The UNESCO-listed town comes alive with lanterns and tinsel in December – with 30p beers and T-shirt weather.
The city is lit up with lanterns(Image: Getty)
If you’re fed up with the prospect of yet another freezing cold Christmas market, clutching an £8 mug of mulled wine to keep warm, there’s an alternative option.
For a truly unique festive experience, this market deserves a spot on your bucket list.
With beers at just £0.30, hot chocolates for £1.50 and hundreds of twinkling lanterns lighting up the evening sky.
This enchanting market destination is Hoi An – a UNESCO-listed port town along Vietnam’s central coastline. Throughout December, this historic port transforms with glowing lanterns, fairy lights and tinsel adorning shop windows.
Whilst it might not deliver a conventional Christmas experience – it provides a breathtaking alternative at a fraction of the cost.
There are numerous stalls to explore offering everything from keepsakes to local confectionery and handcrafted goods. Vietnam is renowned for being budget-friendly and Hoi An maintains this reputation, reports the Express.
A glass of locally-brewed beer costs between £0.30 and £0.70 – even at the tourist-popular riverside locations.
Asia travel experts TransIndus describe December as one of the finest periods to experience Hoi An.
A spokesperson said: “Daytimes are usually in the low- to mid-20s, so it’s T-shirt weather for exploring the old streets, and in the evenings you might just want a light jacket if there’s a breeze coming off the river.”
It falls at the tail end of the wet season, meaning occasional downpours or overcast days are possible – but once the rain clears, the atmosphere becomes genuinely enchanting.
They said: “When the rain clears and the pavements start to dry, the reflections from the lanterns in the puddles are beautiful.
“You get steam rising off the street-food stalls, scooters back out within minutes, and the whole old town has this slightly surreal, cinematic feel.”
December in Hoi An blends Western festive imagery with Vietnamese lantern celebrations. Visitors might spot a nativity display or youngsters wearing Santa hats, before witnessing a silk-draped, illuminated riverboat gliding peacefully across the water.
It’s an ideal destination to break away from traditional Christmas habits and immerse yourself in a completely different culture.
Margam Country Park in Wales transforms into a magical winter wonderland in December, with a miniature fairy village, elf workshop and Santa feeding the deer
08:00, 27 Nov 2025Updated 08:17, 27 Nov 2025
The gothic castle was built in 1830(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A magical fairy village is hidden in the picturesque Margam Country Park, a sweeping gothic estate nestled in the old coal lands of Wales.
The park, near Port Talbot, is surrounded by stunning purple rhododendrons during the summer months and transforms into a winter wonderland in December with its enchanting miniature fairy village. This Welsh estate boasts a grand gothic country house, nestled within a vast expanse of land. The 19th-century mansion was crafted by architect Thomas Hopper for Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot in 1830, using sandstone sourced from the nearby Pyle quarry, according to Margam Country Park. The impressive staircase hall and octagonal tower offer panoramic views over the park, which offers a plethora of activities for the whole family, particularly during the festive season, reports Wales Online.
The Elf workshop provides children with a unique glimpse into Santa’s workshop, where they can participate in craft activities under the guidance of the head elf. Meanwhile, visitors can enjoy a festive winter walk in the gardens and watch Santa feed the deer. The fairy village consists of charming storybook-like buildings, including miniature houses all themed around fairytales, a willow cathedral, and a giant chess and draughts board. The fairy village is encircled by beautiful, award-winning Grade I listed gardens, complete with their own orangery. The Orangery is home to several large Tulip Trees, a Cork Oak and a very large cut-leaved Beech.
Margam Country Park, recognised for having the 2020 tree of the year – a historic fern-leaved beech with an impressive canopy surrounding the remains of one of the country’s first Cistercian abbeys, is also home to around 500 deer and other thriving wildlife hubs.
The park, built on former coal lands, witnessed extensive deforestation as allied forces scrambled for timber during the war. Now, the grass and scrubland is home to foxes, badgers, hares, grey squirrels, voles, moles and shrews, while woodland birds like the nuthatch, jay, blue tit, stonechat and reed bunting also inhabit the park.
