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Top 20 Best Outdoor Christmas Activities
The holiday season is the perfect time to embrace the magic of winter and enjoy outdoor festivities! Whether you're in search of a snowy adventure or a cosy gathering under the twinkling Christmas lights, here are the top 20 outdoor activities to make this Christmas season one to remember.
There are plenty of outdoor activities you can experience at your Away Resorts holiday park, including the stunning Forest of Lights festival at Sandy Balls or Winterfest at Tattershall Lakes.
Christmas Light Strolls
Strolling through a beautifully decorated park or neighbourhood lined with festive lights is a classic way to embrace the holiday spirit. Many cities offer public light displays and themed walking tours for that cosy Christmas glow. The Forest Of Light festival at Sandy Balls has a stunning array of Christmas Lights.
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Outdoor Ice Skating
Whether you're a pro or a beginner, ice skating is a beloved winter pastime. Many cities set up seasonal rinks in scenic locations with holiday decorations and music for an extra-festive atmosphere.
The outstanding Eden Project in Cornwall have a seasonal ice skating ring, and it is only a 30-minute drive from Newquay Bay.
Christmas Markets
Outdoor Christmas markets bring European charm to holiday shopping. These markets typically have stalls selling handmade goods, unique holiday gifts, and festive treats like roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate, and mulled wine. The perfect Christmas outing for you and your family to experience from your holiday park.
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Sleigh Rides or Horse-Drawn Carriage
A sleigh ride through snowy fields or a horse-drawn carriage in a Christmas-lit town can feel straight out of a storybook. Many farms and small towns offer this experience, often with hot drinks or blankets for added cosiness.
Tree Farm Visit
For families and friends, visiting a local Christmas tree farm to pick and cut down your tree is an experience filled with holiday joy. These farms often provide saws, hot cider, and fun seasonal activities.
Outdoor Carolling
Nothing spreads Christmas cheer quite like carolling. Gather friends and family for a traditional outdoor carolling event for some festive fun. At Sandy Balls, you can also hear festive singalongs for your family to enjoy.
Traditional Christmas lunch walk
After you have finished your delicious Christmas lunch, a peaceful countryside walk taking in the beautiful winter scenery is the perfect outdoor Christmas experience.
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Christmas-Themed Hayrides
Christmas hayrides often feature decorations, lights, and holiday music, taking you on a scenic route through decorated neighbourhoods or countryside areas. Some even incorporate visits from Santa or other Christmas characters.
Snowman Building Contests
For those lucky enough to have snow, snowman-building contests are a fun, active way to spend time outdoors. Gather friends and family to build creative snow sculptures, with prizes for the most unique or festive designs.
Holiday-themed Scavenger Hunts
Create a Christmas-themed scavenger hunt with clues to lead family and friends through decorated parks or neighbourhoods. It's a fun, interactive way to explore while keeping everyone on their toes for surprises! Your holiday park is the perfect location for this.
Reindeer Encounters
Many holiday festivals and farms bring in real reindeer for guests to see up close. Learning about these gentle animals is both a fun and educational experience for children and adults alike.
Outdoor Gingerbread House Decorating
Some holiday markets and festivals set up outdoor stations where you can decorate your own gingerbread house. This is especially fun for families with young kids and offers a hands-on, creative activity in a festive setting. Our holiday parks even offer a Mrs Claus baking station so you can make your favourite Christmas treats.
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Winter Hiking
Snowshoeing and winter hiking offer a peaceful way to enjoy nature and stay active. Many national parks and local trails provide rental equipment, and the scenery often looks magical under a blanket of snow. The New Forest is the perfect place to explore in a blanket of snow.
Christmas Bonfire Nights
Organising a bonfire night with hot cocoa, marshmallow roasting, and holiday music creates a warm, inviting outdoor gathering. Many communities host Christmas bonfires as a festive way to celebrate together.
Look for festive winter wildlife
Nature is central to many Christmas traditions, from cheerful robins on holiday cards to evergreen decorations around our homes. While you're out for a walk, keep an eye out for:
Red-breasted robin, bright red holly berries, ivy, pinecones, sharp needles on pine trees, deer – it might not be Rudolph, but you could spot a red, roe, fallow, or muntjac deer.
Holiday 5K Fun Runs
Many towns host themed 5K runs or walks for the holidays, often called "Santa Runs." Participants usually wear festive attire, making it a fun and healthy way to get into the holiday spirit.
Christmas Eve Stargazing
Winter's longer nights are perfect for stargazing. Bundle up and find a clear spot for viewing, and you may even spot a "Christmas star" or meteor shower. Some parks and observatories host holiday stargazing events for a magical Christmas Eve.
Hot Chocolate or Mulled Wine
Christmas markets, town squares, and holiday festivals often feature numerous hot drink stands. Enjoy an outdoor "hot chocolate crawl" or sample different mulled wines to keep warm while exploring. Many of our resorts offer these delicious festive treats.
Christmas Fireworks Display
Some cities and towns end their Christmas festivities with fireworks on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Watching fireworks with a winter skyline as a backdrop is a magical experience for all ages.
Polar Plunge
For the bold and brave, the Christmas Polar Plunge is a tradition that involves taking a dip in icy waters. While not for everyone, it's a unique and invigorating experience that brings people together for a great cause, as many plunges are held as charity fundraisers.
Creating Cherished Holiday Memories
These Christmas activities are part of what makes that festive season extra special for children while creating cherished memories that last a lifetime.
From creative projects and outdoor fun to heartwarming family traditions, these activities bring the magic of Christmas into everyday moments. Whether baking cookies or touring festive light displays, the joy of the holiday season shines brightest when experienced together.
Away Resorts Festive events
Winterfest - from 1st Nov to 23rd Dec
The enchanting family Christmas event at Tattershall Lakes. A magical celebration of the holiday season that showcases themed entertainment and exciting experiences that all the family will love.
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Forest of Light - from 1st Nov-2nd Jan
Step into a mesmerizing wonderland at Sandy Balls for the Forest of Light! Prepare to be enchanted as you venture into a world of magical illumination as the forest comes alive with a breathtaking display of twinkly lights!
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