by Anna Hann
posted on 5 December 2024
It’s that time of year again. The fairy lights are twinkling and Mariah Carey is singing her heart out wherever you go. But sometimes, that warm and fuzzy festive spirit can take a while to kick in. So if you’re looking to ramp your festive feeling up a notch, book a car and hit the road to find some of the most festive things to do across the UK this December.
Festive family adventures
Meet Santa’s reindeer in the Cotswolds
Little ones will love the chance to meet Santa’s reindeer at Daylesford’s farm shop on 21 December. Dancer and Blitzen will make an appearance, and it’s a good chance to pick up any last-minute gifts or some festive food in the farm shop before the big day rolls around.
You’ll spot plenty of Land Rovers and 4x4s in the Cotswolds, so join them and book one for yourself. It’s a practical choice, too, with ample leg room for passengers in the back and seven-seater options for bigger families.
Take a winter safari at Longleat
Longleat’s Winter Drive Through Safari is a six-mile journey visiting all the resident animals within the safari park, including tigers, lions, and rhinos. If you book the safari, your ticket also includes The Festival of Light, where you can see an incredible lantern trail and enchanted Christmas tree show, complete with snow flurries, carolling, and spectacular lights.
Choose a car with a panoramic roof to get the fullest possible view on your adventure. A Jaguar seems a fitting option for a safari, and you can filter your search to find the perfect model with a sunroof.
Plan a festive blow-out at Disneyland Paris
Looking for something bigger that’ll wow the kids? Book a car and drive to Disneyland Paris this festive season with the more-is-more kind of magic sparkle that Disney is famous for. Driving to Disneyland Paris is straightforward, either by taking Le Shuttle train through the Channel Tunnel or taking the car ferry from Dover to Calais.
You’ll want a car with plenty of space for the kids and all your luggage, so a minivan might be the ideal choice. Once you arrive on the continent, driving in France is simple when you know the basics.
Festive days out for two
Indulge in a festive afternoon tea
There are plenty of festive afternoon teas to get you in a Christmassy mood – luxury hotels are a good place to start to find some of the best. Try Cliveden, a country escape in Berkshire, where you’ll be presented with a platter of festive treats, including turkey and cranberry sandwiches, pigs-in-blankets sausage rolls, and gold choux buns.
Of course, if you’re indulging in a luxury weekend, you’ll want wheels to match, whether you’d prefer the latest Audi or BMW or really want to up the ante and choose a Porsche.
Catch a Christmas drive-in movie
Wonder Cinema at Bath Racecourse has drive-in movies this festive season, showing all the festive favourites, including Elf, Home Alone, and The Polar Express. You can play the movie’s soundtrack through your car’s audio system, or you’ll be provided with a wireless speaker.
A Tesla Model 3 is a brilliant car for a drive-in movie, as you can set the screen to show a cosy crackling fire. Turn on the heated seats, order snacks directly to your car, sit back and enjoy an iconic Christmas film.
Hit the Christmas markets
You’ll find Christmas markets up and down the country, and the ones in Edinburgh, Manchester, and London are some of the best. You’ll find fairy-lit alpine chalets, warm cinnamon snacks, and hot chocolate and cider galore. Some Christmas markets even have ice skating rinks.
If you’re planning some serious festive shopping, you’re going to need a generous boot for all your shopping bags. Browse the selections of SUVs near you to find a car that’s up to the task.
Seasonal solo escapes
Cook a festive feast
If you’re hosting this season, bring your A-Game by brushing up on your culinary prowess before the big day. Book yourself in for a cookery masterclass at the Gordon Ramsey Academy in Woking, Surrey. Throughout December, you’ll find classes dedicated to indulgent desserts, Beef Wellington, and festive treats.
If you’re taking a solo trip, a small car like a Fiat 500 or Mini could be all you need for your adventure.
Plan a solo spa day
The festive period can be hectic, so planning proper downtime pre-celebrations can help keep you going for the festive season. Book yourself in for a spa day for some proper self-care — the Lazy Life Spa Day at South Lodge near Horsham in West Sussex includes a treatment of your choice, lunch in the spa’s restaurant, and full access to the thermal suite and swimming pools.
Don’t let the indulgences stop at the spa – treat yourself to a Porsche for the day. Something sweet and petite, like a Porsche Boxster, would do the job nicely.
Run with Santa in Scotland
Kickstart your New Year’s resolution early and join the Falkirk Town Santa Run on Sunday, 15 December. There’s a 3K, 5K, and 10K option and all runners get a free Santa outfit.
If you’re heading to Scotland, a Jeep is a great vehicle for the journey, designed to handle all road conditions and all weathers. Perhaps while you’re in Falkirk, you could set off on a Scotland road trip?
Festive frolics with friends
Follow a light trail
You’ll find Christmas light trails up and down the country. Two of the best are Christmas at Kew and Blenheim Palace. For something different, you could try the Christmas Train of Lights in Devon where a fairylit steam train glides through a magical spectacle of lights.
If you’re planning a trip with friends, you’ll need a spacious car. A minivan might be perfect, or a premium SUV might make the journey there more luxurious. Some have seven seats if there are lots of you.
Book a festive craft break
Feeling crafty? You’ve just got time to bag the last spots on a three-night Christmas craft break in the Peak District. If you haven’t got three days to spare, check your local florists for wreath-making workshops.
If you’re setting off on a road trip, book something comfortable for a long drive. Audis boast great design and quality. If it’s just you and a friend, something small and sassy like the Audi A1 might be big enough, but if there are more of you, consider one of Audi’s excellent SUV options.
Join a singalong
What could get you into the festive spirit more than a Christmas carol singalong? See if you can get last minute tickets to the Christmas Carol Singalong at the Barbican or Carols at the Royal Albert Hall. If you’re looking for something outside of London, book a car and head to a National Trust property, where there are festive choirs and carolling around Christmas trees up and down the country.
If there’s a bunch of you hitting the road for a Christmassy day out, book a minivan so there’s space for everyone.
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