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5 Family-Friendly Christmas Activities Across the Midlands

  • Writer: Jing Wei Lau
    Jing Wei Lau
  • 5 hours ago
  • 3 min read
People sit inside a tent with snow falling outside. A wooden barrel and a metal cylinder are in the foreground, creating a cozy atmosphere.

There’s always something quietly magical about this time of the year.


The moment December rolls in, the Midlands starts to glow - town squares feel cosier, small businesses start decking the halls, and Christmas events pop up on every corner. And honestly? You don’t need to travel far (or spend lots of money) to feel the festive magic.


Whether you’re in Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, or Milton Keynes, there are plenty of family-friendly Christmas activities happening right on your doorstep - so you can enjoy the festive season while supporting independents and keeping it local!


Here are five activities to make this Christmas season truly special:


  1. Christmas Lights Switch-On (and where to see them all December long) 


Nothing says “Christmas has officially begun” like the moment the lights switch on - the countdown, the cheer, the sparkle that instantly transforms a town centre.


Where to catch them: 



But if you’ve missed the big switch-on this year, don’t worry. You can still wander through some of these Midlands’ most magical displays all throughout December.


  1. Festive Street Food Events

We might be biased, but a festive street food pop-up is an absolute must. Imagine the scent of mulled cider, the sizzle from the pans, and the warm glow of food trucks decked out in fairy lights.


Expect festive favourites like spiced hot chocolate, Yorkshire pudding wraps, festive burgers, gourmet churros and artisanal gingerbread + bakes!


Upcoming festive food events:



You can follow your favourite vendors on the Indi Local app and get push notifications when they’re trading near you.


  1. Christmas Artisan Markets


If you want to tick off Christmas shopping and support independents, artisan markets are basically the holy grail.

Across the Midlands you’ll find:

These are the places where you find gifts that actually mean something - hand-poured candles, small-batch treats, handmade jewellery, unique artwork.


You can also find and follow plenty of talented artisan traders on the Indi Local app!



  1. Wreath-Making Workshops


Few things feel as wholesome as spending an afternoon surrounded by evergreen sprigs, cinnamon sticks, dried oranges, and a room full of people chasing the same cosy Christmas moment.


Wreath-making workshops are not only festive, but they’re grounding, creative, and perfect for families or friends looking for a mindful activity

Christmas wreath workshop


  1. A Cozy Festive Pub Lunch or Dinner


There’s nothing like stepping into a warm Midlands pub in December - twinkly lights overhead, winter menus in full swing, and that fireplace glow that feels a bit like a hug. It’s the perfect time to build a festive pub lunch or dinner into your weekend plans. 


Here are some cozy pubs you can check out:

  • Northamptonshire: Fox & Hounds, Lower Harlestone

  • Milton Keynes: Bell & Bear, Emberton

  • Bedfordshire: Kings Arms Bedford

  • Hertfordshire: Elephant & Castle, St Albans



Many pubs go all-out for the season too: think Christmas carols drifting through the room, mulled drinks by the fire, and in some places, you can even meet real reindeers. A proper December treat.


Bringing the Christmas Magic Closer to Home


This year, you don’t need to travel to a big city to experience the best of Christmas.You can shop local, eat local, explore local and make your festive season feel more meaningful in the process.


Hands interact with a smartphone displaying a colorful map app. Date shows Nov 15, 2025. Background includes green plants.
Indi Local discovery map

On the Indi Local app, you’ll find festive markets, winter workshops, street food pop-ups and plenty of brilliant small businesses bringing the season to life.

✔️ See who’s trading live

✔️ Get notified when your favourite vendors pop up

✔️ View menus, pop-up schedules & more in one place


So wrap up warm, check what’s happening near you, and make this Christmas one filled with community, cosy moments, and Midlands magic right on your doorstep.





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