What's on: Christmas 2022 on England's Coast

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Welcome glittering festive lights and the sound of popping corks.

Enjoy bespoke Christmas produce in East Yorkshire  
Tis’ the season to see East Yorkshire at its twinkling best. From 7th – 9th December, the Made in East Yorkshire Christmas Market will celebrate the very best produce that East Yorkshire’s local businesses have to offer. Along with late night shopping for those last-minute Christmas buys, the market offers an array of festive entertainment and activities throughout. 

Head to Bridlington’s Old Town for its popular Dickensian Christmas Festival on Sunday 4th December, from 10.30am to 4pm, The town will be brimming with festive cheer with around 40 stalls offering hand-made gifts and local produce. Enjoy hot chestnuts and street food, while vintage Christmas tunes ring out. Youngsters will be kept busy with a choice of vintage children’s rides and a visit from Father Christmas on his sleigh in the afternoon. Later on in the month (17th December), the historic Bridlington Priory Church will host a Christmas Brass & Voices evening, a chance to get into the festive spirit with moving carols and live music in atmospheric surrounds (£13pp).  

Walk through a twinkling wonderland in Bournemouth 
The highly anticipated Christmas Tree Wonderland returns to Bournemouth this year, from 18th November – 2nd January. Cast your eyes over the 60ft centrepiece walk-through a pine-scented walkway of glittering trees from around the world and enjoy all that’s on offer at the Alpine Market and Lodge Bar. Then buckle up for the outdoor skating ring and show off your best moves (or bum slides) while singing along to  favourite Christmas classics!  

Enjoy a seaside celebration in Poole  
Join in the celebration of Poole’s rich nautical heritage at the brand-new Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival from 19th Nov – 2nd Jan. Weave your way through an ‘under-the-sea’ light curtain and Christmas trees dressed in dazzling lights and maritime decorations. Explore the bespoke crafts and gifts, in addition to the light installations, funfair rides, and, of course, indulge in delectable food and drink on offer throughout the town and Quay, with Europe’s largest natural harbour as a stunning backdrop. 

Drink in the sights of White Cliffs Country  
Stroll along the breath-talking chalky White Cliffs of Dover and take in the mesmerising views of the English Channel. To complete the magic of Christmas, in Dover’s Market Square, 10th December, meet Father Christmas’ reindeers and the bearded man himself! Step into Santa’s grotto and pose for a photo before receiving a special treat including locally designed Christmas cards, a Christmas story book, colouring pencils and a delicious iced gingerbread man. 

Whether you’re planning to explore bustling markets with a hot toddy in hand or a blustery Boxing Day walk along the coast, you can be sure to find the perfect escape across every part of England’s beautifully varied coastline. 

Ice Sculpture extravaganza in Redcar and Cleveland  
Prepare to see the sand turn to snow in Saltburn on 17th December. After last year’s Ice Trail, the renowned ice sculptures, Sand in Your Eye, will return, to place nine beautifully designed ice sculptures across Saltburn, creating a wonderful one-day Ice Trail for families to explore. Get your game face on as each sculpture will reveal a secret clue that you’ll need to complete the trail competition. Along with this wintry trail, you’ll have the chance to meet some familiar faces... Scrooge and Mr Scratchit will be spreading Christmas cheer across Redcar high street and esplanade. 

Brave the sea in North York Moors National Park  
Continuing the glorious 70-year celebrations of the North York Moors National Park, get ready to take the plunge! In the seaside town of Whitby, it has become tradition to enjoy a  refreshing North Sea Boxing Day Dip. This unforgettable and memorable experience raises plenty of funds for local charities with fancy dress all part of the fun and for many dippers, a must, with prizes available for the very best.  

Under the dark night skies, not far from Whitby, is the beautiful location of Kettleness where the only sign of artificial light is from just half-a-dozen houses nearby. This little hamlet offers a cliff top with a superb dark sky vantage point where, on a clear night, you can spy up to 2,000 stars at any one time. 

Step into Christmas on Durham’s Heritage Coast 
With gospel choirs, visits from Santa and Christmas brunches and lunches galore, the coastal town of Seaham is perfect for a seasonal escape. Join the carol-singers at Dalton Park on 17th December,  feast on breakfast with Santa on 17th December at the Seaton Lane Inn, and get creative with wreath-making at Dalton Moor Farm on 18th December. And where better to enter the spirit of Christmas than at a carol service in one of the very oldest churches in England – St Mary the Virgin Church? 

Are you looking forward to the Christmas period? Here are a few more options to get you in the mood!

Get your skates on!
Immerse yourself in the wintry scenes of the 10.5-mile walk between the seaside towns of Scarborough and Filey. The track is a relatively gentle route, with beautiful coastal scenery, making it perfect for little legs as well as avid hikers.

Or, if you fancy polishing your figure skating jumps and twirls, head to either Whitby or Scarborough to whizz around their ice rinks. There’s nothing more festive and best of all it’s fun for every age! Make sure you book your tickets ahead here for Scarborough and here for Whitby

Eat, drink and festive beach clean-ups in West Sussex 
With quiz nights at the beach café in Littlehampton, wine tastings at its vineyards and tree dressing at the Weald and Downland Living Museum. The West Sussex coast is packed with festive events. And if you’d like to give something back this Christmas, consider joining a beach clean-up on 11th December at Windmill Beach.  

A world of artistry in the Isle of Thanet  
For lovers of art, from 12th November – 23rd December, local artist, Matthew Alexander will be showcasing his mastery of traditional landscape technique in his Christmas Exhibition 2022. With the exhibition taking place in his purpose-built gallery, guests will be invited to enjoy mulled wine and minced pies  while taking in the stunning works of this fine artist.  

Cosy Christmas classics in the Isle of Wight  
Take a trip  to Alum Bay, a charming shingle beach which is arguably one of the most picturesque stretches of the Isle of Wight. Perfect for a day out fossil hunting or simply admiring the preserved cliff faces.  

Not far from the sands of Alum Bay, enjoy a trip to the movies from the comfort of your own car and get Christmas started in style at Isle of Wight drive-in cinema. From family favourites to classic Christmas rom coms, you’ll get everyone in festive mood with f the likes of Elf, Love Actually and Home Alone, amongst others on 3rd and  4th December.  

A Christmas market under the glittering lights in Northumberland  
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas in the cobbled streets of Northumberland over two wonderful days. Located in the Gatehouse in the Village Square, on 26th and 27th November, the Christmas Bijou Makers Market is one for all, showcasing a selection of handmade crafts, unique gifts and delectable Christmas delights. Get the family all bundled up and head out for the perfect Christmas evening under Northumberland’s blanket of stars.