Festive Days Out & Activities

 

Wonderfully festive activities and experiences for all the family! From exploring twinkling Christmas markets and riding on Santa Steam Trains, to crafting decorative glass baubles for your tree, there’s plenty of yuletide cheer to go round, with our handpicked collection of sparkly Christmas days out and festive activities.  Read our sparkly, festive experience FAQs...

 
 
The Original Christmas Lights Tour Along Regents Street Thumbnail

The Original Christmas Lights Tour

Central London

From £72.00

The Original Christmas Lights Tour
  • Magical festive atmosphere
  • See London's world-famous lights
  • Comfortable panoramic bus tour
  • Perfect for couples or families
Grinchmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour - Afternoon Tea Setup

Grinchmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

Central London

From £65.00

Grinchmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
  • A Grinch-themed vintage bus tour
  • Around the sights of Central London
  • Onboard Grinchtastic afternoon tea 
  • Runs from November to January
Santas Enchanted Journey - Santa Express at Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

'Santas Enchanted Journey' Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

Matlock, Derbyshire

Exclusive to ITB From £71.50

'Santas Enchanted Journey' Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
  • Ride the Santa Express train!
  • Activities & fun with the Elves
  • A gift for each child onboard
  • Festive fun in the Peak District
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Christmas Steam Train Dinner

'Christmas Countryman' Steam Train Dining Derbyshire

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, Matlock

Exclusive to ITB From £120.00

'Christmas Countryman' Steam Train Dining Derbyshire
  • Christmas steam train dining 
  • At Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
  • Includes three-course Turkey dinner
  • 2026 festive dates now booking!
Christmas High Tea and Tea Ride at East Somerset Railway

Christmas High Tea Steam Train Experience Somerset

East Somerset Railway, Shepton Mallet

Exclusive to ITB From £49.00

Christmas High Tea Steam Train Experience Somerset
  • Christmas fun at East Somerset Railway!
  • A return steam train journey from Cranmore
  • Yuletide high tea served onboard as you travel
  • Dates are scheduled throughout December
Santa Paws Steam Train Experience - Dogs Meet Santa at East Somerset Railway

Santa Paws' Steam Train Experience

East Somerset Railway, Shepton Mallet

Exclusive to ITB From £12.00

Santa Paws' Steam Train Experience
  • Santa Paws steam train specials
  • For you dog to meet Santa!
  • Running at East Somerset Railway
  • Limited dates in December 2026
Santa Special Train Rides Somerset

Santa Special Train Rides Somerset

East Somerset Railway, Shepton Mallet

Exclusive to ITB From £6.00

Santa Special Train Rides Somerset
  • Vouchers for Santa Special train trips
  • At East Somerset Railway
  • Includes a handpicked gift for each child
  • Ride the steam train & meet Santa after!
RHS Glow Wisley Tickets

RHS Wisley Glow Tickets

RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey

From £45.50

RHS Wisley Glow Tickets
  • Tickets for RHS Garden Wisley Glow 2026
  • A festive treat at the famous gardens
  • After dark illuminations & light show
  • Adult & family tickets available
Winter with the Donkeys - Donkey Feeding at Balsall Common

Winter with Donkeys

Balsall Common, Coventry

From £25.00

Winter with Donkeys
  • Meet the donkeys on a winter's day
  • At Holly Grange in Balsall Common
  • Lots of cuddle, grooming & selfie time
  • Includes a hot choc & sweet and savoury treats
Glass Bauble Making Workshops in Buckinghamshire

Glass Bauble Making Workshop Buckinghamshire

Westcott, near Aylesbury

Save £50 From £125.00

Glass Bauble Making Workshop Buckinghamshire
  • Two and half hour glass blowing workshops
  • Hand-blow your own glass bauble
  • Work with the skilled glass makers
  • Near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire

Happy Christmas - Choice Gift

Happy Christmas - Choice Gift

Locations Nationwide

From £25.00

Happy Christmas - Choice Gift
• £25, £50, £75, £100, £125 or £150 tokens available
• A fantastic Christmas Gift for friends or family
• Recipient browses & selects their experience online
• Choose from Driving, Flying, Outdoor & more
 
 
 

Festive Days Out & Activities FAQs

 
 
 

What types of festive activities and days out do you offer?

Here at Into The Blue we LOVE Christmas, which is why we've worked hard to offer a fantastically diverse selection of seasonal excursions and winter experiences to wow and delight all ages in the festive season. From Santa steam trains, to Christmas lights, there's something to give your run up to Christmas extra sparkle!

 
 
 

Can I buy a festive experience voucher last minute?

Yes! If you've left it a little late to get on the case with your festive fun, Into The Blue offers instant E-Vouchers, so buy your voucher, opt for E-Voucher delivery (it's free) and get booked in for your Christmas activity or event day.

 
 
 

What are the best festive experiences for families with children?

If you've got young children, a Santa Express steam train experience is an absolute must! Little ones get to meet the big man himself and his elves, whilst parents love the atmosphere of the stream train journey. Same with our festive bus tours, featuring from fun Grinch-themed afternoon teas to Christmas lights tours of the capital. Young kids and adults alike love them!

 
 
 

Are there any romantic Christmas experiences for couples?

Absolutely. A table for two for a festive sparkling afternoon tea on a heritage steam train is a really popular experience for couples in the run up to Christmas. And if your partner loves animals, a winter with the donkeys experience is a winner!

 
 
 

Does every child get a present on a Santa train?

Of course! Meeting Father Christmas is the highlight of the Santa Train journey for many youngsters. Also expect mince pies, hot chocolate, festive tunes, smiley elves and maybe even some reindeer! These experiences make for lovely, lasting family memories.

 
 
 

Are there any indoor winter activities for bad weather days?

Yes! You'll be tucked up inside a cosy carriage on these festive steam train trips, so it doesn't matter whether it's raining or even snowing outside! Same with the Christmas bus journeys. Plenty of weather-proof fun to be had with Into The Blue this festive season.

 
 
 

When is the best time of year to book festive days out?

As early as possible! For example, our Santa steam train experiences go on sale as early as August, as soon as the dates or the forthcoming winter season are released. These experiences are always really popular, so make sure book early to avoid disappointment.

 
 
 

Are spectator passes available for winter activity days?

Most venues welcome spectators free of charge or for a small fee (for example, you pay a platform access ticket at some steam railways) and some activities will let or require an adult supervise. But let's face it, you'll want to take part so why not just buy an extra voucher in join in with the festive fun?

 
 
 

Are there any luxury dining options during the festive season?

Yes! For those looking to celebrate Christmas in style, we have luxury dining packages available at heritage railways around the country. You'll enjoy gourmet seasonal menus, silver service at your table and impeccable onboard service. To make your trip extra special, how about booking a private compartment on the train?

 
 
 

How long do these festive experiences run for?

Most of our festive experiences run from November through to December, finishing just before or after Christmas. Check each individual experience page for full details on availability.