25 fabulous free events to attend in December 2025

Experience a stunning light show

Geminid Meteor Shower, nationwide, 4–20 December

Fireworks night may have been in November, but you can still enjoy a spectacular show by looking up at the night sky. Find a dark area such as a field, lie back and watch the Geminid Meteor Shower, a series of colourful asteroid fragments fizzing through the blackness. While it takes place throughout the month, the best night to view it is 14 December.

Connect with nature

12 Days Wild, nationwide, 25 December – 5 January

Have the winter blues started setting in? The Wildlife Trusts have a remedy for that – every year, they encourage people to partake in one nature-themed activity per day over the Christmas period, the idea being that it’ll boost your mood while bringing you closer to your surroundings. For inspiration on what to do, and to sign up for the challenge, visit The Wildlife Trusts’ website.

Welcome in the festive period

Trafalgar Square Christmas tree switch-on, London, 4 December

Every year since 1947, the city of Oslo in Norway has gifted a huge Christmas tree to London, which is erected in Trafalgar Square – and you can watch this iconic conifer being lit on the day itself. Festivities kick off around 5pm, with carols, brass bands and poetry readings by local children, before the tree is illuminated at 6pm.

Feel the glow

Dover Winter Light Up, Dover, 6 December

The Kent town of Dover will be brimming with festive cheer today as its residents gather for their annual Christmas shindig. There will be an artisan market and craft workshops during the early part of the day, before the main event in the afternoon – a delightful street procession where people show off their homemade lanterns.

Go wild

Festive Family Fun Days, London, 6 & 7, 13 & 14, 20 & 21 December

The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) runs some great events across its nine UK sites throughout the year. Take the London Wetland Centre’s Festive Family Fun Days, for example. Held on the first three weekends of December, they’re packed with child-friendly activities, from toasting marshmallows to decorating gingerbread, storytelling to face painting.

Boundless offer

WWT events normally cost money – however, Boundless members get unlimited free access to all nine WWT sites, meaning they get into events for free. Be aware, though, small charges will apply for some activities.

Giddy up up for a great day out

London Pantomime Horse Race, London, 14 December

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, along comes an event that’ll leave you shaking your head with bemusement. The London Pantomime Horse Race sees around 40 contestants dressing as stage nags to take part in a competitive clippety-clop through the streets of Greenwich – all for a good cause. With joyous singing and pub visits along the way, you’d be a foal to miss it. 

Watch a historic race

Peter Pan Cup, London, 25 December

While most people are opening presents around the tree on Christmas morning, a group of hardy souls will be plunging into Hyde Park’s Serpentine Lake for the Peter Pan Cup race. Held every year since 1864, this glorious spectacle sees swimmers dressing up in festive outfits as they brave the icy waters. Spectators are welcome – the fun begins at 9am.

Enjoy some snow, sand, and sea

Christmas in Bournemouth, until 4 January

One of the UK’s most popular summer destinations is transformed into a winter wonderland over the festive period, complete with animated installations, a Christmas tree maze and much more. While activities such as the ice rink and Santa’s sleigh simulator ride cost money, there will be plenty to enjoy without opening your wallet.

Tuck into some festive food

Padstow Christmas Fayre, Padstow, 4–7 December

In recent years, the Cornish town of Padstow has become renowned as a foodie destination. So, it’s perhaps no surprise that tasty grub will be the focus of this new event. Over the four-day festival, around 50 chefs – including Rick Stein – will gather under the twinkly lights to perform live demonstrations. Add in carols, a lantern parade, fireworks and more, and it promises to be a feast of fun.

Witness some historic traditions

The Mari Lwyd and Hunting of the Wren, Cardiff, 6 & 7, 13 & 14 December

If you’ve ever been to St Fagans National Museum of History, you can imagine how lovely it’ll be to see all those old buildings illuminated by Christmas lights. And there will be much more to enjoy during these two festive weekends, too – the Cwmni Dawns Werin Caerdydd theatre group will be dressing up to perform two of Wales’s oldest Christmas customs. Expect singing, dancing and even a horse’s skull!

Join a festive chorus

Christmas Singalong at Wells Cathedral, Wells, 20 December

Wells’ majestic cathedral will provide an epic backdrop for this festive sing-song, aimed at children aged 4–11 and their parents/guardians. Come and join in with seasonal favourites such as O Come, All Ye Faithful, Good King Wenceslas and Silent Night, before the Wells Cathedral Song Squad choirs perform an enchanting Christmas set of their own.

Get set for the New Year

Nos Galan, Mountain Ash, 31 December

Founded in 1958 in honour of 18th-century athlete Guto Nyth Brân, Nos Galan is now one of Wales’s most popular sporting events. Every New Year’s Eve, thousands descend on the town of Mountain Ash in Glamorgan to watch a series of running races – most notably the bill-topping 5km fun run. With many participants wearing costumes, it’s as amusing as it is exciting.

