For the one who’s on a first date  

Lights, laughter, and maybe a cheeky kiss under a mistletoe, it's Christmas date night done right. Christmas at Kew has a magical glow with thousands of lights, interactive installations, and floating lilies. It’s romantic, magical, and guaranteed to earn you a second date. Or, Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre has everything to eat, shop, and be merry in the historic grounds of Henry VIII’s palace. With artisan food, mulled wine, and live music, it’s basically a festive fairy tale.  

• Nearest station to Kew Gardens: Kew Bridge

• Nearest station to Hampton Court Palace: Hampton Court 

For the one who has little elves in tow 

Everyone has a kid obsessed with LEGO, so the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort is another perfect option. Festive shows, themed rides, and a meet-and-greet with Father Christmas make this the perfect family day out. And you can get 1/3 OFF entry to LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort with National Rail’s Days Out Guide when you go by train.

For the ultimate festive playground, try Nottingham Winter Wonderland. It’s got an ice bar, slides, an ice skating rink and sky path, markets and live entertainment, all wrapped up in a bow of twinkling lights.

• Nearest station to LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort: Windsor 

• Nearest station to Nottingham Winter Wonderland: Nottingham

For the one who thinks food *is* the festive season

If you’re on a mission to taste your way through Christmas, this section is for you.  

The magical thing about London for foodies is that there are Christmas markets everywhere you turn. Down at Christmas at Borough Market, the air is thick with the scent of melting cheese, mulled wine, and warm chatter. Join their famous Evening of Cheese to sample the finest festive bites. Or head to Christmas Under the Canopy at Kings Cross or the Southbank Centre Winter Market, where you can grab a mulled wine and enjoy a scenic view of the Thames. Not far from London Liverpool Street, you can also find festive fare at the Old Spitalfields Christmas Market.

• Nearest station to Borough Market: London Bridge 

• Nearest station to Christmas Under the Canopy: London Kings Cross

• Nearest station to Southbank Centre Winter Market: London Waterloo

• Nearest station to Old Spitalfields Christmas Market: London Liverpool Street

For the one who’s obsessed with the lights 

If your festive season isn’t complete without a little dazzle, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is your winter playground. Plant-themed projections transform Inverleith House, while floating candles, dancing batons and rainbow-bright grasses light up the 2025 trail. With Edinburgh Castle sparkling in the distance, it’s a dream for anyone who lives for twinkly things. 

In London, you can hop on board a double decker for the London Christmas Lights Night Tour, and get 1/3 off with National Rail’s Days Out Guide when you go by train. Or, use some pedal-power and join the London Bicycle Tour Company Christmas Lights Tour, which is 2FOR1 with National Rail’s Days Out Guide. 

• Nearest station to Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh: Edinburgh 

• Nearest station to London Christmas Lights Night Tour – Big Bus Tours: London Waterloo

• Nearest station to London Bicycle Tour Company Christmas Lights Tour: London Waterloo

For the one who wants to escape the crowds

If you can’t get around the shoulder-to-shoulder bustle of the festive season, Winchester Cathedral's Christmas market is your sweet spot. Its charming Christmas market offers handcrafted presents, artisan food, and premium crafts, all beneath sparkling lights that turn the Cathedral Close. You can escape to Winchester Cathedral itself for some real tranquility too, and get 2FOR1 entry with National Rail’s Days Out Guide.

Or simply opt for a midweek daytime visit at any of the bigger markets for a peaceful wander, mulled wine in hand and plenty of breathing room.  

• Nearest station to Winchester Cathedral: Winchester  

For the one who wants Christmas on a budget

Festive fun doesn’t have to come with a scary bill. 

Meet Santa for free at Kirkgate Market in Leeds on select December dates or, take a trip over to the seaside town of Bournemouth, to find the glittering and colourful light trail at the Christmas Tree Wonderland.   

• Nearest station to Kirkgate Market: Leeds

• Nearest station to Christmas Tree Wonderland: Bournemouth

For the one who lives for the drama

Because for you, Christmas just isn’t complete without a little drama – the good, glittering, musical kind. At All I Want for Christmas is Cabaret!, get ready for sequins, sass and show-stopping sparkle. This glittering West End variety show mixes drag, burlesque, musical theatre, and comedy into one fabulous festive night out. Plus you can get 1/3 OFF with the National Rail Days Out Guide.

Or settle in for a Christmas classic on stage, with our Theatre Offers. Get great discounts on festive shows, including Elf The Musical, The Snowman, A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story and Christmas Carol Goes Wrong.

•  Nearest station to London’s West End: London Charing Cross