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20 Best Outdoor Christmas Activities for Families
There's something magical about spending time outdoors at Christmas. Whether you're wrapping up warm for a festive woodland walk, visiting a sparkling Christmas light trail or enjoying a family scavenger hunt, outdoor Christmas activities are a fantastic way to make lasting memories together.
Whether you're planning a festive family day out, looking for free activities to enjoy over the holidays or staying at one of our UK holiday parks, we've rounded up some of the best outdoor Christmas activities to help you embrace the festive season.
There are plenty of outdoor activities you can experience at your Away Resorts holiday park, including the stunning Winterfest at Tattershall Lakes, Sandy Balls, Retallack, St Ives Bay and Mill Rythe.
Christmas Light Strolls
Few things capture the magic of Christmas quite like a festive light display. Wander through beautifully illuminated parks, gardens or neighbourhoods and enjoy the twinkling lights, festive music and seasonal atmosphere. It's the perfect evening activity for couples, families and groups of friends.
Find out moreIf you're staying at Sandy Balls, don't miss the spectacular Winterfest, where the woodland comes alive with dazzling illuminations that create an unforgettable festive experience.
Best for: Families, couples and evening outings.
Outdoor Ice Skating
Outdoor ice skating is one of the UK's most popular Christmas traditions. Whether you're taking your first steps on the ice or you're a confident skater, it's a fun activity for all ages.
Guests staying at Newquay Bay are within easy reach of the Eden Project's seasonal ice rink, offering a magical setting surrounded by festive decorations.
Top tip: Book your skating session in advance, as popular time slots sell out quickly during December.
The outstanding Eden Project in Cornwall have a seasonal ice skating ring, and it is only a 30-minute drive from Newquay Bay.
Christmas Markets
There's nothing quite like wandering around a traditional Christmas market. Browse handcrafted gifts, sample festive food and drink, listen to live music and soak up the seasonal atmosphere.
Many markets also feature fairground rides, Santa's grotto, ice skating and family entertainment, making them an ideal festive day out during your Away Resorts holiday.
Best for: Festive shopping and family days out.
Find out more
Sleigh Rides or Horse-Drawn Carriage
Step into a real-life Christmas card with a magical horse-drawn carriage ride. Many festive events offer beautifully decorated carriage rides through countryside estates, Christmas villages or illuminated attractions, creating a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Visit a Christmas Tree Farm
Choosing your own Christmas tree is a festive tradition the whole family can enjoy. Many local tree farms offer seasonal refreshments, festive activities and the chance to meet farm animals while selecting the perfect tree for your home.
Outdoor Christmas Carol Singing
Gather family and friends for a traditional Christmas carol performance or visit one of the many outdoor festive concerts held across the UK.
Guests at Sandy Balls can also enjoy festive singalongs as part of the seasonal entertainment programme.
Enjoy a Traditional Christmas Day Walk
After Christmas lunch, there's no better way to stretch your legs than with a peaceful countryside or coastal walk.
Many Away Resorts locations are surrounded by beautiful landscapes that are even more magical during winter, making them perfect for a festive family stroll.
Find out more
Christmas Hayrides
Decorated tractors and festive hayrides offer a unique way to explore the countryside during Christmas. Many include seasonal music, Christmas characters and opportunities to meet Santa along the way.
Build a Snowman
If you're lucky enough to wake up to snow, gather the family for one of Christmas's simplest pleasures.
Challenge each other to build the most creative snowman or snow sculpture before warming up afterwards with hot chocolate.
Christmas Scavenger Hunt
A festive scavenger hunt is an excellent way to keep children entertained while exploring your holiday park or local area.
Create clues based around Christmas decorations, robins, pine cones, holly or festive landmarks for an interactive family adventure.
Reindeer Encounters
Few Christmas experiences are as magical as seeing real reindeer up close.
Many Christmas events, wildlife parks and festive farms offer visitors the opportunity to learn about these fascinating animals while enjoying seasonal entertainment.
Outdoor Gingerbread Decorating
Some Christmas markets and festive events host outdoor gingerbread decorating workshops where families can create delicious festive treats together.
Away Resorts also offers seasonal baking experiences, including Mrs Claus' baking station at selected parks.
Find out more
Winter Walks and Hiking
Winter is one of the best times to explore the UK's countryside.
Wrap up warm and enjoy peaceful woodland trails, coastal paths or the stunning scenery of the New Forest, where crisp mornings and frosty landscapes create a magical festive backdrop.
Christmas Bonfires
Community bonfire events bring people together during the festive season.
Toast marshmallows, enjoy live entertainment and sip hot chocolate around a roaring fire while celebrating with family and friends.
Look for festive winter wildlife
A festive walk offers the perfect opportunity to discover the wildlife and plants that make Christmas so iconic.
