Your ultimate holiday season resource for Northampton is here! Explore our guide for all the best events and activities. Whether you're a familiar face or a new visitor, our guide reveals the holiday wonders of Northampton.
Kick off your festive journey with the enchanting Frost Fair, where you'll find delightful crafts and festive treats. Experience the historical charm with holiday cheer at Christmas at Delapré Abbey, featuring beautiful light displays and seasonal activities. And the Pantomime at Royal & Derngate is something you definitely don't want to miss, providing classic holiday entertainment for all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Northampton
- Frost Fair
- Christmas at Delapré Abbey
- Pantomime at Royal & Derngate
- Winter Wonderland at Beckets Park
- Santa's Grotto at Weston Favell
- Christmas Craft Fair at Abington Park Museum
- Charity Santa Run
Northampton Holiday Markets and Shopping
Frost Fair
What to Expect:
Recreates historical winter fairs from the 17th century
Description:
Northampton's Frost Fair transports visitors back to the 17th century, when frozen rivers hosted bustling markets. Stroll through lanes of wooden stalls adorned with evergreen boughs, where artisans demonstrate traditional crafts. You can try your hand at candle-making, a vital skill in the era before electricity. The air carries the aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. This event pays homage to the famous London Frost Fairs held on the frozen River Thames between 1608 and 1814, bringing a slice of history to life in the heart of Northampton.
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Christmas Craft Fair at Abington Park Museum
What to Expect:
Craft fair showcasing traditional Northamptonshire crafts
Description:
Abington Park Museum, housed in a 500-year-old manor house, hosts a craft fair celebrating Northamptonshire's artisanal heritage. Local artisans demonstrate traditional skills like leather working, a nod to Northampton's historic shoe-making industry. The air hums with the sound of looms as weavers create intricate patterns. You can participate in a workshop to learn the basics of these time-honored crafts. This event not only showcases local talent but also helps preserve the county's rich cultural legacy for future generations.
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Christmas Craft Fair at Abington Park Museum
Northampton Holiday Giving Opportunities
Charity Santa Run
What to Expect:
Santa run through Northampton's historic town center
Description:
Northampton's streets fill with a sea of red as hundreds of Santas dash through the historic town center. This charity run weaves past landmarks like the 12th-century Holy Sepulchre Church, one of the oldest round churches in England. Participants' jingle bells create a merry cacophony as they sprint past Tudor buildings and Georgian terraces. You can join the run or cheer from the sidelines, supporting local charities. This event combines Northampton's rich architectural heritage with the spirit of giving, creating a unique holiday spectacle.
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Northampton Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Pantomime at Royal & Derngate
What to Expect:
Interactive pantomime with local cultural references
Description:
The Royal & Derngate theatre bursts with laughter during its annual pantomime, a British theatrical tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. This year's production injects local humor and cultural references, creating a uniquely Northampton experience. Audience participation reaches new heights as you're encouraged to boo the villain and cheer the hero. Watch as familiar fairy tales transform with contemporary twists and turns. The theatre, formed by the merger of the Royal Theatre and Derngate in 1999, continues to be a cornerstone of Northampton's cultural scene.
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Northampton Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at Delapré Abbey
What to Expect:
Christmas celebrations in a 900-year-old abbey
Description:
Delapré Abbey, a 900-year-old former nunnery, opens its doors for a unique Christmas experience. The ancient stone walls echo with centuries of history as visitors explore lavishly decorated rooms spanning different eras. Admire the Great Hall adorned with a towering Christmas tree, its ornaments reflecting the abbey's rich past. You can join a guided tour to uncover the building's secrets and learn about Christmas traditions through the ages. The abbey, which survived Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries, now stands as a testament to Northampton's enduring heritage.
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Winter Wonderland at Beckets Park
What to Expect:
Transforms a historic park into a winter-themed adventure playground
Description:
Beckets Park, named after Thomas Becket and dating back to the 12th century, transforms into a winter-themed adventure playground. Towering ice sculptures glisten in the crisp air, depicting scenes from Northampton's rich history. Navigate through a maze of twinkling lights, each turn revealing a new surprise. You can glide across a synthetic ice rink, surrounded by the park's ancient trees. This event breathes new life into one of Northampton's oldest public spaces, blending history with modern winter fun.
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Winter Wonderland at Beckets Park
Santa's Grotto at Weston Favell
What to Expect:
Santa's Grotto designed to be inclusive for children with sensory sensitivities
Description:
Weston Favell's Santa's Grotto breaks new ground in inclusivity, offering a sensory-friendly experience for all children. The grotto's design incorporates soft lighting and textures, creating a calm environment. Trained elves use sign language and visual communication tools to ensure every child can share their Christmas wishes. You can book a personalized visit, tailored to your child's needs. This innovative approach reflects Weston Favell's commitment to community, a value dating back to its origins as a Saxon settlement.
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Santa's Grotto at Weston Favell
Nearby Events
Yuletide Special on Nene Valley Railway (Peterborough)
What to Expect:
Christmas-themed journey on a historic railway line
Description:
The Nene Valley Railway's Yuletide Special whisks passengers back in time on a festive journey through the Northamptonshire countryside. Vintage carriages, lovingly restored, carry visitors along a line that once transported iron ore from local quarries. Steam billows from the locomotive as it chugs past frost-covered fields. You can sip hot cocoa while listening to tales of the railway's 170-year history. This unique experience combines the nostalgia of steam travel with the joy of the season, offering a glimpse into Britain's industrial past.
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Yuletide Special on Nene Valley Railway