The best festive UK days out for families this Christmas

The countdown to Christmas has begun. For a child, though, it probably still feels like an eternity until they can creep downstairs and discover what Santa has brought them. Why not schedule some family fun prior to the big day? December is bursting with ideas for festive days out, ranging from light trails to Christmas movie drive-ins and winter fairgrounds.

Make this season one to remember with one of the following events.

Illuminated trails

Cheer up dark, wintry nights by running through rainbow tunnels or by watching perfectly choreographed bulbs twinkle beneath old trees on a sound and lights trail. Christmas at Kew Gardens (until 8 January) celebrates its 10-year anniversary in 2022, promising millions of lights, floating UV feathers and projections onto the Palm House. Other trails feature lasers and giant baubles, like those at Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden (until 30 December), or find a gladioli tunnel and multi-coloured lilies at Cheshire’s Dunham Massey (until 2 January). Wherever you are, there is likely to be a trail not far away. Be sure to pack woolly hats and warm socks.

Festive historic houses

Immerse yourselves in Christmas tradition at a beautifully-decorated period house. At National Trust properties this year you can hear tales from the 17th-century Lord of Misrule at Corfe Castle, ride a horse and carriage up to Berrington Hall or walk through scenes inspired by The 12 Days of Christmas at Hughenden. Elsewhere, No. 1 Royal Crescent — Bath’s most famous townhouse — invites families to experience a Georgian Christmas. Elsewhere, children will adore scenes from Cinderella at Belvoir Castle, in Leicestershire, and Nordic folk tale The White Bear at Chatsworth House, in the Peak District.

Lanterns and processions

Christmas lanterns are popular everywhere but the biggest you’ll see are the colourful creations outside Longleat House (until 8 January) in Wiltshire. After a spin around the safari park, put on an extra layer and follow the lantern trail that winds around the house. This year’s theme is Roald Dahl: children will be amazed by Willy Wonka’s three storey-high Chocolate Factory, plus characters Fantastic Mr Fox, the BFG and even Ms Trunchbull swinging a small girl around by her pigtails.

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