50 Things to do at Christmas you can’t miss this year (2025 Guide)

Key takeaways

• You’ll discover the best Christmas market experiences around the world, from Europe’s classics to newer favourites.

• We’ll share cosy food moments like Christmas themed afternoon tea, festive dining, and the perfect Christmas feast.

• You’ll get ideas for unforgettable activities: ice skating, theatre, concerts, and more festive fun.

• You’ll explore UK highlights like Christmas in London, with stops at Winter Wonderland, Covent Garden, and more.

• You’ll learn where to find incredible Christmas light displays that turn cities into glowing wonderlands.

• You’ll find magical moments for families, including where to meet Santa or visit a bustling Santa's grotto.

• You’ll walk away with inspiration for global adventures, indoor comforts, and must-see festive events.

Discover the world’s best Christmas markets to visit this winter

There’s something special about wandering through a Christmas market with a warm drink in hand. The music, the stalls, and the scent of roasted nuts instantly boost the holiday spirit. These markets feel like tiny villages built just for winter joy.

Let’s get into it.

Across Europe, markets bring out the most nostalgic side of the season. You’ll find traditional decorations, wooden chalets, and steaming mugs of mulled wine. Germany, Austria, and France host some of the best Christmas markets, with each city adding its own flavour.

But there’s more.

Markets in the US, Japan, and Australia are growing fast too. They offer creative crafts, local festive food, and picture-perfect corners for a cup of hot chocolate. Some even include small ice rinks and artisan workshops that keep you exploring longer.

If you love gifts with meaning, you’ll want to slow down and wander through a Christmas market. Makers, bakers, and artists bring pieces you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a chance to pick up a special gift for someone you care about, or just enjoy a moment wrapped in warm lights and soft music.

Want to make it even better?

Many markets connect to winter festivals or ticketed shows. If you’re travelling, you can find concerts, comedy nights, or seasonal pop-ups running nearby.

Tip: Browse winter festival tickets on TicketSwap to match your favourite market with a night of festive entertainment.

Global winter festivals filled with festive fun

Winter festivals around the world know exactly how to dial up the joy.

They mix music, markets, food, art, and glowing installations, creating pure festive fun wherever they pop up. Whether you love cosy evenings or high-energy nights out, there’s something for everyone.

But here’s where it gets exciting.

These festivals often blend cultural traditions with modern creativity. You’ll see lantern shows in Japan and South Korea, snow parades in Canada, and atmospheric winter markets across Germany and Austria. And many cities go beyond the traditional: Amsterdam hosts big electronic nights in December, London fills its venues with pop and indie shows, and Barcelona often brings winter DJ events into clubs and cultural spaces.

Travelling during the holidays?

Winter is also a huge moment for live music. Big artists often tour at the end of the year, so depending on where you are, you might find DJs like Peggy Gou, house collectives like Glitterbox, or pop icons doing festive-season concerts. Cities like Paris, Berlin, Stockholm, and Milan regularly pack their December calendars with everything from techno marathons to orchestral Christmas specials.

Here’s the simple part.

If you’re hoping to catch a concert, club night, comedy show, or one-off performance while you’re away, TicketSwap is an easy way to see what’s happening where you’re travelling, and grab safe fan-to-fan tickets before they sell out.

Wherever you go, winter festivals make it easy to tap into local culture, discover new artists, and enjoy a little seasonal magic.

Enjoy festive dining experiences: from afternoon tea to a full Christmas feast

Food is one of the best parts of the holidays.

From a comforting Christmas feast to delicate cakes at a Christmas themed afternoon tea, this is the season for slowing down and savouring every bite. The world shares its love through flavours, and the festive season is the perfect excuse to indulge.

Let’s start with the classics.

A proper Christmas feast might include roasted meats, creamy potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and warm desserts. In places like the UK and Ireland, this meal takes centre stage with hearty portions and rich sauces. In many cities, you’ll also find mulled wine, rich gravies, and freshly baked bread. Restaurants everywhere now offer festive dining menus that make choosing easy.

And here’s where it gets cosy.

A holiday afternoon tea brings tiny sandwiches, pastries, scones, and themed sweets you’ll want to photograph before eating. London is famous for it, but you’ll also find beautiful versions in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Dubai thanks to their strong tea cultures. Many venues add festive cocktails, sparkly accents, and even music to complete the mood.

