The clocks have gone back, October’s pumpkins have been carved and cooked (or composted), and Fireworks Night has gone with a bang! As we head towards December, with people across the country looking in lofts, sheds and the cupboard under the stairs for tinsel and baubles, festive celebrations are taking place in and around Bourne, Grantham, Stamford, and the Deepings.
Whether you are shopping for stocking fillers, or looking for unforgettable seasonal experiences, here is our round up of some of the best Christmas events and activities in and around South Kesteven this year.
Christmas Markets and Lights
Christmas fairs and markets and are taking place in all four market towns, featuring stalls selling crafts and gifts, festive food, drinks and special treats, along with live music, family entertainment.
This year Stamford will be the first to make Christmas sparkle, as the town’s light switch on ceremony will take place on Thursday 21st November between 5pm – 6.30pm in Red Lion Square.
Followed by the Stamford Christmas Market on Sunday 24th 10am-5pm in the town centre.
Enjoy the lights to their best advantage while ticking things of you Christmas shopping list with late night shopping until 8pm on 21st November and 19th December.
Visit Grantham Christmas Fayre on Sunday 1st December from 11am. Alongside a wonderful array of food and craft stalls, there will be a full programme of brilliant family fun. Don’t miss the chance to visit Santa is his grotto, or to enjoy one of the many acts on the Community stage, or even join a pop-up choir.
Take part in the Gingerbread Trail for a chance to win a family ticket to see the fabulous pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, at the Guildhall Arts Centre (a seasonal must see!), along with other prizes. Christmas lights switch on at 4.30pm.
Don’t forget to pop around to the Garden Yard Café on Union Street who will be holding their Christmas Craft market between 10am-3pm.
For those in the South of the District, Market Deeping will be sharing in the seasonal celebrations on the 1st December with the town’s Christmas Market from 10am -4.30pm. Lights will be switched on at 4pm.
Bourne’s Sparkling Christmas Fayre is on the 7th December between 11am-6pm. The day of family fun, stalls and entertainment will culminate with Fireworks and the Christmas lights switch on at 5pm.
Head to Grantham Marketplace to on the 14th December from 8am-3pm to experience a futuristic Christmas with a Victorian twist at Grantham Steampunk Society’s Christmas Market, in association with Grantham Together. While there don’t forget to stop by the nearby Grantham Museum on St Peter’s Hill to enjoy their Christmas Fair from 10.30am – 3pm.
From the 28th November – 1st December the Burghley House Christmas Fair will be offering a wide range of unique gifts and tasty treats in the grounds of the spectacular Elizabethan house (tickets required).
Don’t miss Mother Goose in panto at Stamford Arts Centre
Other Christmas markets around the district include the Witham Hall School Winter Fair on 16th November 10am- 4pm with over 60 stalls selling a wide range of food, homewares, clothes and gifts (Entry £2).
The March Hare Christmas Fayre at the Coach House Courtyard, Grimsthorpe Castle on Friday 6th December 3.30-7.30pm.
Fulbeck Craft Centre hosts their last Artisan Market of the year on the 14th December, featuring stalls from local artists and craftspeople.
The regular weekly markets in Stamford (Friday) Grantham (Saturday), Bourne (Wednesday) continue to run throughout December and are the perfect place to pick up those last-minute gifts, festive treats and of course, those crucial supplies for Christmas dinner.
Christmas Experiences
South Kesteven is blessed with stunning historic houses right across the district , TV and movie fans will recognise them from record breaking shows including ‘The Crown’ and ‘Bridgerton’ as well as award winning films including period classic ‘Pride and Prejudice’. At Christmas this year, they offer experiences which will create memories for a lifetime.
Harlaxton Manor is holding a series of open days from between 30th November 8th of December, where visitors can explore Christmas through the decades, with each of the state rooms decorated for Christmas in a different era. Learn about its remarkable history and enjoy live music and good food.
Tickets required for all events.
Skating at St Wulfram’s Church in Grantham has become a new Christmas tradition
Enjoy Christmas in the Mansion at Belton House from 23rd November – 5th January. This year the team at Belton have been inspired by the varied wildlife of the estate as they have created a magical woodland themed seasonal display. Explore the beautiful gardens and enjoy spotting Belton’s resident deer in the parkland. House and grounds open daily (except Christmas Day). Standard entry fees apply (free to National Trust Members).
However, as the sun sets and night steals across the estate, Belton truly comes alive, and visitors can marvel at the stunning Christmas Lights Trail featuring new installations for 2024 as it winds throughout the gardens, making for a truly memorable evening.
Please note – the light trail requires a separate, pre-booked ticket which can be booked through the National Trust’s website (fees apply, including National Trust members).
As well as the Burghley Christmas Fair mentioned earlier, from 16th November to 20th December (Wednesday-Sunday 10am-4pm) visitors to Burghley can find the perfect Christmas gift or unique ornament at the Burghley House Christmas Shop. A wonderful end to a crisp winter walk in the parkland. (Note during the Christmas Fair access to the Christmas Shop only for Fair ticket holders only).
For Christmas fun with a difference, don’t miss the chance to experience a modern Christmas tradition – ice skating in St Wulfram’s Church, Grantham and explore the many trees decorated by community organisations which make up the Christmas Tree Festival between 27th November – 1st December.
He’s Behind You!
No list of seasonal events would be complete without a pantomime, so don’t miss out on Beauty and the Beast at the Guildhall Theatre, Grantham. With performances from 30th November – 5th January.
A special relaxed performance will take place 14th December 10.30am, and a British Sign Language interpreted performance will be held on 2nd January at 6.30pm.
Stamford Arts Centre has a range of seasonal theatre including the College Players Production of ‘Miracle on 34th Street the Musical’ from 20th – 23rd November. Settle in for a traditional Christmas ghost story with the Dickens Theatre Company’s production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ 13th- 14th December, while children of all ages will love Mother Goose, a pantomime for all the family from 19th – 24th December.
Head to the Stamford Arts Centre on the 23rd November from 10am to take part in the Mother Goose Golden Egg Hunt, a family treasure hunt through Stamford, complete the trail for a chance to win a family ticket to the show. (Last entry 2pm).
Our popular pantomimes sell out fast, so book early to avoid disappointment!
If panto is not for you, South Kesteven’s theatres are offering a brilliant selection of seasonal concerts, films, and family performances, full details can be found on their websites through the links below.
Guildhall Arts Centre, Grantham (What’s On (guildhallartscentre.com))
Stamford Arts Centre(What’s On (stamfordartscentre.com))
Corn Exchange Theatre, Stamford (What’s On Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre | Comedy, Music and Dance).
Planning a Christmas event we have missed? Add it to the Discover South Kesteven Events Calendar here: Submit an Event – Discover South Kesteven
