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to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
As Christmas in Leicester gets going, there’s also loads happening in Leicestershire. Our county is full of Christmas cheer so we’re running down some of the best Christmas events, exhibitions, shows and much more.
Belvoir Castle 12 Days of Christmas
Take the magical journey through the Twelve Days of Christmas at Belvoir Castle. The ultimate destination for a magical Christmas experience, you will step into a world of wonder as you immerse yourself in the grandeur and festive charm of Belvoir Castle with spectacular displays curated by the talented Charlotte Lloyd-Webber.
You can get a 20% discount on tickets by using the code LEIC20 when you book your tickets
Take a ride on the Santa Express
It's a magical journey through the Leicestershire countryside chuffing away on the great Central Railway, and what's more magical than Santa joining you for the journey? Experience the enchantment of Christmas with this heart-warming journey on the county's heritage steam railway! Little ones will be delighted with the specially created Christmas Activity Pack, filled with games, puzzles, and colouring sheets, and every child on board will receive a special Christmas gift from Santa himself!
Each child will receive a drink and a treat onboard, and they haven't forgotten about the grown-ups! As you enjoy the scenery and laughter of the children, indulge in a complimentary Irish Cream Liqueur and a delectable warm Mince Pie. It's the perfect way to savour the season.
The Santa Express is running from 25 November to 24 December and you can book your tickets here.
Twinlakes Winter Wonderland
Twinlakes Park has an amazing Winter Wonderland Adventure! Santa is on his way and he's bringing the most magical and exciting Christmas experience you've ever seen. The theme park is transformed into a totally Christmassy wonderland, with amazing rides, attractions, and all the festive cheer you can imagine. And make sure you book the family Christmas grotto too!
Manor Farm Christmas Woodland Wonderland
Head to Manor Farm this Christmas to visit Santa and his reindeer in a special Woodland Wonderland and explore the Elves' Village. The Christmas event will be running every weekend from 25th November 2023 until Christmas Eve.
Conkers Winter Wonderland
Take a Festive Forest Adventure at Conkers and have a magical evening under the lights! Wrap up warm and get ready for a silly Elf adventure as you arrive at Waterside Winter Wonderland, where Santa’s Chief Elf and his team will send you through Watersides Enchanted Forest and the Valley of Christmas Lights to discover Santa’s Woodland Grotto. Kids can tell Santa that they have been good, and fingers crossed, he may share some pre-Christmas presents!
Staunton Harold Santa’s Grotto
Every year at the beautiful Staunton Harold Estate, the garden centre hold a very special Santa’s Grotto. Take a mini train ride, to see the beautiful scenes before being escorted by their elves off to see Santa himself.
Christmas at Stoughton Grange Farm park
One of the newest additions to our county offer, the Farm Park at Stoughton Grange are hosting a wonderful Santa’s Grotto. Take a ride on the elf express to meet Santa in his cosy Christmas Grotto, enjoy tales from the big man himself and join in with sing-a-longs with his elves before getting a special gift!
Christmas fun and events
There are loads of special events at a variety of locations around the county, whether it’s at our museums, or historic houses, there’s lots to get involved with!
Get your craft on at Bosworth Battlefield on the 25 November and 2 December as you make your own seasonal wire decorations. More info here. On the 25 and 26 November there’s a Winter Craft Fair at Beaumanor Hall with more than 70 stalls – each packed full of beautifully prepared and carefully crafted Christmas gifts, pampering treats and home accessories. Just £3 entry, more info here.
There’s loads happening at the 1620s House in Donington le Heath as they hold a whole host of Christmas events, from Stir Up Sunday where you can make your own Christmas Pudding, Wreath Making, Hamper making, Christmas Carol Concerts and Candlelit Christmas tours of the house.
Christmas in Hinckley
On the 17 November the Tin Hat Fair and Christmas lights switch on herald the start of Christmas in Hinckley. Starting at 4pm with live entertainment in the Market Place, a range of market stalls and street entertainment followed by the lights switch on at 6:30pm. The Tin Hat Fair will be on Regent Street from 4pm to 10pm and again on Saturday 18th from 12noon to 10pm.
There’s a Festive Feast and Craft Market coming to the market place on 10 December. There will be a range of street food stalls, warm mulled wine and crafts stalls alongside live Christmas music and entertainment in front of the Christmas tree.
Melton Mowbray’s Christmas cheer
The Melton Mowbray Christmas lights switch on is on Friday 1 December. There will be a traditional Christmas Market, live music, Santa’s grotto and lots more from 6pm. Alongside this will be the annual Christmas Tree Festival, bringing together schools, businesses and organisations to celebrate the spirit of Christmas. From Friday 1-Tuesday 5 December at St Mary’s Parish Church.
The Melton Christmas Market runs from 1-3 December with festive gifts, local produce, food and drink and lots more. Then enjoy traditional English music and song with the Melton Folk Trail on 9 and 10 December there’ll be music, dance, street entertainment, sessions and sing arounds. And finally, the Melton Christmas Classic Car meet is on Sunday 17 December.
Festive Loughborough
On Sunday 26 November festive cheer will be coming to Loughborough with the Christmas lights switch-on! It’ll be an afternoon of fun with stalls and entertainment on throughout the day.
Market Harborough
Market Harborough’s Christmas lights switch on is taking place on Saturday 18 November from 5pm with the switch-on of the lights at 7pm. The Christmas tree will be lit up on the night and is being sponsored by Market Harborough Building Society.
Free street entertainment will be provided by stilt walkers, fire breathers and jugglers. Santa Claus will be putting smiles on children’s faces and Harborough FM will be broadcasting your favourite Christmas songs as well as broadcasting the switch-on live on air.
Businesses will be opening late, and the much-loved Christmas Food and Drink Festival returns on The Square from Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 17, 18, 19 November 2023.
Lutterworth goes Victorian
Lutterworth will be going back in time for its Christmas light switch-on this year. Following the reopening of Lutterworth Museum in Market Street, the town will be hosting a ‘Victorian Christmas’ on Saturday 24 and Sunday November 25.
There will be a market, scavenger hunt, toy display, Victorian hat shop and Christmas Grotto. Across the two days The Lutterworth Town Band, The Cantorum Choir and The Lutterworth Handbell Ringers will be bringing their own style of Christmas music. And of course, no Christmas celebration would be complete without a visit from Father Christmas himself.
Lutterworth Museum in Highpoint, Market Street, will be celebrating between 11am and 4pm on November 25 and 26.
Other switch on events
The Oadby Christmas lights switch on is on Saturday 18 November from 2pm - 7pm. 40 stalls, a fun fair, music and Santa’s grotto.
Wigston’s lights switch on is taking place on Bell Street/Leicester Road on Saturday 25 November from 12pm - 7pm.
South Wigston’s switch on is Saturday 2 December from 1pm - 5.30pm, with loads of fun for all the family including Steam Engine, fun fair, street entertainment and a snow globe.
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I thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog post on celebrating Christmas around Leicestershire. The festive atmosphere and the diverse range of activities you've highlighted make it a fantastic guide for anyone looking to make the most of the holiday season in the region.
As we immerse ourselves in the joy of Christmas, it's essential to remember the importance of self-care amidst the hustle and bustle. Taking a moment for self-reflection and evaluating our life satisfaction is crucial for overall well-being. I recently came across an insightful article on self-care that includes a test to assess life satisfaction. I find it beneficial to share with your readers this link: https://calmerry.com/blog/self-care/are-you-happy-evaluate-your-life-satisfaction-with-this-test/
Wishing you and your readers a joyful and mindful holiday season filled with warmth and self-care.