The Best Festive Outdoor Events To Attend With The Family This Christmas

BY Natasha Bailey ON 11 December, 2024

As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like stepping out into the crisp winter air and diving into the magic of Christmas with your loved ones. From twinkling lights to bustling Christmas markets and magical outdoor adventures, England is home to an assortment of festive attractions, perfect for families. Here’s a guide to the best outdoor Christmas activities you can enjoy together this year.

Looking for the perfect outfit to wear while exploring the festivities? Out With Style has a range of options to keep you warm while looking fashionable. Coats, hats, scarves, and jumpers. We have everything you need to build a practical yet stylish wardrobe for the Winter. 

Explore the Charm of Christmas Markets

Nothing says Christmas quite like the allure of a traditional market. Across England, you’ll find some of the finest Christmas markets to make your festive season bright.

• Bath Christmas Market: Nestled around Bath’s historic Abbey, this award-winning market features over 170 artisan stalls offering handmade crafts, festive food, and mulled wine. 

• Manchester Christmas Markets: Spread across the city, these markets offer everything from bratwurst and crêpes to handcrafted gifts.

• Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market: With an ice rink set against the stunning cathedral backdrop, this market is a must-visit. 

Stay warm all evening with our collection of jackets

• Spoonyard’s Padded Puffer Jacket will keep you warm whatever the weather. Cut in an oversized fit, this cropped puffer jacket is heavily padded with 3M insulation. 

• The Naadz Hooded Down Bomber Jacket from Parajumpers is an oversized style for a contemporary aesthetic. A water-repellent treatment and windproof technology will keep you warm out in the elements.

• For a classic look, Barbour’s Beaufort Wax Jacket  is a stylish, practical men's waxed jacket with a timeless country look. With an interactive zip, it is designed for pairing with an optional quilted liner when extra insulation is needed. Moleskin-lined hand warmer pockets provide welcome warmth on cold days. 

Dazzling Light Trails

Christmas lights always capture the spirit of the season, and light trails have become a magical way to immerse the entire family in festive wonder.

• Kew Gardens, London: Kew’s "Christmas at Kew" is a luminous wonderland, with over a million lights strung along its enchanting pathways. From glowing tunnels to shimmering lakes, every corner brings a sense of awe and wonder, perfect for kids and adults alike.

• Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire: This World Heritage Site offers a jaw-dropping light trail through its sprawling grounds. 

• Longleat Safari Park, Wiltshire: Known for its Christmas Festival of Light, Longleat transforms into a world of illuminated sculptures and fairy tales. It’s an unforgettable outing with children, especially when combined with the park’s animal attractions.

Wrap up warm with our collection of accessories 

• Hestra’s Cashmere Hand Warmers are a timeless and beautifully worked fashion accessory with an exclusive feel. Light and warm for spring and early autumn, and can be worn over a thinner leather glove to vary your look.

• Barbour’s Scarves are a beautiful mix of wool and cashmere has been blended to create this super-soft scarf, perfect for chilly days. Featuring an all-over signature tartan pattern. 

• The Merino Wool Beanie from Woolrich is a must-have for winter. Featuring contrast embroidered lettering across the front of the rib-knit brim.

Meet Santa in Magical Settings

No Christmas family outing is complete without a visit to Santa. Across England, you’ll find opportunities to meet the man in red in unforgettable locations.

• Father Christmas at Warwick Castle: This medieval castle offers an enchanting Santa experience alongside a festive market and dazzling decorations.

• Santa’s Grotto at Eden Project, Cornwall: In the heart of Cornwall, the Eden Project’s tropical biomes transform into a wintry wonderland where Santa awaits with stories and surprises.

Thinking about gifts you can get for the special people in your life?

• Check out our gift guides for Him, Her and the perfect stocking fillers. 

Ice Skating 

Ice skating is a quintessential Christmas activity, and England boasts some of the most picturesque rinks.

• Somerset House, London: Set in a grand courtyard, this iconic ice rink is perfect for families. With festive music and twinkling lights, it offers a magical experience for skaters of all ages.

• Hampton Court Palace, Surrey: Skate alongside the historic Tudor palace, where the views are as breathtaking as the experience itself.

• Yorkshire Winter Wonderland, York: With the largest outdoor rink in the north, this event also includes fairground rides and a cosy alpine café, making it a hit with families.

For the more active days

• The Swazi Micro Fleece is designed to provide maximum comfort and breathability. Crafted from super soft and lightweight materials, durability still remains a key feature. 

• Perfectly combining function and fashion, Snow Peak’s Breathable Quick Dry Trousers are light and comfortable. Easily adjustable, the waist features a rubber and strong tie, while the back pocket has a fastening to keep your valuables safe while out on adventures.

• Aztec’s Diamond’s Leggings and Base Layer make the perfect set. Crafted from a premium sports fabric, the leggings with knee grip from Aztec Diamond are constructed in a medium weight fabric with full coverage. The long sleeve base layer is constructed from a medium weight fabric with a super soft four way stretch. Featuring an extended front zip for ease of wear.