Our pick of whats’ on around Northamptonshire in December. Check out our What’s On Calendar for more events around Northampton and the county.
Magical Forest Trail (Canons Ashby)
27 Nov–24 Dec 2025 | Canons Ashby
Explore an enchanted forest and help Merlin find his way using clues and sensory experiences, culminating in a festive prize.
Winter Light Trail at Delapré Abbey
28 Nov – 31 Dec 2025 | Delapré Abbey, Northampton
Wander through illuminated woodland with interactive displays and soundscapes, toast marshmallows at fire-pit stops and enjoy festive food and drink from local vendors.
A Christmas Quest (Canons Ashby)
29 Nov–24 Dec 2025 | Canons Ashby
Step into an Arthurian world of wizards, knights and dragons at Canons Ashby’s Christmas Quest. Follow a trail around the grounds, help Merlin complete his spell and earn a festive prize.
Beauty & the Beast (Castle Theatre)
30 Nov – 31 Dec 2025 | Castle Theatre, Wellingborough
A classic panto telling the story of a cursed prince transformed into a beast and the village girl who may break the spell. Expect laughter, stunning sets and costumes.
Arthurian Christmas at Canons Ashby
Throughout December 2025 | Canons Ashby
The whole property transforms into an Arthurian-themed wonderland with wizards, knights and dragons. Explore festive decorations, join trails and enjoy a magical day out.
Santa’s Grotto at Grosvenor Shopping Centre
Weekends in Dec 2025 & 22–23 Dec 2025 | Grosvenor Shopping Centre, Northampton
Visit Santa’s Grotto in Northampton’s shopping centre. Open every weekend from 10:30am to 4pm and also on 22 and 23 December; bookings via the BID website.
Christmas Carols & Songs with Magic Voices Choir
2 Dec 2025 | Kelmarsh Hall
Sip festive punch or mulled cider and enjoy mince pies as the Magic Voices Choir sing carols. Guests can sing along and wander through the hall’s festively decorated rooms.
Festive Wine Tasting with Duncan Murray
3 Dec 2025 | Kelmarsh Hall
Enjoy a glass of fizz before tasting wines paired with cheeses under the guidance of wine expert Duncan Murray, with access to the hall’s decorated state rooms.
A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story
4 Dec 2025 | Rockingham Castle
Enjoy a faithful adaptation of Dickens’ ghost story in the castle’s Great Hall. The ticket includes a drink and sweet treat and promises an immersive, atmospheric performance.
Winter Ice Skating – Market Square on Ice
4 Dec 2025 – 4 Jan 2026 | Market Square, Northampton
Glide on a 14m × 22m real ice rink under a covered canopy in Northampton Market Square. The event offers DJ sessions, lessons, a licensed bar and festive activities.
Christmas Wreath Making
4 Dec 2025 | Kelmarsh Hall
Craft a beautiful wreath using fresh foliage from the gardens at this evening workshop, complete with bubbly and a mince pie on arrival and expert florist guidance.
Advent Candlelight Concert
5 Dec 2025 | St James Church, Grafton Underwood
Experience a serene start to the season as Fiori Musicali perform Baroque pieces on oboe and trumpet in a candlelit 13th-century church.
Christmas Wreath Making with Afternoon Tea
5 Dec 2025 | Kelmarsh Hall
Create a festive wreath then relax over a lavish afternoon tea with seasonal treats, served in the saloon at Kelmarsh Hall.
Northampton Concert Orchestra Christmas Concert
5 Dec 2025 | St Thomas Centre, Northampton
Enjoy a programme of Christmas favourites like ‘Ding Dong Merrily on High’ and ‘Scrooge’ performed by the concert orchestra; under-16s go free.
Festive Handbell Ringing
6 Dec 2025 | Canons Ashby
Enjoy the sounds of the season as the Launton Handbell Ringers perform in the Priory Church; wander through the house decorated for an Arthurian Christmas before or after.
Brixworth Library Winter Shopping Fair
6 Dec 2025 | Brixworth Library
Browse local businesses, crafts and refreshments at this community fair. Entry is free and there’s plenty for families to enjoy.
