What’s on this Christmas?

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Family of four pose under star lights hanging from trees in Kew Gardens

From magical winter light trails and traditional Christmas markets to eating out, discover how you can enjoy savings using your Boundless membership this festive season.

The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner – and with your Boundless membership, you can make this Christmas extra special. 
Whether you’re looking to enjoy festive events with friends and family, join online talks from home, or explore exclusive offers, there are lots of ways to save money using your Boundless membership this season.

Already a Boundless member? Simply log in to gain full access to all the offers and benefits included in your membership.

Not yet a member? If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus. As well as getting access to exclusive events, Boundless members enjoy unlimited free or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions, plus year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more.

Simply click on a link below to jump straight to:

Nationwide festive events

Steam engine travelling through a snowy landscape 

Credit: The Railway Touring Company

Ride the Christmas Express steam train

Locations nationwide

Get into the festive spirit by taking a Christmas steam train ride with The Railway Touring Company. Enjoy a memorable family day out surrounded by winter scenery — and for added excitement, Father Christmas and his elves will also be on board, handing out presents to all the children.

Festive steam specials will carry you to historic destinations to visit traditional Christmas markets in Bath, Edinburgh, and York. Choose Premier Dining or First Class for a delicious catered experience, or travel Standard Class and enjoy refreshments from the buffet car — or even pack your own festive picnic.

Boundless members can save £20pp for up to three guests on selected journeys departing on or before 31 December 2025, with The Railway Touring Company, making it more affordable to see Santa this Christmas.

Catch the latest releases with The Cinema Society

Cinemas nationwide

Make the most of your time off this Christmas with a festive trip to the cinema – the perfect way to keep the whole family entertained, even if it's frosty (or wet!) outside.

Boundless members can enjoy discounted tickets through The Cinema Society, making it even easier to catch the latest big releases. For any Wicked fans – the highly anticipated sequel Wicked: For Good, starring Ariana Grande is released on 21st November, while James Cameron’s third Avatar movie arrives right before Christmas on the 19th December.

Boundless members get up to 37% off tickets, snacks, and drinks at chains including Vue, ODEON, Cineworld, Showcase and Picturehouse with The Cinema Society.

Enjoy a family meal out using tastecard

Locations nationwide

This Christmas, treat the family to a festive meal out, without worrying about the cost. With Boundless dining discounts at favourites like Carluccio’s, TGI Fridays, Las Iguanas, and many more, you can enjoy delicious food and drinks while keeping the festive fun affordable.

Boundless and Boundless Plus members get free access to tastecard, which enables you to get 2-for-1 dining or 25% off your total bill at thousands of independent and chain restaurants, along with 50% off pizza delivery from selected chains.

Have a day out at a National Trust stately home and gardens

Locations nationwide, dates vary

This Christmas, bundle up the kids and head to your local National Trust for a walk in the fresh air. When it gets a bit nippy, head inside the grand houses to admire the Christmas decorations and enjoy traditional festive games and music.

Boundless members can save 10% on National Trust gift cards that can be used towards entry to over 500 historic houses, gardens, coastlines, and countryside sites across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Perfect for treating yourself or someone special, gift cards can be used for days out, holiday cottages, National Trust shops, cream teas, and more.

London & the South East festive events

Bells and bauble Christmas decorations at Covent Garden Market in London 

Credit: Getty Images

Take a festive walk to see London's Christmas lights and decorations

In the festive season, London’s streets, historic squares and arcades sparkle with glittering Christmas lights and decorations. From Oxford Street’s ‘starry canopy’ filled with 5,000 twinkling lights to Covent Garden’s massive Christmas tree and market decorations, the city transforms into a winter wonderland.

While you’re wandering, warm up with a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate and save 25% on your favourite barista-made drinks at Caffè Nero, Black Sheep Coffee, SOHO Coffee, and thousands of independent coffee shops using tastecard and Coffee Club.

Admire the splendor of London's Historic Royal Palaces

As a Boundless Plus member, you get unlimited access to all Historic Royal Palaces sites, including The Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, and Kensington Palace in London, which are all adorned with stunning festive finery come Christmastime.

There are seasonal events to enjoy at each of historic palaces, you browse the full schedule here.

