Get your festive celebrations on the right track with one of Steam Dreams Rail Co's Christmas train rides. There's the Santa Steam Express, on which Father Christmas and his helpers join families for a one-hour 15-minute journey through London. Or strike into the Surrey Hills on the Christmas Steam Express and enjoy a festive three-course evening meal with the Premier Dining experience. On each ride, the 1970s carriages are decked out for the holidays. When? 15, 18 and 21 December 2023. 

Find a taste of Frankfurt in Birmingham with this traditional Christmas market, tipped as the largest of its kind outside of Germany or Austria. Feast on pretzels, Bratwurst and mulled wine; catch live music at Victoria Square; and shop for handcrafted Christmas decorations from charming light-strung huts. When? 2 November to 24 December 2023.

Hogwarts is magical enough year-round, but it's even more beguiling under a layer of snow. Come by for the Studio Tour during Hogwarts in the Snow and you'll see the famous castle dusted with powder and the Great Hall festooned with twinkling decorations. There's also a chance to learn some festive filmmaking secrets, from creating snow to decorating for holiday scenes. When? 11 November 2023 to 14 January 2024.

A dazzling display of illuminated lanterns will transform Longleat's stately home and its grounds into a glowing wonderland. This year The Festival of Light is themed around The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis so you can step through the wardrobe and journey to the fantasy kingdom of Narnia. The display runs alongside Longleat's other traditional celebrations, including its Enchanted Christmas Tree show and the Santa Train. When? 11 November 2023 to 7 January 2024.

Edinburgh's annual Winter Festival is back with a fantastic line-up of concerts, silent disco street parties and theatre shows. At the centre of the festivities is the magnificent Christmas market in East Princes Street Gardens. Work your way around stalls selling handmade gifts and gourmet treats and when you’ve had your fill of shopping, head to the fairground for some festive thrills. When? 17 November 2023 to 6 January 2024.

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Savvy Santa will be setting up one of his grottos in the heart of London's entertainment and shopping district this year. As well as playing host to the big man himself, Leicester Square will feature a charming European-style Christmas market. Avoid battling the crowds in the shops and head here instead to pick up special gifts. There's also a cracking line-up of shows in its beautiful 1920s Spiegeltent. When? 8 November to 7 January.

While away a wintry afternoon at Belfast’s twinkling Christmas market. Grab a warming mug of hot chocolate or mulled cider to keep the chill at bay and wander around market streets lined with cute huts selling artisanal goods and giant bratwursts. There’s something for all the family – children can meet Santa at his grotto and adults can prop up a traditional Irish bar with live music. When? 18 November to 22 December 2023.

Historic Winchester puts on a dazzling festive display during its much-anticipated annual market. With pretty wooden chalets dotted around the 11th-century cathedral's historic close and surrounding an open-air ice rink, it's one of the country's most atmospheric events. As well as browsing the high-quality goods and sampling gourmet goodies you can sign up for one of the cathedral's Christmas Family Tours or a Christmas Family Craft Workshop. When? 17 November to 21 December 2023 for the market.

The world-famous natural wonder Cheddar Gorge and Caves becomes even more magical in the lead-up to Christmas as Santa and his elves set up shop deep underground in the Mendip Hills. As well as gifts from Santa, there will be seasonal songs and festive fairy tales to keep the kids entertained. The experience is included in the cost of a regular day ticket. When? Selected dates from 11 November to 24 December 2023.

LEGOLAND is magical at any time of the year but the kids will squeal with excitement as they spot a LEGO Santa among their favourite characters and marvel at the towering Christmas tree made entirely of the plastic bricks. There will also be a grotto and elves will be on the lookout for little helpers to help build gifts. When? Selected dates between 25 November 2023 to 3 January 2024.

You'll be plunged into a winter wonderland with Christmas at Blenheim Palace, which sees the palace rooms elaborately decorated to tell the story of Sleeping Beauty during this festive period. Outside, thousands of twinkling lights adorn the manicured gardens and street vendors turn out festive food and drinks. Artisans sell their wares at the Christmas market and you can also book a Sleeping Beauty-themed afternoon tea in the orangery. When? 17 November 2023 to 1 January 2024.

Keep the chill at bay with a mug of mulled cider or apple gin as you wander around to see the wonderful wares on sale at one of the West Country's best Christmas markets, in Exeter. Enjoy rousing performances by local bands, carol singers and choirs at the bandstand as you soak up the festive atmosphere on the pretty Cathedral Green. When? 17 November to 17 December 2023. 

Warwick Castle has plenty of daily festive fun in store this Christmas, including ice skating, festive afternoon tea and story-telling sessions with Mr and Mrs Claus. Or you could treat really good boys and girls to a Santa sleepover – book a stay in one of Warwick's cosy woodland lodges and they'll wake up to a visit from gift-giving elves. There is also an illuminated light trail through the castle grounds and festive food from market stalls to feast on. When? 25 November 2023 to 7 January 2024.

A vast and dazzling celebration of all things Christmas, Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland in London is a must-visit for anyone who loves the festive season. It has ice-skating, winter markets, fun fairground rides, a Santa's grotto, ice sculptures and all the festive fare and mulled wine you could wish to guzzle. Highlights include a 230-foot (70m) observation wheel to marvel at the capital's skyline. When? 17 November 2023 and 1 January 2024.

