Festive lights, Christmas trees, trips to see Santa – there is so much to look forward to this festive season and Cambridgeshire has some great events to get the whole family into the festive spirit.
As always, please do be sure to check out the individual websites to check for the most up to date information.
Christmas at Anglesey Abbey
Where: Anglesey Abbey, Cambridge
When: 1st December – 1st January. Open 11:00 – 15:00 (last entry 14.30).
Cost: Pre-booked tickets only. Free for National Trust members. Adult £11.00, child £5.50 for standard entry into the grounds.
More info: The House will be richly decorated for all to enjoy and the wider estate offers walks around the sensory winter garden, festive shopping and wintry adventures in the woodland play area.
Website: Christmas at Anglesey Abbey
Christmas at Wimpole Hall
Where: Wimpole Estate, Royston
When: Christmas decorations will be up from 24th November. Estate opens at 9.30 every day. Entry to the house is 11.30 – 15.30.
Cost: Members are FREE. Normal admission prices for non-members. See website for details.
More info: The Mansion House will be decorated for Christmas, and the restaurant and cafés will be providing our favourite festive fare. Join in with the carol service in the chapel to sing all of the favourite Christmas carols and paper chain making in the basement, taking place every weekend and during the school holidays.
Website: Wimpole at Christmas
Light Trails in Cambridgeshire
Wrap up warm, grab a hot chocolate and head out to one of the amazing light trails and enjoy some festive cheer surrounded by twinkling lights.
Winter Lights at Anglesey Abbey
Where: Anglesey Abbey, Cambridge
When: Weekends from 17th November – 10th December. Time slots available from 16:45 onwards.
Cost: Adult £20.00, Child £15.50, under 5s FREE. Family tickets available.
More info: The trail is approximately one and a half miles long and they recommend allowing between one and two hours for your visit. Live music and food & drink available.
Website: Winter Lights at Anglesey Abbey
Christmas illuminations at Wimpole
Where: Wimpole Estate, Royston
When: 24th November – 31st December. Various time slots available from 16.30 onwards.
Cost: Standard tickets Adult £19.00, Child £14.50, under 2s FREE. Family tickets available and ticket prices vary in off-peak and peak times.
More info: It will take around 90 minutes to walk the trail.
Website: Christmas at Wimpole
Peterborough Cathedral
Where: Peterborough Cathedral, Peterborough
When: 22nd – 25th November. Various time slots available from 16.30 onwards.
Cost: Adult £8.00, Child £6.50, under 3s FREE. Family tickets available.
More info: The Manger is a sound and light artwork taking place inside the Cathedral. It does not have a beginning and an end, so you can explore this special event in your own time.
Website: Peterborough Cathedral
Santa’s Grottos in Cambridgeshire
There are a few Santa’s grottos to choose from, whether that is having breakfast with him or having a story in his cosy cottage. Here are Cambridgeshire’s offerings this Christmas season.
Mother Christmas – Wicken Fen
Where: Wicken Fen, Ely
When: 9th & 10th December. Various time slots starting at 10:00
Cost: Child £12.75
More info: Join the Elves to make a Christmas decoration and collect a take-home Christmas craft pack, then make your way to Fen Cottage to meet Mother Christmas and receive a present.
Website: Mother Christmas visit
Father Christmas – Wicken Fen
Where: Wicken Fen, Ely
When: Select dates between 2nd – 21st December. Various time slots starting at 10:00.
Cost: Child £12.75
More info: Join the helpful elves to make a Christmas decoration and collect a take-home Christmas craft pack, then make your way to Fen Cottage to meet Father Christmas and receive a present.
Website: Father Christmas visit
Nene Valley Railway
Where: Nene Valley Railway, Peterborough
When: Select dates from 25th November to 24th December
Cost: Prices start from £78 for a table for two and £156 for up to 4. Other options are available.
More info: Arrive an hour before your train journey to have time to visit Santa in his Grotto. Board the train and you’ll see Santa once again while you eat mince pies and pull crackers.
Website: Santa Express
I hope this has given you some inspiration for some festive family fun this holiday season. Check out the other festive events happening in the East of England this year too.