Celebrate the Season in Leicestershire: Best Christmas Lights, Markets, and Festivities (2024)
Leicestershire, nestled in the heart of England, knows how to celebrate Christmas with gusto. As winter sets in, the county transforms into a wonderland of festive lights, bustling markets, and unique local traditions.
Leicestershire, nestled in the heart of England, knows how to celebrate Christmas with gusto. As winter sets in, the county transforms into a wonderland of festive lights, bustling markets, and unique local traditions. Whether you're a local or planning a visit, Leicestershire’s holiday events offer something for everyone, from charming village markets to grand light displays. In this guide, you'll find the best Christmas lights, markets, and festivities happening across Leicestershire in 2024.
1. Leicester City Centre Christmas Lights Switch-On
No festive season in Leicestershire is complete without attending the famous Leicester City Centre Christmas Lights switch-on. A spectacle of lights transforms the entire city into a glowing paradise, featuring an enormous Christmas tree that serves as the centrepiece of the event. Leicester’s switch-on event is always a grand affair, attracting crowds of families and visitors who gather for live entertainment, music, and appearances from local celebrities.
The light switch-on is usually accompanied by performances from local choirs, theatre groups, and bands. There’s something for everyone: from food stalls featuring festive treats like mulled wine and roasted chestnuts to children's entertainment like face painting and fairground rides. And of course, don’t forget to stop by the iconic Leicester Clock Tower, which gets a special festive makeover.
Date: Mid-November (exact date to be confirmed)
Location: Leicester City Centre, LE1
Official Website: www.visitleicester.info
2. Belvoir Castle Enchanted Christmas
One of the most enchanting Christmas experiences in Leicestershire is at Belvoir Castle, a stately home that becomes a holiday wonderland during December. The historic castle is draped in festive decorations, with sparkling lights adorning the grand façade and twinkling installations lighting up the expansive gardens.
The Enchanted Christmas event at Belvoir Castle includes a series of magical activities for all ages. Visitors can embark on a lantern-lit garden trail, enjoy themed rooms inside the castle, or ride the festive train that takes you through the estate’s illuminated gardens. Santa's Grotto is a hit with families, where children can meet Santa Claus and receive a special gift. The castle also hosts festive afternoon teas and Christmas dining experiences, allowing guests to enjoy the magic of the holidays in one of England’s most magnificent settings.
Date: November 25 – December 24
Location: Belvoir Castle, Grantham, NG32 1PE
Official Website: www.belvoircastle.com
3. Melton Mowbray Victorian Christmas Market
Step back in time and experience the charm of a traditional Victorian Christmas at Melton Mowbray. This beloved event is one of the highlights of the Leicestershire festive season. The market is well-known for its Victorian-themed atmosphere, where stallholders and entertainers are dressed in period costume, evoking the spirit of Christmas from the 19th century.
Melton Mowbray’s Christmas market features more than 100 stalls selling everything from hand-crafted gifts to locally-produced food and drinks. This market is particularly famous for its traditional pork pies and Stilton cheese, both of which make excellent Christmas gifts. In addition to the shopping experience, there’s a range of street performances, including carol singers, brass bands, and Dickensian actors, all bringing the magic of Christmas alive in the town square.
Families can enjoy the Santa’s Grotto experience, and children can participate in various festive crafts workshops. Don’t forget to try the Victorian steam fair rides, which offer a nostalgic experience of a time gone by.
Date: December 1-3
Location: Melton Mowbray Town Centre, LE13
Official Website: www.meltonbid.co.uk
4. Loughborough Christmas Lights and Market
Loughborough knows how to embrace the festive season, and its Christmas lights switch-on is a highly anticipated event. The town centre comes alive with twinkling lights, turning the streets into a magical winter scene. Alongside the lights switch-on, Loughborough hosts a bustling Christmas market that runs through the festive season, offering an array of seasonal gifts, decorations, and tasty treats.
One of the unique features of the Loughborough Christmas experience is its focus on local produce and artisans. The market is filled with hand-made gifts, including jewellery, candles, and festive decorations. For food lovers, the market offers a variety of local delicacies, such as sausages, mince pies, and warming mulled wine.
Entertainment is a major part of Loughborough’s festive celebrations, with live music from local bands, children’s entertainers, and even appearances from Santa Claus himself. Families can enjoy the festive fairground rides, including a traditional carousel and Ferris wheel, offering beautiful views of the sparkling lights.
Date: November 26
Location: Loughborough Town Centre, LE11
Official Website: www.loveloughborough.co.uk
5. Bradgate Park Winter Wonderland
Bradgate Park, a favourite for nature lovers, transforms into a magical Winter Wonderland during the Christmas season. This vast park, known for its deer, woodland, and historic ruins, becomes a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the season, with festive touches that elevate the experience for visitors.
During weekends in December, Bradgate Park hosts a Christmas craft market, offering unique, hand-made gifts from local artisans. Stalls feature everything from home décor to festive wreaths, making it a great place to pick up thoughtful, bespoke presents. For the children, there’s a chance to meet Santa in his woodland grotto, surrounded by the beautiful natural scenery of the park.
For those seeking a peaceful festive walk, Bradgate Park's Winter Wonderland lights up the paths and trails, guiding visitors through its scenic landscapes. Afterward, warm up with some mulled wine or hot chocolate from the on-site vendors while taking in the natural beauty of this historic park.
