Discover our pick of the best Christmas events in the North of England and the South of Scotland
Now that winter is settling in and the countdown to Christmas is officially on, here at Crabtree & Crabtree things are looking decidedly festive. We’ve strung up strings of twinkling lights, we’re already thinking about decorations for the tree and have been excitedly swapping notes on the best festive fun that the North of England and the South of Scotland have to offer.
If you’re also after a little Christmas magic, why not gather your family and bundle them up for a festive adventure, taking inspiration from our pick of the best events and days out in The Scottish Borders, East Lothian and Midlothian, Northumberland and Yorkshire. From enchanted woodland walks and magical meetings with Father Christmas to extravagantly decorated castles and brilliant light displays, there is something to thrill the whole family.
The Winter Light Trail at The Alnwick Garden & Father Chirstmas at Lilidorei, Northumberland
20 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
There’s nothing quite like Christmas lights to lift the festive spirits! Wrap up warm to admire beautiful Alnwick Garden lit up with spectacular festive projections, sparkling holograms and illuminated installations. If you’ve got small children in tow, why not combine the lights with an evening visit to Father Christmas at Lilidorei on select dates in December. With his Christmas grotto nestled in this magical play village it promises to be an enchanting experience – would you expect any less from a place where it’s always Christmas?
Stay nearby at: The Craftsman’s Cottage, Barley Loft or if you’d prefer to be tucked away in the countryside just a short hop from Alnwick stay at Overthwarts Farmhouse or Eslington Lodge.
Treasured Tales at Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland
8 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
If you, like us, think that Christmas is made better with decorations and spectacular displays, then Treasured Tales at Bamburgh Castle is a must! Created by world-class theatre designer Charlotte Lloyd Webber – who has returned to dress the Castle for Christmas for the fifth year in a row – this incredible experience transforms the iconic castle into a magical world full of the fantastical creatures from your favourite fairy tales. Walk through the state rooms to discover scenes from Jack and the Beanstalk, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Rumpelstiltskin, Treasure Island, all glittering gold and overflowing with treasure.
Stay nearby at: St Aidan’s Lodge, Windley or Friars Farm Cottage. Or, if you’re travelling as a group of several families why not stay next door to one another in the adjoining Lyme Grass, Wild Rye and The Rushes.
Christmas at Castle Howard with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Yorkshire
13 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
This year, the grand rooms of Castle Howard will be transformed into the magical world of Oz, where you’ll embark on a festive Wizard of Oz themed odyssey. Revisit your childhood and embrace the Christmas spirit as you follow the immersive trail through the castle, admiring the incredible installations and state-of-the-art soundscapes. Afterwards, pop into the gift shops to pick up some Christmas treats or enjoy a festive afternoon tea in the stunning Grecian Hall.
Stay nearby at: Wrays Cottage,The Old Forge, East Lodge.
The Santa Experience & Santa Paws at Archerfield Walled Garden, East Lothian
28 November – 23 December 2025
Nothing captures the magic of Christmas quite like a visit to see Santa and his trusty elves hard at work. This very special event at Archerfield Walled Garden starts with writing a letter to Father Christmas – wrap up warm, this takes place outside – before the elves take you to meet him in his cosy cabin. Here Santa will tell a theatrical festive tale and you’ll have the chance to take photos with the man himself, before receiving a special Christmas gift.
For something a little different, why not treat your four-legged friend to a slice of the festive fun at Santa Paws on the 4th December. Not only will your dog get to meet Santa but they’ll also have their photo taken with him before being given a Christmas toy and some tasty treats to take home. Follow up with a winter walk along the coastline before curling up by the fire in a cosy C&C cottage and you’re sure to have made your pup’s Christmas.
Stay nearby at: The Coach House, Kingston, Fenton Lodge, Grieve’s Cottage at Papple Steading.
Breakfast with Santa & Story Telling with Mrs Claus at Abbotsford House, Scottish Borders
6 – 21 December 2025, selected dates.
If your children are on the nice list this year treat them to a festive breakfast with Santa at breath-taking Abbotsford House. Over breakfast they will build – and enjoy! – their own Christmas pancake while meeting Santa and receiving an early present.
Or, if you’d prefer a more leisurely start to the day, sign up for an afternoon storytelling with Mrs Claus. Cosy up with a cup of cocoa and decorate one of Mrs Claus’ homemade Christmas cookies while you’re regaled by magical tales brought to live with the help of a little festive music.
Stay nearby at: Dryburgh Stirling One, The Old Cart Shed, Tweedswood.
Enchanted Christmas Forest Trail at Raby Castle, Yorkshire
15 November – 4 January 2026
For a festive event that entertains and delights your children in equal measure, head to Raby Castle and embark on its enchanted forest walk. The festive trail of twinkling lights and Christmas music will lead you through the Plotters’ Forest, an immersive adventure playground nestled within a natural Christmas tree plantation. If you’d like to soak up the atmosphere at a more sedate pace, then a stop at the Plotters’ Pantry for a warming cup of hot chocolate is a must!