Just two miles south of Port Talbot, Margram is easily accessible via the M4 motorway at Junction 38. Most attractions within the park open at 10am and close at 3.30pm, with fishing hours starting from 9.15am and Charlottes Pantry Café opening from 10.30am.
Car parking charges apply and can be paid using the on-site pay and display machines or with MiPermit, costing £8.50 per car, with an option to purchase an annual season parking ticket. Disabled parking is available at the rear of the estate, with additional disabled parking in the Orangery car park.
Seaton in Devon is a charming coastal town that comes to life at Christmas with light displays, festive workshops and a Polar Express tram ride that’s perfect for kids
Seaton is gorgeous for a weekend getaway(Image: Getty)
When it comes to Christmas holidays, if you’re looking to get away you might think of snowy Lapland or the bustling festivities of London.
However, there is one charming UK town that comes to life at Christmas.
It’s a true hidden gem in Devon and has plenty to explore over the festive season – as well as plenty of cosy cottages and pubs to warm up in and enjoy.
This stunning spot is Seaton on the east coast of Devon, a quaint fishing village that goes all out at Christmas.
There’s light displays, Christmassy workshops and a lovely welcoming community who are more than happy to show you around their beloved town, reports the Express.
Gemma Matthews, owner of Dorset & Devon Holiday Cottages, said: “There’s always plenty of events to experience in the run-up to the big day. Everything from wreath-making workshops, to pantomime and even Christmas park runs.
There’s really something for everyone to enjoy!”.
“The shopping at Seaton’s independent shops, Christmas fairs and markets is always a real highlight – it gives the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts and sample some of our local produce.”
If you have little ones, or you’re a kid at heart, then you can’t miss Seaton’s own Polar Express – a festively decorated tramcar that serves up hot chocolate and treats before taking riders to the ‘North Pole’ where they can meet Santa and his elves.
Gemma said: “The tramway is a must-visit at this time of year, their Polar Express ride will leave little ones in awe! Just like in the story, every guest gets to take home a silver sleigh bell, which is such a lovely memory of Seaton to look back on in years to come, to keep the magic alive.”
Should you time your visit perfectly, you’ll be able to witness the annual illumination of the Christmas lights which occurs on November 30 at 5:30pm.
Gemma remarked the lights transform the entire town into something resembling a fairytale scene “straight from a Christmas card.”
She added: “It’s quieter here in the winter compared to the summer months, but that just adds to the cosy, small-town charm and offers a much-needed tranquil escape from the bustling city markets and festive tourist hotspots frequently visited at this time of year.
“If you’re looking for an enchanting Christmas visit, Seaton is a must.”
Sasha Jones and Rhian Ewer, both 33, flew from Manchester Airport to Copenhagen for a Christmas market day trip that they said worked out cheaper than staying in the UK
Sasha and Rhian headed to Copenhagen for a fun day out(Image: Jam Press)
A couple jetted off to Copenhagen for a 14-hour Christmas market visit, claiming it was cheaper than attending one in the UK.
Sasha Jones and Rhian Ewer, both 33, embarked on their festive adventure from Manchester Airport with a return fare of just £58.
The pair boarded a 6.50am Ryanair flight and touched down in the Danish capital around 9.30am local time. Upon arrival, they made a beeline for Tivoli Gardens, one of Europe’s most renowned Christmas attractions.
They spent the entire day immersed in the festive spirit, perusing stalls and enjoying rides. “Christmas is our favourite time of year,” Sasha, from Warrington, Cheshire, shared with Luxury Travel Daily. “We love adventures, and Christmas always feels really magical, and the draw for us was the combination of markets and rides”.
“The markets were great, with lots of local sellers and homemade crafts and trinkets, although the markets within the gardens didn’t have many food and drink stalls. We had a fantastic day, the mix of markets and rides kept us entertained and busy. We even got to meet Santa Claus, who remembered us from our trip to Lapland earlier this year.
“It was such a fun experience, it was great to see how the markets differ from the ones back home and to see a variety of stalls. It was perfect, once the sun set, it took the place to a whole new level. The city had such a wholesome feel, and we were sad to leave. We spoke about putting our tree up the day after we got back, and were really in the spirit and were ready to start the festivities.”
