With Winter Wonderland sadly out of the question, we wanted to shout about other fabulous pop-ups that are still taking place, some returning favourites and some new and exciting options. Give yourselves something to look forward to as we don’t want to be entirely cooped up this winter. Winter pop-ups usually take place from November to January, and there are an array of ways to celebrate the festive season with these events and activities.
Go on a winter safari or pop around to a local artist's house for tea and cake. Here are our top winter pop-ups in the UK in 2020.
Ice Skating
Dates - Various from now until January 2021
Ice Skating pop-ups are our fave! Whether you can or can’t skate its lots of fun for everyone. Check out our best pop-up ice skating spots for 2020 here.
Dates - 4th September 2020 to 3rd January 2021
Find out more here.
Six miles worth of dazzling lights along the Promenade of Blackpool. Admire from your car window or a magical tram ride for a spectacular display of light illuminating the seafront.
Dates - 3rd December to 24th December 2020
To find your nearest location and book tickets, click here.
“Crazy times call for crazy solutions!”. The Parking Lot Social is touring the UK for a big winter blowout this Christmas. With festive fireworks, movies, pantos and more all in this new drive-in festival experience. There is plenty of interactive fun to be had from your car including bingo and car-e-oke, it’s going to be a lot of fun!
Dates - 3rd December 2020 to 10th January 2021
Find out more and book tickets here.
The Land of Light will illuminate your senses. Taking place in the safari park, the immersive and interactive installations and laser show is something magic. In the main square sits an enchanted musical Christmas Tree getting everyone in the Christmas spirit. There is so much to do, with a winter safari, Santa storytelling, the Santa train and even a forestry of trees for you to explore.
Dates - 3rd December 2020 to 17th January 2021
Find out more and book tickets here.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter gets a festive makeover. Embark on the ‘must-see’ studio tour at winter and see Hogwarts covered in snow for a mystical and magical adventure. Learn all about how the filmmakers and special effects team created the seasonal sets in the films and be wowed.
Dates - 4th December 2020 to 3rd January 2021
Book tickets here.
Head to the gardens for dusk, to see the darkness fall and the lights shine bright. Grab a mulled wine at the start and head on your journey through the enchanting winter trail that takes you past dazzling installations and light shows. Popular displays will return as well as the new and exciting lights all to be seen.
Dates - Weekends from 21st November to 31st December 2020
Find out more here.
The Artists Open House Festival is where local and contemporary artists and makers set up their work in their own home for you to admire. You can buy pieces directly from the artists and follow the mapped out trails from house to house. We heard some homes even offer cake!
Dates - Various from now until January 2021
Find out more and book for backyard Cinema here.
London especially is bustling with winter pop-up cinemas, the Cinema in the Snow at Peckham’s Bussey Building and Backyard Cinema’s Winter Night Garden in Wandsworth are our top picks. Alternatively, look out for the drive-in cinemas across the country extended through to Christmas, all you have to do is turn up the heating in your car.
Dates: 3rd December 2020 to 3rd January 2021
Find out more and book tickets here.
Returning to Heaton Park is the immersive Christmas festival of illuminations. Feast your eyes on the spectacular Christmas showcase, astronomy display and the musical city. Visit the LoveGate for the perfect insta pic and follow the magnificent lantern trail for all its wonders.
Dates - 5th December to 24th December 2020
Find out more and book tickets here.
Santa’s train will be boarding this year straight to the North Pole in a Christmas special event. The magical ride can be booked for up to 6 per compartment and be sure to look out the window to spot Santa and his sleigh fly past.
Dates - 3rd December to 24th December 2020
Find out more here.
Penguins, polar bears and lots of other animals love the cold weather, so why not visit them at At Whipsnade and London Zoo this winter. There will be extra special festive activities, including animal talks and meeting Santa in his Grotto. Visit the multi-sensory sweet shop at London Zoo where you can discover candyfloss clouds and marsh mellow meadows to indulge in.