The UK’s festive event calendar for Christmas 2025 is already opening up, with early ticket sales launching for must-see experiences. Here’s a roundup of what’s on offer—covering immersive family journeys, traditional pantomimes, magical gardens, festive choirs, and more.

LaplandUK: The Ultimate Immersive Christmas Experience

LaplandUK, known as the “Glastonbury of Christmas events,” has expanded to two locations in 2025—Ascot and Manchester.

  • Ticket prices range from £60 to £195 per person, with premiums for weekends and dates closer to Christmas.

  • The on-sale date was 31 March 2025, with a virtual waiting room opening at 10 a.m. and booking from midday.

  • The experience runs from 8 November to 24 December 2025.

LaplandUK offers a theatrical journey—including meeting Father Christmas, making gingerbread, ice-skating, and receiving invitation parcels and keepsakes.

Christmas at Kew: Enchanted Gardens by Night

Christmas at Kew, held at Kew Gardens, London, has already put tickets on sale for its 2025 light trail, running from 14 November 2025 to 6 January 2026.

  • Prices are split between peak and off-peak, with exclusive discounts available for Kew members.

  • Tickets are selling fast—weekend and mid-December slots are nearly sold out, with standard rates from around £31 adult and £18 child.

Weardale Railway’s Santa Express

The beloved Santa Express returns to the Weardale Railway this Christmas, operating from 21 November to 24 December 2025.

  • Ffamily-friendly train journeys typically range between £10–£30, so early bird rates are expected to follow that general pattern. This is worth checking closer to ticket release.

Crieff Hydro’s Festive Extravaganza in Scotland

At Crieff Hydro in Perthshire, families can enjoy:

  • A 200 m² ice rink (tickets from £5),

  • A Santa’s Grotto (with relaxed sessions too), and

  • A full pantomime of Sleeping Beauty.

Events run from 30 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, and tickets are already available via the resort’s website.

West End & London Theatre Highlights

Elf the Musical – Aldwych Theatre, London

  • Opens 28 October 2025, running until 3 January 2026.

  • Ticket prices start from £40. London Box Office

A Christmas Carol – The Old Vic

  • Playing through early January 2026; tickets on 23 December are priced from £49. London Box Office

Sleeping Beauty Pantomime – London Palladium

  • Scheduled from 6 December 2025.

Together at Christmas – Charity Concert in London

Together at Christmas 2025, hosted by The Sick Children’s Trust at St Marylebone Parish Church, runs 3 December 2025 from 6:30–8:30 p.m.

  • Tickets:

    • Adults: £30.50 (incl. £3 fee)

    • Children: £14.25 (incl. £1.75 fee)

    • Family (2 adults + 2 children): £71.13 (incl. fees)

    • Concession: £22.38 (incl. £2.38 fee) Eventbrite

No Christmas At Beaulieu is Complete without a Christmas Tree

– and you will be spoilt for choice by the 20ft centrepiece dressed in the Harlequin theme and shocking pink faux creation, with jewelled fruits and gemstone-inspired decorations.

Tickets to A Palace House Christmas are now on sale – use code EARLYBIRD15 to enjoy 15% off admission tickets before August 31st

Be the first to experience the festive spectacle of A Palace House Christmas when it opens from Saturday 29th November – Sunday 4th January (excluding Christmas Day).

A Palace House Christmas – a magical journey through the story of pantomime is included in a ticket to Beaulieu, which also includes entry to the National Motor Museum, new exhibition We Had One Of Those, fun adventure playground Little Beaulieu, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey, the Secret Army Exhibition, unlimited rides on the tree-top monorail and beautiful grounds and gardens.

Early-Bird and Discount Deals: Trading Platforms & Booking Offers

  • Ascot Christmas Fair 2025: A Wowcher deal offers two tickets for £4 (90% off from £10; includes free parking, indoor venue, November 13–16). Wowcher

 

 

 

By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.