Days out this Christmas

Christmas holidays start tomorrow, there’s the two big days next week of Christmas Day and Boxing Day but if you’re looking to plan some family days out over the holidays we’ve compiled this list of 10 activities to take part in or attractions to visit.

1. Christmas Public Skating at Slough Ice Arena

When: 22nd December 2025 – 4th January 2026 (sessions vary daily)
Where: Slough Ice Arena, Montem Lane, Slough SL1 2QG
Price: From around £7.50–£10 per person, skate hire usually included

Slough Ice Arena runs extra public skating sessions throughout the Christmas holidays, making it a brilliant option for families staying local. Expect festive music, a lively atmosphere and plenty of space for both beginners and confident skaters. It’s a great way for kids to burn off energy after Christmas Day and for parents to join in or watch from the café area with a hot drink. Session times vary by day, so it’s best to check the Slough Ice Arena timetable before you go.

2. Christmas at LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort

When: 22nd December 2025 – 3rd January 2026 (daily, park hours vary)
Where: Wellington Rd, Windsor, SL4 4AY
Price: Tickets from around £34 per person (kids under 3 free)

Make the most of the holiday break with a visit to LEGOLAND’s festive event. The park transforms into a winter wonderland, full of twinkling lights, themed rides, musical shows and character meet-and-greets, including Santa in his grotto. There’s fun for younger children and older kids alike, with seasonal performances and workshops such as the Elf Training Academy and Festival of Flurries.

3. Windsor Great Park Illuminated

When: Daily to 3rd January 2026, typically evenings (check website for times)
Where: Wick Lane, Englefield Green, near Windsor
Price: Paid ticketed experience (approx £15-£20)
Visit Windsor

This magical light trail through woodland and garden spaces makes an excellent family outing after dark. The trail uses spectacular light installations and projections, turning the park into a festive spectacle. It’s a lovely way to stretch little legs, enjoy the winter air and soak up that sense of seasonal wonder as the year comes to a close.
Visit Windsor

4. Maidenhead Artisan & Farmers’ Christmas Market

When: 21st December 2025, 10:00 – 15:00
Where: Waterside Quarter, Maidenhead
Price: Free entry (pay for crafts or food you buy)
Visit Windsor

Just a short drive from Slough, this festive market is perfect for a relaxed family morning out. Browse handmade gifts, seasonal treats and local crafts, enjoy the atmosphere, and support local makers. The Waterside setting also makes it easy to combine your visit with a riverside walk or lunch at a local café.
Visit Windsor

5. Cinderella Pantomime – Theatre Royal Windsor

When: Runs until 11th January 2026, with multiple showtimes (including holiday dates)
Where: Theatre Royal Windsor
Price: Tickets typically £15-£30 depending on seating and performance
Visit Windsor

Nothing says British family Christmas like a pantomime. This year’s production of Cinderella features song, slapstick, magical moments and plenty of audience participation, making it ideal for families with kids of all ages. It’s one of the season’s classic traditions and a cheerful way to spend an afternoon or evening together.
Visit Windsor

6. Windsor Castle Christmas Illuminations

When: Until 5th January 2026 (daylight through evening)
Where: Windsor Castle, Windsor
Price: Usual Windsor Castle entry fees (around £25 adults, discounts for children)

Take in a bit of history with a festive twist. The Castle grounds light up with stunning seasonal displays on the towers and battlements, celebrating local schoolchildren’s artwork and architectural motifs. It’s a great way for older kids and adults to enjoy heritage and holiday sparkle in one visit.
Visit Windsor

7. Free Drop-In Holiday Events – RBWM Libraries

When: 22nd December 2025 (10:30 onward; check local branch for details)
Where: Various libraries in Windsor and Maidenhead
Price: Free

Perfect for younger families or those looking for budget-friendly fun. Local libraries often run festive arts, crafts and storytelling sessions over the school holidays. These are free to join and don’t usually require booking, making them ideal for a spontaneous visit with little ones.
Visit Windsor

8. Breakfast with Santa – Foggs, Daniel Department Store (Windsor)

When: Selected dates in late December (check closer to booking)
Where: Daniel Department Store, Windsor
Price: Paid, includes breakfast and a gift for kids

For younger children, a festive breakfast with Santa is hard to beat. Expect a continental breakfast, seasonal treats and a visit with Father Christmas himself. It’s a heartwarming way to start a December morning and comes with a little gift for each child too.
Visit Windsor

9. Windsor & Eton Living Advent Calendar Performances

When: Through 24th December 2025 (various early evening times)
Where: Town centres of Windsor & Eton
Price: Free to watch, donations welcome

Even though it ends just before Christmas Eve, this charming set of short live performances around town adds lots of character to an evening family wander. You can catch local singers, readings and creative displays as part of the festive season community spirit.
Visit Windsor

10. Herschel Park Winter Walk

When: Any day through the holidays (park open usual daylight hours)
Where: Herschel Park, Slough
Price: Free

Keep things local with a wintry walk at Herschel Park, a peaceful historic green space in Slough. Bring hot drinks, feed the ducks (weather permitting) and let kids explore nature while burning off some energy between festive events. It’s simple, scenic and entirely free.

Atom Radio provides the above listing as is without providing any endorsement to any activity or attraction.