6 cheap or free things to do in December
December’s often busy with office parties, school activities, travel or other preparations for the Christmas period. However, there are also some other fun activities to try this month if you have a spare moment, and many of them are low cost or free.
Here are a few ideas for things to look out for around the UK.
Light trails & other illuminations
The biggest event of this type is Christmas at Kew 2025; a mixture of lights, music and even some visits from Santa. This year’s night time illuminated trail showcases new creations from famous artists, lighting up the beautiful botanical gardens. It runs through to 4th January 2026. Find out more here.
It’s also worth doing a local search for other UK festive light trails near you. For example there are: Blenheim Palace lights in Oxfordshire, The Festival of Light at Longleat in Wiltshire, Glow at RHS Wisley in Surrey, Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo, Luminate at Margam Country Park in Wales and loads of others.
Some are ticketed events with varying prices, but other light trails and sculptures are completely free to enjoy.
Edinburgh Winter Festival 2025
Edinburgh’s hosting multiple events that run for several weeks, including Christmas markets, an ice rink, light displays and Big Wheel rides. Some things are free, others are ticketed. The whole thing runs through December to 4th January 2026, and here’s the big guide to What’s On.
Christmas markets and fairs
Most towns and cities will have some kind of Christmas market, or local festive fair. Most of these are free to attend, and it can be fun to meet the traders and maybe bump into a few of your favourite neighbours. Wander around stalls selling gifts, snacks and drinks, and there might be some live music to enjoy too.
Other Christmas-related events
Check your local council website and other local listings for:
- Carol singing, services and processions
- Local festive lights being switched on
- Pantomimes and Christmas music concerts
- ‘Winter Wonderland’ themed outdoor events (can be expensive, depending on location)
Winter solstice celebrations
The 21st of December marks the Winter Solstice, and there are many different celebrations in the UK. The biggest pagan-inspired event is held at Stonehenge, with English Heritage allowing temporary free access to the historical site on the day the sun aligns perfectly with the stones. It’s attended by many people, including tourists, locals and pagans and druids. Find out more here.
There’s also the Montol Festival in Penzance, with everything from traditional Cornish carol singing, to morris dancing, to masked processions, marking the yule log and dancing around a fire.
New Year’s Eve / Hogmanay celebrations
Finally, right at the very end of the month, it’s New Year’s Eve. There are various parties, club nights, concerts and local fireworks displays, if you want to see the new year in at midnight.
The biggest city centre events are usually ticketed, but many people visit friends nearby or go to their local pub.
Hope you’ve enjoyed this series of monthly Cheap / Free Things to Do in the UK – let me know if you’d like some more in 2026.
Just leave a message in the comments box below, or use the contact form to drop us an email. Have a great festive season, and Happy New Year!