Small Business Saturday – Grinch Takeover
6 Dec 2025 | Northampton Town Centre
West Northamptonshire celebrates Small Business Saturday with a town-wide Grinch takeover encouraging shoppers to support local retailers.
André Rieu’s Christmas Concert – Merry Christmas (6 Dec)
6 Dec 2025 | Castle Theatre, Wellingborough
Experience a live cinema broadcast of André Rieu’s Christmas concert with the Johann Strauss Orchestra and special guests; enjoy carols, waltzes and holiday warmth.
Bugbrooke St Michaels FC Christmas Fair
7 Dec 2025 | Bugbrooke St Michaels FC
Celebrate the season with live music, food and drink at the football club’s Christmas fair. Entry is free and the atmosphere is festive.
André Rieu’s Christmas Concert – Merry Christmas (7 Dec)
7 Dec 2025 | Castle Theatre, Wellingborough
Another opportunity to watch André Rieu’s festive concert on the big screen, featuring joyful melodies and heart-warming performances.
Winter & Christmas Concert – Northamptonshire Carers Choir
8 Dec 2025 | St Michael’s Church, Northampton
Join the Carers Choir and brass ensemble for a free evening concert with mince pies and mulled wine to celebrate winter and Christmas.
Candlelight: Tribute to Pink Floyd
11 Dec 2025 | Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Relax to the sounds of Pink Floyd classics performed by a string quartet in an intimate candlelit setting.
Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
11 Dec 2025 | Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Hear Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits under the glow of candlelight in a multi-sensory concert by a string quartet.
The Knight Before Christmas
12 Dec 2025 | Canons Ashby
Take an after-hours candlelit tour of the house adorned for Christmas, listening to stories and warming up with mulled wine or hot chocolate.
Lap of Lights at Silverstone
12 Dec 2025 – 3 Jan 2026 | Silverstone Circuit
Drive the world-famous Grand Prix circuit under a canopy of dazzling lights; visit Santa’s Garage for story time and LEGO building, glide on the Ice Trak and sample festive food at the village.
Carols on the Square
13 Dec 2025 | Market Square, Northampton
Join Northants Sings Out, singer Billy Lockett, NMPAT and other groups for a free afternoon of festive carols on Northampton Market Square alongside the ice rink.
Candlelight: Tribute to Queen
13 Dec 2025 | Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Experience the power of Queen’s music in a candlelit concert featuring hits like ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, performed by talented musicians.
The Sherlocks – Live at The Roadmender
13 Dec 2025 | The Roadmender, Northampton
Indie rock band The Sherlocks bring their high-energy performance to Northampton; expect anthemic tunes and Northern grit to heat up the winter night.
Decorate a Christmas Crown
14 Dec 2025 | Canons Ashby
Young visitors can craft their own Christmas crown at the Priory Church and explore the house in its Arthurian splendour.
Tai Chi in the Walled Garden
14 Dec 2025 | Delapré Abbey, Northampton
Find calm in the Walled Garden with a beginner-friendly tai chi session followed by green tea.
The Nutcracker – Broadcast
14 Dec 2025 | Castle Theatre, Wellingborough
Watch Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet with magical sets and costumes on the big screen as Clara and the Nutcracker battle the Mouse King and journey to the Kingdom of Sweets.
NSO Christmas Cracker
14 Dec 2025 | Spinney Theatre, Northampton
Kick off the festive season with the Northampton Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas concert featuring ‘A Christmas Overture’, ‘Paddington Bear’s First Concert’ and ‘Christmas Carol’ accompanied by mulled wine and mince pie.
Northampton Saints vs Vodacom Bulls
14 Dec 2025 | cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
Cheer on Northampton Saints as they take on the Vodacom Bulls in the Investec Champions Cup at Franklin’s Gardens.
Murder Mystery at Rawcliffe Manor
18 Dec 2025 | Delapré Abbey, Northampton
Dress up and solve a murder at Rawcliffe Manor during a 1910s Christmas party. Enjoy a two-course festive meal and disco as you follow clues.