A group of friends taking a selfie in front of Christmas decorations at Hampton Court Palace's Festive Fayre

Credit: Hayley Bray for Immediate Media & Historic Royal Palaces

Pick up Christmas gifts at Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre

Enjoy festive shopping for unique gifts at this year’s Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre, which is held within the grounds of this elegant palace. 
Set against the magnificent backdrop of Henry VIII’s Great Fountain Garden, explore stalls from over 100 artisan producers and vendors, selling handcrafted gifts, and delicious seasonal food and drink.

Entry to the fayre is included with membership.

Boundless Plus members get unlimited access to Hampton Court Palace (as well as all other Historic Royal Palaces sites) and can take an additional adult and two children per visit.

A family of four taking in the Christmas trees at the Tower of London

Credit: Historic Royal Palaces

Christmas at The Tower

This Christmas, step into a storybook adventure at the Tower of London.

Wander through the historic fortress and discover sparkling decorations, glittering Christmas trees, and magical installations that bring the Tower’s stories to life.

Encounter legendary kings and queens, spot the Tower’s infamous ravens and meet the beasts from the historic Royal Menagerie and experience scenes of royal celebrations. See what’s Inside The Tower of London.

Entry to Christmas at The Tower is included in palace admission. Boundless Plus members get unlimited access to The Tower of London (as well as all other Historic Royal Palaces sites) and can take an additional adult and two children per visit.

Many Christmas evergreen trees beautifully decorated with lights are illuminating at night in a pitch dark with magically lighten up trees on a background at Kew Gardens

Credit: Getty Images

See the Christmas lights at Kew and Wakehurst

Kew, 14 November 2025 - 4 January 2026

Wakehurst, 27 November 2025 to 3 January 2026

Experience the magic of the festive season at Kew Gardens as the Christmas at Kew light trail returns. Explore spectacular larger-than-life illuminations, a sparkling light tunnel and lanterns which light up the gardens and beautiful buildings along the dazzling trail.

Near the Temperate House, you’ll also find street food vendors selling festive treats. Younger visitors might even be lucky enough catch a glimpse of Father Christmas himself.

In the West Sussex countryside, Wakehurst, transforms into a winter wonderland after dark with the enchanting Glow Wild light trail. This year’s mile-long trail is more magical than ever, featuring stunning new light installations, thousands of glowing lanterns, and captivating artworks throughout the gardens. There’s also festive stalls offering warming food and drinks.

Boundless members can enjoy an extra touch of magic with a limited-time saving of up to 20%* on Glow Wild at Wakehurst.

Boundless members get unlimited annual access to Kew and Wakehurst. Members also get 50% off entry for an additional adult, free entry for up to five children, and a 10% discount in the Kew shop, both online and in-store.

RHS Garden Wisley Member's Day – GLOW 2025

Step into GLOW 2025 at RHS Garden Wisley, where light, nature, and festive cheer come together in one of the South East’s most magical winter experiences.

As night falls, wander a sparkling trail where plants and landscapes come alive, and discover new surprises around every corner. New for 2025, the enhanced route features mesmerising light installations and iconic garden sights transformed in radiant colour, creating an unforgettable festive adventure for the whole family.

Boundless members can bring a family of five for just £35 – that’s two adults and up to three children, saving £48.75. Each ticket includes free hot chocolate and marshmallow toasting, plus the chance to win festive goodies in our prize draw.

Don’t hang around though, as tickets are limited and set to sell out.

South West & Wales festive events

Breakfast with Santa at WWT Slimbridge

WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, Saturday 13 and Sunday 14, Saturday 20 to Tuesday 23 December

Step into the magic of Christmas with a morning visit to see Santa at his enchanting grotto. Every child will receive a special gift from the man himself, before enjoying a delicious full English breakfast in the festive Kingfisher Kitchen.

Afterwards, bundle up and explore WWT Slimbridge wetlands, home to an array of seasonal wildlife, including overwintering birds.

You’ll also find even more festive fun on offer, including elf-led and self-led activities – from Christmas crafts to posting your letter to Santa at the Slimbridge Post Office.

This event is ticketed, and it is recommended to book early to secure your place.

