Best Christmas Events East Midlands 2024

Last Updated on September 6, 2024 by Suzy McCullough

There are some magical events happening this festive period in the East Midlands in 2024 and some are yet to be confirmed. I’ve put them into one big post so you can search for the best Christmas events near you – in Lincolnshire – Derbyshire – Nottinghamshire – Leicestershire and Northamptonshire where you can meet Santa and more. Don’t forget to book in advance this winter so your festive cheer isn’t left feeling disappointed.

Please double-check the event descriptions on the attraction’s website as the below information could change. It is essential that you read their own information carefully, some venues require you to prebook. There’s nothing like attending an event before Christmas Day and enjoying the festive atmosphere. Plus many places have some amazing Christmas decorations, previous years have been a testament to that.

30 + Best Christmas Events East Midlands 2019 – Meet Santa and More

Table of Contents

Christmas Events Leicestershire 2024

Abbey Park – Enlightened – Leicestershire – Tickets on Sale

Enlightened is a series of magical outdoor light trails hosted at multiple venues throughout the UK each winter. Last year, Enlightened trails were visited by over 125,000 people and the feedback received was superb. Our 2024 season brings installations and interactive elements across all of our trails to make Enlightened the biggest and brightest season of winter events to date.

Our unique festive trail is a magical experience for all the family and the perfect opportunity to join together and immerse yourself in the enchanted, illuminated world. Enlightened Abbey Park

Address: Abbey Park, Abbey Park Rd, Leicester LE4 5AQ

When? 29th November – 24th December

Battlefield Line – Santa Specials – Leicestershire – Tickets on Sale

Our ever-popular festive trains will begin running at the end of November and throughout December. Jump on board our decorated heritage steam train and Santa and his elves will visit everyone on board during the 90-minute journey. Food and drink are available to purchase from our on-board team without even leaving your seat. Battlefield Line

Address: Shackerstone Station, Shackerstone CV13 6NW

When? Selected dates from 30th November to 24th December

Best Christmas Events East Midlands 2020 – Meet Santa and More

Belvoir Castle – 12 Days of Christmas – Leicestershire – To be confirmed

Info from last year – The ultimate destination for a magical Christmas experience. Step into a world of wonder as we bring to life the enchanting theme of the Twelve Days of Christmas, curated by the talented Charlotte Lloyd-Webber. Immerse yourself in the grandeur and festive charm of Belvoir Castle, where the spirit of the season is celebrated in extraordinary ways.

Whether you’re seeking a delightful family outing or a romantic escape, join us for an immersive experience. Book your tickets now for an unforgettable fun-filled family day out. Belvoir Castle

Address: Grantham NG32 1PE

When? TBC

Conkers – Winter Wonderland – Leicestershire – Tickets on sale

Wrap up warm and get ready for a silly Elf adventure as you arrive at Waterside Winter Wonderland, where Santa’s Chief Elf and his team will lead you through the Enchanted Forest and the Valley of Christmas Lights to discover Santa’s Woodland Grotto. This is your chance to tell Santa that you have been good, and fingers crossed, he may share some pre-Christmas presents! Conkers

Address: Rawdon Rd, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Swadlincote DE12 6GA

When? Selected dates in December

Great Central Railway – Santa Express – Leicestershire – Tickets on Sale

The Great Central Santa Express is back again for 2024! With our 2023 prices held and some amazing new additions, you’ll be in for a real treat this year. Meet Santa and other beloved Christmas characters as they spread joy and festive cheer. For those looking to make this Christmas extra luxurious, our new premium compartments offer a truly special experience. Explore the delights at Leicester North, including a fun photobooth, and enjoy a short pause over the Swithland Reservoir for some scenic views. So, are you ready to experience the enchantment of Christmas with a heart-warming journey on our heritage steam railway? Great Central Railway

Address: Great Central Rd, Loughborough LE11 1RW

When? Services depart from 23rd November through to 24th December

Manor Farm Park and Woodland – Santa’s Woodland Wonderland – Leicestershire – Tickets On Sale

Visit Santa in his grotto and choose a toy from his woodland toy shop (Santa visit must be pre-booked online in advance).
Say hello to Santa’s reindeer.
Decorate a gingerbread biscuit in Mrs Claus’ house.
Write a letter to Santa and post it in our special postbox.
Make magical reindeer food to take home and sprinkle on your lawn.
Enjoy a slice of toast from the Christmas campfire.
Enjoy our festive scavenger hunt as you explore the Elves’ Village.
Watch our Christmas pantomime (NOT available 16/17 December) – choose from between five and seven show times each day on a ‘first come, first served’ basis – specific shows cannot be pre-booked. – Manor Farm Park

