Get ready for a magical holiday in Leicester with our detailed guide. For those who know Leicester well and those who are just discovering it, this guide is your holiday companion.
One highlight you won’t want to miss is the Leicester Christmas Market, which brings festive stalls and joyous cheer to the heart of the city. Featuring ice skating, funfair rides, and festive lights, Abbey Park Winter Wonderland offers another fantastic experience. And Santa in the Square is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it brings holiday magic to life for children and adults alike. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Leicester
- Leicester Christmas Market
- Abbey Park Winter Wonderland
- Sanata in the Square
- Great Central Railway Santa Special
- Christmas at Leicester Cathedral
Leicester Holiday Light Displays
Abbey Park Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Historic park setting with illuminated Victorian ruins
Description:
Abbey Park's Winter Wonderland illuminates the historic grounds, casting a warm glow on the Victorian-era ruins. The park's transformation showcases Leicester's rich heritage in a new light. Stroll through twinkling pathways and admire the illuminated abbey remains. Visitors can enjoy ice skating against this unique backdrop. The park, opened in 1882, has been a centerpiece of Leicester's public spaces for over a century. This event marries the city's past with contemporary holiday cheer.
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Leicester Holiday Markets and Shopping
Leicester Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Traditional German-style market with international flair
Description:
Leicester's Christmas Market transforms the city center into a bustling European-style bazaar. Wooden chalets line the streets, offering handcrafted gifts and international delicacies. The aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts fills the air. Visitors can try their hand at traditional glass-blowing demonstrations. This market dates back to 2017 when Leicester sought to revitalize its holiday offerings. You'll discover a blend of local and continental traditions that make this market a standout in the East Midlands.
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Leicester Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Great Central Railway Santa Special
What to Expect:
Vintage train ride with Santa
Description:
The Great Central Railway Santa Special whisks passengers back in time on a festive journey. Vintage steam trains, adorned with garlands and lights, chug through the Leicestershire countryside. Children can meet Santa in his on-board grotto. The railway, Britain's only double track mainline heritage railway, preserves the golden age of steam. You'll experience the nostalgia of a bygone era combined with the excitement of a holiday adventure.
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Great Central Railway Santa Special
Christmas at Leicester Cathedral
What to Expect:
Centuries-old traditions in a historic cathedral
Description:
Christmas at Leicester Cathedral showcases centuries of holiday traditions. The ancient stone walls resonate with the sounds of choral performances and organ recitals. Visitors can attend a candlelit service in this historic setting. The cathedral, with roots dating back to the 11th century, has been at the heart of Leicester's spiritual life for generations. This event offers a glimpse into the timeless rituals and music that have defined Christmas celebrations for centuries.
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Christmas at Leicester Cathedral
Leicester Other Holiday Activities
Sanata in the Square
What to Expect:
Santa's grotto in the heart of the city
Description:
Santa in the Square brings Father Christmas to the bustling heart of Leicester. The event transforms Humberstone Gate into a cozy grotto, complete with twinkling lights and festive decorations. Children can share their wishes with Santa and receive a small gift. The square has been a focal point of Leicester's holiday celebrations since the Victorian era. You'll experience the joy of the season amidst the city's historic architecture and modern amenities.
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Nearby Events
Belvoir Castle Christmas Extravaganza (Grantham)
What to Expect:
Lavish decorations in a grand stately home
Description:
Belvoir Castle's Christmas Extravaganza elevates holiday decor to regal heights. The castle's opulent rooms sparkle with ornate decorations and towering Christmas trees. Visitors can explore the State Rooms adorned in their festive finest. Belvoir Castle, seat of the Dukes of Rutland since 1508, boasts a rich history intertwined with British royalty. The event showcases the grandeur of a noble Christmas celebration, allowing guests to step into a world of aristocratic holiday traditions.
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Belvoir Castle Christmas Extravaganza
Twycross Zoo Winter Wonderland (Atherstone)
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed animal encounters and conservation education
Description:
Twycross Zoo's Winter Wonderland combines wildlife conservation with holiday cheer. The zoo transforms into a festive habitat, with animal-themed light displays and seasonal activities. Visitors can watch penguins enjoy festive ice sculptures. Twycross Zoo, founded in 1963, is renowned for its primate collection and conservation efforts. This event highlights the importance of protecting endangered species while celebrating the holiday season, creating a unique blend of education and entertainment.
Website:
Twycross Zoo Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland at Wistow Maze (Wistow)
What to Expect:
Christmas-themed maze adventure
Description:
Winter Wonderland at Wistow Maze reinvents the popular summer attraction for the holiday season. The maze's paths twinkle with fairy lights, guiding visitors through a festive labyrinth. Solve Christmas-themed puzzles as you navigate the maze. Wistow Maze, created in 2004, changes its design annually, making each visit unique. You'll discover a fresh take on holiday fun that combines problem-solving with seasonal cheer in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside.
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Winter Wonderland at Wistow Maze
Bradgate Park Christmas Fair (Newtown Linford)
What to Expect:
Artisanal fair in a deer park setting
Description:
Bradgate Park's Christmas Fair brings local artisans to this picturesque deer park. Stalls nestled among ancient oak trees showcase handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats. Visitors can watch skilled demonstrations of traditional crafts. The park, once the childhood home of Lady Jane Grey, has a history dating back to the 11th century. This fair celebrates local talent and heritage against the backdrop of one of Leicestershire's most beloved natural landscapes.
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Market Harborough Christmas Fayre (Market Harborough)
What to Expect:
Victorian-themed market in a historic town
Description:
Market Harborough's Christmas Fayre transports visitors to a Victorian holiday celebration. The town's Georgian streets come alive with costumed characters and period decorations. Shoppers can peruse stalls offering artisanal gifts and traditional fare. Market Harborough, mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, has a rich history as a market town. This event captures the essence of a 19th-century Christmas, blending historical authenticity with modern holiday cheer.
Website:
Market Harborough Christmas Fayre
Coalville Christmas in the Park (Coalville)
What to Expect:
Community-focused celebration in a former mining town
Description:
Coalville's Christmas in the Park brings holiday spirit to this former mining community. The event transforms Coalville Park into a festive gathering place, with local choirs performing carols. Visitors can join in traditional games and activities. Coalville, founded in the 19th century during the industrial revolution, honors its heritage through this community-centered celebration. You'll experience the warmth of small-town hospitality amidst the glow of holiday lights.
Website:
Coalville Christmas in the Park
Enderby Christmas Craft Fair (Enderby)
What to Expect:
Intimate craft fair showcasing local artisans
Description:
Enderby's Christmas Craft Fair spotlights the talents of local artisans in an intimate setting. The fair brings together a curated selection of handmade gifts and decorations. Visitors can participate in craft workshops to create their own holiday keepsakes. Enderby, mentioned in the Domesday Book, has a long history of community gatherings. This event celebrates the creativity of the local community, offering a personal alternative to mass-produced holiday items.