They forked out just £52.40 on a return taxi to Manchester airport and utilised Copenhagen’s metro to reach the city centre for only £3.50 each way.
Due to Rhian’s disability access, Sasha was able to gain entry as a carer, meaning their full access ticket with rides cost just £45 in total.
The duo kept expenses low by bringing their own breakfast bagels from home. Lunch came to £7 for chicken strips, and they dined at a burger bar, spending around £40 for two burgers, chips and drinks.
They boarded a 9.50pm Easyjet flight home and touched down in Manchester at 11pm. The entire trip cost the pair £113 each, and they reckon a journey to London’s Christmas markets would have set them back twice as much. Pub general manager, Sasha, added: “It’s cheaper than travelling to London for the markets.
“It usually costs at least £80 for a return from Warrington to London. And we explored markets in a completely different country, but were in our own beds at the end of the day. It was an amazing day.”
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A grotto visit can offer so much more than just meeting the man in red. Many Santa’s grottos now include a range of activities and experiences in the ticket price, giving you a full day of festive family fun
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Santa will soon be opening his grotto doors(Image: James Manning/PA Wire)
Meeting Father Christmas is essential in the lead-up to the festive period. However, many families want a grotto visit that offers far more than simply handing over their Christmas list.
Many Santa experiences now feature a variety of activities included in the admission cost, providing families with an entire day of seasonal entertainment.
Countless grottos and Christmas attractions have emerged in recent years, offering distinctive and unforgettable experiences. Here’s a summary of some of the most exciting ways to meet Santa, whether aboard a festive train or within a grotto in a historic castle.
The Polar Express Train Ride
Millennial mums and dads who remember watching the 2004 film The Polar Express will undoubtedly love this immersive seasonal experience as much as their kids. Don your Christmas pyjamas and climb aboard the themed train where you’ll be welcomed by staff dressed as characters from the film, such as the Conductor.
As the train, adorned with Christmas decorations, departs the platform, there will be interactive performances, festive treats, and more to savour onboard. And just like in the picture, Santa will stop by each youngster on the train to present them with a silver bell, showing that they still believe.
The Polar Express proved enormously successful in 2024, with one reviewer who experienced the London Euston service commenting: “We had the best experience from start to finish last year, the show was so interactive and there was never a dull moment”.
Locations: London Euston, South Devon Railway, Spa Valley Railway, Kent and Wensleydale Railway, Yorkshire
Prices: From £59.95 per person
Lapland UK
Lapland UK is a ‘fully-immersive’ Christmas experience that takes families on a magical four-hour journey through an enchanted forest. Along the way, you’ll encounter numerous elves and partake in activities ranging from a visit to the Lapland Toy Factory to Little Rudi’s Stables, where you can meet the reindeer.
A white Christmas is always guaranteed at Lapland UK, courtesy of its snow machines, offering an experience as close as possible to a trip to the North Pole without boarding a flight. There’s ice skating, festive shows, and much more to explore, and naturally, your adventure concludes with a visit to Father Christmas and a cherished keepsake photo.
Since 2007, Lapland UK has been based in Ascot, and this year it’s also launching in Manchester, spreading the festive cheer to even more people.
Locations: Whitmoor Forest, Ascot, and Capesthorne Hall, Manchester
Prices: From £75 per person
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Hamleys
Hamleys, self-described as the world’s largest and oldest toy shop, is the ideal place to meet Santa and gather some inspiration for your Christmas shopping. The Regent Street store is adorned with Christmas lights for the festive season, going all out with glittering decorations, and features six floors of toys to peruse.
Once your children have compiled their Christmas list, they can visit Santa in his Hamleys grotto and will receive a special gift bag to take home.
Location: Hamleys, Regent Street, London
Prices: Starting from £65 for a group of three (one adult and two children, or two adults and one child)
Christmas at Warwick Castle
The historic Warwick Castle is set to host Christmas at the Castle. Here, youngsters will not only get to meet Santa but also enjoy a cosy storytime session with him.
The castle will be adorned with festive decorations and lights. Besides meeting Santa, families can enjoy an ice rink, a festive food and drink village, and a brand-new Christmas light trail within the grounds.