Address: Castle Hill, East Leake, Loughborough LE12 6LU

When? Selected dates from 30th November to 24th December

Tropical Birdland – Winter Wonderland – Leicestershire – Tickets on Sale

We are excited to announce that our Christmas winter wonderland is back by popular demand! Grab a lantern and take a magical stroll down to Santa’s grotto visiting all his fairy friends along the way. Plus daytime with Santa which is a separate event Tropical Birdland

Address: Lindridge Ln, Desford, Leicester LE9 9GN

When? Selected dates in December

Christmas Events Lincolnshire 2024

Christmas at Belton House – Lincolnshire – Tickets on sale

Created by award-winning, internationally acclaimed light trail producers and firmly positioned within the UK’s seasonal calendar, Christmas at Belton, Lincolnshire, has everything you need for an unforgettable time with friends and family. Discover a meadow of light stretching out into the distance, colour-changing larger-than-life neon string flowers, candles floating high into the sky and batons of light that shine all the colours of the rainbow. Belton House

Address: High Road Belton, Grantham NG32 2LW

When? Selected dates from 22nd November to 1st January

Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway – Santa Specials – Lincolnshire – Tickets on sale

Fun for all the family – all aboard the magical Jingle Belle! Immerse yourself in festive wonder as this very special train takes you on a journey to Lapland Central. Whilst waiting to see Santa, inside Mrs Claus’ Kitchen, adults can enjoy complimentary seasonal refreshments including mince pies, hot chocolate and mulled wine with juice and biscuits for the children.

There will be the chance to have a ride on Santa’s sleigh, write your letter to Santa, make your own Reindeer food and much more to keep all entertained! Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway

Address: Lakeside Station, Kings Road, Cleethorpes, DN35 0AG

When? Selected dates from 7th to 24th December

25 + Things to do in Lincolnshire over Christmas - Meet Santa and more

Doddington Hall – Christmas at Doddington – Lincolnshire – Tickets On Sale

Discover a truly mesmerising experience as you journey through ‘A Christmas Chorus’. From Christmas classics to popular seasonal tunes, step into the music of Christmastime as it unfolds over three floors of the Elizabethan Hall, with a Doddington twist of course! Doddington Hall

Address: Main St, Doddington, Lincoln LN6 4RU

When? From 9th November – 23rd December

Lincolnshire Wolds Railway – Santa Specials – Lincolnshire – Tickets on Sale Soon

Info from last year – Santa will visit you during your journey. The total journey is just under 1 hour. Don’t forget to visit Santa’s Grotto after your journey to take your own photos.

We would love to see everyone wearing your best Christmas costumes/jumpers or something Christmassy – one elf in particular will be checking & telling Santa if you’ve co-operated ha-ha. Lincolnshire Wolds Railway

Address: Ludborough Station, Station Road, Ludborough, Lincolnshire, DN36 5SQ.

When? 7th-8th and 14th-15th December

Pink Pig Farm – Christmas – Lincolnshire – Tickets on Sale

North Lincolnshire’s best Christmas experience is back, and this year it’s the LARGEST all-inclusive event we have EVER HOSTED! Have you been before? This is a lovely, traditional Christmas experience for the whole family. Firstly, children will check in at passport control before immersing themselves in heaps of fun.

Up next, head to the sparkly forest to meet Santa on his sleigh then meet our present elf where you can choose a quality present which will pop down the chimney to you. Now head over to the gingerbread kitchen to meet Mrs Claus to decorate your own gingerbread person. Pink Pig Farm

Address: Holme Hall, Holme Ln, Scunthorpe DN16 3RE

When? Selected dates from 30th November to 24th December

Rand Farm Park – The Real Christmas Experience – Lincolnshire – Tickets on Sale soon

Info from last year – Begin your Christmas Experience with Chip and Sparky in Sugarplum HQ.
Learn our hit song, Place a Star on Top, in MerryJingle’s Music School.
Visit Postie in the Sorting Office.
Say hello to our two real reindeer, Rudi and Rossi.
Wander through our 3D Enchanted Forest.
Learn how Santa’s sleigh flies with Oakley in the 3D Forest.
Help Santa’s Reindeer Keeper in the stables.
Make reindeer feed to leave out on Christmas Eve.
Meet Santa in his grotto with your family.
Pick a present from Santa’s Secret Toy Shop.
Decorate biscuits with Mrs Claus.
Finish your magical day out in our Build a Bear Workshop (charged separately).
At set times throughout the day, join Ginger and Pepper in Elf Academy. Rand Farm Park

Address: Rand, Market Rasen LN8 5NJ

When? TBC

Christmas Events Derbyshire 2024

Bluebells Dairy ice cream – Father Christmas Experience – Derbyshire – To be confirmed

Info from last year – Celebrate the wonder of Santa’s Enchanted Christmas this year! Meet real reindeer, unleash your creativity at the Create-a-Bear workshop, meet our friendly and happy Elves and receive a gift from the magical chimney! This heartwarming adventure promises unforgettable moments of joy and togetherness for the whole family! Bluebells Dairy Ice Cream

