Get ready for a season full of festive fun with our special calendar of good cheer, featuring a host of unmissable Christmas events coming to Cambridgeshire this year!
The Snowman sculpture trail
Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill
8 November–4 January
Bringing the magic of Christmas to the National Trust’s Anglesey Abbey, this brand-new winter sculpture trail promises an enchanting journey through art, imagination and adventure, inspired by Raymond Briggs’ heart-warming picture book, The Snowman. Created in collaboration with Wild in Art and Snowman Enterprises Ltd, the trail features 12 sculptures located throughout the formal winter gardens and wider estate that have been painted by national and international artists, with designs inspired by the song The Twelve Days of Christmas. nationaltrust.org.uk/angleseyabbey
Christmas in Cambridge
Parker’s Piece
13 November–31 December
Filling the centre of Cambridge with lights, festivities and fun, this impressive event returns to Parker’s Piece for 2025, bringing yuletide entertainment for all. Wander through the vibrant Christmas Market, glide across the open-air ice rink, navigate the twinkling Christmas Tree Maze, take in panoramic views of the city from the Big Wheel, gather with friends in the cosy Alpine Lodge or book a spot on the Après Terrace with curling lanes. Plus, you can indulge in seasonal street food and warming drinks along the way. christmasincambridge.co.uk
Anglian Potters Christmas Exhibition
All Saints’ Church, Jesus Lane
15 November–7 December
From studio pottery to sculpture, domestic ware and more, handmade work from 60+ talented local makers will once again be on show at the Anglian Potters Christmas Exhibition – each and every piece making for a unique Christmas present. The potters are also continuing their annual traditions by donating unique handmade decorations for the charity Christmas tree. Mulled wine and mince pies will be available to get the proceedings off to a festive start! Open Tuesday to Sunday. anglianpotters.org.uk
Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair
The Pitt Building
22–23 November
For 2025, this much-loved fair promises a magical experience, bringing together a curated selection of local artisans, makers and creators to celebrate local talent and provide lots of festive shopping opportunities. From handcrafted decorations and unique gifts to bespoke jewellery, ceramics and textiles, there’s something for everyone seeking the perfect festive present. Free to enter, visitors can enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the historic, beautifully decorated Pitt Building. cambridge.org/pittbuilding
Christmas Gift & Food Fair
Ely Cathedral
20–22 November
The 2025 Christmas Gift & Food Fair at Ely Cathedral brings exciting new experiences and more than 90 boutique stalls ready to browse for gift shopping galore – all amid the spectacular surroundings of the nave and interior of this historic building. A super-sized Festive Marquee will also be located within the Cathedral grounds, packed with 80 artisan producers, crafters and other seasonal treasures, alongside specialist street food vendors for ‘on the go’ treats, a vintage carousel and lots more! elycathedral.org
Jack and the Beanstalk
ADC Theatre
26 November–6 December
Far, far away, in a small cottage named Chequers, Jack Beanstalk and his mum live a humble life where money is tight. To make ends meet, Jack sells his beloved cow Daisy in Bridgetown in exchange for five ‘magic’ beans from the renowned Evil Bean Merchant. His mother is devastated at the trade-off, but fear not! Jack is distracted from this woe after meeting the love of his life, Jill, who will follow him to the ends of the earth… and, indeed, up a beanstalk. Join Jack and Jill as they navigate the high-altitude world of an insecure giant, Claudia Winkleman, a golden goose and Guinness the Harp in this year’s unmissable CUADC/Footlights Pantomime 2025! adctheatre.com
Sleeping Beauty
Cambridge Arts Theatre
27 November–4 January
Visit the newly refurbished Cambridge Arts Theatre to enjoy a dazzling production of Sleeping Beauty! In an enchanted kingdom, Princess Rose is cursed by the wicked Carabosse. Destined to prick her finger on a spinning wheel before her 18th birthday and fall into a deep slumber for 100 years unless awakened by true love’s kiss, Rose is sent to live deep within the Botanic Garden for her own protection, only returning to Trumpington Castle on the eve of her birthday. However, Carabosse has other ideas. Who will take the perilous journey to save the kingdom from the evil fairy’s spell, once and for all? cambridgeartstheatre.com
Snow White
Cambridge Junction
4–24 December
Coming to Cambridge direct from a New York Broadway run, award-winning theatre company New International Encounter (NIE) present this re-telling of the classic fairy tale Snow White, with their signature blend of live music, joyful comedy and storytelling. Join the charmingly cheerful heroine as she escapes her hilariously homicidal stepmother with help from a bunch of feisty woods-dwelling, banjo-strumming, washboard-wearing vegans. This rustic romp affirms the belief that even the most evil deserve a chance at redemption. junction.co.uk
The Big Christmas Assembly
Cambridge Corn Exchange
4 December
This Christmas, singer and vocal coach James B Partridge’s beloved show comes to Cambridge Corn Exchange, inviting audiences to relive the heartwarming magic of a classic Christmas assembly. Taking audiences on a nostalgic journey through Christmas classics and throwback mash-ups, from school assembly favourites to timeless festive tunes, James captures the spirit of the season on stage with his infectious enthusiasm, musical surprises, reflections on Christmases past and moments to get everyone singing along. cornex.co.uk
Mrs Claus’ Storytime
Grand Arcade
6–21 December
One of Grand Arcade’s most cherished holiday traditions, Mrs Claus is back to spread joy through her heartwarming storytelling sessions held in a beautifully decorated grotto, adding a special touch to your Christmas season. Designed for young children aged between two and ten, the half-hour sessions take place each weekend until Christmas. There’s a small fee of £4 per person which goes to Cambridge Carbon Footprint, a local charity fighting climate change. You can find out more about the event and book a place at grandarcade.co.uk
Celebrate Christmas with John Rutter and Katie Derham
Our Lady & the English Martyrs Catholic Church
15 December
Alongside other festive classics, and with plenty of opportunities for audience participation, this year’s Cambridge Summer Music Christmas concert features John Rutter’s much-loved Brother Heinrich’s Christmas, conducted by John himself and narrated by radio and TV presenter Katie Derham. A fable set to music, it tells the story of 14th-century Dominican monk Heinrich Suso who, according to legend, notated the carol In dulci jubilo after it had been sung to him by a band of angels. cambridgesummermusic.com
Dick Whittington
Saffron Hall
21–29 December
Step into a thrilling world of fun, laughter and adventure in this pantomine presented by Saffron Hall and KD Theatre Productions, as Dick Whittington sets out to seek his fortune, facing the evil Sir Rattington and her army of rodent rascals along the way. Will Dick and his plucky companions save the day? Packed with spectacular sets, dazzling costumes, show-stopping songs and the requisite amount of magic, this festive extravaganza will be a treat for all ages! saffronhall.com
More dates for your diary
8 November–23 December
Christmas Spectacular 2025, Thursford Collection, Norfolk
16 November
Cambridge Christmas Lights Switch-on
20 November
Christmas Lights Event 2025, Bury St Edmunds
21 November–3 January
Christmas Memories at Wimpole Estate
24 November
Rick Stein’s Countdown to Christmas, Cambridge Corn Exchange
28 November–23 December
Nene Park Winter Festival, Peterborough
6 December
Mill Road Winter Fair
10 December
Customer Christmas Evening, Waterstones
10–13 December
Chimprov, Corpus Playroom
22 December
Windborne: Music for Midwinter, Cambridge Junction