From twinkly trails to stage shows and Santa specials, there are dozens of accessible Christmas activities and events to get you in a festive mood this year.
Rough Guides have chosen some of the best accessible days out to kick off your seasonal celebrations. Check them out here.
England
Yuletide: A Glittering Winter Adventure, Tatton Park, Cheshire
Selected dates 15 November 2025 to 23 December 2025
Wild Rumpus brings Yuletide magic and mischief to Tatton Park with a new light trail for 2025. Expect illuminated puppets and costumed characters, as well as live music, storytelling and fire juggling performances. Sensory-friendly sessions run on the 23 and 30 November.
A limited number of accessible spaces are available in the main car park (free for Yuletiders), which is a short step-free walk from the gardens. An alternative route is provided for any event areas which are not fully wheelchair-accessible. If you require an accessible site map, a visual story, or to hire a wheelchair or electric scooter, fill in the online access form or email access@wildrumpus.org.uk. Free entry for carers.
Best for families.
Treat yourself and your loved ones to a Christmas show at one of London’s Sadler’s Wells
November 2025 to January 2026
Ideal for younger audiences, Birmingham Rep’s dreamy stage adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman is back at the Peacock Theatre from 22 November to 4 January.
There is a relaxed performance on 3 December and an audio-described performance and touch tour on 13 December. For teenagers, dance powerhouse ZooNation’s new production, Ebony Scrooge, gives Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol the hip-hop treatment.
The show runs from 26 November to 4 January, with a captioned performance on 7 December, and an audio-described performance and touch tour on 13 December).
Sign up for Sadler’s Wells Access for All scheme. It is free to join and entitles you to one discounted ticket per production (and a discounted carer ticket if needed). The Peacock Theatre and Sadler’s Wells East theatres are fully accessible. There is one disabled parking bay in front of the Peacock Theatre. The nearest car park to Sadler’s Wells East is at Westfield Stratford City (Car Park B).
Best for families and couples.
Worcester Victorian Fayre, Worcester
4 to 7 December 2025
Worcester Victorian Fayre features more than 200 stalls, costumed street entertainers, stilt walkers (look for Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson on Saturday), live music performances, a pop-up Friar Street beer festival and gin palace at Tudor House, and a family funfair with a traditional carousel.
Worcester County Council has partnered with AccessAble to provide accessibility information for local venues, including the fayre. Blue Badge holders park for free for up to 3 hours in all Worcester City Council car parks.
Best for families and couples.
Worcester Victorian Fayre/ABurton
Winter Warmer, Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Cumbria
28 December 2025 to 3 January 2026
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway wraps up Christmas with a mince pie and a winter train ride. Scheduled Winter Warmer Trains chug from coastal Ravenglass to Dalegarth in the stunning Eskdale Valley.
Accessibility maps are provided for Ravenglass and Dalegarth stations (in-depth guides are also available on the AccessAble website). Call 01229 717171 if you need to use an adapted carriage. Carers ride for free when assisting a fare-paying passenger (PIP OR DLA certificate required). Accessible parking is available at both stations.
Best for couples.
Scottish Ballet’s Wee Nutcracker, Tramway, Glasgow
12 December 2025 to 24 December 2025
The classic Christmas ballet, cleverly adapted and shortened for a younger audience. Wee Nutcracker makes the perfect introduction to classical ballet. With a run time of 45 minutes, it is long enough to enchant, but over before the fidgeting starts.
Tickets are booked through Scottish Ballet (25 percent discount for family tickets). All public spaces at Tramway are wheelchair-accessible, with lift access to the mezzanine and first floor. Only on-street parking is available. For more information, check the venue’s Access page and Gallery Visitor Pack.
Best for families with young children.
Christmas Lights at the Botanics, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Selected dates 20 November 2025 to 30 December 2025
The Botanics’ popular after-dark trail returns with larger-than-life installations created by international artists and street food vendors. Quiet sessions are available on 30 November, 3 December and 10 December.
The light trail route is fully accessible, with hard-standing, flat paths. There is no on-site parking, but there is plenty of parking around the West Gate on Arboretum Place (metered parking bays are free after 5.30pm). For any specific accessibility queries, including wheelchair, mobility scooter and tramper hire, email visitorwelcome@rbge.org.uk.
Best for families and couples.
Christmas at the Botanics © Phil Wilkinson
Christmas days out for adults: aurora-hunting in Galloway
Open 24 hours
The UK’s first Dark Sky Park, Galloway Forest Park, is one of the best places in Europe for stargazing, with great views from all three of its visitor centres: Glentrool, Kirroughtree and Clatteringshaws.
In 2024, the sun reached its maximum phase in the 11-year solar cycle, upping the odds of spotting Northern Lights in 2025.
