December Events

North West eNglaNd Candlelight & Carols Evening Arley Hall & Gardens, Northwich, Cheshire 3-4 December

Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking and imaginative floral displays which decorate the venue, featuring hundreds of fresh flowers and foliage from the gardens, while listening to the beautiful harmonies of the Serenade Singers and Equali. The choir will be performing in several rooms throughout the 19th century hall as visitors enjoy the arrangements. Delicious festive food will also be available, ranging from a traditional Christmas dinner to mince pies accompanied by mulled wine. www.arleyhallandgardens.com

Great Expectations Film & Dine Old Laundry Theatre, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria 5 December

Enjoy a three-course Dickensian meal, comprising Scotch broth, steak and ale pie, and apple tart at the former Edwardian laundry, before settling down to watch the 1946 film adaptation of the novel of the same name, which received two Academy Awards. www.oldlaundrytheatre.co.uk

Crafty Vintage Christmas Market The Last Drop Village Hotel & Spa, Bromley Cross, Lancashire 8 December

Held at the 17th century venue, this gathering offers vintage wares, fine foods and handmade crafts, as well as live music and entertainers. Food and drink will also be available, ranging from afternoon tea to a traditional Lancashire carvery. www.craftyvintage.com

North east eNglaNd Dark Skies Stargazing Harehope Quarry, Frosterley, County Durham 1 December

An introductory class incorporating a special software programme, presentation and demonstration on how to use binoculars and a telescope to view the beauty of the sky over the North Pennines with the naked eye. www.gostargazing.co.uk

Festive Wreath Making Workshop Walworth Castle Hotel, Darlington, County Durham 4 December

Discover how to make a beautiful centrepiece for the table or a stunning festive wreath. Enjoy a warming glass of mulled wine and delicious festive nibbles while receiving expert guidance from Flowers By Nattrass. www.walworthcastle.co.uk

Festive Harmonies Afternoon Tea Beamish Hall Hotel, Stanley, County Durham 8 December

With a greeting from vocalists in a Christmas performance, visitors will get into the holiday spirit while enjoying a festive afternoon tea in the beautiful Winter Gardens Suite. www.beamish-hall.co.uk

Yorkshire Winter Artisan Market Bishops Manor, Howden, East Riding of Yorkshire 1 December

A showcase of fine gifts, food and drink for the festive season from the best local producers, craftspeople and shops. Visitors can also enjoy delicious food and explore the 700-year-old ancient monument. www.bishopsmanor.co.uk

Willow Weaving Workshop: Christmas Decorations North York Moors National Park, Danby, North Yorkshire 8 December

Enjoy a relaxing and productive workshop. Make a door wreath and a rustic ornament, using the willow materials provided. Bring along ribbons, baubles and lights to add finishing touches. www.northyorkmoors.org.uk

Candlelit Choir & Jingles carlton towers, yorkshire 18 December

the spectacular manor house in carlton is the perfect location to spend the evening relaxing by an open fire and admiring the beautifully decorated state rooms with a glass of mulled wine as local musicians entertain with festive music. www.carltontowers.co.uk

midlands Christmas Parade church street, oswestry, shropshire 7 December

vibrantly decorated floats, walking parades and live music fill the streets of the town for a christmas celebration that is enjoyed by hundreds of visitors each year. organised by rotary groups in the area, the event raises thousands of pounds for local charities. www.borderlandrotary.co.uk

Potter’s Wheel Course Home Farm, ledbury, Herefordshire 7 December

ideal for absolute beginners or those wishing to gain more confidence working with clay, enthusiasts will learn how to create a small pot following an initial demonstration. after a light lunch, different shapes and forms will be explored and creations can be fired and glazed. www.eastnorpottery.co.uk Carols By Candlelight national Memorial arboretum, alrewas, staffordshire 21 December surrounded by the gentle glow of candles and beautiful illuminated trees, visitors are encouraged to sing along with this traditional carol service, which is suitable for all ages. carol books, candles and refreshments will be available to purchase at the event. www.thenma.org.uk

East midlands & East anglia Christmas Wine Tasting and Fair Women’s institute Hall, Brackley, northamptonshire 7 December

enjoy an evening of informal wine tasting with Brackley Wines. tasting notes will be available, and any orders placed will be delivered in time for christmas. there will also be several stalls with festive gift ideas, ranging from natural skincare products to beautiful woodturned items, for visitors to browse. www.brackleywines.co.uk

Snow Globes Workshop the craft Barn, Hadfield, Derbyshire 8 December

Held in a beautifully resorted grain store, this fun and informative workshop shows participants how to use small objects, illustrations and glitter to create a unique and retro snow globe, which makes an ideal home-made decoration or gift. all materials and equipment are provided. www.eventbrite.co.uk

south WEst England Xmas Fayre Event the House of Bread, christchurch, Gloucestershire 6-8 December

tasty festive treats, a beautiful range of pottery and locally crafted items will be on sale during this event. on the saturday and sunday, there will also be an opportunity to decorate a wide selection of pottery and create christmas decorations from clay. Booking is essential for visitors wishing to take part in the crafting element of the fair. www.hotpotpottery.co.uk

