Christmas things to do
On this page you can find a selection of activities to keep you and your family entertained over the Christmas holidays 2025. Some of these can also be found at the events calendar.
Christmas markets
Christmas in Cambridge (free)
13th November - 31st December - Parkers Piece
Wander through the sparkling Christmas Market, glide across the open-air ice rink, get lost in the twinkling Christmas Tree Maze, and take in the views from the Big Wheel. Gather with friends in the cosy Alpine Lodge or book a spot on the Après Terrace with curling lanes for festive fun. With seasonal street food, warming drinks, and magical memories waiting around every corner, Christmas in Cambridge is the perfect way to celebrate the season in the heart of the city.
Click here for more information
Mill Road Winter Fair (free)
6th December - 10:30 - 16:30 - Mill Road
Mill Road Winter Fair is a celebration of community along one of the most diverse and vibrant roads in Cambridge. Usually held on the first Saturday of December, the Fair brings together local businesses and organisations, shops and stallholders, musicians, artists and dancers in one day of festival joy.
Click here for more information
Ely Christmas Fair (£3-8. Under 3 free)
20th - 22nd November - 09:30 - 16:30 (20:30 on Friday) - 4 hour time slots
Wildly known as one of East Anglia’s most exciting Christmas shopping events, the Ely Cathedral Christmas Fair is perfect for all of your festive needs. From Wednesday through to Saturday, you will be able to access a unique shopping experience, browsing through the iconic nave and aisles of the Cathedral, including an array of food vendors to provide refreshments and hot drinks.
Click here for more information
Things to see and do
Soham Christmas House
17th November onwards (Donation to charity appreciated)
Helen and John Attlesey start putting up their thousands of lights and other festive decorations each September at their home in Soham, Cambridgeshire, in time for a November switch-on. People come from across the country to see the impressive display on Julius Martin Lane, which includes Father Christmas and snowman figures, toy soldiers, Nativity scenes and even swans.
Click here for more information
South Angle Farm
Weekends from 29th November - 21st December
For just £5 entry, you’ll get:
⭐ A Christmas story trail
⭐ Animal meet & greet
⭐ Festive crafts
⭐ A Christmas maze
⭐ A shop full of seasonal goodies
A perfect day for families looking for something festive without the fuss.
We can’t wait to celebrate the season with you! 🎅🎄
Click here for more information
National Trust (paid)
From mid November to End of December
Check out some of the National Trust sites who are hosting a range of Chirstmas and Winter events including taking a trip to the winter wonderland at Wimpole and multiple opportunities to meet Santa.
Garden Centres
Lots of the local garden centres have Christmas fairs or markets throughout November and December. Here is a few below:
Scotsdales (multiple locations)
Scotsdales in Horingsea and Great Shelford run various events in the run up to Christmas including the Arrival of Santa (15th November), Santas Grotto at Horningsea, Write your letter to Santa and a Festive Trail.
Click here to see all the events
Oakington Garden Centre - Click here for more information
-
Craft fair
-
Nativity
-
Caroles
Twenty Pence Garden Centre - Click here for more information
-
Festive market
-
Breakfast with Santa
-
Wurst and Bier Haus Stall
Dobbies Royston - Click here for more information
-
Santas Arrival - 23rd November
-
Santas Grotto - 23rd Nov - 24th Dec
-
Santas Paws - 29th Nov - 24th Dec
-
Quiet Grotto - 5th December
-
Christmas Shopping Night - 27th November
Ice Skating
Taking centre stage at Christmas in Cambridge at Parker’s Piece come and join us on Cambridge’s largest outdoor ice rink! Whether you're a Dancing on Ice champion, a total newbie or just about anything in between, you can be sure to find some festive cheer on the surface of our real, genuine ice rink. £13.50 and upwards.
Light Trails
Botanical Gardens
The much-anticipated Cambridge Botanic Lights returns for its third year, transforming Cambridge University Botanic Garden into a spectacular illuminated trail celebrating the extraordinary world of plants. This year’s event will again bring the Garden to life after dark with stunning displays and artistic interventions – creating a beautiful landscape for everyone to enjoy.
Anglesey Abbey
Enjoy a magical, wintery day out with friends and family in search of the twelve giant sculptures, each painted with designs inspired by the English carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas.
Audley End
From the 22nd November to 23rd December, take a walk through our enchanted forest beneath the canopy of trees where you can surround yourself with our sparkling lights and festive music. Stroll beneath the stars as glowing installations and illuminated scenes bring the woods to life. Along the way, discover perfect photo spots to capture the memory forever.
Wimpole
Step into a winter wonderland at Christmas at Wimpole, one of the best Christmas events in the UK. This after-dark illuminated trail transforms the stunning National Trust Wimpole Estate into a dazzling display of twinkling lights and festive magic, making it the perfect Christmas day out for families, friends, and couples.
Milton Winter Wonderland 2025
£3-5, East Anglia Children's Hospice
We look forward to seeing you at our public Winter Wonderland event, at our amazing Milton Hospice. Stroll through our beautifully illuminated garden, visit with Santa, and help us celebrate the festive season at our hospice.