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Visit Santa in Swindon
Where: Various locations around Swindon including STEAM, Roves Farm, and Kidz About.
About: Spend time making magical festive memories with the kids by taking them to visit Santa in Swindon this Christmas. There are a host of exceptional Santa’s grottos and winter wonderland experiences throughout Swindon to visit offering you a chance to meet Santa and hand over your Xmas list.
Find out more about where to meet Santa in Swindon HERE or by clicking below.
Dates: Various dates throughout November and December.
Suitable for kids: Yes
Check out Swindon’s Christmas lights
Where: Swindon Town Centre and Old Town
About: Swindon is once again turning on the lights as Old Town and Swindon's town centre light up for Christmas and New Year. Head out for some Christmas shopping and enjoy walking under the festive illuminations that transform Swindon into a brilliant winter-filled town centre.
This year there won’t be a town centre Christmas light switch-on, instead InSwindon BID are hosting a weekend of Christmas activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Dates: Throughout November and December | Town centre Christmas weekend Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st November 2021
Suitable for kids: Yes
Watch the Panto at Wyvern Theatre
Where: Wyvern Theatre Swindon
About: The pantomime is returning to theatres this Christmas and Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre is putting on a must-see panto production of Jack and the Beanstalk! With theatres forced to keep their doors shut last year due to Covid, everyone’s favourite Christmas drama experience is returning in 2021. Book your tickets to Swindon’s panto and enjoy an evening filled with laughs, gags, and great Christmas memories with the whole family.
Dates: Saturday 4th December - Saturday 2nd January
Suitable for kids: Yes
Enchanted Christmas Light Trail
Where: Old Town Gardens
About: Swindon is getting its own Christmas light trail this year as the famous Old Town Gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland illumination with lights, lasers, and more leading you on a magical winter walk around the enchanted gardens. This is the perfect way to get in the spirit and is a must-visit for any Swindonian at Christmas time.
Dates: Thursday 2nd December - Friday 31st December
Suitable for kids: Yes
Pick up a Christmas tree
Where: Various locations around Swindon
About: If you want a real Christmas tree to put up in your home then you need to know the best places in Swindon to buy yours. Make finding your Christmas tree a wonderful family experience by heading to one of these great Xmas tree farms HERE and enjoy browsing the various trees before picking yours and taking it home with you.
Dates: Most tree farms open end of November and stay open throughout December.
Suitable for kids: Yes
Experience Christmas at STEAM
Where: STEAM Museum
About: Christmas is coming to Swindon’s STEAM Museum this December with the family-fun attraction putting on a two-day Christmas extravaganza. With Santa in attendance, children will enjoy listening to a Christmas story and will also be given a Christmas present to take home with them. Come meet Santa at STEAM and enjoy a festive experience in Swindon like no other.
Dates: 4th and 5th of December
Suitable for kids: Yes
Watch the Swindon Wildcats on the ice
Where: Better Link Centre
About: If you haven’t been to watch the Swindon Wildcats before then Christmas is the perfect time to do so with the Wildcats taking to the ice at the Better Link Centre 5 times throughout December. Swindon Wildcats are chasing success once again this season so head on down to the rink for this family-fun, adrenaline-packed competitive festive experience.
Dates: Weekends throughout December
Suitable for kids: Yes
Enjoy a festive meal
Where: Various locations around Swindon
About: The arrival of Christmas means it’s time to unbutton that belt buckle and head out for delicious food and drink with family and friends for a celebratory Christmas meal. Swindon’s culinary scene is packed with a host of exceptional restaurants and pubs to choose from but we’ve got you covered with our pick of the best festive dining venues in Swindon. Browse our top picks HERE or by clicking below and book your Xmas dinner in Swindon.
Dates: November and December
Suitable for kids: N/A
Cheer on Swindon Town at the County Ground
Where: Swindon Town County Ground
About: A trip to the football is a Christmas tradition in England and now is the time to book your tickets to watch Swindon Town. Swindon have enjoyed a brilliant season so far under new owner Clem Morfuni and Head Coach Ben Garner, with the Robins on-track for promotion from League Two. With a packed Christmas fixture list, get on down to cheer on Swindon Town and make brilliant Christmas memories by spending a day out watching the football at the County Ground.
Check out our complete guide to Swindon Town FC HERE.
Dates: Various home games throughout November and December.
Suitable for kids: Yes
Go on a Winter walk
Where: Various locations around Swindon
About: There is something about stepping outside into the cold winter frost for a walk that screams CHRISTMAS! Fortunately Swindon and it’s surrounding areas boast some of the best winter walks in Wiltshire and we’ve got you covered with our winter walks guide HERE. Check out our favourite winter walks and get outdoors for some fresh air before heading home and warming up by the fire with a minced pie and some mulled wine.
Dates: N/A
Suitable for kids: Yes but wrap up warm!
Escape for a romantic Christmas stay
Where: Various locations around Swindon including Jurys Inn, Blunsdon House Hotel, and more.
About: Are you feeling naughty or nice? Christmas doesn’t have to just be about the kids, make time for you and your loved one by booking a romantic Christmas getaway to one of the brilliant hotels and B&Bs dotted around Swindon and Wiltshire. Whisk yourselves away for a night of romance, drinks, and good company by booking a short Christmas break and enjoy some adult time this festive period.
Dates: N/A
Suitable for kids: No
Take a train ride with Santa
Where: Swindon & Cricklade Railway
About: Santa is swapping his sleigh for a train this Christmas with Santa making a stop at Swindon & Cricklade Railway this Christmas. Visit Santa’s grotto with the family and enjoy a festive themed train ride. Tickets are now on sale and must be booked in advance.
Dates: Every weekend from 27th November to 19th December
Suitable for kids: Yes
Hit the shops for some Christmas shopping
Where: Swindon Designer Outlet, Town Centre, Old Town, Greenbridge, Orbital Retail Park
About: Christmas is almost here and that means it’s time to get your purse out and hit the shops as you head out to buy all of those wonderful presents for your family and friends. Swindon is packed with a great selection of shops and you’ll be able to find something for everyone across the town’s various shopping districts. Whether you like to get your Christmas shopping done in one day or prefer to spread it out, head into Swindon for a festive shopping experience.
Dates: N/A
Suitable for kids: N/A