Christmas around Leicestershire

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and around Leicestershire there are so many amazing events to help you celebrate the festive season! From lantern trails to meeting santa on a steam train or a castle festooned with the most beautiful decorations, read on to find out what’s in store across Leicestershire!

This Christmas, Belvoir Castle transforms into a world of song and story. Running from 14 Nov – 30 Dec their rooms are dressed in the spirit of beloved Christmas carols — from Deck the Halls to The Twelve Days of Christmas. Follow the Mice Trail through the Castle, meet Father Christmas, enjoy festive afternoon tea, or experience the magic of Castle by Candlelight. Book your Christmas visit now!

This beautiful lantern trail returns to Twycross Zoo bigger, brighter and more spectacular than ever. Step into an all-new route through over a mile of dazzling light, where thousands of handcrafted lanterns transform the zoo after dark. Journey through glowing jungles, frozen forests, volcanic landscapes and vivid underwater worlds, with spectacular new sights waiting around every corner. Get your tickets here

Join the GCR elves, Mrs Claus, and Santa himself for a magical journey of singing, storytelling, and festive fun. Jump aboard a traditional, heritage steam train, transformed for the season with twinkling lights, glittering garlands and seasonal cheer. Kids can meet Santa and his jolly helpers, receive a Christmas Activity Pack filled with games, puzzles, and colouring sheets, and enjoy a festive drink and treats. And to make the day truly special, Santa himself will personally deliver a Christmas gift to each child. Your journey takes you across the Charnwood countryside through the beautifully decorated period stations of Quorn and Woodhouse and Rothley, with a magical pause on the breathtaking Swithland Viaduct. Book your magical Christmas journey here

Join Santa and his elves at The Battlefield Line Railway this Christmas! The railway volunteers will once again be decorating the station at Shackerstone and their festive express train, before welcoming you on board your 90-minute journey through the National Forest and a special visit from Santa Claus. Running at weekends from 29 November, get your tickets here.

Wrap up warm and step into a magical festive adventure at Conkers, nestled in the heart of the National Forest. With a twinkling light walk, woodland trails, Christmas crafts, festive entertainment and a very special visit to Santa with a gift for each child, it’s the perfect place to make magical memories together this Christmas. Get your tickets here

This Christmas Twinlakes Park transforms into a magical wonderland with awesome rides, attractions, and heaps of holiday spirit! Plus the magical family Christmas grotto! And don’t forget to show Rudy the Reindeer some love while you’re here! Make sure to add the grotto experience to your day ticket for an extra dose of festive joy! More info and tickets here

There are loads of fabulous festive fairs in the run up to Christmas and below we’ll list some of the top ones to check out!

• 20-21 November: The Tin Hat Fair kicks off Hinckley’s Christmas festivities each year.
• 21 November: Bosworth Battlefield Christmas Fair, Wymondham Windmill Christmas Market
• 27-29 November: Melton Mowbray Christmas Market
• 27 November: Foxton Locks Inn Christmas Fair & Desford Christmas Tree Festival and Market
• 29 November: Mountsorrel Christmas Fayre, Moira Furnace Christmas Craft Fair & Love Loughborough Festive Fair