Image credit: The Village Green Event Company
1. Festive pop up cinema, Victoria Baths, Manchester
Nothing says Christmas quite like lying in a deck chair watching festive films in an old Edwardian swimming pool, right? A pop-up Christmas cinema is coming to Victoria Baths in Manchester for two film screenings, including Home Alone on Friday December 9 and Elf on Saturday December 10.
The events kick off with Christmas music and local street food vendors, including Dim Sum Su and Proove Pizza. There will also be a fully stocked bar serving prosecco, wines, craft beers and soft drinks. It gets cold though, so be sure to bring blankets and hot water bottles to snuggle down with your nearest and dearest for this one-off Christmassy event!
Christmas trains to Manchester
If you’ve had your fill of the traditional Christmas markets and fancy something a bit different, head to the Hidden Christmas Market at Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds.
From Bratwurst to baubles, craft stations to stollen, the hidden Christmas market will offer mysterious performances, mesmerising decor (with a secret entrance to an undercover world!), independent retailers and locally sourced festive food stalls. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a bar serving mulled wine, fizz cocktails and craft ales.
The events start on Friday 16 December and are on in the run up to Christmas until Thursday 22, but tickets are on sale now.
For a stunning (and free) quirky Christmas activity, George Street in Edinburgh is where you need to be. From November 21 until Christmas eve, George Street will be lit up with over 60,000 beautiful bulbs of light alongside synchronised music from local choirs and bands. This includes music by Edinburgh Festival Chorus with Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Royal Scottish National Orchestra with their Junior Chorus, Blazin’ Fiddles and Tigerstyle.
Take a stroll down the street at 6pm or 8pm every night for a festive evening with a difference. Hurry though, some performances are already sold out!
The Mad Hatters Festive Afternoon Tea Party at the Grand Hotel in York offers an unusual festive afternoon in an opulent setting, complete with unique cakes and sandwiches. If edible candles, chocolate lollipops, pink mushrooms and fairytale tea sound like your kind of thing, why not spend an afternoon indulging?
If you’re after something a bit stronger, try the Hendricks G&T Afternoon Tea – gin cocktails served in a Hendrick's tea pot with all the trimmings! Afterwards, head to the Ice Trail to marvel at magnificent icy creations whilst sipping mulled wine – a perfect offbeat Christmas day out in York.
Ever wondered what’s the best drink to pair your Christmas dinner with? From the breakfast fizz right the way through to the nightcap, The Good Spirits Company in Glasgow offer a perfect selection of drinks for the big day, and the opportunity to taste them all.
Take a sip of your next favourite Christmas cocktail at one of their tasting events throughout the festive period. Afterwards take in a festive show or stroll along the Glasgow Style Mile and marvel at the illuminated Christmas window displays.
Christmas trains to Glasgow
Independent Liverpool’s Christmas Festival promises to be more than just your average Christmas market. The event includes exhibitions such as “Me Nan’s” - a pop up Baileys bar meant to mimic a typical Scouse Nan’s living room on Christmas Day with antiques, old furniture and an alternative Christmas speech; and the “Grown Up Grinch’s Grotto”.
There will also be local favourite restaurants putting a special Christmas twist on their beloved menus, and a gift shop with local cheese mongers, chocolatiers, illustrators and more. The soundtrack to the weekend will be provided by lots of local DJs, live music and some alternative carol singers for an incredible weekend of wintery fun.
Which alternative Christmas days out would you like to try? Share your thoughts, snaps and festive cheer with us over Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Don’t miss out
Get the latest offers, news & travel inspiration