Address: Locko Rd, Derby DE21 7AR

When? TBC

Chatsworth House – Christmas at Chatsworth – Derbyshire – Tickets on sale soon

Christmas at Chatsworth offers the opportunity to experience the house decorated for the season, a garden light trail, and the farmyard and adventure playground. Each year, our house and garden decorations celebrate a different theme, and we will announce our 2024 theme in mid-September. Chatsworth House

Address: Bakewell DE45 1PP

When? 9th November – 5th January 2025

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway – Santa’s Enchanted Journey – Derbyshire – Tickets on Sale

All passengers receive…

A festive welcome to our beautifully decorated Wirksworth Station platform from our jolly elves
The steam train ride from Wirksworth and return in a seasonally-decorated period carriage
Festive entertainment from Santa’s team of elves during the journey
A visit from Santa to your seat who has a present for every child
Hot chocolate and cookies for every passenger on board – Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

Address: Unit 1, Wirksworth Station, Coldwell St, Wirksworth, Matlock DE4 4FB

When? Selected dates from 23rd November – 24th December

Garden King – Santa’s Grotto – Derbyshire – To be confirmed

Info from last year – Book now for one of our fantastical grotto & Christmas events! From our ever-popular Christmas grotto experience, photo opportunities for your furry best friend, or meeting Santa himself in our soft play… there are plenty of different opportunities to keep the magic alive this Christmas. Garden King

All these events include entry to our Festive Woods afterwards.

Address: Garden King Garden Centre, Park Rd, Newhall, Swadlincote DE11 0TX

When? TBC

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Matlock Farm Park – Christmas Events – Derbyshire – To be confirmed

Info from last year – 2023 will see an exciting and fuller Christmas experience for our visitors with encounters and activities with different characters around the Christmas village, including:

Christmas craft-making with Chief Elf and Mrs Claus, with special goodies to take home. A magical storytelling experience for children with letter writing, so children can post their Christmas letters in the North Pole post box. Mulled wine and hot chocolate. Meeting the cheeky elves at the naughty-or-nice meter to see if you are on Santa’s ‘Good List’! Matlock Farm Park

Address: Jaggers Ln, Matlock DE4 5LH

When? TBC

Peak Rail – Santa and Steam – Derbyshire – Tickets on sale

Santa and his Railway Helpers invite you to get Christmas off to a magical start by riding Santa’s festive steam train, through the delightful Derbyshire countryside. Join them on their special train at Peak Rail from Rowsley South Station. As you sit back and enjoy the journey, a variety of professional entertainers will perform for you, Santa and his helpers will make their way through the train and meet everyone at their seats.

Santa will have with him a wonderful age-suitable gift for all the children. Children will receive a drink and snack each, whilst Adults can sit back and enjoy a glass of wine and a mince pie (Dietary requirements can be catered for and a bottle of water/juice available upon pre-booked request.) Peak Rail

Address: Matlock Station Station Yard, Matlock DE4 3NA

When? Selected dates from 30th November to 24th December

Poole’s Cavern – Christmas Light Walk – Derbyshire – To be confirmed

Info from last year – This special event gives you the opportunity to see our cavern lit for Christmas – perfect for ‘big kids’ (adults) and the little ones. This is a self-guided walk through Poole’s Cavern; while you will see our Grotto & chambers lit with festive LEDS and decorations, please be aware Santa and his elves are very busy and will not be around for our light walk-through event. You can enjoy our cavern at your leisure and guides will be around to answer questions & tell you about the cave. Poole’s Cavern

Address: Green Ln, Buxton SK17 9DH

When? TBC

Christmas Events Northamptonshire 2024

Mini Meadows Farm – Christmas Experience – Northamptonshire – Tickets on Sale

Begin your enchanting journey by wandering through our whimsical Elf Kingdom, before you can gather a delightful assortment of sweets from the enchanting Sweet Shop. Before you know it, you’ll be tucking into the most delicious mince pies you’ve ever encountered, that’s if Santa hasn’t found out where the elves keep their secret stash!