If you’re celebrating with friends or treating someone to a special gift, booking a festive food experience is always a winner. Cities like Vienna, Copenhagen, and Montréal are known for seasonal bakeries and warm cafés, perfect for anyone chasing winter flavours.

London’s festive magic: a must-see Christmas stop on any winter trip

Nowhere shines quite like Christmas in London. The city starts its celebrations from mid november, and by early december everything feels wrapped in magic. There are twinkling streets, seasonal shows, and cosy markets on almost every corner.

Start with the big names.

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is the city’s festive giant, packed with rides, food stalls, ice sculptures, and live entertainment. Over in Covent Garden, you’ll find traditional decorations, a huge Christmas tree, street performers, and some of the best festive treats in the city.

And there’s more.

The famous displays at Oxford Street, Bond Street, and South Bank bring glowing canopies and twinkling lights that fill the sky. If you’re exploring arts and culture, head to the natural history museum where the building itself becomes a festive landmark.

For something a bit different, visit Battersea Power Station, where the riverside sparkles, or wander through Canary Wharf with its modern, bright installations. Fans of transport history can explore the London transport museum, which often adds a fun Christmas makeover during the season.

And if you're looking for a great scenery, you can walk across the Tower Bridge in the evening. The night sky, the river, and the city dressed in lights create an unforgettable moment.

Step into Christmas theatre and concerts for unforgettable moments

There’s nothing like a live performance during the holidays.

Whether it’s a classic Christmas theatre production or a glittering musical, the energy instantly pulls you into the holiday spirit. It’s one of the easiest ways to make a night feel special.

Fans of tradition can enjoy a Christmas carol or a show inspired by charles dickens. These stories feel even more magical when performed on stage. If you’re travelling, many cities offer a limited-run Christmas theatre show, from ballet to comedy to immersive storytelling.

But it’s not just about theatre.

Seasonal orchestras, choirs, and pop performances fill the calendar with uplifting Christmas concerts. And here’s the fun part: the festive season also brings a huge mix of music events. From electronic nights for ravers to indie gigs, jazz evenings, and massive pop shows, there’s something for every kind of listener.

So, what’s the best way to find what’s on?

If you want to wrap your evening in sparkle, browse winter concerts and shows on TicketSwap. It’s an easy way to see everything happening near you and add something extra to your festive plans.

Experience iconic ice skating rinks for magical winter moments

There’s something timeless about ice skating at Christmas.

The music, the glow, the laughter, it all comes together to create pure winter joy. Whether you’re a confident skater or holding on to the barrier for dear life, it’s still a moment worth having.

But here’s where it gets even better.

Around the world, cities open gorgeous rinks that feel straight out of a film. You’ll find a dreamy ice rink in Vienna, a rooftop setup in New York, and pop-up rinks in Seoul, Toronto, and Madrid. Many offer themed sessions, cosy rest spots, and warm corners serving hot chocolate or spiced treats.

And if you’re travelling with the whole family, you’re in for a treat.

Kids love the freedom, grown-ups love the nostalgia, and everyone loves that first glide under the lights. Some rinks even add snow machines, DJs, and fun skating shows.

Meet Santa around the world: magical moments for kids & adults

For many people, meeting Santa is one of those little moments that makes the season feel real.

The red suit, the warm smile, the sense of wonder: it all lifts the Christmas spirit in an instant. Whether you’re young or simply young at heart, it brings a kind of joy that’s hard to fake.

And the nice thing is, there are so many ways to experience it.

Some places keep it cosy with small Santa's grotto visits. Others go big with full festive villages where you can meet Santa, wander through snowy paths, and grab photos you’ll love looking back on. Bigger attractions sometimes add themed zones like Santa Land, which always feel like stepping into a storybook.

And here’s the bit people don’t always say out loud: it’s not just for kids.

Plenty of adults visit because they enjoy reconnecting with old festive traditions, or simply want a wholesome moment in the middle of a busy season. It’s also a great place to find a special gift on your way out.

Wherever you are in the world, meeting Santa is a simple reminder of why this time of year feels so magical: calm, warm, and a little nostalgic in the best way.

Explore castles and heritage sites transformed by a Christmas makeover

Some places become straight-up storybook settings in winter. Castles, stately homes, and historic grounds often get a full Christmas makeover, turning them into glowing festive escapes. If you love timeless architecture and atmospheric nights, this is where the magic really hits.

