Things to do this festive season

The festive season is nearly upon us and with it, the excitement and busyness – though it is a time of good cheer, it can be incredibly stressful for those with additional accessibility needs. To help you have the merriest of Christmas lead ups, we’ve compiled some suggestions for accessible events and activities from our members, so if you’re looking to inject some Christmas cheer into the next couple of weeks, check out the below!

Accessible theatre and performances

From pantos to musicals, there’s something very exciting about heading to the theatre over the Christmas period. You can of course find a host of performances across the UK here in December, too.

Buxton Opera House in Derbyshire are hosting several accessible performances of Cinderella through December. On 13^th December, there is an Autism Friendly performance at 5.30pm and later in the month, on 28^th December, there will be a BSL performance too. These performances are adapted and you’ll also find hearing loops available for these and other performances.

Find out more about their accessibility here

Elsewhere in the UK, Curve Leicester are putting on captioned performances of The Owl who came for Christmas on 16^th and 30^th December and an audio described production of Evita on 15^th December, with a touch tour taking place beforehand. You can find more details about their accessibility and book tickets here.

Theatre by the Lake in Cumbria also have a host of accessible performances taking place in the lead up to Christmas, including an audio described performance of A Little Princess on 8^th December, followed by a captioned performance on 16^th December. You can find more details of their accessible performances throughout the coming year and book tickets here.

In Hampshire, enjoy a special production of the Nutcracker at the National Trust’s The Vyne property. Explore the grounds of the house, enjoy a festive treat and immerse yourself in this magical tale, for a different Nutcracker experience!

Find out more here. 

Accessible workshops

Ever fancied having a go at some Christmassy crafts? There are a host of workshops taking place across the UK so you can get creative and make some decorations of your own or even some unique gifts for your loved ones.

In Dorset, Moors Valley Country Park are holding a Forest Christmas Wreath Workshop on 5^th December. The organisers will be providing all the equipment you need, you just need to turn up! Find out more about the event here and see more about  Moors Valley’s accessibility here. 

If you’re in Northern Ireland, the National Trust’s Mount Stewart are hosting several Christmas themed workshops. On 18^th November, there is a Festive Wreath Making workshop, followed by Mrs R’Ganics Christmas Workshop on 25^th November and then a Children’s Christmas Bath Bomb Workshop on 9^th December.

Find out more about visiting here. 

Where to see Father Christmas

However old you are, there is something very exciting about meeting Father Christmas and finding out if you’ve made the nice list this year! Here are where you can find Father Christmas this year.

There are two opportunities to get into Santa’s good books at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Firstly, start your day with their Breakfast with Santa event, where you get to tuck into a hearty breakfast, meet the man himself and get a gift! If breakfast is a little early for you, don’t worry though, he will also be visiting the Grotto at the Yorkshire Hive on selected dates through December too. See more about the park’s accessibility and how to book your visit here.

You can also find the man himself at West Midland Safari Park as part of their Santa Safari! Follow the elves through to the grotto and then pick your own gift from their workshop!

Find out more details about the park’s accessibility here.

Further south in Hampshire, Paultons Park is going all out with their Christmas celebrations. As well as decorating the whole park, you’ll also be able to watch Santa’s Christmas Wish Show, starring the man himself! Take part in Santa’s Storytime and meet a selection of his helpers, including Rudolph! That’s on top of getting to visit Father Christmas in his grotto and enjoying all the usual fun and games on offer.

Plan your visit here.

The National Trust’s Calke Abbey in Derbyshire is another place giving you plenty of opportunities to meet with Father Christmas. Firstly, there is their Breakfast with Santa event, complete with a warming Full English Breakfast, followed by Magical Mornings with Mrs Claus and then, later in the afternoon, refresh with a Festive Afternoon Tea.

Find out more here

Elsewhere, you can find Father Christmas at WWT Slimbridge. Visit him in his grotto and get a gift if you’ve been good this year, before heading out to enjoy an adventure or two in the wetlands. Find out more here. WWT are also giving you the chance to meet Father Christmas at their Arundel Centre – but this one is a little different. Their Sail to Santa events involve catching a boat over to his grotto! You can find out more and book your voyage here.

He will also be making an appearance of Winchester Science Centre as part of their Cosmic Christmas event. Combining Christmas with the usual intergalactic fun and games, this is a unique way to get into the Christmas spirit. Find out more here

General festivities

If you just want to get into the spirit with some general merriment and festivities, here are all the places you can find incredible decorations, illuminations and more.

Near Barnstaple in Devon, you’ll find National Trust’s Arlington Court and Carriage Museum where you can really get into the spirit with their Christmas events. See the house decorated in all the splendour of a Victorian Christmas, meet Father Christmas, follow the activity trail and more!

See more about their accessibility and events here

Petworth House, a National Trust property in Sussex, has an incredible Christmas offering, including an enchanted winter garden, Christmas decorations, carols in the courtyard and Christmas markets so you can grab the perfect gifts. Find out more here.

Bedgebury Pinetum are hosting a new magical light trail this year. With incredible light shows and a chance to see Santa, this is just one of the ways you can start feeling festive this winter.

Find out more and book your tickets here

The whole family will love Christmas at Fairytale Farm. With a grotto to meet Father Christmas, gathering up reindeer food for the big day, decorating trees and trying out your snowball throwing skills, there’s a host of festive activities to entertain everyone. There’s even an adventure trail to explore! Fairytale Farm are holding special SEND sessions during the Christmas event, so make sure to book these if you can.

Find out more about the event and book here

Want to have a go at ice skating this festive season? Clark’s Village in Somerset is once again hosting their ice rink with dedicated sessions for those who need extra assistance, adapted skates or quieter sessions, you can find out more and how to book your session here.

While you’re in the South West, Crealy Theme Park and Resort are holding their popular Christmas event again. Santa will be appearing in his magical ice show, Sooty and friends will be entertaining you with their own festive celebration, you can have your own meet and greet with Father Christmas and there are some incredible winter light displays to enjoy too.
Find out more here

Want to learn more about accessible things to do in the UK? Click here.

Travelling this winter and looking for places to stay? You can find accessible accommodation options here.