Festive and (Mostly) Free: Top Advent Activities Across the UK This Christmas

A Venturing Nomad.

Looking for festive yet budget-friendly activities to enjoy around the UK this Advent season? We've curated a list of must-visit places and events, all designed to get you in the Christmas spirit without breaking the bank! 

From city-centre Christmas markets and enchanting tree displays to unique traditions like the Brighton "Burning the Clocks" festival and York's magical Christmas market, there's something special in every corner of the country. Wander through London's iconic spots, explore the Victorian charm of Southwold, or enjoy lantern-lit parades in Durham. Each stop offers a cosy way to embrace the holiday season – so bundle up, grab your loved ones, and experience a UK Christmas like never before!

London - A Christmas Tree Trail

Venturing Nomad found the top eight Christmas trees in the Capital for you to visit, so why not walk, bus, Boris Bike, or tube it around the Capital, visiting the best London has to offer in the festive forest category? We have made an easy circuit that you can start at any point, depending on your entry point into London. With Christmas markets, skating rinks and more along the route:

•  St Pancras Station
•  Royal Exchange
•  Somerset House
•  Covent Garden
•  Trafalgar Square
•  Houses of Parliament
•  V&A museum
•  Claridges Hotel

London - China Town

For those of you who feel it's too early for anything Christmassy or simply want to escape the commercial onslaught, why not immerse yourself in another culture and experience the far-off lands of the Orient right here in our own back garden? Spend the afternoon in China Town (Nearest Tube, Leicester Square) and immediately see the difference as London Street signs are translated into Chinese characters. Wander the streets while revelling in the intoxicating aromas of the food being cooked in various restaurants. Visit the shops selling Chinese clothing and incense with the delicate sounds of Chinese music.

London - Christmas Jumper Corgi Parade. December 7th, 11:00 Green Park

This Is something I will be trying to go to; I don't have a corgi, let alone one with a Christmas Jumper, but somehow, I don't think that will stop anyone from enjoying the anticipated Christmas capers that these adorable guys will be getting up to. It is very fitting that the late Queens canine of choice will be cantering around one of the Royal Parks close to her London base; let the festivities begin. Please check Instagram @ruffuscorgi for any last-minute details.

Southwold, A Victorian Seaside Christmas

Step back in time with a visit to Southwold in Suffolk. This stunning Victoria seaside town still has a fully functioning pier. Christmas lights switch on is November 30th and next door Reydon December 7th.

For full details, visit http://www.visitsouthwold.org

York - Christmas Festival November 14th - December 22nd

The award-winning York Christmas market will return this year with over 75 alpine chalets lining Parliament Street and St Stephen's Sq. The Dickensian centre of this beautiful Yorkshire city lends itself to Christmas, so wander the alleyways of the Shambles Christmas whilst eating roasted sweet chestnuts. For full details of all events, visit https://www.visityork.org/whats-on/christmas

Durham - Children's Lantern Procession December 7th

The children's lantern procession in the magical cathedral city of Durham.

Technically, it's not free as it's £5.50 per lantern to take part; however, it's totally free to watch. The procession leaves the marketplace at 14.30 and winds through the streets in time for the St Nicholas service at 15.00 in the Cathedral. To reserve your lantern or for full details visit, www.durhamchristmasfestival.com

Buxton Snow Dog Trail - Until December 15th

Featuring 12 beautifully designed snow dog sculptures from the sequel to The Snowman, placed in stunning locations around the town. A £1 investment will purchase you the trail map from selected stockists around the town; by finding each one and then piecing together the festive phrase, you can enter a competition to win a £100 voucher. A local artist paints each statue and will be auctioned off at the end of the month to raise funds for charity.

Why not collect the 12 photos and create a last-minute Christmas calendar for loved ones? Please check www.visitpeakdistrict.com

Lake District

Blow off the advent cobwebs by escaping to the Lake District for a family-friendly fell walk. Explore Beatrix Potter country and see how many creatures you can spot that inspired the stories, or for younger children take along her copy of The Tailor of Gloucester, her only Christmas tale.

Venturing Nomad found these inspirational guides, including where to see red squirrels, on this helpful blog site https://www.sallyscottages.co.uk/guides

Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire - All December 

Enchanted Christmas woodlands. Technically, it is not free as one adult and one child off-peak admission prices are £30. Still, we felt that the pure magical enchantment of the mystical forest allowed it some extra special privilege to be included. For information and opening times, check

https://www.forestryengland.uk/Westonbirt/enchanted-christmas

Brighton - Burning the Clocks December 21st

A unique community event that brings the whole city together to mar the shortest day. Locals make their own lanterns, and after a city parade, they are passed into a blazing bonfire on Brighton Beach. A community, free and unticketed event. For more information www.samesky.co.uk

Not travelling overseas until age 19, this Venturing Nomad's work and life have taken her to just under 70 countries, with more adventures always planned. Twelve years as a Diplomat led to excitement and adventures across the globe, and she is now enjoying travelling with her young daughter and seeing the world afresh through her eyes.

A published author in fact and fiction, she firmly believes in the mantra "take only photos - leave only footprints". More of a feeder than a foodie, she has cooked her way around the globe, from the hill tribes in Thailand, Nonna's kitchen in Italy to the beachfront hotel in Morocco. There is always a story and, more importantly, a recipe.

You can contact her at [email protected]