If there’s one thing guaranteed to brighten up a dark December evening, it’s the twinkle of fairy lights and the sound of carols in the air. This winter, the Great Northern network is your golden ticket to tinsel, tunes and a touch of magic.
From candlelit carols in Cambridge to ice rinks and panto at Alexandra Palace, every stop on our network invites you to wrap up warm and bring your festive cheer. So grab your woolliest scarf, grab a hot chocolate for the journey, and let the seasonal spirit begin, because these are the best festive events on the Great Northern network this year.
Hitchin Christmas Tree Lights Switch-On
Location: Hitchin, Hertfordshire
Nearest station: Hitchin
Date: November 2026
Tickets: Free, no tickets or booking required
This November, Hitchin is going all out for the festive season. The day kicks off with live performances from 11.30am at Market Place, with stalls and festive food, a Santa’s Parade from 5.30pm, and at 6pm the big switch-on of the tree lights. There’ll be community choirs, musicians, and local band The New Town Centres to keep the day lively.
Arrive by train, wander into the town centre, buy a mulled drink or treat, and find a good spot for the 6pm switch-on. The event is free to attend, making it a strong pick for an early-season outing where you’re among locals and holiday-makers alike.
Wonderful Welwyn Christmas Lights Event
Location: Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire
Nearest station: Welwyn Garden City
Date: Saturday 21 November 2026
Tickets: Free, no tickets or booking required
Welwyn Garden City has fun for everyone this year with a huge range of different festive events. Head to the Howard Centre for story time with Father Christmas, followed by a very special visit from Blizzard the Penguin who will be waddling into Welwyn Garden City for the Christmas Lights Event and providing extra special photo opportunities.
As if that wasn’t enough, you can expect fun-fair rides, magical fairies, Mrs Claus stilt walkers, a stilt-walking elf, and face painting. Wonder at the stunning Christmas lights installations which will be located around the town, and enjoy food, drink, and craft stalls. The event is free to attend, though rides at the funfair cost separately.
Christmas Gift & Food Fair at Ely Cathedral
Location: Ely, Cambridgeshire
Nearest station: Ely
Dates: Thursday 19 November - Saturday 21 November 2026
Tickets: Book here
Inside the glorious Ely cathedral this November you’ll find nearly a hundred boutique stalls from local designers and craftspeople. Outside, there’s a festive marquee in the cathedral grounds packed with artisan producers of gifts, décor, and seasonal food, while street-food vendors and warming drinks keep the atmosphere lively.
Grab your tickets as soon as possible as this event is popular. Arrive by train, stroll into Ely’s centre from the station, and you’re right in the heart of it. Book now to save on your train tickets with advance fares, and allow time to wander the cathedral and city centre afterwards.
Winter Wonderland in Stevenage
Location: Stevenage, Hertfordshire
Nearest station: Stevenage
Dates: TBC
Over in Stevenage, the leisure park transforms into a Winter Wonderland bursting with festive cheer. Glide across a real ice rink, warm up with hot chocolate and mulled wine from cosy chalets, and browse the Christmas market for handmade gifts and treats. There’s a funfair for the kids, twinkling lights overhead, and plenty of seasonal sparkle to get everyone in the spirit.
This one is perfect for a festive day out and it couldn’t be easier to get to by train, as the venue is right next to the train station..
Festive Fun at Alexandra Palace
Location: Alexandra Palace, London
Nearest station: Alexandra Palace
Dates: From 24 November 2026 to 17 January 2027
Tickets: Book here
Make memories with the whole family at Alexandra Palace this season. Step inside the grand theatre for Cinderella on Ice, which will see the beloved fairy tale brought to life with elegant skating, dazzling costumes and magical storytelling.
Wander through the East Court, glowing with twinkling lights and Christmas trees, where you can browse a pop-up bookshop, sing along to carols, and meet Santa in his grotto. Then, lace up your skates for a spin under the glittering rink-side tree, catch Sleeping Beauty in this year’s dazzling panto on ice, and truly get into the spirit with a brass band performance.
Maggie’s Cambridge Carol Concert
Location: Trinity College Chapel, Cambridge
Nearest station: Cambridge
Date: Sunday 6 December 2026
Tickets: Book here
Maggie’s is a cancer charity, and this year they’re hosting a festive carol concert at Trinity College Cambridge. Expect organ music on arrival, festive readings, and an opportunity to join in some of the songs yourself.
A drinks reception follows in the ante-chapel, where you can linger, chat, and soak up the atmosphere. It’s not just a performance, it’s a warm and uplifting way to mark the season in one of Cambridge’s most beautiful spaces and support people with cancer. Tickets are limited, so book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Festive Concerts and Carols at Peterborough Cathedral
Location: Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
Nearest station: Peterborough
Date: Throughout December 2026
Tickets: Book here
For a festive evening with plenty of atmosphere, Peterborough has a packed programme of candlelit concerts and performances throughout December. Highlights include Christmas by Candlelight on 1 and 2 December, A Christmas Carol in the Nave of Peterborough Cathedral on 7 and 8 December, and The Christmas Orchestra on 10 December. Later in the month, Medieval Carols by Candlelight on 20 December offers a more traditional seasonal experience, while Christmas Magic on 12 December brings together local choirs and brass musicians for two performances.
Planning tips
- Book your tickets early for concerts and specialised events to avoid disappointment
- Save money on your train travel with GroupSave, Kids for £2, and Advance fares.
- Check train times in advance as weekend and evening services may differ and there is a revised timetable in place for December.
- Arrive with plenty of time to grab a good spot, get a drink, and soak in any pre-event atmosphere.
- Wrap up warm: many of these activities are outdoors or partially outdoors.