In case you missed it see what’s in this section
Christmas at Longleat
Where: Longleat, Warminster, BA12 7NW
About: Longleat is once again transforming itself into a winter wonderland with the famous safari park creating a festive experience like no other. Longleat may be a further distance from Swindon than any of the other light trails that feature on our list, but a trip to Longleat is well worth the visit with their enchanted Christmas tree show and Santa Train highlights of this Xmas adventure.
Dates: 9th November 2024 - 5th January 2025
Christmas Features: Santa train, Illuminated light trail, Christmas storytelling and live owl show, Singing Christmas tree, Winter safari drive-through.
Price: Various
How to book: Book tickets online for Christmas at Longleat HERE or by clicking below.
Tizzy the Elf
How’s this for an early Christmas present… The brand new Tizzy Games app, born & bred in Swindon!
- FREE to download & play
- No ads
- limited in-app purchases
Kids can immerse themselves in the games while you enjoy peace of mind & some time back…win, win!
Plus, sign up for the Tizzy newsletter with the code TOTAL GUIDE to unlock all the Link 3 levels for free.
Download the Tizzy Games app for FREE TODAY!
The Gateway Ice Rink
Where: The Gateway Café & Information Centre, Spine Road E, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 5TL
About: The Gateway Café & Information Centre is hosting an Ice Rink this Christmas season. Fresh ice will be ready and waiting for up to 110 skaters per session. With the site also home to the Gateway Café, Pizzeria 720 and Bar @ Lake 6, you can recharge your batteries with the variety of food and drink offer - there will also be some brand new pop ups!
From woodfired pizzas to crepes and waffles, there's even the chance to toast your own marshmallows over an open fire and for those who have energy spare, the onsite bar will also be hosting their regular DJ's on Friday & Saturday evenings.
Dates: 22nd November 2024 - 5th January 2025
Suitable for kids: Yes
Christmas at Lydiard House
Address: Lydiard House & Park, Lydiard Tregoze, Swindon, SN5 3PA
About: Lydiard House is hosting a series of firt-class festive events designed to get you and the family in the Christmas spirit. Pay a visit to Swindon's beautiful country property and take part in a chorus of Christmas activities including Christmas caroling inside the estate, festive afternoon teas, and even a special Christmas lunch that will leave you feeling as full as Santa's sack of presents.
Celebrate Christmas at Lydiard House and enjoy the very best of Swindon's festive experiences in the stunning surrounding of this national park.
Dates: 29th November - 23rd December 2024
Suitable for kids: Yes
Visit Santa in Swindon
Where: Various locations around Swindon including STEAM, Swindon Designer Outlet and Roves Farm.
About: Spend time making magical festive memories with the kids by taking them to visit Santa in Swindon this Christmas. There are a host of exceptional Santa’s grottos and winter wonderland experiences throughout Swindon to visit offering you a chance to meet Santa and hand over your Xmas list.
Find out more about where to meet Santa in Swindon HERE or by clicking below.
Dates: Various dates throughout November and December.
Suitable for kids: Yes
Santa Cavery
Where: De Vere Cotswold Water Park
About: Christmas simply wouldn’t be the same without a trip to Santa! This year, De Vere Cotswold Water Park are offering a delicious, three course carvery lunch alongside children’s activities and a family friendly disco!
- Three course festive carvery
- Visit & gift from Santa
- Children’s activities
- Family-friendly disco
Dates: Sunday 15th December 2024
Price:
- £35.00 - adult
- £28.00 - per child (3-12 years)
- £10.00- per infant (0-2 years)
Suitable for Kids: Yes
Watch the Panto at Wyvern Theatre
Where: Wyvern Theatre Swindon
About: The Wyvern pantomime returns for 2024 with the magical fairytale Cinderella. Starring Coronation Street’s Lisa George as Fairy Godmother, Ben Goffe as Buttons and Swindon’s Favourite Dame, the hilarious David Ashley as Dame Molly Miggins, Cinderella is the hilarious family pantomime suitable for all ages, with tons of slapstick comedy, plenty of audience interaction and stunning musical numbers that you are guaranteed to be singing for days afterwards.
Dates: Sat 7 Dec 2024 - Sun 5 Jan 2025
Suitable for kids: Yes
Enchanted Christmas Light Trail
Where: Old Town Gardens
About: Swindon's Christmas light trail is back for it's second year as the Enchanted Christmas Light Trail returns to the Old Town Gardens. Swindon's winter wonderland illumination with lights, lasers, and more leading you on a magical winter walk around the enchanted gardens. This is the perfect way to get in the spirit and is a must-visit for any Swindonian at Christmas time.
Dates: From 29th November - 31st December 2024
Suitable for kids: Yes
Stourhead Christmas Light Trail
Where: Pick up signs near Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6QD
About: Celebrate Christmas in magical style by visiting the Christmas at Stourhead light trail featuring over a million lights, lasers, and festive sounds that fill the air with Christmas cheer.
This mesmerising after-dark light trail is just a short drive from Swindon and is an exciting Christmas adventure for the whole family to enjoy featuring tunnels of light dancing reflections, trees decorated in jewel-like colour and more.
If you’re looking to take a walk and explore a brilliant Christmas light trail near Swindon then head on down to Stourhead for an exciting Xmas adventure that we promise you won't regret!
