ones can be just as exciting as Christmas itself.

The only choice you’ve got to make is whether to go out or stay in…

We have options for both!