Take the UK for example.

Windsor Castle dresses beautifully for the season, with rich decorations linked to queen victoria and the royal traditions she helped shape. Warwick Castle also shines, offering immersive trails, costumed storytellers, and chances to meet costumed characters as you walk through its historic rooms.

These sites feel like stepping into a fairy tale.

The lights bounce off stone walls. The air feels crisp. And the night sky creates a perfect backdrop for photos. Many locations also sit near a vibrant city centre, making it easy to end the evening with festive food or entertainment.

If you’re planning a visit, check for seasonal openings and seasonal activities, as many venues run limited-time events. Some offer concerts, banquets, or magical gardens too.

See cities glow: the most magical Christmas lights around the world

The world shines in winter.

There’s nothing like strolling under millions of Christmas lights with friends or family. Cities everywhere turn their streets into glowing art installations, and some even host full-scale light trail walks through parks and riversides.

Some of the biggest displays go all out. New York, Paris, Tokyo, and Sydney each create unforgettable Christmas light displays that brighten the darkest evenings. You’ll spot sparkling arches, giant stars, neon sculptures, and whole avenues dressed in colour.

If you want a unique way to see it all, try a Christmas lights bus tour when you’re visiting a big city. You sit back, sip a hot drink, and glide past illuminated landmarks without the cold. It’s a simple idea, but it keeps the holiday spirit high from start to finish.

For travellers on the move, light installations have become a global trend. Botanical gardens, zoo lantern trails, forest paths, and waterfront promenades now transform into immersive festive trail experiences. Many are ticketed, so planning ahead is worth it.

So many festive things to do indoors when the weather turns cold

When winter hits hard, staying indoors can be just as fun.

There are so many festive things you can enjoy without stepping into the cold. From craft workshops to cosy cinemas, indoor activities keep the festive things going strong.

Let’s talk ideas.

You can join gingerbread baking sessions, wreath-making classes, or candle craft workshops. Many cities also host festive film marathons, themed pop-ups, or board-game cafés filled with holiday spirit.

Museums step up too.

Places like major art galleries or department stores often add displays, storytelling hours, and seasonal installations. It’s perfect for families looking for Christmas activities without the weather stress.

Indoor activities also make gifting easier.

Workshops offer handmade presents, while cafés serve warm treats for those quiet winter afternoons.

Enjoy festive food and treats across cultures

Every country celebrates Christmas with flavour.

From hearty meals to sweet bites, festive food brings people together. And the best part? You get to try something new wherever you go.

If you’re in Europe, grab a mug of mulled wine or a rich hot chocolate to warm your hands. In Mexico, you might enjoy sweet tamales or ponche. Japan leans into beautifully decorated cakes. France goes all out with pastries and creamy holiday classics.

These traditions make the festive season taste unforgettable.

Many cities now offer food festivals where you can explore global dishes in one place. You’ll find bakeries selling seasonal pastries, markets filled with festive treats, and cafés offering limited-edition desserts.

Food is also a brilliant way to connect with new cultures.

Trying something local can turn an ordinary evening into a meaningful memory.

Unwrap unique indoor & outdoor adventures for every type of traveller

Here’s where things get fun. Winter travel offers something for every kind of person: the explorer, the foodie, the culture lover, or the one who simply wants a warm drink and quiet moment. The world is full of adventures that keep the holiday spirit alive.

Outdoor fans can visit national parks, mountain villages, or snowy lakesides. Indoor fans can dive into bookshops, winter spas, galleries, or festive film screenings. Many destinations also run workshops, guided tours, or seasonal pop-ups that are easy to join last minute.

Whether you prefer the buzz of busy streets or the calm of countryside escapes, winter is full of surprises.

Visit iconic neighbourhoods and streets lit up for the festive season

Some streets feel made for winter wandering.

They glow, they sparkle, and they wrap you in the atmosphere of the festive season the second you arrive. Cities around the world transform their most famous areas into glowing corridors of joy.

In the UK, the big names always deliver.

Oxford Street, Bond Street, and Covent Garden fill the air with Christmas lights, bold decorations, and shop windows that feel straight out of storybooks. In central London, you can stroll for hours and never run out of places to explore.