Dates: Friday 29th November - Wednesday 1st January 2025
Christmas Features: Illuminated light trail, Lasers, Festive music, Christmas adventure activities.
How to book: Buy tickets online for Christmas at Stourhead 2024 HERE.
Santa's Flight School at Swindon Designer Outlet
Where: Swindon Designer Outlet, Kemble Drive, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN2 2DY
About: This year Santa invites you to the enchanted Forest Glade, to meet his magical reindeer, play games with the Forest Flight elves and, of course, learn to fly in his famous sleigh. Full of festive magic, families will make memories to treasure for a lifetime
In this FREE 35-minute group experience, you can expect to find beautiful photo opportunities and children will also get to take home their very own bag of reindeer food.
Find out more HERE.
Dates: 30th November to 24th December
Suitable for kids: Yes
Christmas Eve Spa Day
Where: Kings Head Hotel, 24 Market Place, Cirencester, GL7 2NR
About: The Kings Head Hotel's amazing spa is open during the festive season until Christmas Eve. Spoil youself for the party season with a range of spa treatments:
- 60 Minute Glow from within Facial Restore with Gua Sha massage techniques, which helps with lymphatic drainage, improves circulation and relieves puffiness. This beautiful facial helps to hydrate, provide nutrients and leaves your skin feeling pampered for you to embrace your natural glow.
- 2 hours Body Polish Rejuvenate the skin’s natural softness and glow. Buff away dull, dry cells and infuse the skin with a rich nourishment, followed by a melt away full body massage to ease away tension and stress. Your skin will feel smooth and supple and glow with radiance.
- Manicure & Pedicure. Enjoy a full hand exfoliation with a massage to ease tension & finish off with the choice of colours from our OPI nail bar. Experience a warming foot soak in our foot spa with a scrub and massage, then finish off with the choice of colours from the OPI nail bar.
- Total Body Relaxation includes a Body, Mind and Balance Body brush to smooth and soften your skin, an indulgent full body massage using the hot stones to ease tired, aching muscles and a comforting scalp massage to release the stresses
Dates:
- Mondays & Tuesdays 9:30am - 6:00pm
- Wednesdays - Fridays 9:30am - 8:00pm
- Saturdays & Sundays 9:30am - 6:00pm
- Open Christmas Eve 10.00am - 4.00pm
- Closed for Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Pick up a Christmas tree
Where: Various locations around Swindon
About: If you want a real Christmas tree to put up in your home then you need to know the best places in Swindon to buy yours. Make finding your Christmas tree a wonderful family experience by heading to one of these great Xmas tree farms HERE and enjoy browsing the various trees before picking yours and taking it home with you.
Dates: Most tree farms open end of November and stay open throughout December.
Suitable for kids: Yes
Experience Christmas at STEAM
Where: STEAM Museum, Fire Fly Ave, Swindon, SN2 2TA
About: Christmas is coming to Swindon’s STEAM Museum this December with the family-fun attraction putting on a two-day Christmas extravaganza. With Santa in attendance, children will enjoy listening to a Christmas story and will also be given a Christmas present to take home with them. Come meet Santa at STEAM and enjoy a festive experience in Swindon like no other.
Dates: 7th - 8th December 2024
Suitable for kids: Yes
Enjoy a festive meal
Where: Various locations around Swindon
About: The arrival of Christmas means it’s time to unbutton that belt buckle and head out for delicious food and drink with family and friends for a celebratory Christmas meal.
Swindon’s culinary scene is packed with a host of exceptional restaurants and pubs to choose from but we’ve got you covered with our pick of the best festive dining venues in Swindon. Browse our top picks HERE or by clicking below and book your Xmas dinner in Swindon.
Dates: November and December
Suitable for kids: N/A
Cheer on Swindon Town at the County Ground
Where: Swindon Town County Ground
About: A trip to the football is a Christmas tradition in England and now is the time to book your tickets to watch Swindon Town. Swindon have enjoyed a brilliant season so far under new owner Clem Morfuni and Head Coach Ben Garner, with the Robins on-track for promotion from League Two. With a packed Christmas fixture list, get on down to cheer on Swindon Town and make brilliant Christmas memories by spending a day out watching the football at the County Ground.
Check out our complete guide to Swindon Town FC HERE.
Dates: Various home games throughout November and December.
Suitable for kids: Yes
Go on a Winter walk
Where: Various locations around Swindon
About: There is something about stepping outside into the cold winter frost for a walk that screams CHRISTMAS! Fortunately Swindon and it’s surrounding areas boast some of the best winter walks in Wiltshire and we’ve got you covered with our winter walks guide HERE. Check out our favourite winter walks and get outdoors for some fresh air before heading home and warming up by the fire with a minced pie and some mulled wine.
Dates: N/A
Suitable for kids: Yes but wrap up warm!
Escape for a romantic Christmas stay
Where: Various locations around Swindon including Chiseldon House Hotel, The Kings Head Hotel Cirencester, Leonardo Hotel and more.
About: Are you feeling naughty or nice? Christmas doesn’t have to just be about the kids, make time for you and your loved one by booking a romantic Christmas getaway to one of the brilliant hotels and B&Bs dotted around Swindon and Wiltshire. Whisk yourselves away for a night of romance, drinks, and good company by booking a short Christmas break and enjoy some adult time this festive period.
Dates: N/A
Suitable for kids: No