Since 1879 Blackpool has been putting on the best free light show in the UK. The famous seaside town features 6 miles of light shows, lasers and creations. You can drive the full route from Starr Gate to Red Bank Road. The lights are on throughout December until Sunday 3 January, 2027. More than 12 million visitors are expected to make the trip to Blackpool. There’s also the option to see the lights from a tram if you want a break from your Minibus. And make sure you grab fish and chips from along the prom!
Set in the heart of Staffordshire, Trentham Gardens is home to stunning Italian Gardens and Lake, with award-winning shopping experiences. At Christmas Trentham turns into a magical place.
Christmas music can be heard as you browse the alpine influenced shopping units. Father Christmas is on hand to meet the children (book in advance). Plus the Trentham Christmas Light Trail is a family favourite (book in advance). With mulled wine and chestnuts, a stunning decorations display at the garden centre – Trentham is highly recommended. There is copious amounts of parking and it is both wheelchair and dog friendly.
We could have chosen Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh or others, but we’ve opted for Bath. Wander through the heart of this historic city, which is transformed into a winter wonderland.
Complete with twinkling chalets, unique gifts, and gourmet food. Open from November 26th to December 13th, Bath operates a ‘Park and Ride’ to make getting in and out painless.
Another slice of history at Warwick Castle. From ‘Stories with Santa’ to a festive light trail, ice skating rink to a panto, there’s loads to do. We’d suggest booking activities in advance as it will get very busy.
And it’s not just about the kids, indulge in an afternoon Christmas tea, tour around the castle and sample the winter food and drink village.
Harry Potter World in Watford runs from November 14th right through to the middle of January.
The film sets are dressed for Christmas – including snow!
The experience includes expert behind the scenes details on making the films and sets, plus you can enjoy a Butterbeer.
It wouldn’t be a Christmas list without a pantomime. (Oh yes it would). We’ve picked Cardiff as it’s a great place for shopping and history, before you sit down for the show. This year its Beauty And The Beast at the New Theatre. Running from December 5th until January 3rd, it stars Gethin Jones. There are special performances for the hard of hearing, those needing a more relaxed environment and a captioned performance.
London is always a magical place at Christmas. The lights around Oxford Street, Harrods window displays and toy department. But we’re opting for the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. The amount of experiences is vast:
Design your own trip on the dedicated website.
Shop til you drop with all the famous brands at discount prices. From BOSS to Gucci, Levi to Pandora, McArthur Glen Designer Outlets are perfect for present shopping.
Choose from five venues, Ashford, Bridgend, Cheshire Oaks, Cannock and York.
Each purpose built shopping village has plenty of parking, are accessible and combine shopping with food and drink venues.
Celebrate Christmas with a truly different experience. After a visit to the Zoo, come darkness the giant animal lanterns come to life.
From Lion to Flamingo, Red Panda to Butterfly, this is a unique event. Entry also includes a two course dinner.
So wrap up warm and experience Edinburgh Zoo this Christmas.
Guarantee a Christmas with real snow! Whether you can ski or board, want a lesson or an experience day, experience the UK’s largest indoor ski slope. The lodge bar is perfect for Après, and a great viewing point for non-participants.
And that wraps up our 10 Christmas Day Trips for 2026! We hope we have inspired you into taking your Minibus on a new adventure…