As a Boundless member, you and up to five children can enjoy unlimited access to all nine WWT centres, plus 50% off for one additional adult guest. The on-site cafés are the perfect spot for a warming hot chocolate or tea and cake after a chilly walk, with members getting a 10% discount at WWT’s on-site cafés and shops. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.

Midlands & the East festive events

Magical Santa Express Member's Day

Statfold Country Park, Tamworth, 29 November

All aboard the Magical Santa Express at Statfold Country Park for a festive day full of fun and excitement. Hop on the beautifully decorated steam train and journey through wintery countryside to meet Santa in his grotto, where every child receives a special gift.

Along the way, children can enjoy a festive passport of activities, from decorating gingerbread in Mrs Claus’s Bakery to making reindeer food at Rudolph’s Snack Station.

Exclusive to Boundless members – bring a family of five for just £50, including soft play access and a chance to win festive goodies in the prize draw.

With refreshments available and friendly elves helping at Santa’s Post Office, this is a magical family day out not to be missed — tickets are limited and selling fast!

North of England festive events

RHS Garden Bridgewater Member's Day – GLOW 2025

Manchester, 6 December

Step into the magic of GLOW 2025 at RHS Garden Bridgewater, one of the North West’s most magical winter light experiences. Wander a sparkling trail of lights, shimmering trees, and festive surprises, with brand-new installations for 2025 showcasing the garden like never before.

Boundless members can book up to two adult tickets and three child tickets per membership. Each ticket includes free hot chocolate and marshmallow toasting, and you can take part in a festive prize draw. Places are limited so early booking is advised.

Scotland & Northern Ireland festive events

The Snowman statue in the gardens of Hillsborough Palace and Gardens

Credit: Snowman Enterprises Limited 2023. THE SNOWMAN™ Snowman Enterprises Limited / Historic Royal Palaces

Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Northern Ireland, 29 November 2025 - 4 January 2026

This Christmas, The Snowman and The Snowdog come to life at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.

Explore 100 acres of wintry wonder along a charming outdoor trail featuring larger-than-life Snowdog sculptures and the iconic Snowman, all beautifully hand-painted by independent artists and inspired by the beloved animated film.

Along the way, discover iconic moments from the story brought to life throughout the famous gardens. On select days, enjoy even more festive cheer with a magical meet-and-greet with Santa (additional ticket required) and step inside the castle, filled with twinkling Christmas decorations.

Don’t forget, Boundless Plus members get unlimited access to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, in addition to all the other Historic Royal Palaces sites, and can take an additional adult and two children per visit.

Children holding up giant star fish and clown fish lights at Edinburgh Zoo's Giant Lantern's trail

Credit: Edinburgh Zoo

Enjoy a wild day out at Edinburgh Zoo

Meet creatures big and small this Christmas on a wild family day out at Edinburgh Zoo. Little explorers will love getting up close to amazing animals – from penguins and polar bears to monkeys and big cats.

During the festive season, the zoo comes alive with twinkling lights, seasonal decorations, and special Christmas events like Santa’s Grotto, festive trails, and evening light displays. Returning for 2025 is the impressive Giant Lantern’s trail, which takes place from 14 November 2025 to 22 February 2026.

Boundless members get free access to Kids Pass, which allows you to claim up to 23% off at Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns.

Online festive events

A Yuletide Table: Where Christmas traditions took root

Online, 16 December

Discover the fascinating history behind traditional Christmas fare, from grand medieval banquets to nostalgic Victorian favourites.

Inspired by Annie’s best-selling book At Christmas We Feast, this engaging online talk delves into how festive food has evolved over the centuries, sharing colourful recipes, historical insights, and reflections on how our Christmas celebrations have been shaped by the timeless traditions of the dinner.

During the event, copies of Annie's book will be given away to some lucky Boundless Members. Not to be missed!

Simply register to join the live interactive talk or watch again if you missed the live recording.

Do more with Boundless

If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus.

With Boundless, you get unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions, including Kew Gardens and Wakehurst and WWT centres across the UK, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more. With Boundless Plus, you can enjoy additional benefits including unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces sites, National Trust for Scotland places, access to The Ramblers' extensive walking community, and peace of mind with roadside assistance and local recovery by Britannia Rescue.

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