Winter Wonderland: Top Things to Do in Leicestershire This Festive Season
Leicestershire transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the festive season, offering various activities and events to make your winter getaway truly memorable. Whether you’re a fan of twinkling lights, festive markets, or heartwarming carol concerts, there’s something for everyone this winter.
Leicester Christmas Market : 14th Nov – 29th Dec
Experience the charm of the inaugural Leicester Christmas Market. Wander through the beautifully decorated stalls brimming with festive treats, handcrafted gifts, and seasonal delights. Don’t miss the cosy food and drink spots offering mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and warm mince pies to keep you fuelled as you soak in the holiday cheer. With Ice skating also available from 5th Dec – 5th Jan it promises to be the perfect festive fix! www.leicesterchristmasmarket.co.uk
Magical Light Trails
Leicestershire’s towns and villages have a great selection of Christmas lights, to bring festive cheer and light up the winter nights. There are also some enchanting and spectacular light trails nearby:
Hinckley Light Trail: ‘Lights in the Mead’ Stroll through illuminated displays in Hinckley, where twinkling lights and festive decor create a magical atmosphere for families and couples alike. Open 22nd Nov 2024 – 6th Jan 2025. Lights in the Mead
Leicester Light Trail: Explore Leicester’s dazzling city centre displays as iconic landmarks like the Clock Tower and the Town Hall Square are turned into a winter wonderland and lit up for the season. Alternatively, head to Abbey Park between 29th Nov & 24th Dec 2024, and enjoy the park transformed into a glittering paradise of magical lights for an outdoor light trail. Perfect for an enchanting evening out. Further details and tickets can be bought here Enlightened at Abbey Park
Festive Pantomimes
Pantomime season is a staple of British Christmas traditions, and Leicestershire has plenty to offer:
- Hinckley Concordia Theatre: Catch a laugh-out-loud performance of Mother Goose that’s perfect for families. 9th Jan – 1st Feb 2025 Concordia Theatre
- De Montfort Hall, Leicester: Enjoy a big-budget production of Snow White filled with music, comedy, and festive fun. 13th Dec 2024 – 5th Jan 2025 De Montfort Hall
- Local Village Halls: Keep an eye out for smaller, community-led pantos in nearby towns for a charming, local experience. More details can be found here Big Panto Guide
Concerts in Local Historic Villages
Nothing gets you in the festive spirit quite like a traditional carol concert. Leicestershire’s historic villages provide stunning backdrops for these heartwarming events:
- Desford’s Christmas Tree Festival: Fri 29th – Sun 1st Dec 2024 Check out the ‘Round the World’ inspired Christmas Trees. Indulge in a festive feast of handcrafted treats, and delight your taste buds with biscuits, bakes, homemade fudge, and novelty chocolates. Sing along to classic carols in a picturesque village setting. Full details here Desford Heritage
- Market Bosworth Carols: Enjoy the festive atmosphere in this charming market town, complete with a community singalong and local band. 19th Dec 2024 Market Bosworth Carol Service
Other Christmas Events worth a visit:
Leicestershire’s rich history shines during the holidays with English Heritage and National Trust properties hosting seasonal events:
- Calke Abbey: Step back in time with traditional Christmas decorations and cosy winter wonderland activities for the whole family. Christmas at Calke Abbey
- Belvoir House: Experience the magic of Christmas at Belvoir Castle, where festive decorations, twinkling lights, and seasonal activities bring the historic estate to life this festive season. Belvoir Castle
- Kirkby Mallory Interactive Christmas Trail – 30th Nov 24: Pop up to our village hall for a brilliant afternoon of family-friendly fun. There will be lots going on in the schoolroom too: children’s games and crafts, a pop-up cafe, Christmas craft stalls, tombola, raffle and lucky dip! Full details on their Facebook page. Kirkby Mallory Interactive Christmas Trail
Plan Your Winter Escape
Leicestershire offers endless festive delights to fill your winter days with joy and magic. From Christmas markets and carol concerts to light trails and pantomimes, there’s something to create cherished memories for everyone.
Book your stay at Mallory Meadows in Leicestershire this winter and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. Don’t forget to wrap up warm and make the most of this enchanting season! 🌟
Find out more in our FREE Mallory Meadows Digital Guide.
If all these activities have made you want to visit our wonderful county of Leicestershire
Mallory Meadows Boutique Cabins and Roundhouses
can offer you the perfect place to stay.
Check out our cabins and availability here.