But this magic isn’t limited to London.

New York’s Fifth Avenue goes all out. Paris shines from the Champs-Élysées to Montmartre. Singapore lights up Orchard Road with colours that shift and dance. Even smaller cities create dazzling routes that invite you to slow down and enjoy the moment.

Wherever you’re travelling, make time for a walk under sparkling lights.

It’s simple, it’s free, and it’s often the moment that stays with you long after the trip ends.

Family-friendly adventures for a magical festive season

Travelling with loved ones during winter is incredibly rewarding.

Many destinations offer activities that keep the whole family smiling: from young kids to grandparents. That’s the beauty of this time of year.

You can start with ice rinks, markets, and lantern trails.

These activities fill the days with laughter and movement. For something calmer, museums often create child-friendly experiences, and attractions offer pop-up workshops or storytelling sessions.

Families wanting to make the season feel special can visit castles, zoos, aquariums, and themed worlds.

You’ll find plenty of places where kids can meet Santa, see animals under glowing lights, or enjoy theatrical surprises. These moments spark excitement, connection, and a sense of pure festive joy: all in one go.

What to do at Christmas? Your top questions answered (FAQ)

What is the most fun thing to do on Christmas?

It really depends on what you enjoy most. Some people love wandering around a Christmas market, others prefer a cosy Christmas feast at home. Light trails, ice rinks, concerts, and chilled family games are also great ways to keep the holiday spirit alive.

When do Christmas markets start?

Most Christmas markets open in mid November and run until just before or just after Christmas day. Bigger cities sometimes keep them going into early January, especially if they’re tied to New Year celebrations.

How do I find cheap Christmas event tickets?

Booking early usually gives you more choice and better prices. If you’re flexible, you can also keep an eye on TicketSwap for safe fan-to-fan tickets, which is handy for finding cheaper seats for concerts, theatre, and winter festivals.

What can families do on Christmas day?

Families often enjoy a relaxed Christmas feast, winter walks, board games, and festive films. If you want to get out of the house, some attractions, zoos, and light trails stay open with gentle activities for the whole family.

Which is the best place to celebrate Christmas in the world?

There’s no single “best” place, but cities like London, Vienna, New York, Copenhagen, Tokyo, Sydney, and Munich are firm favourites. They’re known for beautiful decorations, lively events, and plenty of festive fun.

Where is the best country to visit for Christmas?

For classic winter vibes and Christmas markets, countries like Germany, Austria, and the UK are hard to beat. If you’d rather swap snow for sun, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Mexico offer warm-weather celebrations by the beach or in buzzing city squares.

Which country has the most unique Christmas traditions?

Lots of countries have stand-out traditions. Japan is known for its Christmas fried chicken, Mexico for posadas, tamales, and ponche, Iceland for its 13 Yule Lads, and the Philippines for having one of the longest festive seasons in the world. The “most unique” really depends on what kind of celebration you’re looking for.

What can you do over the Christmas break?

The Christmas break is ideal for mixing rest with simple experiences. Many people plan walks, visit Christmas markets, enjoy seasonal food, or book a concert or theatre show. If you’re travelling, winter city breaks, light displays, and cultural attractions are popular ways to make the most of the time off without overpacking the schedule.

What is the 7 Christmas rule?

The 7 Christmas rule is a simple way to organise gift-giving without going overboard. You choose seven small categories: like something to wear, something to read, something to make, something to do, something to eat, something for fun, and something meaningful. It keeps gifting thoughtful, personal, and easy to manage, rather than focusing on buying lots of presents.

What Christmas events can I book last minute?

Comedy shows, concerts, festive pop-ups, and some Christmas theatre performances often still have tickets close to the date. You’ll also see bigger seasonal nights, like the Toppers Christmas Party of the Year 2025 in Rotterdam or the Trans-Siberian Orchestra show on 28 December in Hamilton, pop up on resale. If you’re hoping to join one of these events, you can always check TicketSwap for safe, fan-to-fan tickets.

Make the most of the festive season

The festive season always brings a special kind of magic. Wherever you go, the world fills with warmth, colour, and experiences that help you relax and enjoy the moment.

We hope this guide helps you plan a season filled with joy, great food, glowing streets, and amazing memories.

If you’re ready to book a show, festival night, or seasonal event, try TicketSwap and make your festive plans even better.