Chill out

Meditation class, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, 5 December

If the Christmas preparations are getting on top of you, you could always try some meditation. During this hour-long session at The Health Workshop in Ashby-de-la- Zouch, you’ll learn all about Kundalini – a pure divine energy that can soothe your entire body. You never know, you might even make some new friends, too

Make merry at the museum

Festive Performances, Birmingham, 7, 14 & 21 December

The already-wonderful Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery will become even more fabulous on the first three Sundays of the month, when a series of festive entertainers will take up residency there. The Brummie Gems Molly Dancers appear on 7 December, with the Quinton Community Choir singing on 21 December. (The 14 December act is yet to be announced.)

Have some festive fun, farming-style

Suffolk Tractor Light Parade, Campsea Ashe, 14 December

If you happen to be in Suffolk today and you’re wondering where all the tractors have gone, look no further than Campsea Ashe. Every year, dozens of tractors – dressed to the nines in sparkling festive lights – congregate here for a jolly jaunt around the village. Find a spot by the side of the road and admire the procession – after all, it’s not a sight you see every day.

Meet some frosty friends

Walking with the Snowman, Doncaster, until 30 January

Raymond Briggs’ classic yarn The Snowman has become a festive staple here in the UK – and this winter you can see a dozen sculptures of the beloved character on the streets of Doncaster, each themed around one of the 12 Days of Christmas. Look out for similar events at National Trust properties Baddesley Clinton and Anglesey Abbey.

Go back to the past

A Sudley Victorian Christmas, Liverpool, 6 & 7 December

Take a trip back in time at Liverpool’s Sudley House, as this historic venue celebrates Christmas the Victorian way. Over the course of the weekend, there will be a range of activities for people of all ages to enjoy, including crafts, carols and storytelling. Naturally, the venue will be decorated for the occasion, too, giving you an insight into how our ancestors prepared their homes for the festive season.

Enjoy a festive flotilla

Manchester Christmas Parade, Manchester, 7 December

One of the North’s most spectacular festive events, the Manchester Christmas Parade sees dozens of fabulous floats snaking their way through the streets of the city – starting and finishing at Manchester Cathedral. Look out for Santa and his Elf Express, Nutcracker-inspired toy soldiers, live musicians, and a lot more besides.

Have a Highland fling

Oban Winter Festival, Oban, until 21 December

Described as “Scotland’s ultimate Highland celebration”, the Oban Winter Festival is simply packed with activities, ranging from tours and classes to live music and karaoke. As with most of these big events, some of the activities cost money but there’s plenty on the itinerary that can be enjoyed for free.

Make for the Lake

Loch Lomond Christmas Festival, Scotland, 6 & 7 December

Wrap up warm for this festive feast (pictured above), which takes place on the bracing banks of Loch Lomond. Seasonal activities will include a Christmas market, live entertainment, characters from the Disney musical Frozen, funfair rides, plus food and drink stalls. Head to Sea Life and you may even catch a glimpse of Santa Claus himself!

Shop for unique gifts

Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market, Down, 12 & 13 December

Held in the magical Dark Walk at Hillsborough Fort, this charming marketdoesn’t cost anything to enter – but that doesn’t mean you’ll get a free day out, as the stalls herein tend to be crammed with beautiful handcrafted produce that’s simply begging to be bought. Choirs and musicians will provide a lovely festive soundtrack while you fill your basket.

Join Boundless Plus

As a Boundless Plus member, you’ll get unlimited entry to Historic Royal Palaces  sites. These include Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, which is just a stone’s throw away from the Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market.

Dig deep into Britain's coastal history

Archaeology on the Edge with National Trust Scotland, 2 December

During this online talk – exclusive to Boundless members – National Trust for Scotland archaeologist Dr Daniel Rhodes will uncover the secrets of Britain’s coastline, detailing how digs along the shore have shed fascinating light on past lives and the effects of climate change. Look out for a special giveaway during the talk – you won’t want to miss it!

Join Boundless Plus

One of the benefits of Boundless Plus membership is that you get unlimited access to all National Trust for Scotland  places. And not just for yourself – you’ll be able to take one additional adult and up to six children per visit.

Get up to speed with some sports car history

Celebrating 100 Years of the MG, 9 December

This online talk – exclusive to Boundless members – will see Jon Pressnell paying homage to one of the UK’s most iconic car makers. He’ll highlight milestones from the marque’s first century, including founder Cecil Kimber’s initial vision, the chaotic years under British Leyland and the 2006 takeover by Nanjing Automobile. You’ll also get a chance to win Jon’s brilliant biography, Kim.

Delve into Christmases past

A Yuletide Table: Where Christmas Traditions Took Root, 16 December

From eating turkey to putting a penny in the pud – we take many festive traditions for granted these days. But where did customs such as these originate? In this online talk – exclusive to Boundless members – author Annie Gray will fill in the gaps by regaling you with seasonal stories. You’ll also get a chance to win her fabulous book, At Christmas We Feast.