The beautiful city of Bath looks even more dazzling when its fairy lights twinkle and pretty wooden chalets set up along its Georgian streets for the annual Christmas market. Once you've shopped and supped your way around the stores, head into the Royal Victoria Park. It transforms into a winter wonderland with a vast ice rink, while its 18-hole adventure golf course will be illuminated with festive lights and glow-in-the-dark balls. When? 23 November to 10 December 2023.

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If you go down to Westonbirt woods this December, you're in for a big surprise. The rare and ancient trees within the arboretum will be lit up and an illuminated trail of twinkling lights and interactive displays will be scattered around the woods. Once you've followed the trail, head to the charming Christmas Village, complete with choir singers, food stalls and traditional fairground rides. When? Selected dates from 24 November to 23 December 2023.

The grand Georgian mansion will be lit up like a Christmas tree as part of the National Trust's special after-dark light experiences. Follow the winter trail that winds through its woods to a canopy illuminated with shards of light and hung with snowflakes and sparkling baubles. There'll be plenty of surprises along the way and mulled wine and cider for sale. During the day, Dunham Massey will host various festive craft activities for kids and Father Christmas will make an appearance too. When? 17 November to 31 December 2023.

Wrap up your Christmas shopping while you tuck into seasonal treats (raclette, waffles and bratwurst anyone?) from the twinkling wooden chalets that line the Thames during the South Bank's seriously festive annual market. There are pop-up bars for a wee warmer-upper or bag tickets to one of the fantastic shows happening inside the Southbank Centre. When? 2 November to 26 December 2023.

There's no end to the Christmas cheer at Powis Castle and Gardens. Rooms will be decked out with traditional decorations and special installations. At night, its ancient yews will be decorated with sparkling lights while willow sculptures and shadow silhouettes will be scattered throughout the ground. Head to the courtyard restaurant afterwards for a warming festive tipple. When? 2 to 31 December 2023. 

Eat, drink and be merry at Cardiff's cracker of a Winter Wonderland, spread across Cardiff Castle and City Hall Lawn. At the castle you'll find the ice rink and ice walk, plus a whole load of festive food and drink. Head to the Lawns for family-friendly fun fair rides, an ice bar and a ski-lodge-style bar with an outdoor roof terrace. When? 16 November 2023 to 2 January 2024. 

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Hever Castle is enchanting whatever the season, but it's extra special through the holidays. Dive into the Festive Forest, which is filled with charming woodland displays, then wrap up for the Christmas lights experience after dark, where you'll see the gardens and lake in twinkling colours. Inside, the rooms are adorned with traditional festive decorations. Make time for a ride on the big wheel too. When? 18 November 2023 to 1 January 2024. 

Expect glitz, glitter and pom-poms aplenty as the tiny Norfolk village of Thursford plays host to its annual festive extravaganza, the Thursford Christmas Spectacular. This year's bumper event features a cast of 130 who will perform a musical variety show. When? 8 November until 23 December 2023.

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This year, Chatsworth's stately home has been transformed into The Palace of Advent, featuring 24 festive rooms adorned with everything from candy canes to homemade Christmas stockings. At the heart of the house is Father Christmas’ workshop, where preparations are underway for those all-important Christmas deliveries. Children will love stirring the giant Christmas pudding pot and making a wish to hang on the Wish Trees. The theme continues outdoors with a light and sound trail in the garden and a festive farmyard. When? 4 November 2023 to 7 January 2024.

Over 100 twinkly trees and illuminations will light up Bournemouth town centre this winter at the city's Christmas Tree Wonderland. The free festive trail starts at the illuminated big wheel on the seafront and weaves through the historic Lower Gardens where you can spot themed trees from different global cities. A brand new, 60-foot (18m) walk-through tree will form the centrepiece this year. There will also be an Animated Tunnel, an Alpine Market and ice skating in the Victorian Gardens. When? 17 November 2023 until 1 January 2024.

Hop on board a steam train and enjoy a mesmerising LED light show set to some of your favourite festive tunes. Expect narration along the way as you chug out from Alresford or Alton on a Christmassy one-hour 45-minute journey. When? 24 November to 23 December 2023.

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Knowsley Safari Park will take Christmas lights to another level this year with its Enchanted Christmas lights safari. At night the safari will be transformed into an enchanted trail filled with illuminated animal lanterns – perfect for adventure-loving families to explore. No Christmas event is complete without Santa, who will be waiting in his cosy grotto. When? 18 November to 30 December 2023.

Experience Christmas underground and explore Clearwell caves' winter wonderland. The historic caverns 100 feet (30m) below ground will be transformed into a Christmas paradise. Visitors can follow the story of Bernard, a young boy who finds a baby polar bear, while Santa and his elves will be on hand to help youngsters choose a special gift. When? Selected dates in December 2023.

There's a reason why Trentham is among the most-visited gardens in England – it puts on a glorious show year-round. Come by for the Trentham Christmas Festival to follow a brand-new ice sculpture trail through the flora, before indulging in festive food from the artisan market. When? 16 December to 17 December 2023.

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Drink in the Christmas lights in the Big Smoke with a bus tour organised by Brigit's Bakery. Opt for the 5pm tour and you'll be whisked down buzzing Regent Street, which puts on a spectacular annual lights display – and you'll graze on finger sandwiches, dainty cakes, scones and tea as you go. When? 9 November to 31 December 2023.

Do your festive shopping with a glühwein in hand as you browse the Bavarian-style stalls that fill Nottingham's Old Market Square for its annual event. Then take a twirl on the ice rink before cooling off with a drink at the sculpture-filled ice bar. There will be traditional funfair rides for all ages too. When? 7 November to 31 December 2023.

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