By Elizabeth Chaplin
Things to Do in England in December
Some of England's most popular festivals, parties and events take place in December. You can board historical ships, ice skate under the stars or watch the races at Ascot, all while experiencing the joy of the Christmas season in England.
Christmas Markets
England offers tourists and natives alike hundreds of wonderful Christmas markets. The Bath Christmas Market has been open since 2001, offering patrons views of the famous Bath Abbey and Roman Baths. The Bankside Frost Fair in London is the city's biggest tree festival, including a marketplace with over 70 stalls, Husky dog sledding, ice sculptures and children's activities. Norwich's Christmas Festive Fayre has over 80 stalls lined up down the streets of City Hall and around The Forum, offering guests homemade Christmas decorations, multicultural food and unique Christmas gifts. The Saint Nicholas Fayre in York is the city's most popular Christmas market, selling handcrafted items and local food and drink.
SS Great Britain
Launched in Bristol for the first time in 1843, this historical revolutionary ship changed world travel. Restored in 1970, the SS Great Britain is now a popular attraction. Throughout the entire month of December, this venue hosts Christmas events that are great for friends and family. Step back in time with a Victorian Christmas in homage to the Dickenson era, with caroling and roasted chestnuts. The First Class Dining Saloon also throws a huge Christmas party, serving three-course meals and access to the casino. Also, one day out of December is reserved for Christmas lunch, a family event held in the First Class Dining Saloon.
Great Western Dockyard
Gas Ferry Road
Bristol, City of Bristol
BS1 6TY
011 (+44) 117 926 0680
SSGreatBritain.org
Racing at Ascot
The BGC Christmas Meeting and Winter Wonderland is a two-day family event that takes place at Ascot the weekend before Christmas. Families can sit and watch exciting jumps racing, including a steeple chase, hurdles and the revered Long Walk Hurdle, Ascot's most important jumps race. At Plaza Lawns off the track, children can visit Father Christmas in the Winter Wonderland Grotto, ride on a Victorian carousel and enjoy carols from the London Choir Coro. Kids can join the Colts and Fillies Club, which is free of charge for children 16 and under.
High Street
Ascot, Berkshire
SL5 7JX
011 (+44) 870 727 1234
Ascot.co.uk
Ice Skating
For a romantic evening under the stars, visit one of England's many outdoor ice skating rinks. The Mall at Cribb's Causeway in Bristol is a gigantic rink with a Christmas market and a Santa visiting center for kids. Cornwall's The Cove in Lamorna Cove is a magical experience, with twinkling Christmas lights and a huge, beautiful tree. Also visit The Ice Cube in Leeds, England's biggest temporary outdoor ice rink. In London, visit the famous Hyde Park Ice Rink, London's biggest outdoor ice rink which includes games, rides and a huge Christmas market.
Resources
About the Author:
Elizabeth Chaplin has been writing professionally since 2005 and has published articles with various websites. She works as a freelance children's book illustrator and graphic designer and is knowledgeable in crafting, interior design and photography. She is also an amateur hairstylist who has been cutting and coloring hair since 2003. Chaplin has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in illustration from Columbia College.
Photo Credits:
Photo courtesy of Stock.Xchng