Kirroughtree is the one to go for in terms of accessibility: free parking for Blue Badge holders, a Changing Places unit, accessible toilets, and wheelchair-accessible trails.
Best for singles and couples.
Wales
Silent Disco at Plas Newydd, Llanfairpwll, Anglesey
30 November to 29 December 2024
Everyone is invited to Plas Newydd House’s silent disco. Put on your headphones, choose your channel and bop to pop hits or Christmas favourites.
Accessible parking is available next to the visitor centre, from where it is a 10-minute step-free walk to the House. See map. Under 5s go free, but still need an entry ticket. Up to two essential companion and carer tickets can be booked alongside a paying ticket for this event.
Best for all ages.
Christmas Courtyard Illuminations at Powis Castle and Garden, Welshpool
12 to 22 December 2025
After dark, Powis Castle’s medieval outer walls become the canvas for atmospheric wintry projections. Entry to the castle’s first floor, transformed into a Narnian-inspired wonderland, is included in the timed courtyard ticket (available at visitor reception each evening); however, there’s no step-free access. The courtyard, café and shop are fully accessible. There’s a step-free garden route, too. On-site parking is free. AccessAble’s accessibility guide provides more information.
Best for couples.
Santa Specials, Llangollen Railway, Dee Valley
12 to 22 December 2025
The Santa Special is a cherished tradition at Llangollen Railway. Festively decked out, the heritage locomotive chuffs nostalgically through the wintry Dee Valley. Onboard, Santa makes his way along the train with a sackful of presents. For grown-ups, there are complimentary mince pies and mulled wine.
Santa Specials services have up to four wheelchair-friendly places (call 01978 860979 to reserve). Llangollen and Corwen stations are fully accessible. There are two accessible parking spaces at Llangollen and a pay-and-display car park at Corwen.
Best for families with young children.
A Magical Christmas Experience, Titanic Belfast
28 November 2025 to 23 December 2025
Titanic Belfast’s Magical Christmas Experience pulls out all the stops: a winter wonderland, complete with an enchanted forest, an elves’ workshop, Mrs Claus’ kitchen, a post office for 8that all-important Christmas letter, and an elf toy shop for Christmassy arts and crafts. In a nice touch, Chief Elf checks off his ‘Naughty or Nice’ list, then it’s off to see Santa Claus for a photo. Quiet sessions are offered on the 7, 13 and 15 December (call 028 9076 6386 to book); a sensory guide is available online.
Accessibility is excellent, both in terms of physical access and on-site resources. Titanic Belfast operates a Free Carers Policy (free carer ticket to any paying customer who requires essential assistance). Paid parking for visitors (including Blue Badge holders) is a minor quibble.
Best for families with young children.
A Santa Cruise at Strangford Lough
Public trips at weekends throughout December 2025
Strangford Lough Activity Centre offers a ‘sleigh’ ride with a difference: a 30-minute speedboat ride around Strangford Lough, with carol singing all the way. On dry land, there’s hot chocolate and shortbread for kids, and mulled wine and mince pie for grown-ups. Plus, a visit to Santa in his grotto.
The Santa Cruise embarks from Sketrick Island. There are pathways and ramps to the boat, but no hoist transfer. Contact Strangford Lough Activity Centre (tel: 07909 721898; email: strangfordloughactivitycentre@hotmail.co.uk) to discuss your specific needs.
Best for families.
The Adventure of Pinocchio, Grand Opera House, Belfast
29 November 2025 to 11 January 2026
The Grand Opera House’s new panto, The Adventures of Pinocchio, has all the hallmarks of a runaway success: a line-up of panto favourites including May McFettridge, dazzling costumes, brilliant staging and effects, and laugh-out-loud comedy. Accessible performances are staged on 16 December (signed), 17 December (captioned) and 19 December (audio described and relaxed).
In February 2025, The Grand Opera House pocketed the Award for Outstanding Contribution at Belfast City Council’s Inaugural Inclusive Tourism Awards in recognition of its commitment to accessibility in the Arts.
There are nine wheelchair positions in the Stalls and two on the Upper Circle. On-street parking on Great Victoria Street is free after 6.30pm and all day Sunday.
The theatre’s Access for All Scheme is free to join and entitles members who need additional support to free essential carer tickets.
Best for families.
Could the Motability Scheme help you stay mobile?
Over 860,000 customers use the Motability Scheme. See if you can join them.
The Scheme offers an all-inclusive package. If you are in receipt of a qualifying mobility allowance you can use it to lease a car, scooter, powered wheelchair, or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle.
The Scheme provides flexible and hassle-free access to a brand-new, reliable vehicle of your choice. As well as a great choice of cars, we also provide a wide range of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, scooters, and powered wheelchairs.
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