As the magic of Christmas surrounds you on our one-hour-long walk-through experience, children (and adults) can take a moment to write a heartfelt letter to Santa, before joining the elves to create a magical concoction of mystical reindeer food which you can take home to sprinkle on your lawn come Christmas Eve, Rudolph will be sure to smell it all the way from the North Pole. Mini Meadows Farm

Address: Naseby Road, Northampton NN6 6HZ

When? Selected dates from 23rd November – 23rd December

Northampton and Lamport Railway – Santa Specials – Northamptonshire – Tickets On Sale

All tickets include complementary refreshments onboard the train, comprising: a glass of sherry and a mince pie for adults and a sweet treat and a Fruit Shoot for kids. Whilst on the train, children can write their letters to Santa. Once you get off the train, you’ll meet Santa in his workshop, where all the children receive a present. Northampton & Lamport Railway

Address: Pitsford Rd, Chapel Brampton, Northampton NN6 8BA

When? 1st to 22nd December

Northampton – Winter Light Trail – Northamptonshire – Tickets on Sale soon

Discover over a mile of magical illuminations, captivating soundscapes and interactive displays, throughout Delapré Abbey’s stunning grounds and woodland! PLUS, a great selection of local, independent food vendors, Après Ski bar and kids funfair attractions. Northampton Winter Light Trail

Address: London Rd, Northampton NN4 8AW

When? 22nd November to 31st December

Wickstead Park – Daytime Shows – Northamptonshire – To be confirmed

Info from last year – Experience the magic of Wicksteed Park’s Christmas Day Time Shows as they make a triumphant return! Guests are warmly welcomed at 11 am, creating anticipation for the festivities ahead. Indulge in a delightful 2-course lunch served at 12:00, satisfying your taste buds and setting the stage for an unforgettable day.

Prepare to be entertained as the first half of the show takes place from 1:30 to 2:15. Take a refreshing break during the interval from 2:15 to 3:00, allowing you to recharge and relish the festive atmosphere. Then, settle in for the second half of the show, thrilling spectators from 3:00 to 3:45. Wickstead Park

Address: Barton Rd, Kettering NN15 6NJ

When? TBC

Christmas Events Nottinghamshire 2024

Newstead Abbey – Christmas at Newstead – Nottinghamshire – Event not yet confirmed

Info from last year –

Delight in Alice in Wonderland, with our festive storybook scenes and a self-led walk through our Historic House
Indulge with Afternoon Tea & Christmas Dinner
Craft stalls on weekends in December in the run-up to Christmas
Discover Alice in Wonderland with the Family-Friendly Tour
Explore the Historic House after dark with an Evening Tour
Explore our Christmas outdoor trail – Newstead Abbey

Address: Newstead Village NG15 8NA

When? TBC

Rufford Abbey – Breakfast With Santa – Nottinghamshire – To be confirmed

Info from last year – Join Santa for a delicious freshly cooked breakfast in our cosy Victorian kitchen restaurant. After you are full to the brim, meet Santa by the fireplace to receive your gift. Plus Santa’s Grotto – Santa will return to Rufford this festive season with a brand new Grotto! Will are running time slots from 10.45 am – 4.00 pm on selected dates in November and December. Rufford Abbey

Address: Rufford Abbey Country Park, Ollerton NG22 9DF

When? TBC

Sundown Adventureland – Glorious Christmas – Nottinghamshire – Tickets on sale

Our favourite event of the year will always be the opening of the beautiful ‘Night before Christmas’ ride. It sets the scene for the whole Christmas event and leads the guests into Santa’s Grotto.

But hold up there’s more to do before you get there on your visit. When it’s your time to meet Santa himself, you make your way to the huge, warm, purpose-built Four Seasons Arena. We have laid on all sorts of entertainment to keep the kids happy and a cafe to grab a drink and a few tasty snacks. You then climb aboard one of Santa’s sleighs and take a magical journey through the enchanted forest to arrive in style at Santa’s Magical Grotto. Sundown Adventureland

Address: Treswell Rd, Rampton, Retford DN22 0HX

When? Selected dates from 16th November to 24th December

Willow Tree Farm – Reindeer Encounter – Nottinghamshire – To be confirmed

Info from last year – This ticket will admit up to 6 people to have entry to Willow Tree family farm and 30 minutes’ reindeer encounter this VIP experience will be in the reindeer Christmas barn Santa’s elves will teach you all about the reindeer you will meet our little baby reindeer ( sparkle ) and be able to take some very exclusive photos. The elves will give you some of our magic reindeer moss to feed them with.

once you have some of the magic of Christmas you can head up to the café for a free hot drink each, you can upgrade your drink to a Baileys hot chocolate if you wish (adults only ). Willow Tree Farm

Address: Barton Rd, Kettering NN15 6NJ

When? TBC

Wollaton Hall – Christmas at Wollaton – Nottinghamshire – Tickets on Sale soon

Info from last year – With over ten brand-new installations and a whole new look, this interactive light trail invites you to expect the unexpected and allow the Christmas spirit to take over as you take a stroll through the grounds of Wollaton.

Surprises are around every corner, and festive food, warming cocktails and picture-perfect moments add to the exciting and unique spectacle that will have you captivated as you enjoy a magical Christmas with family, friends and loved ones at this seasonal classic with a contemporary twist. Wollaton Hall

Address: Wollaton Hall Natural History Museum, Wollaton Park, Wollaton, Nottingham, NG8 2AE

When? TBC