Silver Jewellery-Making Day Pallington, Dorchester, Dorset 7 December

Jeweller Kate Arbon offers participants the chance to create a selection of silver jewellery, including rings, pendants and earrings during the course. She will be teaching the art of soldering, piercing, how to use cold connections, and finishing and polishing. All materials are provided, including a selection of semi-precious gemstones for embellishments. A light lunch and refreshments are also supplied. www.sculpturebythelakes.co.uk

Corsham Creative Market Corsham Community Campus, Wiltshire 7 December

This monthly craft market, held in the historic market town, hosts more than 30 stalls of hand-baked goods, jewellery, cards, woodwork, furniture, clothing, candles and more for visitors to explore. All items for sale have been lovingly made and provide the ideal opportunity for those looking for an unusual Christmas gift. www.corshamcreativemarket.co.uk South EaSt England

Soap Making Course Hillsdown Farm, Horsted Keynes, West Sussex 14 December

This hands-on course aims to give the hobbyist a greater understanding of soap making. Covering a variety of methods, participants will learn skills such as the cold process and melt and pour techniques, and will be shown a wide range of additives and design features. Coffee, tea and biscuits will be available, and Will-o-the-Wisp products will be offered at trade prices to those taking part on the day. www.will-o-the-wisp.co.uk

Charles Dickens Evening Highclere Castle, Hampshire 19 December

Guests are invited to experience the classic tale, A Christmas Carol by Dickens, performed by his great-great-grandson, Gerald Dickens in the opulent surroundings of the ‘real’ Downton Abbey. Following a champagne and canapé reception, there will be an opportunity to explore the castle and enjoy a festive mince pie with a glass of mulled wine. www.highclerecastleshop.co.uk

Scotland Farmers’ Market Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, West Dunbartonshire 1 December

Home-made arts and crafts, fresh produce and food will be on offer from a wide selection of local producers and makers at this seasonal market, held at the waterside of picturesque Loch Lomond. Visitors can also enjoy a large range of sweet and savoury food at the cafés and restaurants that are located nearby. www.lochlomondshores.com

Carols at Innerpeffray Innerpeffray Chapel, Crieff, Perth and Kinross 8 December

The oldest surviving public library in Scotland hosts an evening of festive music and readings. The Innerpeffray Singers will be performing traditional carols along with other seasonal melodies. A minibus will transport guests to the schoolroom, where refreshments will be provided. www.friendsofinnerpeffraylibrary.com

Christmas Market Glamis Castle, Angus, Forfarshire 13-15 December

A wealth of local traders will be offering a range of fantastic gifts. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the castle and a freshly prepared meal using local ingredients in the Victorian kitchen restaurant. There will also be winter walks through the gardens, and children can visit Santa’s Grotto. www.glamis-castle.co.uk

Wales Christmas Decorations Workshop Gregynog Hall, Tregynon, newtown, Powys 5 December

spend a relaxing day creating handmade Christmas decorations in the beautiful surroundings of this Grade i listed house. All materials and an ideas sheet will be supplied, and participants will take home at least two ornaments. Tea and coffee will be provided on arrival, and a two-course festive lunch and afternoon tea with mince pies is also included. www.gregynog.org

Food and Craft Fair Portmeirion, Minffordd, Gwynedd 6-8 December

More than 120 stalls exhibiting the best Welsh produce come together for this fair. Held in the iconic italian-style village, a wide range of local produce and crafts will be on offer, as well as seasonal cooking demonstrations, santa’s Grotto and musical entertainment to provide a delightful day out for young and old. www.portmeirion.wales

Caerphilly Christmas Market Caerphilly, Rhymney valley, Monmouthshire 7-8 December

indulgent chocolates and mouth-watering tipples will be the perfect accompaniment to the delicious fresh produce on offer at this festive market. visitors will experience the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas as the town prepares for the festive holidays. Children can also enjoy traditional funfair rides while parents browse the variety of craft and gift stalls which number more than 100 in total. www.caerphillychristmasmarket.co.uk

NortherN IrelaNd Roe Valley Speciality Market Drumceatt square, limavady, County londonderry 7 December

A warm and friendly welcome awaits visitors to this outdoor market that boasts a range of speciality local fresh food, quirky handmade crafts and fine art. enjoy the colourful displays and delicious aromas on offer, while learning about craft techniques and cooking skills from experienced traders. www.roevalleymarket.co.uk

Christmas Baking & Desserts Workshop Drumgrannon Road, Dungannon, County Tyrone 7 December

This hands-on workshop is suitable for all levels of experience and demonstrates how to bake delicious Christmas favourites, including shortcrust mince pies, home-made mincemeat, a classic Christmas cake and pudding, sausage rolls and caramel ice cream. A dozen mince pies and sausage rolls will be available to take home at the end of the class. www.weebuns.com

Holly Hike lagan valley Regional Park, Belfast, County Antrim 8 December

enjoy a winter walk through the beautiful surroundings of this area of outstanding natural Beauty. This informative hike will take time to look and listen to the wildlife that calls this 4,500-acre site home. The walk will take approximately two hours, and warm clothing is advised. www.laganvalley.co.uk LandScape makes every effort to ensure all details are correct but recommends details are confirmed before travelling.