Are you looking for fun Christmas events in Milton Keynes this year? From Christmas cruises to festive ice skating, here’s your guide to all the seasonal fun in Milton Keynes.
I don’t know about you but I am READY for Christmas this year. I’m well into the festive spirit and after last year being such a dud, I’m ready to throw myself headfirst at fun and festive events galore. Although I’ve got some fun seasonal things planned throughout December, I’ll no doubt be exploring the best Christmas events in Milton Keynes!
There’s plenty of festive fun to be had in Milton Keynes – so let’s get stuck in.
*This post has been updated for 2023!
Willen on Ice at Willen Lake
For the first time ever, Willen Lake is offering festive ice skating with its brand-new ice skating rink. The rink is undercover so you can skate whatever the weather! There’s also a new festive village with an Apres ski bar, festive food stalls and fairground rides – plus the Willen observation wheel (not new). Prices are super cheap off-peak and I love that there are lots of seasonal things to do and experience once you’ve finished skating!
www.iceleisure.co.uk
£12.70 for an adult ticket (off-peak)
From now until 7th January
Willen Lake, MK15 0DS
Festive Afternoon Tea at Great Gelato Newton Leys
What’s better than afternoon tea? Festive afternoon tea of course! Great Gelato is offering festive afternoon tea for two, four or six people this Christmas. The menu consists of festive grilled focaccia sandwiches with a gravy dipping sauce, homemade scones with jam and clotted cream, festive bakes, festive gelato and a signature hot chocolate per person.
www.greatgelato.com
£20-22.00 per person
From now until 23rd December
Newton Leys, MK3 5QW
Seasonal Cruises With Electra Boat MK: Christmas Cruises
If you haven’t taken a cruise on this new fully electric boat in Milton Keynes, now’s the time to give it a go. The 54-foot narrowboat operates out of the new Campbell Wharf development and offers public cruises, private charters, seasonal specials and ‘park & parish cruises’ for local communities.
During December, you can glide along to Lindford Wharf and back on one of Electra Boat’s Christmas Cruises. You can choose from a Mulled Wine & Mince Pie Cruise or hold your own private Season’s Greetings Charter Cruise. You’ll be able to enjoy mulled wine and mince pies whilst enjoying beautiful autumn colours throughout Milton Keynes, with the boat decked out (no pun intended!) for the season too!
www.bmkwaterway.org
£23.00 for an adult ticket
On selected dates throughout November and December
Campbell Wharf Marina, MK15 0DW
Christmas Carols at the (Tree) Cathedral
For something a little more low-key, wrap up warm and head to The Tree Catherdral for a festive procession and some Christmas carolling. Launched by The Parks Trust, they’ll also be collecting donations for MK Food Bank – so it’s the perfect opportunity to give back too. Hot chocolate and mulled wine will also be available – in return for small donations to Willen Hospice. This is definitely the event you’ll want to take your grandparents to!
www.theparkstrust.com
Free
3:30 – 5:30pm, Sunday 11th December
The Tree Cathedral, Willen Lake North, MK15 9ED
Read more: 7 festive date ideas in Milton Keynes
Festive Cheese and Wine Evening at Frosts
Who doesn’t like cheese and wine – especially this time of year! Visit The Market at Frosts and indulge in handpicked wines that pair perfectly with a curated selection of cheese. Then, of course, you can marvel at all the beautiful Christmas decorations afterwards!
www.frostsgardencentres.co.uk
£30.00
6pm – 8:30pm, Friday 8th December
Frosts Garden Centres, Woburn Sands, MK17 8UE
Land of Lights at Gulliver’s Land
Fancy wrapping up warm and seeing light installations made up of over 50,000 LED lights this Christmas? This magical lantern festival boasts 12 vivid light displays, inspired by wonders of the natural world. The new trail for 2023 includes 16 incredible worlds inspired by fairytales and iconic characters.