Look out for:
• Robins
• Holly berries
• Ivy
• Pine cones
• Evergreen trees
• Deer, including red, roe, fallow and muntjac.
It's a fantastic free activity for children and budding nature lovers.
Join a Santa Run
Many towns and cities host festive charity fun runs where participants dress as Santa, elves or reindeer.
They're a brilliant way to stay active while supporting local causes and getting into the Christmas spirit.
Christmas Eve Stargazing
Winter skies often provide excellent stargazing conditions thanks to the longer evenings.
Wrap up warm, head somewhere with minimal light pollution and enjoy a peaceful evening looking for constellations, planets or even a festive meteor shower.
Enjoy Festive Hot Drinks Outdoors
No Christmas day out is complete without warming up with a luxurious hot chocolate, mulled wine or festive coffee.
Many Christmas markets and Away Resorts venues offer seasonal drinks that are perfect after a winter walk.
Watch a Christmas Fireworks Display
Some towns and attractions finish their festive celebrations with spectacular fireworks displays.
Watching colourful fireworks light up a crisp winter sky is a magical way to round off the Christmas season.
Take on a Polar Plunge
If you're feeling brave, why not take part in a Christmas Day or Boxing Day polar plunge?
Many charity events encourage participants to take a quick dip in the sea or a lake to raise money for good causes while embracing the festive spirit.
Creating Cherished Holiday Memories
These Christmas activities are part of what makes that festive season extra special for children while creating cherished memories that last a lifetime.
From creative projects and outdoor fun to heartwarming family traditions, these activities bring the magic of Christmas into everyday moments. Whether baking cookies or touring festive light displays, the joy of the holiday season shines brightest when experienced together.
Away Resorts Festive events
Winterfest - from 20th Nov to 20th Dec
Experience themed entertainment, festive activities, delicious seasonal food and magical family moments throughout November and December at Tattershall Lakes, Sandy Balls, Retallack, St Ives Bay and Mill Rythe.
Find out moreFrequently Asked Questions
What are the best outdoor Christmas activities for families?
Some of the most popular outdoor Christmas activities for families include visiting Christmas markets, exploring festive light trails, outdoor ice skating, Christmas scavenger hunts, winter walks and meeting real reindeer. These activities offer something for all ages and are a great way to spend quality time together during the festive season.
Are there any free outdoor Christmas activities?
Yes! Many outdoor Christmas activities are completely free to enjoy. Take a festive walk through your local park, admire Christmas light displays, build a snowman (if you're lucky enough to have snow), go wildlife spotting, organise a Christmas scavenger hunt or explore your local area to see the best festive decorations.
What should I wear for outdoor Christmas activities?
The weather can be unpredictable during winter, so it's best to dress in warm, waterproof layers. Comfortable walking boots or sturdy shoes, a hat, gloves and a scarf will help keep you cosy, while a waterproof jacket is ideal if rain is forecast. If you're planning to spend several hours outdoors, don't forget a reusable water bottle and a flask of hot chocolate or tea.
What are the best outdoor Christmas activities for young children?
Young children will love magical Christmas light trails, Santa's grotto, festive scavenger hunts, decorating gingerbread, meeting reindeer and gentle woodland walks. Many Christmas attractions also offer family-friendly entertainment, making them ideal for toddlers and younger children.
Can I enjoy outdoor Christmas activities during a winter holiday?
Absolutely! A winter holiday is the perfect opportunity to experience festive attractions and seasonal events without rushing. Many Away Resorts holiday parks are close to Christmas markets, winter walks, festive light displays and family-friendly attractions, making it easy to enjoy magical days out before returning to relax in your cosy accommodation.
Are outdoor Christmas activities suitable for couples?
Yes. Outdoor Christmas activities aren't just for families. Couples can enjoy romantic winter walks, Christmas markets, horse-drawn carriage rides, festive light trails, stargazing and cosy evenings around outdoor fire pits. They're a wonderful way to celebrate the festive season together.
Why are outdoor Christmas activities great for families?
Spending time outdoors encourages families to slow down, enjoy fresh air and create lasting memories together. Whether you're exploring festive markets, walking through twinkling light displays or playing Christmas games in the great outdoors, these shared experiences often become treasured family traditions that children remember for years to come.
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Kate Watts
Kate has been part of Away Resorts for many years, beginning her journey as a Holiday Home Advisor at Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park. She’s passionate about sharing authentic experiences that show what makes Away Resorts so special, whether that’s alpaca walks, surfing on the FlowRider, or simply enjoying time together in beautiful locations. Outside of work, Kate loves spending time by the coast and countryside. Her favourite spots include the beaches at St Ives Bay, wandering around Padstow, and exploring the stunning New Forest countryside around Sandy Balls Holiday Village.
Follow Kate Watts for thoughtful takes, fresh ideas, and inspiring reads.