Date: December weekends
Location: Bradgate Park, Newtown Linford, LE6 0HE
Official Website: www.bradgatepark.org
6. Hinckley Christmas Lights and Tin Hat Fair
Hinckley’s annual Christmas Lights and Tin Hat Fair has become a beloved tradition in Leicestershire. This event brings together the charm of a local Christmas lights switch-on with the excitement of a traditional funfair, creating a family-friendly atmosphere that both locals and visitors can enjoy.
The Tin Hat Fair features an array of fairground rides, games, and festive food stalls. Children can meet Santa Claus and take part in holiday crafts, while adults can browse the Christmas market for gifts and stocking fillers. As the lights are switched on, the town comes to life with glowing displays and decorations. One of the event's highlights is the grand fireworks display that lights up the sky, marking the official start of the Christmas season in Hinckley.
Date: November 17
Location: Hinckley Town Centre, LE10
Official Website: www.hinckleybid.co.uk
7. Leicester Christmas Market
Located at the heart of Leicester, the Christmas Market is the perfect spot to find unique gifts and experience the festive buzz of the city. The market stretches across the town square, with an assortment of stalls selling everything from hand-made crafts to festive treats. This market is ideal for those looking to buy bespoke gifts, with local artists and crafters offering one-of-a-kind items.
The Leicester Christmas Market also features street food vendors serving seasonal favourites like bratwurst, mince pies, and mulled wine. Adding to the festive spirit are local bands, choirs, and street entertainers who perform throughout the event. For children, there’s a special Santa's Grotto where they can meet Father Christmas and take home a festive gift.
Date: December 1-24
Location: Leicester City Centre, LE1
Official Website: www.visitleicester.info
8. Christmas at The Gruffalo Discovery Land: A Magical Family Adventure at Twycross Zoo
If you're looking for a unique and magical way to celebrate Christmas with your family this year, look no further than Christmas at The Gruffalo Discovery Land at Twycross Zoo. This festive experience offers an enchanting combination of beloved storybook characters, interactive adventures, and festive cheer, all set within the award-winning Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire.
This Christmas, the world of The Gruffalo comes alive in an exciting, immersive experience that will captivate visitors of all ages. From meeting the iconic characters like the Gruffalo himself to festive activities that the whole family can enjoy, The Gruffalo Discovery Land promises a magical day out.
Plan Your Visit
Dates: Christmas activities at The Gruffalo Discovery Land run throughout the festive season.
Location: Twycross Zoo, Burton Road, Atherstone, CV9 3PX
Tickets: For more information on tickets and bookings, visit the official website: www.twycrosszoo.org.
If you're looking for a festive family day out this Christmas, The Gruffalo Discovery Land at Twycross Zoo is a magical destination that blends adventure, storytelling, and conservation. With the chance to meet the Gruffalo, enjoy Christmas-themed activities, and explore the wider zoo, this event is sure to create lasting memories for visitors of all ages. Make this Christmas extra special by experiencing the wonder of The Gruffalo at Twycross Zoo!
9. Santa Special Steam Train at Great Central Railway
For a unique and magical Christmas experience, hop aboard the Santa Special steam train at Rothley Station. Operated by the Great Central Railway, this historic steam train takes families on a scenic journey through the Leicestershire countryside. During the ride, Santa Claus himself will make an appearance, handing out gifts to children and spreading Christmas cheer.
The train is beautifully decorated for the holiday season, with twinkling lights and festive displays adorning the carriages. Passengers can enjoy festive treats such as mince pies and mulled wine while taking in the picturesque winter landscapes. The Santa Special is a perfect festive outing for families, providing a nostalgic trip back in time on a traditional steam train.
Date: December weekends
Location: Rothley Station, Great Central Railway, LE7 7LD
Official Website: www.gcrailway.co.uk
10. Ashby de la Zouch Christmas Weekend
Ashby de la Zouch may be small, but its annual Christmas Weekend is a festive highlight in Leicestershire. The town is beautifully decorated with Christmas lights, and the market square is filled with stalls offering a wide variety of Christmas gifts, crafts, and seasonal foods.
The highlight of the weekend is the traditional Santa’s Grotto, where children can meet Father Christmas and receive a gift. There’s also live entertainment throughout the event, including carol singers, brass bands, and street performers, creating a joyful and festive atmosphere.
Ashby’s Christmas Weekend is perfect for families and anyone looking for a charming, small-town Christmas experience. The friendly, welcoming atmosphere makes it one of Leicestershire’s most delightful festive events.
Date: December 2-3
Location: Ashby de la Zouch Town Centre, LE65
Official Website: www.ashbydelazouch.info
Leicestershire offers an abundance of festive delights in 2024, making it the perfect destination for anyone looking to celebrate Christmas in style. From the magical lights of Leicester City Centre to the quaint charm of Ashby de la Zouch's Christmas Weekend, there is something for everyone. Whether you're seeking family-friendly fun, unique gifts, or simply want to soak in the festive atmosphere, Leicestershire’s Christmas lights, markets, and events provide unforgettable holiday experiences.
Be sure to check the official websites for each event before heading out to confirm dates and times, as they may vary. Happy holidays!
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