Winter Wonderland Seasonal Staycation
Fancying a festive night out? Or an afternoon trip with the kids finishing with your favourite Christmas film? Well, this winter we have found something for everyone — from magical markets to captivating light displays that illuminate the night. Get wrapped up in your warmest coat before getting whisked away on winter adventures, all within walking distances from our wide Combined network map .
Christmas activities in London
Christmas at Covent Garden
- Closest station: London Euston (take a 30 minute walk or use London Underground to Covent Garden station )
When Christmas lands at Covent Garden, it lands hard. Majestic decorations, giant Christmas trees and a range of markets create an iconic atmosphere throughout the winter period. A special feature to look out for this year is their Let It Snow events, where daily snow sprinkles down to kick off a white Christmas. The snow showers start from December 1st, so be sure to fit this magical place in your Christmas shopping schedule.
BoxPark Wembley
- Closest station: Wembley Central located a 30 minute walk away
For foodies and Christmas lovers alike, BoxPark Wembley is one to tick off the list. Their warming pop-up food boxes serve unique tastes all year round, but they add an extra touch of festive style in December. A popular event to look forward to is the Big Fat Festive Quizbox, which promises an interactive evening of trivia, music, fun and prizes. The over-18s event is from 7pm-9pm on December 20th.
Regent Street Christmas Lights
- Closest station: London Euston located 15 minute walk away
Late night shopping is always magical during winter, but the Christmas lights at Regent Street take it to a whole new level. Angels descend from the heavens to create beautiful overhanging light displays, bringing the street to festive life. Enjoy the spectacular views throughout November and December, whether you are just browsing or manage to bag a top seat on a doubledecker bus.
Elf the Musical at The Dominion Theatre
- Closest station: London Euston located 20 minute walk away
A true Christmas classic is brought to life on stage at the Dominion Theatre this winter. Running from 14th November to 7th January, the charming play will capture the whole family for an afternoon or evening of singing, theatrics and fun.
Christmas activities in Birmingham
Ice Skate Birmingham
- Closest station: Birmingham New Street located 10 minute walk away
Nothing spells winter bliss quite like ice skating, so wrap up warm and get gliding at Ice Skate Birmingham. The venue is located centrally and is always a hit – you can find it located in Centenary Square until 8th January. Their ice lounge and bar provide drinks and snacks to warm you through the day and well into the evening, with opening times from 10:00am-10:00pm daily.
The Polar Express Train Ride
- Closests station: Birmingham Moor Street (available on our sister network, West Midlands Railway, in close proximity to Birmingham New Street station )
For an authentic journey into a Christmas classic, jump aboard The Polar Express Train this winter. Departing from Birmingham Moor Street Station, the ride is a truly special experience — travellers are met by delicious hot chocolate and cookies by dancing chefs, with special treats from Santa waiting on board. While travelling to Dorridge and back, famous elements from the film are re-enacted, creating a delightful adventure which feels like a trip to the North Pole.
Winter Light Trail at Birmingham Botanical Gardens
- Closest station: Birmingham New Street located 30 minute walk away (or a 20 minute walk from Five Ways , using our sister network, West Midlands Railway)
Magical nights await you at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, where a Luminate Trail is lit up by thousands of beautiful lights. Festive treats are sprinkled throughout the 1.4km walk, which is illuminated nightly from November 26th, until January 2nd.
Christmas activities in Liverpool
Liverpool Christmas Market
- Closest station: Liverpool Lime Street - only 3 minute walk away
Each year, the Liverpool Christmas Markets become a hugely popular centrepiece of the city, and rightly so: beautifully lit stalls weave around rides and attractions for all ages. Be sure to check out the new Bavarian bar, the snow slide and the big wheel. There’s something for everyone here.
Luna Cinema at St George's Hall
- Closest station: Liverpool Lime Street - only 2 minute walk away
From December 10th-23rd, an array of classics will be shown at the Luna Cinema. The Hall will be decked out with festive decorations, as you can watch your favourite Christmas films on the full scale projection. Just make sure there’s no arguing about which is the best Christmas film…
Christmas at Hilton Liverpool
- Closest station: Liverpool Lime Street located 15 minute walk away
Dancing queens and karaoke kings, this one’s for you. Over the festive period, the Liverpool Hilton will be hosting tribute nights, with 70s and 80s nights, ABBA Duo and many more performances to get you singing the night away. Their Dancing Through The Decades events will also be ones to look out for, with luxury three course festive meals served before an evening of festive dancefloor classics from a hired DJ. These nights are running on the 16th, 17th, 22nd and 23rd of December