Stay nearby at: North Farm, Partridge Lodge or further afield at Williamston Cowshed or The Old Rectory.
Christmas at Traquair House, Scottish Borders
29 & 30 November 2025
The storied Traquair House is Scotland’s oldest inhabited house, with a rich 900 year history. Decorated for Christmas for one special weekend only, you’ll have the chance to marvel at its beautiful festive adornments, browse the seasonal stalls for gifts and visit Father Christmas in his grotto for an early Christmas present. With mulled wine and roasted chestnuts and local craft workshops also on offer, there’s plenty to get you in the festive spirit!
Stay nearby at: The Mill, Mossfennan House, Laundry Cottage.
Santa Special Train Ride at Ford & Etal
29 & 30 December 2025
For a traditional Christmas experience, hop abord the Heatherslaw Light Railway to take a real steam train through the beautiful Northumberland countryside. Decorated for Christmas, the magical festive journey also includes a visit from Father Christmas at Etal Station who will deliver an early present to all the children on board. After your festive train ride, visit the charming Christmas market at Ford & Etal where stalls will be laden with local crafts, delicious food and warming drinks.
Stay nearby at: Housedon Haugh at Reedsford, College Cottage at Crookhouse, The Stables at West Lyham.
Santa’s Grotto at Thorp Perrow, Yorkshire
29 November – 24 December 2025
There’s nothing more delightful than a festive trail through an enchanted woodland, so where better to capture the magic of Christmas than at Thorp Perrow, where the Arboretum will be decked out in all its winter glory. Follow your elf guides along the path to find Santa’s snug log cabin hidden among the trees, where you can stop by for a chat and to receive a Christmas gift.
Stay nearby at: Roundhill Coach House, Heatherdene.
Christmas at the Botanics Light Trail, Edinburgh
20 November – 30 December 2025
Colourful illuminations of night birds lit with neon feathers, a jolly red heart arch and trees festooned with lights make up this year’s festive trail at Edinburgh’s Botanics. After dark, the stunning gardens are transformed into a mesmerising winter wonderland with over a million twinkling lights and a seasonal soundscape. Walk through dazzling tunnels of light, under giant baubles and pause to colourful laser lights illuminate the dark. As you explore, keep your eyes peeled for Father Christmas, and warm up with delicious street food, a tasty hot chocolate or toasted marshmallows.
Stay nearby at: Coldwells Farmhouse, Fordel Cottage near Dalkeith or The Coach House, Pentland Hills.
Paxton House Christmas Cracker weekend, Scottish Borders
6 & 7 December 2025
For a festive extravaganza for all the family then a trip to stunning Paxton House is a must this festive season. For one weekend only, the stunning Georgian house will not only be beautifully decorated but will host an array of craft and gift stalls – perfect for picking up a Christmas present or two… there will also be live music, crafts for the children and delicious food stalls selling hot turkey rolls and mulled wine.
Stay nearby at: West Mill Cottage, Fairnington East Wing, Heritage Cottage.
Christmas Craft Workshops & Santa’s Grotto at Bowhill House, Scottish Borders
5 – 21 December 2025
Unleash the creativity of your little makers with Christmas craft workshops at Bowhill, with an array of colourful pens, glitters and more to use, create festive keepsakes and decorations – think dancing Santas and decorating your own baubles – to take home with you. Afterwards, settle down to watch a Christmas film in the Bowhill theatre – price included in your event ticket – where a mix of heart-warming classics and family feel-good films will be shown on the big screen, or venture down to the Victorian Kitchen, which has been transformed into Santa’s Grotto where children can meet jolly old Saint Nick himself!
Stay nearby at: Aikwood Tower, East Lodge at Ashiestiel, The Five Turrets.
Kielder Winter Wonderland, Northumberland
15 November – 23 December 2025
Roll up your sleeves and prepare for a full-on day of festive fun at Kielder’s Winter Wonderland. From helping Mrs Claus get ready for Christmas and lending the elves a hand in their busy workshop to meeting the reindeer and wondering through the forest to find Father Christmas, there’s plenty of festive fun for the whole family.
Stay nearby at: Risingham House, Birks Stable Cottage, Broadgate Farmhouse & Steading.
Twilight Lantern Walk at Cragside, Northumberland
29 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Marvel at the sight of the UK’s tallest living Christmas Tree – the Giant Redwood Wellingtonia – sparkling with 1,200 multi-coloured lightbulbs. Best seen illuminated against the winter sky on one of the Twilight Lantern Walks, late openings on selected dates only. Follow the light of your own lantern along the mile-long forest path meeting woodland animals along the way to see the spectacular Christmas Tree. Standing at over 42-metres tall, the towering tree is twice the height of the Angel of the North and is quite the festive sight to behold!
Stay nearby at: Hall Cottage, Mullins House, Tutor’s Lodge.
Got that festive feeling?
If our list of festive events has got you dreaming of Christmas cosied up in one of our properties, why not take the leap and book in a special seasonal stay?
We have a smattering of availability remaining at some of our wonderful properties for Christmas and for New Year, just take a look at our collections to discover your dream winter escape.
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