With its winding river and still lakes, mist-covered meadows and silent forests, quaint villages and picturesque market towns, the Nene Valley is one of the UKs most beautiful and off-the-beaten-track regions to experience in the run-up to Christmas.
Spanning from the West of Northampton to the historic Cathedral City of Peterborough, this holiday season there will be lashings of festive cheer sprinkled up and down the area. From artisanal Christmas Markets to beautiful light installations, ‘meet and greets’ with Santa to enchanting Christmas concerts, see what’s on in the Nene Valley during this magical time.
The Angels are Coming, Peterborough Cathedral
A stunning light and sound show that coincides with the beginning of advent, from the 24th until the 27th of November the artists of Luxmuralis will be projecting a beautiful light display onto the west front and the nave of the Cathedral. Accompanied by music that has been composed especially by David Harper, it’s a magical experience to start the build-up to Christmas.
For further information visit www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/angels
Father Christmas Experience at Chester House Estate
Visit Father Christmas in his magical Winter Wonderland grotto at Chester House Estate’s first ever Christmas celebrations. From November 27th until December 24th, visitors are invited to meet Father Christmas in a shared group experience, although families with children or dogs will meet him individually. Every guest will leave with a special early Christmas gift, with the opportunity to purchase professional photographs and souvenirs after your meet and greet. Every visitor wishing to meet Father Christmas will need to book an individual ticket, including children and dogs.
For further information visit www.nenevalley.net/chester-house-estate-father-christmas-experience
Candlelit Tours at Delapre Abbey
For an atmospheric and romantic evening full of history, join one of Delapre Abbey’s Candelit Tours throughout the month of December. Exploring the nooks and crannies of this beautiful building, you will learn about the Abbey’s history as well as Victorian winter traditions. Mulled wine and mince pies are included with each £15 ticket. Taking place every Wednesday and Thursday evening from December 1st until December 29th, there will be two tours every evening at 6pm and 7pm.
For further information visit www.nenevalley.netl/delapre-abbey-candlelit-tours
Christmas Silent Disco at Peterborough Cathedral
Boogie into the holiday season with a fantastically festive Christmas Silent Disco at Peterborough Cathedral on December 3rd. DJ Steve Walsh will be spinning tunes to groove along to, in addition to a dedicated Christmas hit and classic disco channel. Sparkle, glitter and Christmas jumpers are actively encouraged. There will be a tuck shop to buy drinks and snacks from. Tickets cost £7 per person or £6 per person for group bookings over 10 people.
For further information visit www.nenevalley.net/peterborough-cathedral-christmas-silent-disco
Sleeping Beauty Pantomime at The Castle Theatre
Nothing says festive season fun like a good, old-fashioned night at the panto! Running from December 4th until the 2nd of January, be mesmerised by the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty brought to life by a talented cast at The Castle Theatre in Wellingborough. Tickets start at £10.
For more information visit www.nenevalley.net/castle-theatre-sleeping-beauty
Brunch with Santa at Rushden Station
Treat the kids to a festive brunch with Santa himself at the charming Rushden Station. Starting at 10.30am on December 11th, children will meet Father Christmas and his elves, share a magical brunch with him and take home a present! On December 12th, the experience will be repeated as a special brunch for children with sensory needs.
For further information visit www.nenevalley.net/event-detail/brunch-with-santa
G4 Christmas Concert at Peterborough Cathedral
Enjoy the dulcet tones of former X Factor contestants G4 at Peterborough Cathedral on December 4th from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. The barbershop quartet will be performing Christmas classics such When A Child is Born, Silent Night and All I Want For Christmas during a seasonal show that is bound to put you in the holiday mood. Tickets start at £14.50.
For further information visit www.nenevalley.net/peterborough-cathedral-g4-christmas-concert.
Saxby’s Cider Local Producers Christmas Fair
Enjoy a relaxed day of shopping for delicatessen, arts and crafts at The Cider Yard on Saxby’s Cider farm. Running from 10am until 4pm, the Local Producers Christmas Fair will be full of unique gift ideas and artisanal produce to stock up on for a festive feast. The cider shop and bar will be open, serving up hot mulled cider and hot toffee apple amongst other festive drinks. The Rushden Town Brass Band will also be playing, with Farmer Lou serving up some hot foodie holiday treats. Admission is free but tickets still need to be booked to stagger the flow of visitors for a comfortable shopping experience.
For further information visit www.nenevalley.net/saxbys-cider-local-producers-christmas-fair
Meet Santa at Sacrewell
Little ones will love meeting Santa and his mischievous elves, who have hidden Santa’s Present Room somewhere in the beautiful grounds of the historic Sacrewell Heritage Farm and Country Centre. After meeting Father Christmas himself, young explorers are encouraged to follow the clues along the Present Trail to find the secret place where Christmas gifts are stored. One of Santa’s elves will be on hand to help each child pick a present to take home. Tickets include all-day admission to Sacrewell.
For further information visit www.sacrewell.org.uk/events/christmas-at-sacrewell-2021
Magical Winter Solstice Lantern Walk at Stanwick Lakes
Enjoy a quiet moment of reflection before the holidays begin in earnest with a magical lantern walk around the lake on the shortest day of the year, December 21st. The atmospheric stroll with glowing lanterns starts at 6pm and will be followed by carols in the outdoor theatre with the ‘Big About Singing’ Choir and Raunds Temperance Band. Festive food and refreshments will also be available to purchase from the food kiosk from 5.30 pm onwards. Tickets cost £4 for children and £4.50 for adults and can be purchased via the official Stanwick Lakes website.
For further information visit www.nenevalley.net/stanwick-lakes-magical-winter-solstice-lantern-walk
Wait, there’s more!
For further information and to see more events and activities taking place in the Nene Valley, visit www.nenevalley.net.