There are also Santa Sleepover packages on offer where you can stay at the castle and enjoy an elf wake-up call, evening entertainment, and more.
Location: Warwick Castle, Warwickshire
Prices: Daytime entry plus stories with Santa starting from £29 per person, ice skating from £8pp, light trail from £17pp
Eden Project
The Eden Project’s Biomes will be illuminated for the festive season, with Father Christmas making a visit to the Cornwall-based attraction. Visitors to the unique botanical gardens will be treated to an immersive experience, culminating in a visit to Santa and a special keepsake to take home.
On selected dates, the park will extend its opening hours, allowing visitors to witness its transformation into a twinkling winter wonderland. Each Biome will offer its own festive experience; for instance, the Mediterranean Biome will feature a light show and festive music.
Additionally, there will be a Christmassy undercover ice rink, and festive food available for purchase in the cafes.
Location: Par, Cornwall
Prices: Visits to Father Christmas start from £16 per person, light trail from £5.50pp, ice skating from £11 per adult. Entry to the Eden Project for adults starts from £38, children from £12, under-fives go free
Father Christmas at London Zoo
Why not mix a trip to Santa’s grotto with a day at the zoo for the ultimate Christmas-themed family day out?
London Zoo offers a variety of packages for those wanting to meet Santa. Little ones can simply enjoy some Christmas crafts before their meet, or you can upgrade to a deluxe package which includes an immersive quest in the attraction’s new ZooTown play area.
You can also opt for the Meet Santa VIP Breakfast, which allows you to enter the zoo at 8am before normal opening, with a special tour before the crowds arrive.
Ludlow is a beautiful market town in Shropshire, which has everything you could want, from regular food festivals to historic sites and stunning countryside walks
Isobel Pankhurst Audience Writer and Chloe Dobinson
Those seeking a peaceful escape from Britain’s bustling cities should consider Ludlow, a picturesque market town in Shropshire that offers everything from regular food festivals to historic landmarks and breathtaking countryside walks. Whilst sometimes overshadowed by neighbouring Shrewsbury and Hereford, Ludlow remains an essential destination for anyone visiting the region.
From its medieval castle and museums to restaurants housed in ancient halls and pubs within 16th-century buildings, Ludlow’s rich heritage is proudly showcased throughout. The castle dates back to the Norman Conquest and ranks among the “finest medieval ruins” in Britain, according to the Ludlow Castle website.
Given its location near Wales, Ludlow Castle served a crucial function during the English-Welsh conflicts. In 1223, King Henry III and Welsh prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth held peace negotiations at the fortress.
Throughout history, Ludlow Castle has housed many prominent personalities, including Roger Mortimer, who joined forces with Queen Isabella to depose her husband, Edward II, in 1327.
During the 15th century, Edward IV frequently visited Ludlow and established a governing council there to oversee his Welsh territories.
Edward IV also dispatched his sons, the future King Edward V and his brother Prince Richard, to reside at the castle. The brothers would subsequently become infamous as the Princes in the Tower, after they vanished from the Tower of London in 1483, reports the Express.
Ludlow Castle also holds profound historical significance as the place where Prince Arthur died in 1502, a tragedy that ultimately paved the way for his younger brother to ascend the throne as King Henry VIII.
Since the Civil War, Ludlow Castle has gradually crumbled into ruins, though much of its impressive exterior remains intact, making it well worth exploring.
Another must-see attraction is St Laurence’s Church, which, like the castle, traces its origins back to the Norman invasion. As Shropshire’s largest parish church, St Laurence’s has earned the nickname “Cathedral of the Marches”.
Those seeking outdoor relaxation can visit Ludlow Millennium Green or enjoy a walk along the Mortimer Trail, a long-distance footpath stretching from Ludlow to Kington on the Herefordshire-Wales border.
No trip to Ludlow would be complete without stopping at the renowned Ludlow Farm Shop, which promises a “one-of-a-kind” shopping experience, according to the town’s official website.
The town regularly plays host to Antique, Local Produce and Craft Markets. It’s worth checking the Ludlow Market website before your visit if you fancy attending any of these events.
