Sparkle this Christmas on England's Coast

Come for snowy walks across the North York Moors and discover a coast packed with celebratory events. Where better to feel festive? 

Strike out on snowy walks, warm up by roaring log fires and tuck into seasonal feasts, for the best of spectacular scenery and cosy Christmassy days, North Yorkshire makes a joyfully festive break.  

At Whitby Christmas Festival, 13 - 15 December, come for festive stalls, Christmas lights, live music, independent and late-night shopping along with plenty of food and drink. Bring the family for lots of Christmas activities, fringe events and community performances.  

Come to Scarborough between 11 November to 20 December and you’ll find plenty of dazzling light installations and illuminations at key landmarks all across the town including the castle and harbour at Scarborough Lights, along with lots of fun free events.   

And Christmas doesn’t stop there at this iconic seaside town, throw yourself into the glittering season at Scarborough Sparkle, 27-29 November, where Scarborough Open Air Theatre is transformed into a winter wonderland with a Tipi bar for toasting marshmallows and enjoying classic seasonal music, follow the annual lantern parade and enjoy fairground rides, a snow machine and your chance to meet Father Christmas himself.   

For Christmas with a twist visit Filey Fishtive Tree, 5 December, a unique Christmas tree made of crab and lobster pots celebrating the fishing heritage of the Yorkshire coast. Rather than a fairy, a leaping salmon tops the tree and the event finishes with a firework display.  

Whitby Krampus Run, 5-6 December, celebrates lesser-known European Christmas traditions. While St Nicholas visits children on Christmas Eve rewarding them with presents for being good, his dark counterpart The Krampus spends the eve teasing and punishing naughty boys and girls. Come to see the mythical horned Krampus and St Nicholas parade through the atmospheric streets of Whitby.  

obin Hood’s Bay is undeniably one of the prettiest villages on the coast, this enchanting village becomes even more magical at Christmas when it twinkles with a flurry of lights and decorations. Come for the New Victorian Weekend, 5-6 December, held at the Hotel Victoria, when it will be filled with festive entertainment, traditional music, market stalls and activities, dress up Victorian style to really get into the spirit. 

Wrap up warm, feel the tingle of the coast and discover a different side of Essex this Christmas. 

Start in Clacton-on-Sea, take a crisp stroll along the promenade for big skies and expansive North Sea views. Then time for a little present hunting at Clacton Shopping Village, select from big brands and independent names in fashion, beauty and homeware, ideal for last minute gifts. 

Young explorers can add an extra sprinkling of Christmas magic with a visit to Clacton Pier. Meet Santa in his enchanted grotto, say hello to Mrs Claus, Frosty the Snowman and the singing reindeer, then enjoy festive rides and attractions for a fun-filled family Christmas trip to the seaside. 

For maritime charm, independent shops and tempting places to eat, head north and slow down in Harwich. Explore the historic streets before wandering towards Dovercourt Bay, then find a cosy spot to warm up. Make Christmas extra special with a visit to The Pier. Overlooking the harbour, enjoy a festive bottomless brunch, afternoon tea, lunch or dinner catching up with friends or family.  

Historic Thames sailing barges give Hythe Quay in Maldon an atmospheric backdrop for a December escape, scour the independent shops for quirky gifts. Visit 26 November for Light Up Maldon, when the town is transformed with dazzling lights, Christmas stalls and a vibrant programme of local entertainment. 

If family fun is top of your Christmas list, Southend-on-Sea has it nailed. At Adventure Island you’ll find Wonderland at Funtopia, step into a world of festive activities and Santa surprises. Don’t miss a run along the sands, share some traditional seaside treats and squeeze in a few rides before heading home. 

And Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the panto. Settle into your seat at Cliffs Pavilion for a display of colourful costumes, larger-than-life characters and laugh-out-loud moments of traditional family pantomime ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’. 

Ready to discover more? Explore Visit Essex Christmas What’s On guide and start planning today. 

But if you’re on the south coast, get your skates on! Portsmouth’s Guildhall Square transforms into a giant ice rink, 21 November to 3 January, offering family sessions, quieter skate sessions and DJ nights. Then head over to the city’s Mountbatten Centre for a bustling Christmas market of artisan gifts, decorations, street food and seasonal indulgences. 

A Christmas Tree Trail, Alpine Market and two ice rinks, Bournemouth knows how to dazzle at Christmas! Enjoy carol services at Christchurch Priory and Christmas feasts at cosy pubs on Poole Quay at this three-in-one resort. 

Dial up the festivities and gather friends and family together to convert an overnight stay into an enchanting escape. The four-star Marsham Court Hotel is offering Baubles, Bingo & Bournemouth this Christmas.  Create a private party tailored to your group or join a Baubles & Bingo party night with games, prizes and festive platters. Book in for a four-night Christmas House Party, leave the cooking stress at home and wake up to sea views, you can even bring the pooch! 

While you’re here, head to Bournemouth Pier which regenerates into a Winter Wonderland from 14 November to 31 December.  Visit a giant Santa and reindeer for special selfies at Key West – 200 metres out to sea; get the kids to draw a picture for the red suited man and post it in the Santa Post box, little ones can also enjoy Breakfast with Santa while adults can put their knowledge of the season to the test on a Christmas Tree Trail around the pier.  

Eat, drink and be merry, with a dedicated outdoor festive stall and Christmas menus and party packages, celebrate the season with wrap-around sea views dining at Key West. Then let off steam at Rock Reef indoor climbing attraction or take the adrenaline PierZip sea to shore zipline open throughout the holidays except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

Get festivities started in Poole onboard a Coastal Cruises Festive Harbour Cruise. Sailing in December, the 70- minute cruise includes mulled wine and mince pie for adults or soft drink and biscuit for youngsters £14.50 per adult and £9.50 per child. There’s also the chance to meet Santa Claus afloat on the Santa’s Magical Harbour Adventure. This year he’s sending one of his most trusted elves, Jodie who’ll entertain children until they meet Mrs Claus who’ll take them into Santa’s stylish new grotto. No Christmas adventure is complete without tempting treats, so a hot chocolate station allows all guests to indulge. Tickets £16.50 for adults and children to include a present for kids, selected dates in December, book online. 

In Christchurch, the annual Christmas Tree Festival returns 28 November to 23 December at Highcliffe Castle. Twinkling trees glitter throughout the castle and youngsters can track the festive elf trail. Festive food, refreshments from the Castle bar and live music also feature on selected dates in December.  Creatives at the Castle takes place 21-22 November, browse unique gifts from 40 local traders and soak up the atmosphere in the state rooms.