WITH Christmas this week, you more than likely already have a few things in the diary – but for those odd days around the big day itself, here’s some inspiration for when you need to get the kids out the house.
Whilst a lot of places are closed on the big day itself and Boxing Day, many attractions, destinations and events are still open the rest of the week.
And some even on Christmas Eve.
So here’s a round up of some of the best free things to do across the UK between December 22 and 28.
Britain’s Bayeux Tapestry, Reading Museum
Located at Reading Museum, just two minutes from Reading train station, visitors can see Britain’s Bayeux Tapestry – a full-size replica of Normandy’s Bayeux Tapestry.
This is ideal to see ahead of the Norman Bayeux Tapestry coming to the British Museum in autumn next year – though, this will be a paid-for experience.
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Britain’s Bayeux Tapestry is a full-size replica of the Norman one and is permanently located at Reading Museum, which is free to visit.
The tapestry measures 70 metres long and depicts the Norman conquest of England.
In the late 19th century, Britain decided it should have its own tapestry and so a group of Victorian embroiderers recreated the tapestry in full.
There are two main differences between the British tapestry and the Norman one – the Victorian embroidered underwear on the naked people in the British one and the ladies who embroidered the British one added their names to the end of the tapestry.
Head to the museum between December 22 and 24 to catch a glimpse of the tapestry before the museum closes for Christmas.
Paul Vanstone x David Aaron – Carrara Triceratops Skull
From now until December 31, you can see a marble life-sized skull of a Triceratops in Mayfair, London.
Created by British artist Paul Vanstone, the sculpture has been created in collaboration with the David Aaron gallery.
The sculpture can be found in Berkeley Square, Mayfair.
Wallace & Gromit in A Case at the Museum Exhibition, Preston
At The Harris in Preston, visitors can explore a hands-on exhibition of Aardman’s Wallace and Gromit.
Named A Case at the Museum, the exhibition marks the reopening of The Harris and showcases 35 years of Wallace and Gromit.
The exhibition explores the life of the creator of Wallace and Gromit – Nick Park – from growing up in Lancashire to the influence the region had on his characters and films.
Through the exhibition, visitors get to see original sets and models, storyboards, concept art, early sketches and even strike a pose in Wallace’s living room.
The museum and exhibition are both free to visit, with the museum only closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Though on Christmas Eve, The Harris is only open until midday.
Christmas Bauble Trail, St Albans
Until December 28, families can venture on a Christmas bauble trail around St Albans.
There are 12 baubles in total to spot, and you could even win a prize.
Boxing Day Swims, Various
A number of locations across the country host a Boxing Day Swim each year, where brave souls run into the chilly water for a dip.
A lot you have to either pay for or pre-book, but there are still a number that are free to participate in.
Though, most swims are for charity so donations are encouraged.
For example, you could head to Ventnor Bay on the Isle of Wight, where swimmers often wear pyjamas before running into the water.
The swim takes place on Boxing Day at 12pm.
Or head to North Norfolk Beach for the Runners’ Boxing Day Dip, where there is both a run starting at 11:30am and a splash in the sea at 12:30pm.
To find out if there is a Boxing Day Swim near you, just search your location and ‘Boxing Day Swim’.
Alternatively, some places host a New Year’s Day dip.
Christmas Lights, Various
Before they disappear for another year, make sure to check out the Christmas lights near you.
Whether that be Regent Street‘s iconic angels or the houses decked out in your nearby village, spotting Christmas lights makes the ideal festive walk.
Snoopy in the City, London
Until January 16, if you live in London you can still explore the Snoopy in the City sculpture trail.
Dotted around London’s Fleet Street Quarter, there are 12 Snoopy sculptures, all decorated by different artists, to find.
The trail celebrates 75 years of the Peanuts comic strip, created by Charles M Schulz.
Those trying to follow the trail can download a map on Wild in Art’s website.
Ikea events, various
In the lead up to Christmas, Ikea is still running its events including free ‘present hunts’ at Ikea Cardiff until December 23.
Or at Ikea Lakeside, visitors can make Christmas cards with the last session taking place on December 23.
Also tomorrow, from 10am to 11am, head to Ikea Southampton to have breakfast with Santa.
Justin Carter’s Liquid Light at the BottleWorks, Newcastle
Artist Justin Carter, who has showcased his work in Europe, Japan, China, Australia and America, has an exhibition at the BottleWorks in Newcastle.
The exhibition ‘Liquid Light’ showcases how important location can be to Justin and features a number of watercolour artworks.
You can visit on December 23 from 10am.
Ice skating, Blackpool
Ice skating at Christmas usually costs you an arm and a leg for just one person.
And then by the time you calculate how much it will cost for a family of four, you are nearing the £100 mark.
Up until January 4, you can head to the outdoor skating rink in Blackpool at the Christmas by the Sea village.
It sits below the iconic Blackpool Tower and is free to visit, with free skate hire as well.
The ice rink measures 20 metres in total and is open each day between 12pm and 9pm (apart from Christmas Day).
You don’t need to book, just turn up.
Christmas Rave, London
On Christmas Eve in the capital you can head to a free rave.
Located at Club Makossa in East London, ravers can head underground for some techno before the big day.
Whilst entry is free, there is a £1 donation to New Horizons Youth Centre in King’s Cross.
You can also enter a raffle at the rave and could win numerous prices from a £30 bar tab to event tickets.
The rave starts at 5pm and ends at midnight.
For more inspiration on what to do during the Twixmas period, here are 50 things to do between Christmas and New Year across the UK – including free activities and immersive experiences.
Plus, all the UK rides and attractions that we lost in 2025 and the exciting ones coming in 2026.