As the festive season approaches, families will be delighted to learn that Santa will be taking up residence at Ludlow Castle from 6 to 23 December, giving children the chance to enjoy a magical encounter with Father Christmas in the castle’s stunning grotto.
A day out at a theme park isn’t just a summer activity. Many parks will be open for Christmas-themed fun, and you’ll find fun, festive activities to suit all ages
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Theme parks such as Drayton Manor will be decked out for Christmas(Image: Drayton Manor)
Looking for a festive day out for all the family? Many theme parks will be opening their doors for the Christmas season with a range of activities for all the family. In addition to themed days out, some parks will also be offering special short breaks, with extras such as Santa visits and evening entertainment and even the chance to enjoy a festive-themed sleepover at the on-park hotels. Here’s a round-up of some of the most popular theme parks in the UK and what they’ll be offering this November and December.
Alton Towers – Magical Days Out
From £18 per person
In the run up to Christmas and the New Year, Alton Towers offers Magical Days Out starting at just £18 per person. While it’s a cheaper way to visit the park, it’s worth noting that only CBeebies Land and Mutiny Bay are open, plus a couple of the bigger rides, so you don’t expect all the usual thrill rides to be available.
However, the park is set to be decked out in festive decorations, and visitors can enjoy Christmas-themed shows such as Hey Duggee Live: The Christmas Badge!, which is bound to be a hit with the younger members of the family.
Families can also book a Santa Sleepover at one of the park’s on-site hotels, starting at £91 per person. This includes a one-day theme park ticket, a visit to Santa’s grotto, a traditional pantomime, and a festive dinner and entertainment for the whole family. Booking the Santa Sleepover also gives you access to the on-site waterpark and crazy golf.
Three of Gulliver’s theme parks will be offering Christmas events: Rotherham, Milton Keynes, and Warrington, with a selection of Christmas rides and attractions open during this time. What’s available over the festive period varies by park, and some of the activities on offer include festive breakfasts, Santa’s grottos, Christmas shows, Elf workshops, and more, with a variety of packages available.
Each park will also have a Land of Lights attraction – a spectacular light trail that opens during the winter. Tickets for this attraction are sold separately and start at £13.75 per person.
Drayton Manor say they’ve unwrapped their “biggest and most magical Christmas plans ever”. The Midland-based park, which is best-known for being the home of Thomas Land, will open on selected dates from November 22 to December 31 with most of the park’s rides open.
There will also be a range of themed attractions for family days out. Fans of Elf on the Shelf can enjoy Elftoria, with the cheeky creatures taking over the park and adding a mischievous touch to your day. Children can even take part in pranking workshops and enjoy a live elf show.
Kids can visit the Castle Grotto, which will include a story-time experience with Mrs Claus and a visit to the man in red, while Thomas Land will be decked out in seasonal decorations and have festive family shows. In the evening, families can board the Twinkling Express, a gentle journey surrounded by Christmas light trails.
Paultons, perhaps most famous for being the home of Peppa Pig World, will be turning their park into a Christmas wonderland. On selected dates through December, visitors can visit Peppa and friends in their festive clothing, enjoy Santa’s Christmas Wish show, or enjoy festive-themed menus in the park’s cafes.
If you prefer thrill rides, the Tornado Springs are will be also be open as well as selected rides in Lost Kingdom and Critter Creek.
Chessington’s Christmas village ticket will include a selection of the park’s rides, as well as access to the zoo and SEA LIFE centre. Visitors will be able to enjoy a Christmassy silent disco, wander through a snowy trail, and see the elves making toys in their workshop. Of course, there’s also a visit to Santa to give him your Christmas list.
Visitors can stay for longer by booking the on-site Safari or Azteca Resort Hotel, and there’s even a range of VIP experiences that can be added onto your package to create unique Christmas memories. Book an elf wake up call, with a small pre-Christmas gift for the kids, or take part in a reindeer encounter and see Santa’s helpers up close.
But the fun doesn’t stop once January comes round. Chessington now offer a themed Christmas Room, which will be a permanent fixture in their hotel year-round. No matter when you visit, you’ll be able to enjoy a decorated tree, Christmas crackers, hot chocolate, and even a decorated Christmas parking space. It’s perfect for the Christmas obsessive in your life.
