Dive into a season of Festive Coastal Fun!

Have a snow-stopping time on the East Yorkshire coast, enjoy magically festive stately halls and have a truly relaxing Wight Christmas, it’s the season to celebrate .

East Yorkshire is nothing short of a snow-stopper!  Take the family to see more than 70 stunning Christmas trees on display at The Bridlington Christmas Tree Festival until 15 December at St John’s Burlington Church in aid of Breast Cancer Now. Visit Santa, pick up craft presents and enjoy live music to kick-start the season. 

Kids will also love the magical Winter Woodland at Sewerby Hall and beautiful festive decorations at Burton Agnes Hall. Not to be forgotten, the annual Whitby Krampus Run takes place on 7 December, when Father Christmas’ darker counterpart The Krampus teases naughty boys and girls. 

If you’re in search of a wight Christmas, head across to the Isle of Wight for the first public floating sauna, open at Tapnell Farm. Bringing a Scandi-inspired wellness experience to the Island, the Slomo Winter warmer contrast therapy hub features two Nordic saunas with lake views, a seven-foot ice plunge tank for up to six people and cosy hygge-inspired lounge area with fire pit. 

Check out winter markets for last minute gifts at the Donkey Sanctuary, Briddlesford Lodge Animal Sanctuary plus a pop-up shop at the Garlic Farm. 

To enjoy the natural winter wonderland, grab the hat, scarf and dog and head to breath-taking winter seascapes on the Durham Heritage Coast strolling its dramatic clifftops, warming up with hot chocolate at the harbour town of Seaham.  Indulge in a luxury break at Seaham Hall and Spa or check into a friendly pub or inn with roaring log fire, this is the coast to escape the crowds and get back to nature staring up at vast starry skies. 

Enjoy the spectacle of seal pups, huge sandy beaches or mulled wine at Christmas markets, whether a Boxing Day walk or last minute shop, the coast has it covered 

Spending time with relatives on the Lincolnshire Coast gives every reason to enjoy a day out at Donna Nook!  November and December see the arrival of hundreds of grey seals arriving to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, this has to be one of the most amazing Christmas spectacles on the whole coast! 

The dune area is accessible most of the time, but if red flags are flying, don’t enter the specified area, the Ministry of Defence still maintains part of the area for target range. 

Work off the mince pies and Christmas pud escaping to the peace and beauty of Gibraltar Point or the sands of Theddlethorpe or Mablethorpe beaches, enjoy huge skies away from the noise. 

Jingle all the way to Essex with a visit to Southend-on-Sea’s Christmasville at Wonderland Adventure Inside. Until 24 December, kids can meet the red-suited man himself and enjoy free activities like Adventure Gold, Sealife Adventure as well as access to the Polar Express Christmas ride. There’s free hot chocolate or berry juice, muddle wine for grown-ups along with special appearances from Mother Christmas, the Grinch and elves. 

If you’re wanting to dance on ice, get your skates on at Portsmouth’s Guildhall Square, Portsmouth on Ice is a massive 646 metre square ice rink with enough space for 200 skaters! If an hour isn’t enough, there’s a season pass for wannabe pros. 

Christmas is all wrapped up at Gunwharf Quays with igloo-inspired seating, Alpine Lodge Bar, German Bratwurst, family games and much more to make your shopping experience sparkle. 

In White Cliffs Country on the Kent coast, visit Walmer Castle, Deal, for Enchanted Walmer!

Come for magical illuminations, brilliant sounds and colour throughout the grounds and gardens, enjoy mulled wine under a starry sky and purchase charming gifts from the shop.  Make sure to book your slot ahead. 

Betteshanger Park hosts A North Pole Adventure, explore the Christmas lights trail all around the park, discover festive scenes, twinkling pathways and enchanting light displays. Then meet the main man himself in his magical Grotto, share Christmas wishes and a special present. Festive lunches are also on offer in the Lamp Room throughout December but book ahead. 

Or why not have a creative Christmas in Thanet? Santa’s been busy setting up his grotto in Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. Elves are on hand to welcome little guests at Westwood Cross, Broadstairs, or in a sparkling subterranean setting at Margate Caves and aboard the Elf Express at Quex Adventure Park. 

Get creative shortbread and bauble decorating in Margate’s WonderWorks, join workshops at the Turner Contemporary, get in the festive mood with carols, lantern parades and lots more in this fun-loving coastal corner. 

From 5 to 22 December, Brighton hosts a new Winter Fayre featuring a free-to-enter Christmas Market. Join creative workshops, see live performances, music nights, cabaret and children’s activities along with free festive entertainment in St Peter’s Square. 

Burning the Clocks lantern parade takes to the streets on the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, visit the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink, big shows at Brighton Dome and light trails at Stanmer Park. 

Where better to step into Christmas than Blackpool! Shimmering with six miles of legendary illuminations right up to January 5, you’ll find a very special Christmas by the Sea. Shop in cosy Christmas chalets, marvel at romantic simulated snowfalls, glide on the free ice rink, zip down the snow slide and ride on the festive trams. 

Have fun on seasonally-themed fairground rides, wrap up warm and immerse yourself in a sparkling Christmas, Blackpool-style!