It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Get ready for Christmas, Northamptonshire!
As you can tell (if you haven’t already seen from my Instagram) I was ready for Christmas back on November 1st and I’ve already told Josh that we’re putting up the Christmas decorations this year.
I feel a bit behind sharing this post (even though, let’s be real: it’s still only November) but I still wanted to do a round-up of festive things to do in Northamptonshire for you to bookmark for when you need it because things are booking up FAST!
So just for you lovely readers, here is what’s happening in Northamptonshire this Christmas:
Pantomimes
It’s that time of year again… oh yes it is!
Going to a pantomime at the theatre is one of my top favourite things to do during the season as a self-confessed lover of performing arts and all things Christmas – Northamptonshire isn’t shy of it’s pantos this year to the point I’m seeing three this year alone!
Royal & Derngate are back with their star-studded cast for their version of Dick Whittington starting from Thursday 9th December right up to Sunday 2nd January and it’s expected to be a hilarious, fun-filled pantomime that everyone has missed due to a year off. After seeing their 2019 pantomime, Cinderella, I can’t wait to see this one!
In Wellingborough, The Castle Theatre will be showcasing Sleeping Beauty as their 2021 pantomime that’s set to awaken audiences to a world of wonder this Christmas!
Another Northampton pantomime happening this year is Aladdin at The Deco Theatre which is starting from December 10th to December 31st – where you may spot some familiar local faces!
So get ready to shout “he’s behind you”, “oh no, you didn’t” and have a jolly good laugh this Christmas!
Christmas Wreath Workshops
If you want something glorious and festive to put on your door this Christmas, there are SO MANY places to make your own this year and a lot of them come with added extras like a glass of prosecco, mince pies and even afternoon teas!
A couple includes Silverstone Distillery, Towcester Mill Brewery, Vintage Retreat and many more.
You can find my full blog post on Christmas Wreath Workshops in Northamptonshire here.
Late Night Shopping
A lot of independent retailers and shopping centres are open for late-night shopping when there simply isn’t enough time to shop for presents after work!
A couple of independents include MOOCH who has extended their shopping hours and Bell Plantation.
The Grosvenor Centre will be extending their Christmas hours until 7pm from Monday 20th December for all that last minute shopping – Beckworth Emporium have introduced late night shopping on Thursday 9th, 16th and 23rd December until 8pm, Rushden Lakes will be open until 8pm and I’m sure there will be more centres announcing their Christmas hours soon!
No excuse now!
Festive Afternoon Tea’s
Make Christmas scrummy with something festive!
Whittlebury Park have their festive Afternoon Tea which will be available from 29th November (I am excited to try it and share the yummy treats with you!) until 29th December. Bell Plantation will also be hosting their festive Afternoon Tea from the 27th November.
Kettering Park Hotel & Spa have theirs available for booking and I’m sure there will be more announced soon!
Now grab that slice of mince pie and down it with a prosecco because it’s Christmas time after all!
Christmas Markets and Pop-Up Shops
‘Tis the season to shop till you drop at the many Christmas markets and pop-up shops this season in Northamptonshire.
Luckily for you, I’ve put together a whole guide on Christmas markets and pop-up shops in Northamptonshire this year.
Ice Skating at Whilton Locks Garden Village
As far as I’m aware, this is the only ice rink open for the festive season within Northamptonshire, so this is a must-do on your list this Christmas!
Whilton Locks will be opening their ice rink as part of their Winter Wonderland for 2021 and tickets are available to purchase here. You will be able to enjoy 45 minutes of fun-packed skating time!
Local High Street Events
The high streets of Northamptonshire are gearing up as the local BID’s and councils have put together a whole host of events and activities for their towns to enjoy.
For example, Northampton Town centre with Northampton BID will be hosting their annual Golden Ticket giveaway where shoppers are within a chance of winning £200 of shopping vouchers to spend in town if they simply fill in a golden ticket and post it in one of the various golden post boxes across town.
There will also be a Santa’s Grotto inside Grosvenor Centre, plus NLive Radio will be hosting their 24 hour Christmas radio station all throughout December so you can wack the festive tunes on!
Northampton Winter Light Trail
One of the must-do events this year in Northamptonshire!
You get to step into a magical trail of lights around the wonderful heritage treasure that is Delapre Abbey where you’ll discover all sorts of illuminated light displays! It’s a wonderful event for friends and family where you can also enjoy festive treats like mulled cider/wine and sugary doughnuts topped with Nutella. DELISH!
I’ve written a whole blog post on what to expect at the Northampton Winter Light Trail.
Silverstone Lap of Lights
Another popular by-demand event happening at the famous Silverstone race circuit!
The Silverstone Lap Of Lights is expected to take the whole family on a magical Christmas adventure! As opposed to walking around, you can explore a whole heap of colour, light and UV displays in this festive event right on the Silverstone circuit from the comfort of your own car.
What things will you be doing this festive season in Northamptonshire? Let me know in the comments below!
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