An advent calendar of days out

Doors 1–8: free and easy

1. Walk to see the town Christmas lights
2. Library festive story time
3. Carol concert at a local church
4. Christmas lights “safari” by car or on foot
5. Frosty woodland walk with flask
6. Visit a free museum’s winter trail
7. Window-shopping for festive displays
8. Make bird feeders and visit a nature reserve

Doors 9–16: small treats

9. Ice skating session
10. Christmas market wander. See markets with kids
11. Kids’ cinema morning
12. Bowling and hot chocolate
13. Pick a real Christmas tree at a farm
14. Gingerbread workshop
15. Festive farm park day
16. Light trail (book early)

Doors 17–24: the big ones

17. Santa Special steam train
18. Pantomime
19. Santa’s grotto
20. Castle or stately home Christmas event
21. Winter wonderland
22. Theme park Christmas event
23. Festive escape room (teens!)
24. Christmas Eve walk and doorstep carols

Plan the big ones with our Christmas days out guide and the adventure finder.

Last updated: 14 October 2026