Christmas is all about the kids – but keeping them entertained can be costly. This year, with the cost of living crisis, money worries are more pressing than ever. However, there are plenty of free days out over Christmas that will put smiles on young faces and help out Mum and Dad. Here's a look at what's on offer this festive season.
UK WIDE: McArthurGlen Designer Outlets
At seven locations across the country, including York, Nottingham, and Cardiff, McArthurGlen Designer Outlets are offering free family entertainment. Kids can enjoy carol concerts and storytimes with Santa while parents can fit in some discount present shopping. No booking required, just check your local outlet for times. Visit the website for more information.
SOUTH BANK, LONDON: Winter Lights Show
Running until January 7, the South Bank in London is hosting a magical free winter lights show. Enjoy spectacular installations from more than ten artists, explore the displays yourself or follow a guided map. Find out more at southbankcentre.co.uk.
ISLINGTON, NORTH LONDON: Angel Central Complex
Angel Central Complex in Islington is offering more than 30 kids' activities to choose from, including jolly visits from Santa, puppet shows, festive workshops, and meet-and-greets. Check out angelcentral.co.uk for more details.
MANCHESTER: Festive Sundays in the City Centre
Manchester is hosting festive Sundays throughout the month. Enjoy talking Christmas trees, puppet shows, illuminated reindeer, brass bands, a Christmas parade, and a toy procession. Find event listings and visitor information at visitmanchester.com/whats-on.
BLACKPOOL: Tower Festival Headland
Head over to the Tower Festival Headland in Blackpool until New Year's Day for a free skating rink, festive fair, Christmas trees, and seasonal illuminations. Get into the festive spirit at visitblackpool.com.
CHESTER: Chester Christmas Market
The Chester Christmas Market is back by popular demand for its eleventh year. Enjoy free entry, browse stalls loaded with stocking fillers and great gifts, and indulge in delicious festive fare. Find out more at visitcheshire.com.
MACCLESFIELD: Twilight Market and Christmas Tree Festival
Macclesfield is offering a Twilight Market, a Christmas tree festival with illuminations, and an advent trail where kids can search for escaped snowmen. Follow the map and track down those snowmen around town. For more information, visit the website.
BRETTON, WEST YORKS: Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Children go free at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park's festive trail until the end of January. Explore interactive light installations and learn how they are activated by microphones. Visit ysp.org.uk for more details.
NORTHAMPTON: Winter Sport Thrills and Spills
Head over to Commercial Street in Northampton for free ice-skating and curling. Skates and equipment are provided at no cost. Just turn up with family and friends and get in on the action. For more details, visit westnorthants.gov.uk.
BURY ST EDMUNDS, SUFFOLK: Ice Skating in Charter Square
Enjoy free ice skating at Bury St Edmund's Charter Square. The family-friendly attraction is open until January 3. Aid is available for beginners, and families are encouraged to turn up and have a go at open sessions. No advance booking or skate hire required. Find more information at christmasinburystedmunds.co.uk.
PLYMOUTH: Christmas Entertainment on the Coast
Plymouth is offering a busy programme of no-cost Christmas entertainment. Enjoy the Christmas lights, the Reindeer Trail, free live entertainment, mulled wine, and delicious festive food. Discover more at visitplymouth.co.uk/christmas-in-plymouth.
MILFORD HAVEN, PEMBROKESHIRE: Marina-Side Yuletide Entertainment
Milford Waterfront has a programme of free marina-side Christmas entertainment every Saturday this month. Activities include Christmas crafting, meet-and-greets with Sparkle the Elf, walkabout acts, singing from the local Welsh choir, and a Nutcracker Trail. Find out more at Milford Waterfront's website.
DUNDEE: Free Fun for Kids
Dundee is offering a fabulous programme of free fun for kids. Activities include unicorn dance parties, visits from Santa, festive crafts sessions, seasonal installations, ice carvings, and curling. Check out dundee.com for more information.
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