Get into the festive spirit with our pick of fabulous Christmas events in the Cambridgeshire cities of Cambridge, Ely and Peterborough.
The North Pole, 14 November- 3 January
Parker’s Piece, Cambridge
Get into the festive spirit, whatever the weather, and skate in style at The North Pole Cambridge, featuring an undercover ice rink and cosy Alpine Cabin Bar. This year’s ice rink is the biggest yet, but there’ll be no increase in capacity to ensure there’s plenty of space for skaters. Full social distancing measures will be in place. New for 2020 is a Ferris wheel offering wonderful views of Cambridge, and a thrilling three-lane ice slide. After skating, browse the stalls or warm up with mulled wine and a German bratwurst sausage. Adults priced £13.50, children aged 3 to 12 priced £11.50. Book tickets.
Christmas Keys at Peterborough Cathedral
Peterborough PE1 1XZ
Peterborough Cathedral is inviting people to join its Christmas appeal to keep the building open. The ‘Christmas Keys’ appeal offers the opportunity to have their own written message
on a decorative red-ribboned key, to be hung on the Christmas tree inside the Cathedral for a donation. The cathedral will return your key as a keepsake in January. Make a donation of £25, £50 or £100 and a red-ribboned key will be placed on the Christmas tree inside the Cathedral for you. You can add a personal message to your key if you wish and we will make sure that this is included. Find out how you can support the Cathedral.
Ely Virtual Christmas Market, 15 November – 20 December
Your own home
The Ely Cathedral Christmas Gift & Food Fair is going virtual. Instead of attending in person in the Cathedral, the site will enable you to browse over 200 of its favourite festive exhibitors from the comfort of your own home.
All the usual goods will be available including crafts, jewellery, accessories, food and drink and more. Keeping the festivities alive, there’ll be a range of virtual entertainment and activities too! Find out more.
Winter Walks at Anglesey Abbey
Quy Road, Lode, Cambridge
Though the traditional winter light display has been postponed until next year, Anglesey Abbey is still a great place to enjoy this winter. Whether you want to escape the buzz of Christmas or work off those extra calories post-Christmas day, the gardens and trails are a delight to explore. Get back to nature with a wander among the grounds. It’s free too! From 5 December, for just £2, families can follow the Peter Rabbit™ trail around the gardens. Plan your route.
Online Christmas Wreath Workshop, 2 December, morning and afternoon time slots
Cambridge Botanical Gardens
Make a stylish Christmas wreath from the comfort of your own home! With the guidance of award‐winning florist, Sam Cotterell, you’ll create a beautiful wreath using foliage, seedheads, dried fruit and decorations, together with a bit of sparkle and a mince pie, all delivered to your door ahead of the event. Price £45. Book your wreath workshop.
Christmas at Burwash Manor, from 2 December
New Road, Barton, Cambridge
Support local business this festive season with a Christmas shopping spree at the delightful independent stores housed in converted farm buildings at Burwash Manor. Stores will be dressed in their Christmas finest and offering a range of beautiful gifts. You can even pick up a Christmas tree! If you need a break from shopping warm up at the Flock Café; superb food served up in a friendly atmosphere. It’s dog-friendly too!
