All aboard for a festive adventure with Northern! From Christmas markets to ice skating, shopping and more, plan the perfect Christmas day out in the North. Whether you're in the North East or North West, there's a variety of Christmas events and things to do to get you into the spirit of the season. Say goodbye to traffic jams and hop on the train for a stress-free journey – book in advance with Northern and save up to 65%!
Christmas days out in York
York Christmas Market
A quaint city rich in history and charm, a visit to York Christmas Market is a must for any festive day out. Found on the iconic Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, there's over 70 market stalls to browse with a host of local goods to choose from, whether you're on the hunt for the perfect trinket or tasty treat. Get into the festive spirit while supporting local businesses – York residents can also get 10% discounts on several stalls.
York Minster at Christmas
York Minster is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city and has a host of Christmas events to enjoy, from carol singing to live music and shows. This year, experience the Christmas Tree Festival in all its glory with 70 adorned trees decorating the stunning cathedral. Take a moment to add your own Christmas message to a tag on one of the prayer trees before you go.
Festive food and drink in York
Satisfy your sweet tooth this festive season with a trip to York's Chocolate Story. There's a variety of Christmas events to choose from, including Santa's Christmas Tour which takes you to Santa's chocolate workshop where you'll get the chance to meet the man himself and craft your own Christmas-themed chocolate. Try your hand at Christmas truffle rolling or enjoy a Christmas masterclass, with options for both family classes and adults only.
For a bit of Christmas indulgence, we recommend the boutique Middletons Hotel. If afternoon tea is your thing, enjoy a delicious spread with sandwiches, savoury bites and sweet cakes, paired with an optional glass of bubbles to dine in style. Middletons also offer festive lunches and dinners from their award-winning restaurant, making it the perfect place to catch up with loved ones.
Christmas days out in Manchester
Skate Manchester at Cathedral Gardens
Get your skates on at Manchester's Cathedral Gardens! Right in the heart of the city, Skate Manchester is the perfect festive activity for friends, families and couples alike. The rink is open to skaters 3-years and up with skate aids available to hire so everyone can join in the fun safely. Book your slot and wrap up warm!
Party at Bar Hütte
Turn your Christmas day out to a night out at Bar Hütte. With two locations across the city, Deansgate Square and Kampus, the alpine village offers cosy karaoke huts to sing your favourite Christmas songs, a festive bar offering delicious drinks, as well as private party lodges available to hire. Four-legged friends are also welcome to come along to Bark Hütte, a doggy grotto kitted out with treats, photo props and more!
Winter at Media City
Another perfect Christmas event for those early winter evenings, Media City UK is home to Lightwaves Salford, a showstopping light trail that takes you around Salford Quays. This year, the trail features 14 incredible artworks that use light, sound and new technology to amaze. Best of all, the trail is completely free of charge, ensuring extraordinary art is accessible to everyone.
Christmas days out in Blackpool
Christmas By The Sea
It's all about the seaside at Blackpool, so it's no surprise that their biggest Christmas attraction is beside the sea! Christmas By The Sea is a festive outdoor village packed with things to do, from a free ice rink to Christmas chalets, fairground rides, light installations and more. You won't be short of activities to enjoy on a Christmas day out here with something for all the family to enjoy.
World-famous Blackpool Illuminations
Take a stroll along the promenade to marvel at the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations. These dazzling light displays run along the seafront and make for a magical sight in the festive season and beyond. Check out the Blackpool Tower projections that light up the famous landmark in the winter months and take an illuminated Heritage Tram Tour along the promenade to see the lights in style.
Visit the Winter Gardens
An iconic part of Blackpool's heritage, the Winter Gardens is home to range of venues under one roof, including a theatre, ballroom and conference halls. Each year, it hosts a variety of Christmas events and shows with something for everyone. From side-splitting pantomimes to Christmas choirs, party nights, afternoon tea and more, take a look at what's on this year and plan your Christmas day out with Northern.
Christmas days out in Liverpool
Liverpool ONE festivities
One of the biggest shopping centres in the city, Liverpool ONE has everything you need for a Christmas day out. This year, they are celebrating with Festive Thursdays, which will see the centre transformed each week with something magical. Tick items off your Christmas shopping list while you're there with over 170 stores to browse, from high street staples to designer names. There's also a host of entertainment options at Liverpool ONE, including interactive darts at Flight Club, exciting escape rooms at Escape Live, Junkyard Golf Club, and much more.
Liverpool Christmas Market
Another must-visit attraction, you can find Liverpool's Christmas Market at St George's Plateau and William Brown Street. With more than 40 traditional stalls to take in, as well as funfair rides and a variety of food and drink, the market makes for a great Christmas day out in Liverpool. It's also a great opportunity to find something unique for your loved ones with an array of local craft and gift traders on-hand. If you've got little elves with you, head along to Santa Land to get into the festive spirit.
Liverpool Cathedral
Liverpool Cathedral is a stunning attraction all-year-round but hosts special Christmas events each year. The Light Before Christmas is an immersive sound and light installation that illuminates the cathedral for the festive season, telling the story of the Nativity in a spectacular way. You can also enjoy coffee and carols sessions throughout December, as well as choir recitals, concerts, wreath making workshops, and much more.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.