There’s more than just a whisper of Christmas in the air, and cities and towns all over the UK are gearing up for the festivities. With Christmas lights switch ons, festive brunches and afternoon teas, light shows and of course trips to see Santa, there is something to get everybody – old and young – in the Christmas spirit.
Whether it’s a family trip with the grandchildren or a get together with family and friends, here is our guide to the best Christmas outings near to our luxury retirement apartments in Derby, Brighouse, Thornton-Cleveleys, and Shipley.
ALBANY LODGE, DERBY
Albany Lodge, our retirement property in Derby, is conveniently located on the banks of the beautiful river Derwent, with excellent links to nearby shops, restaurants, and facilities. It’s an ideal and tranquil location to start the retirement you deserve and to explore the festive activities in the local area.
Here are just some of the local Christmas events in Derby near to Albany Lodge.
Cinderella at Derby Theatre
Derby Theatre, the venue behind this festive production, believes this is a perfect outing to fill you with Christmas cheer. It says:
“Inspired by the classic fairytale, this sparkling new version of Cinderella by Annie Siddons promises a unique and utterly uplifting production full of heart, joy and laughter all interwoven with original live music and song performed by a wonderful company of actor-musicians.”
Tickets start at £14.50 with a range of matinees and evening showtimes available. For more information and to book CLICK HERE
Derby Season of Light
A celebration for people of every faith, age, and background. Taking in Diwali, Rabi’ Al-Awwal, Christmas and Chinese New Year – all festivals where ‘Light’ is a key factor. This results in a host of events taking place in the community. The event culminates in a beautiful lantern parade on 2nd of December.
For more information CLICK HERE
National Forest Adventure Farm’s Journey to the North Pole
This enchanting event is ideal to do with the grandchildren, who will be taken through a magical portal and transported to a Victorian high street and sweet shop. Help the elves to sort the parcels, meet a talking polar bear, sing festive songs with the reindeer before decorating Gingerbread with Mrs Claus and meeting the big man himself.
Tickets are £36 and include a toy for every child. For more information CLICK HERE and to book.
ALDERMAN LODGE, BRIGHOUSE
A vibrant market town with a rich history, Brighouse is ideally located just four miles outside of Halifax. Here are some of the festive highlights and Christmas events near Brighouse and our Alderman Lodge retirement living development.
Christmas at Bankfield Museum
A number of festive workshops and craft fairs at Bankfield Museum in Halifax, will give you the chance to create your own Christmas painting and pick up some gorgeous hand-crafted gifts.
On 2nd December, join watercolour artist Jane Austin for a workshop to create your own Christmas image of a natural wreath, either as a painting or small personal cards. Tickets cost £20. For more information CLICK HERE and to book.
Bankfield Museum’s Christmas Craft Fair will be back on Saturday 9th December 2023 with the venue welcoming a range of traders from across the region for a day of shopping and festive fun. No booking required and admission to the event is free.
Festive Wreath Making at Halifax Hall
Get creative and make your very own festive wreath, with Halifax Hall’s wreath making class on Sunday December 3rd, which includes a delicious Christmas afternoon tea.
The class commences at 12.00pm and is in partnership with Bloom Sheffield who will guide you through the process step by step.
Tickets are available for £60.00 per person.
To book, please email: christmas@withus.com or call: 0114 222 8810.
Glow Gardens at Halifax
Glow Gardens, Halifax invites you to “laugh & stroll under the twinkle of a million lights at Glow Gardens “Around the World”. A shimmering light display features “towering exhibits, interactive activities, and glowing playgrounds to delight the whole family.” The event also includes a licensed bar, food, and festive music by local performers with a winter market, showcasing local artisans and boutique businesses.
ROYLES LODGE, THORNTON-CLEVELEYS
Situated right by the Fylde Coast there are miles of unspoilt coastline to explore at our luxury retirement development in Thornton-Cleveleys. The town centre hosts boutique shops and high street names, with a plentiful number of eateries and coffee shops. Here’s what’s on and the best Christmas events near Thornton-Cleveleys this year:
Take a stroll down ‘Christmas Close’
A festive outing doesn’t always have to break the bank. Many people flock to Borage Close, a residential cul-de-sac that pulls out all of the stops for the festive season. According to residents and visitors it is THE place to go, to get in the Christmas spirit with over 120,000 lights on every house and thousands being raised for charity every year.
For more information CLICK HERE
Watch the Marsh Mill Christmas Lights Switch On
Always a key local calendar moment, the big Christmas switch on event runs from 12pm to 6pm on Sunday 26th November. Enjoy family entertainment, stalls with lots to see and buy from the Marsh Mill businesses. Plus, a visit from Father Christmas himself! It’s a fabulous fun filled afternoon.
All the usual resident Marsh Mill Shops and Businesses will be open, plus of course, a fantastic choice of eateries.
For more information CLICK HERE
Indulge in a festive lunch at The Venue
The Venue is a dining hot spot in Thornton-Cleveleys thanks to its delicious fayre and sea views from the North Promenade. Enjoy a three-course lunch with delights such as Festive Pie, Beef Wellington, and Sticky Pigs in Blankets, with Panettone Cheesecake or Christmas Tree Ice Cream to round things off.
For more information CLICK HERE
GLEN MILL HOUSE, SHIPLEY
Our Shipley retirement living development, Glen Mill House, makes the most of the local friendly town atmosphere, great shopping, tempting eateries and fascinating local history, with some excellent transport connections. This delightful West Yorkshire market town has something for everyone, especially during the festive season. Here are some of the highlights and our favourite Christmas activities, Christmas markets and festive events near Shipley:
Festive Wreaths at Shipley College
Shipley college has a number of dates for you to learn a wonderful festive skill that you can utilise every year. Learn to create your own bespoke festive wreath. You can enjoy learning in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and it’s just £45 with all flowers & materials are included in the course fee.
For more information CLICK HERE and to book.
Hoyle Court Christmas Market
Hoyle Court is an elegant Edwardian-Baroque style mansion, nestled in a secluded wooden haven. Built by one of Bradford’s most successful mill-owning families, it hosted grand family celebrations & entertained numerous business associates; a tradition which continues today.
Visit the Christmas markets at Hoyle Court on 22nd December, for a full day of festive joy with traditional market stands and hot food and drink.
For more information CLICK HERE
Christmas at Bradford Cathedral
Bradford’s Anglican Cathedral is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. A most ancient place of worship dating back 13 centuries at the heart of the city yet with tranquil gardens all around. The cathedral has a number of Christmas celebrations including the Black Dyke Band and Cathedral Choir Concert at 7pm on Saturday 9th December and a lunchtime carol recital on 23rd December.
For more information CLICK HERE
FURTHER AFIELD
If you’re planning a quick break on the run up to the festive season, The Times has listed their take on the best Christmas markets in the UK. And the top three are: Winchester, Cardiff, and Blenheim Palace.
