WHAT’S ON IN DECEMBER

December in the Notswolds

Closing the year with winter rituals, shared traditions, and moments of coming together.

Explore what’s on below, or use the links to jump to this month’s events, where to catch the workshops, supper clubs and cookery classes and sporting challenges.

Events and experiences

  • Stamford Santa Fun Run

    7 December 2026

    A joyful festive tradition set within the parkland at Burghley, the Stamford Santa Fun Run brings together hundreds of Santas for a family friendly run, jog or stroll across scenic one, two and three mile routes. Expect a lively warm up, Christmas music, finisher’s medals and plenty of mince pies and mulled wine, all wrapped in an atmosphere that makes this one of the region’s most loved seasonal events.

    Burghley House, Stamford, Lincolnshire

  • Christmas light trail at Belton

    TBC December 2026

    After dark, Belton House hosts its annual winter light trail, transforming the grounds into a glowing seasonal landscape. Wander illuminated paths, take in striking installations, and stay for food and fairground rides.

    Belton House, Grantham, Lincolnshire

  • Arthur Swallow Antiques and Home Show

    9 December 2026

    Established in 1995, the Antiques & Home Show has become a key date for collectors, designers, and anyone interested in thoughtful interiors. Expect a wide-ranging mix of fine antiques, art, vintage and salvage pieces, jewellery, curios, gardenalia, and the unexpected, all under one roof.

    Lincoln Showground

  • Newark International Antiques Fair

    10-11 December 2026

    Held just outside Newark, the Newark International Antiques & Collectors Fair is the largest antiques fair of its kind in Europe. With up to 1,500 stands, it draws trade buyers, collectors, and curious browsers alike, offering everything from furniture and jewellery to vintage clothing, vinyl, and rare collectibles.

    Newark Showground

Festive days out

  • Belton House light trail

    After dark, Belton House hosts its annual winter light trail, transforming the grounds into a glowing seasonal landscape. Wander illuminated paths, take in striking installations, and stay for food and fairground rides.

    Belton House, Lincolnshire

  • Lincolnshire Wildlife Park

    Christmas at Lincolnshire Wildlife Park brings a festive feel to the park, with seasonal activities for families alongside the chance to explore the grounds. Expect Christmas-themed experiences, encounters, and simple winter treats woven into a relaxed day out.

    Lincolnshire Wildlife Park

  • Boughton House

    At Boughton House, Christmas usually brings a full programme for families, from Santa’s grotto and afternoon tea to choosing a Christmas tree and following an elf trail through the gardens.

    Boughton House, Northamptonshire

  • Belvoir Castle

    Last year’s Christmas at Belvoir Castle saw the estate transformed into a richly decorated winter setting filled with lights, storybook details, and family experiences. The Three Mice trail, Santa’s Grotto, and a hand-crafted sugar replica of the castle set a high bar for what Christmas at Belvoir can be.

    Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire

  • Clumber Park

    Christmas at Clumber Park has built a lively, family-focused programme in recent years. Alongside the Elf on the Shelf trail and dusk lantern tours, there have been toddler story sessions, craft workshops, music in the chapel, and a Santa’s grotto in the old parsonage.

    Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire

  • Rockingham Castle

    A Victorian Christmas. Step back to Christmas Eve, 1849, with candle-lit trees, roaring fires, and staff in period costume. A calmer, slower festive experience, best enjoyed by older children, shaped by Victorian traditions and period detail.

    Rockingham Castle, Northamptonshire
    2026 programme TBC

  • Lyveden

    At Lyveden, Christmas looks back to Tudor midwinter traditions. The manor is dressed in festive greenery and period décor, with stories of lavish feasting, curious customs, and seasonal pastimes, from board games in the café to time spent lingering after a winter walk.

    Lyvedon, Northamptonshire

Workshops and talks

  • Art Social, Curious Magpie

    3 December 2026

    A regular creative event hosted by  @art.social.uk, held on the first Thursday of each month. Drop in to draw, paint, and experiment with materials. Supplies provided and a relaxed, bring-your-own-tipple atmosphere.

    Curious Magpie, Mountsorrel Leicestershire

Sporting challenges and events

  • Santa Fun Run

    Stamford Santa Fun Run

    7 December 2026

    A joyful festive tradition set within the parkland at Burghley, the Stamford Santa Fun Run brings together hundreds of Santas for a family friendly run, jog or stroll across scenic one, two and three mile routes. Expect a lively warm up, Christmas music, finisher’s medals and plenty of mince pies and mulled wine, all wrapped in an atmosphere that makes this one of the region’s most loved seasonal events.

    Burghley House, Stamford, Lincolnshire

FIND YOUR NOTSWOLDS

Whether you’re chasing adventure, uncovering hidden stories, getting creative, tasting your way through the region, or simply slowing down, the Notswolds has something for you. Explore the calendar, pick your moment, and make it your own.

Share your Notswolds experiences on social. Tag @notswolds and use #notswoldsmoments to be part of the story.

RECOMMEND YOUR NOTSWOLDS

Do have a favourite events in the Notswolds that you think we should know about? Get in touch at hq@notswolds.com.