Candlelight Christmas: Love Actually, Home Alone & More
19 Dec 2025 | Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Enjoy music from beloved Christmas films like ‘Love Actually’ and ‘Home Alone’ performed by a string quartet in a candlelit setting; a magical multi-sensory experience for ages 8+.
O Holy Night – Northampton Bach Choir
20 Dec 2025 | St Matthew’s Church, Northampton
The Northampton Bach Choir’s festive concert blends traditional and contemporary carols, including excerpts from Handel’s ‘Messiah’ and Finzi’s ‘In Terra Pax’, inviting audience participation.
Northampton Saints vs Sale Sharks
20 Dec 2025 | cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
Support the Saints against Sale Sharks in this Gallagher Premiership match at Franklin’s Gardens.
Mr Handel’s Messiah
23 Dec 2025 | Northampton Cathedral
Hear Fiori Musicali’s orchestra, choir and soloists present Handel’s ‘Messiah’ with trumpets and drums for a splendid pre-Christmas evening.
Victorian Christmas Candlelit Tour
8–9 Dec 2025 | Delapré Abbey, Northampton
Step back to a Victorian Christmas on a candlelit tour of the Bouverie rooms, listen to festive tales and savour port and cheeses in the grand dining room.
Dickens Christmas Afternoon Tea
13–21 Dec 2025 | Delapré Abbey, Northampton
Relax to a Dickensian afternoon tea with candlelight and spiced delights inspired by ‘A Christmas Carol’, served in the historic rooms of the abbey.
Festive Wreath Making Workshops
2–3 Dec 2025 | Rockingham Castle
Create a biodegradable wreath using foliage from the estate with guidance from the gardens team. Enjoy mulled wine, hot drinks and sweet treats while you craft.
The All New Adventures of Peter Pan
5–31 Dec 2025 | Royal & Derngate, Northampton
This star-studded pantomime features John Thomson as Captain Hook and CBeebies’ George Webster and boasts lavish sets, jokes and audience participation for the whole family.
The Jolly Christmas Postman
6–31 Dec 2025 | Royal & Derngate, Northampton
Follow the Jolly Postman as he delivers letters and parcels to fairy-tale characters in a snowy world. Live music and theatre magic bring this children’s classic to life.
Mog’s Christmas
6–31 Dec 2025 | Royal & Derngate, Northampton
Celebrate the festive season with Mog the forgetful cat as the Thomas family prepare for Christmas in this heartwarming stage adaptation filled with songs and mischief.
Cinderella
12–31 Dec 2025 | Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering
Enjoy a glittering pantomime featuring Cinderella, her Fairy Godmother, Buttons and Prince Charming; expect dazzling sets, jokes and a sparkling transformation.
Beauty & the Beast (The Core, Corby)
12–31 Dec 2025 | The Core at Corby Cube
Bookish Belle, Jacques and Betty Bon Bon find themselves in an enchanted castle with the Beast; shimmering sets, outrageous costumes and magical mayhem await. Accessible performances included.
Father Christmas Experience at Chester House Estate
6–24 Dec 2025 | Chester House Estate, Irchester
Visit Father Christmas and his elves in an immersive grotto, then explore a festive market with local gifts, street food, live music and even alpacas.
Chester House Christmas Markets
6–24 Dec 2025 | Chester House Estate, Irchester
Browse the outdoor Christmas market at Chester House Estate, discovering handmade gifts, food and treats amidst festive lights and live entertainment.
Afternoon Tea at Chester House Estate
Until 20 Dec 2025 | Chester House Estate, Irchester
Indulge in a selection of sandwiches, savouries and sweet treats with unlimited drinks in the beautiful 17th-century farmhouse at Chester House. Bookings essential.
Christmas at Wicksteed Park
6–24 Dec 2025 | Wicksteed Park, Kettering
Meet Santa, explore rides and attractions, visit Wicky’s Farmyard, play crazy golf, make reindeer food and decorate biscuits at Wicksteed Park’s festive experience.