Note: some evenings the experience is open later than usual, so do check when booking!
www.landoflights.co.uk
Tickets from £15.50 per adult
Various dates throughout November, December, January and February
Gulliver’s Land Resort, MK15 0DT
Choose-Your-Own-Christmas Tree at Stoke Goldington Christmas Trees
Pick-your-own Christmas trees in Milton Keynes? Who would have thought? Based just twenty minutes outside of Milton Keynes – in Newport Pagnell – this Christmas tree farm offers fresh home-grown Christmas trees (Nordmann Fir or Norway Spruce) for you to pick, as well as tree stands, wreaths, holly/mistletoe and seasonal liqueurs. If you’re looking for something a little more authentic to do this Christmas, this is an ideal choice. You’ll also have the choice of coffee and cheese toasties on certain days. Just don’t get all Clark Griswold during the process…
www.stokegoldingtonchristmastrees.co.uk
Free to visit
Weekends and select Fridays throughout December
Stoke Lodge Farm, Newport Pagnell, MK16 8LW
Christmas Wreath-Making With the Parks Trust
Selling out fast!
This December, why not try your hand at Christmas wreath making? Suitable for complete beginners, this workshop with The Parks Trust will provide you with hazel and dogwood, yew, ivy and other seasonal greenery to make your perfect wreath. Mulled wine and mince pies are included too, obviously.
www.theparkstrust.com
£37.50 for an adult ticket
Select dates throughout December
Campbell Park Pavilion, MK9 4AD
Read more: 10 fun date ideas in Milton Keynes
Midsummer Place Christmas Tree Festival
Fancy giving back this Christmas? Once again, Midsummer Place will be decorated with Christmas trees sponsored and decorated by local charities and businesses. Shoppers can vote for their favourite tree so that the winning charity will receive a share of the fundraising pot.
www.midsummerplace.co.uk
Free
18th November – 24th December (voting has now closed but the trees can still be admired)
Midsummer Place, MK9 3GB
Panic At The Emo: Christmas Special at MK11
Elder emos unite: Milton Keynes’ biggest rock night is back for a Christmas special this year. With music from bands like My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy and All American Rejects, you’ll be right back in your emo phase (it was never just a phase mum…) in no time.
www.panicattheemo.co.uk
Advance tickets £6
16th December
MK11 Live Music Venue, MK11 3LH
Bonus: a selection of Milton Keynes Christmas markets
Woburn Sands Christmas Fayre
Having lived in Woburn Sands for over a year now, I can confirm that the markets are the absolute best here and they are always really seasonal! This local event will include a special lighting ceremony (to turn on the village lights), festive street food, live music and a funfair.
www.woburnsandschristmasfayre.co.uk
Free
26th November
Woburn Sands
Middleton Hall Christmas Fair
Once again, the beautiful Christmas display and fair are returning to the centre of Milton Keynes. Middleton Hall will be decorated with The Snowman as this year’s theme, where children can visit Santa’s Grotto or ride a virtual sleigh ride. Also in the centre, you’ll find a Christmas street food market and the Christmas fair, boasting pop-up Christmas cabins selling unique and hand-crafted gifts.
www.centremk.com
Free
11th November – 24th December (the Christmas street food market runs until 6th January)
Middleton Hall, MK9 3QA
Handmade and Vintage Christmas Fair
Taking place at Rushden Lakes, this fair will be settled between the various shops and eateries within the area. As well as designer-makers, artists and artisans, you’ll also find specialist vintage and antique dealers with vintage treasures on sale. Keep an eye out for the different festive events at Rushden Lakes this year, including the Nene Wetlands Festive event on the 2nd of December. This event is to raise money to help support the local wildlife.
www.rushdenlakes.com
Free
2nd, 3rd, 9th and 10th December
Rushden Lakes Shopping Centre, Rushden, NN10 6FH
Are you excited about Christmas this year? Will you be attending any of the above Christmas events in Milton Keynes? Be sure to save this post for reference – and do let me know if you go to any!
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