IT’S the final week before Christmas arrives, and with some schools now breaking up and people using up their annual leave, there are plenty of free events to enjoy across England.
Whether you’re looking for something free to do with the kids or want to enjoy a bit of festive cheer yourself, there is something for everyone.
Don’t celebrate Christmas? Not to worry, there are things for you too.
Winter Solstice at Stonehenge
This Sunday, December 21, the Winter Solstice will take place.
On the day, English Heritage provides free access to Stonehenge on the Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England to see the moment itself.
Parking must be pre-booked or there is a regular bus service from Salisbury city centre.
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Waterstones Christmas events
A number of Waterstones stores across the UK are hosting free Christmas events this week.
On December 17, head to Waterstones Newton Abbot in Devon or Newport on the Isle of Wight for some late night shopping with mulled wine and mince pies.
On December 18, a number of stores are running events including late night shopping at Waterstones Merry Hill, Middlesbrough, Huddersfield and Doncaster.
Also on December 18, you could head to Waterstones Exeter, Roman Gate, for a festive evening with appearances from Kate Lord Brown (author of The Golden Hour) and Alexandra Dawe (author The Stitchwort Curse), alongside the Global Harmony Choir.
Lowry 360, Manchester
Manchester has a new free immersive gallery experience, where visitors can immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of LS Lowry’s iconic painting, Going to the Match.
You do need to book tickets though, which also gives you access to Modern Life: The LS Lowry Collection and Quentin Blake and Me.
Tudor Christmas – the final Gresham College lecture
Gresham College lectures are free public talks in London, that have been running for over four centuries and cover a vast variety of topics.
The final lecture of the year will be all about how the Tudors celebrated 12 days of feasting, carols, gift giving and mischief under the Lord of Misrule.
If you cannot attend in person, there is also a livestream of the lecture.
It takes place on December 17, from 6pm to 7pm.
Carol Services
With it being the festive season, there are a number of free carol services across the UK.
For example, you could head to Toddler Carols at Bristol Cathedral, which is an informal carol service where “energy, noise, and movement that young children bring” is welcome.
The carol services take place on December 17 at 11am, 2pm and 3:30pm.
At Langham Place, in London, there will also be free All Souls Carols with Christmas punch and mince pies.
There’s no need to book, but it is recommended that if you want a seat, to turn up early.
The event will take place on December 18 at 5.30pm and 7.30pm, December 20 at 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm and on December 21 at 9.30am, 5.30pm and 7.30pm.
If you are looking for a free carol service near you, look at local churches websites and Christmas markets as these places often host a festive sing-song session.
Cotehele: Wassail! in Saltash, Cornwall
At the National Trust‘s Cotehele, there will be an annual Wassail this week, which is supposed to scare away evil spirits from the orchard to ensure a good harvest next year.
The event includes singing songs alongside a band and fancy dress is encouraged.
It takes place on December 20, 11am to 12:30pm.
Birmingham Xmas Reindeer Trail
In Birmingham city centre you can currently discover a Reindeer Trail including Rudolph, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen.
Four of the reindeer have been given a refresh since last year, with new designs.
And there is even a Roy Wood I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day theme.
Visitors can find a trail map online, which can be downloaded and for kids there’s a game to find a hidden word.
On each reindeer there is a letter and when collected all together the letters spell out a word.
The free event runs until January 6, with reindeer spread across the city centre.
The Cosy Christmas Corner at Ikea Bristol
Ikea stores across the UK run a lot of events, most of which are free.
On Sunday, December 21, between 12pm and 4pm, head to Ikea Bristol and enjoy the Cosy Christmas Corner, where there will be storytelling.
You don’t need to book and when there, the Christmas Elf will share festive stories lasting 15 to 20 minutes a time.
The Austen Ball at the Bank of England
Head to the Bank of England in London on Thursday for The Austen Ball, which will be an evening inspired by the world of Jane Austen.
The event will transform the Stock Office into a grand ball, with a free historical dance workshop and silhouette portrait-making.
The event takes place on Thursday 18 December, from 5.15pm to 8pm.
Christmas in Comer Woods
Located at Dudmaston Estate, in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, there is a volunteer-led three mile walk through Sandilands.
Visitors can enjoy the coastal air as well as potentially see some local wildlife.
Volunteer-led walks will run from December 15 to 24, from 9am to 3pm each day.
Harland Miller at the Design Museum
There is a new display at the Design Museum in London showcasing paintings by the artist Harland Miller and it includes brand new work by the artist.
Visitors cam head to the museum between now and January 26 to see the canvases, which reflect on Miller’s time living in Los Angeles.
La Nativité at Bristol Cathedral
In Bristol, head to La Nativité on Monday, which will feature music, the smell of incense and be performed by candlelight.
And, for the first time in 18 months, the cathedral organ will be heard again following restoration.
Messiaen’s 1935 masterpiece will be played through the performance as well.
No charge or booking required and the show takes place on December 15, 7pm to 8:30pm.
For more inspiration on things to do with the kids over the festive period, a huge new waterpark has opened with 16 attractions and lazy river.
Plus, a huge movie and TV studios opening as top UK attraction next year – that lets you walk onto sets like EastEnders.