Family Christmas Events In Northamptonshire, 2026
Looking for Christmas activities with children in Northamptonshire? Here are six festive days out from the Toddle About magazine, from a family theatre show and Santa train rides to toddler skating and a light trail. Check the organiser's latest details before you travel.
What the Ladybird Heard at Christmas
28 November to 31 December 2026; performance times vary
Royal & Derngate, 19–21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP
Suitable for ages 3+; ticket prices vary by performance. Booking essential.
The clever little Ladybird takes to the stage in a new festive adaptation with songs, animal friends and Christmas surprises.
A Christmas Quest
28 November to 24 December 2026, 11am–3.30pm
Canons Ashby, near Daventry, NN11 3SD
The trail is free; normal admission charges apply. Booking is not required.
Help Merlin complete a Christmas spell on a family trail, surrounded by decorations inspired by Arthurian wizards, knights and dragons.
Check details with the National Trust
Santa Specials
29 November; 5–6, 12–13 and 19–20 December 2026
Northampton & Lamport Railway, Pitsford & Brampton Station, Pitsford Road, Chapel Brampton, NN6 8BA
Adults £16–£21; children aged 1–15 £18–£22; under-ones £8.50 with a present or free without. Booking essential.
Ride through the Northamptonshire countryside, enjoy festive refreshments and meet Santa. Children's tickets include a present. The railway says steam haulage is subject to availability.
Winter Light Trail
27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027; timed sessions
Delapré Abbey, London Road, Northampton, NN4 8AW
Child and concession tickets from £12.50; adult prices vary by date. Booking fee applies.
Explore illuminated displays and interactive installations across the abbey grounds and woodland, with festive food and hot chocolate available.
Toddler Skate
Selected festive sessions in November and December 2026; see booking calendar
Whilton Locks Garden Village, Whilton, Daventry, NN11 2NH
Children aged 4 and under skate free with a paying adult; check current adult prices when booking.
Quieter parent and toddler sessions offer twin-bladed skates, free skate aids and space for pushchairs on the rink. The organiser asks families to arrive 15 minutes before their session.
Breakfast with Santa
Sunday 13 December 2026, 8.30–10.30am
Hilton Northampton, 100 Watering Lane, Collingtree, Northampton, NN4 0XW
Adults £20; children aged 2–12 £15, including breakfast and a present; under-twos £3. Maximum four children per family. Booking essential.
Enjoy a festive family breakfast while little ones meet Santa and have a chance to take photographs. To book, email Northampton.sales@hilton.com.
View Hilton's Christmas brochure
Details were correct when the magazine went to print. Dates, prices and availability can change, so please check directly with the organiser before booking or travelling.