Christmas 2026: Best Festive Events, Markets and Light Shows
From Christmas markets and open top bus tours to stunning light shows, there’s plenty of ways to get in the festive spirit in 2026.
Image Photo by Hert Niks on Unsplash
We’ve rounded up some local venues offering seasonal cheer, as well as some suggestions further afield in the UK and abroad, to mark this year’s festivities.
Port Lympne Illuminated, Kent
A magical festive experience awaits at Port Lympne, starting on 26th November 2026 and running through to 2nd Janaury 2027 offering an experience that blends nature, light and storytelling into an unforgettable festive adventure. Step into the venue’s after-dark world where they have built on their animal theme, introducing new installations featuring new species, bringing fresh stories and visual spectacles to the 2026 Port Lympne Illuminated experience. Also new for 2026 is a zone which extends the journey even further as well as an Elf Disco and grand finale! Before you head out on the illuminated trails, there is also the opportunity to take the little ones for a private, magical moment with Father Christmas himself at Santa’s Grotto. And if you fancy an extended stay they are also offering a magical family sleepover at Elfwood.
London Christmas Lights Bus Tour 2026
View all the sights of London lit up for the festive season on a Christmas Lights Bus Tour. Starting at Trafalgar Square you will step aboard a classic open-top 1960s Routemaster bus, which has been decked out in full Christmas glory to add to the magic. For 75 minutes tour iconic landmarks while listening to live commentary sharing the history and stories behind the city’s holiday displays while enjoying all the twinkling Christmas lights, including world-famous Regent Street all the way to Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park and get swept up in the festive spirit. Then glide past the festive window displays of Fortnum & Mason and the glittering entrance of The Ritz, before reaching the historic, illuminated facades of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, with spectacular views of the London Eye as well. This family-friendly experience takes place from 16th November to 30th December 2026 (no tours on 24th & 25th December) and a open-deck seat is guaranteed!
Tulleys Christmas Santa Experience, Sussex
Set in the enchanting woodlands of West Sussex, the Tulleys Christmas Santa Experience features a magical mix of seasonal activities. Enjoy gliding across the ice at the outdoor ice skating rink, step through the portal and journey to Elf Town, decorate your own gingerbread and make reindeer food to take home, or why not go on a “advent”ure as Santa has hidden 23 magical doors all around the farm – complete the challenges behind each one to earn your special reward! You can also join Frosty in a new, cutting-edge production packed with laughs, dancing and tons of audience participation. There's also a spectacular live show with circus performances in the Big Top and the chance to meet Santa’s festive friends along the way. Plus there are three other brand new live shows including Rockin’ Rudolph and Carol’oke. Tulleys Christmas Santa Experience is open weekends from 21st November, plus 21st-24th December 2026.
FURTHER AFIELD
In the UK
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market
A welcome date in the city’s calendar, Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is a firm favourite with residents and visitors alike. The arrival of the market heralds the start of the season and the stalls on Victoria Square and New Street offer something for everyone. The largest authentic Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria, Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market offers a large range of traditional gifts and a selection of tempting food and drink, as well as a live music programme on Victoria Square. Tempt those tastebuds with pretzels, bratwurst and roasted almonds, washed down with gluhwein, weissbeer or hot chocolate. Open from 5th November to 24th December 2026, you can enjoy musicians from both Germany and Birmingham at lunchtime and evening music sessions Monday to Friday, plus all day Saturday and Sunday.
Bath Christmas Market
Bath welcomes the Christmas season in from 26th November to 13th December 2026, where you can wander through the heart of its historic city centre, which will be transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling chalets, unique gifts and gourmet food and drink to tantalise the tastebuds for Bath Christmas Market. The cobbled streets and historic landmarks make for a romantic and festive backdrop and with its mix of independent boutiques, designer stores and high street brands it is no wonder it was named Best UK Christmas Market 2024. Open Monday to Wednesday, 10am to 7pm, Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 8pm and Sunday, 10am to 6pm, head there to immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas this festive season.
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Image Photo by cmophoto.net on Unsplash
Throughout Europe
Salzburg Christmas Market, Austria
If you are looking to head abroad to discover a magical experience while on a short break, why not head to Salzburg in Austria? Having celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024, the historic Salzburg Christmas Market is once again taking place on Domplatz and Residenzplatz, this year from 19th November 2026 until 1st January 2027. One of the oldest and most beautiful Advent markets in the world, it is held in the heart of Salzburg’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, set against a historic Alpine city backdrop. The Christkindlmarkt has around 100 market stands as well as a colourful daily events programme, readings of Christmas stories for children, Krampus parades, guided Christmas tours, choral concerts and more. “Sing-Along” in a choir open to singers from the general public is every Tuesday from 6pm-8pm with traditional wind music performed every Wednesday and Thursday and visit the Salzburg children’s readings with the “Christ Child” every Sunday.
Strasbourg Christmas Market, France
Known as the "Capital of Christmas" with its storybook half-timbered architecture, Strasbourg Christmas Market is being held from 27th November until 24th December 2026 where you can enjoy four weeks of festive wonder in the capital of Alsace, France. In keeping with a tradition dating back to 1570, explore the wooden chalets while breathing in the scent of mulled wine and cinnamon. Then it’s time to choose where to start with eight markets to discover which are spread throughout the historic centre in iconic streets and squares. Lights will illuminate your journey as you make your way through The Wharf of Flavors and Craftmanship (a gourmet Christmas market), Little France (an authentic treat), Around the Cathedral (offering a traditional setting), The Unyielding Small Producers of Alsace (with local artisans), The Carre D-Or Market, At the Foot of the Grand Sapin, Christkindelsmarik (an historic market) and The Off Market (a fair and inclusive market celebrating its 10th anniversary).
Old Town Square Christmas Market, Prague, Czech Republic
Head off to experience a medieval, fairytale setting in the Old Town Square of Prague for its Christmas Market. Running from 28th November 2026 to 6th January 2027, it is one of the largest and most visited holiday events in the Czech Republic. Regularly recognised as one of the most beautiful Christmas destinations in the world, it brings the atmosphere of a true Czech Christmas to the historic city centre. There you will find dozens of stylish stalls offering traditional Czech products, a rich selection of culinary specialties and a daily cultural program featuring music and folklore. The markets traditionally support Czech manufacturers and artisans offering Christmas goods and handmade items such as glass and straw ornaments, as well as decorations made of ceramics, wood, pine needles, beads and dried fruits and spices. You will also find ceramic and wooden nativity scenes, lace tablecloths, crocheted toys, bells and chimes, cookie cutters and moulds and wooden rolling pins.
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