Christmas in Cambridge is a wonderful affair. During the Christmas season, a marvellous garden comes alive after dark, a large wheel spins above the trees carrying the sounds of laughing children, a boys’ choir resonates from the hallowed halls of a chapel, and along cobbled streets candy shop displays are at their most captivating.
Sound enchanting? Here is what you can expect if you spend this Christmas in Cambridge.
Experience the Festive Spirit
Cambridge is a city that truly embodies the festive spirit, with its historic colleges, picturesque streets, and lively atmosphere. During the holiday season, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, adorned with sparkling lights, festive markets, and enchanting events. Visitors can immerse themselves in the festive spirit by strolling through the cobbled streets, admiring the beautifully decorated windows, and enjoying the twinkling Christmas lights that illuminate the city. There are plenty of Christmas events, including ice skating, festive markets, and captivating shows, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the holiday season.
Christmas Carols from Kings
Perhaps what Christmas in Cambridge is best known for is the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King’s College Chapel, where traditional Christmas carols are performed. This service is broadcast to millions of people around the world on Christmas Eve and again on Christmas Day, but is actually filmed weeks before, right here in Cambridge. If you are interested in attending this special annual recording, you’ll need to book online early as it is extremely popular. Fascinatingly, since its inception in 1928, it has always started with the hymn ‘Once in Royal David’s city, and essentially keeps a traditional list of hymns every time – so what’s on the programme is never much of a mystery!
The Cambridge Christmas Light Switch-On
This event, for all the family, will take place in the heart of the city centre in the Market Square, Market Hill, Cambridge on November 17th, 2024. It is a festive evening that typically includes a mixture of live music and performances from local performance arts clubs near to the Grand Arcade, the major shopping centre in the city. Of course, the countdown to the lights switching on is the most highly anticipated part of the afternoon, and the array of festive lights around the city never disappoints!
Ice Rink and The Christmas Market and its Heated Domes on Parker’s Piece
Time to lace up your skates! In 2024 the ice rink will make its grand return to the heart of the city, bigger and better than ever on Parker’s Piece. The Festive Market will also be back, featuring a myriad of unique gifts and items for purchase from local traders. And for private group gatherings in the midst of it all, the heated domes are perfect to keep you and your loved ones nice and warm. These experiences are all available on Parker’s Piece from November 14, 2024 until January 5th 2025 and reservations must be booked via the Christmas in Cambridge website.
The Big Wheel in Cambridge
The Big Wheel in Cambridge on Parker’s Piece is always one of the top activities during the winter months. Essentially a much smaller version of the London Eye, if you try this ride you are in for quite the treat – a bird’s eye view of the historic city, even beyond King’s College. Plus, it will overlook the other festivities on Parker’s Piece including the ice rink, festive market, and other festive favourites mentioned above.
Winter Walks and Punting
Cambridge is a city best explored on foot or by punt, and the winter season adds a magical touch to these experiences. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the city’s picturesque streets, soaking in the festive charm of the twinkling lights and holiday decorations. The city’s many parks and green spaces, such as Parker’s Piece and the Backs, provide a serene and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a winter walk. For a unique perspective on the city, a punt along the River Cam offers a delightful way to enjoy the festive charm of Christmas in Cambridge from a different angle, with the historic architecture and festive lights reflecting off the water.
These green spaces in Cambridge also feature vibrant Christmas markets showcasing local artisans and unique gifts, offering a distinct shopping experience beyond conventional retail.
Cambridge University Botanic Garden – Botanic Lights
Bringing the Garden to life after dark! This spectacular experience begins 29 November and runs until 21 December 2024 on selected nights and is a must see if you are visiting Cambridge at Christmas. It is truly mesmerising and is a Cambridge Christmas event that is worth the hype. You will stroll along walking trails illuminated by lights beautifully interwoven into the foliage, listen to soothing classical music playing from camouflaged speakers in bushes, and even see multicoloured lanterns drift and sway along slowly on the garden’s ponds. Even better, there’s a café in the middle of the garden for mulled wine and mince pies, and other sweet treats that will help you get into the Christmas spirit. You must book tickets to attend this event.
Christmas Events in Cambridge at The Fellows House
You will be spoilt for choice whilst staying at the Fellows House, Curio Collection by Hilton, as the hotel has its very own programme of tinsel-topped events for Christmas, for both adults and children, no matter if they’ve been naughty or nice.
For Kids
Gingerbread Man Cookie Decorating Workshop
Join us for a festive gingerbread cookie decorating session at The Sage of Cambridge during the Christmas season!
Come turn a plain gingerbread cookie into an edible masterpiece with supplies provided by our fantastic in-House pastry team. We will have icing, sprinkles, and candy decorations so you can let your imagination run wild! Please book 1 ticket per child. Each ticket includes 3 gingerbread cookies to decorate. Please note that ticket sales will end a week prior to this event to allow sufficient time for preparation.
Woodland Christmas Crafts
Bring your little ones for a festive craft morning at The Sage of Cambridge on December 21 for a morning of winter-themed crafting activities. There will be colouring, painting, sticker art and more. Food and drink will be available to purchase from our café.
For Adults
Festive Cork & Canvas
Not to be left out, on December 21 the grown-ups can discover their inner artist too with this two-hour painting experience, complete with a cocktail! Come with friends or join us solo and mingle with like-minded, creative people. No skills are required, everyone is welcome. You will be provided all your paints, brushes and canvas, plus a cocktail or a beverage of your choice from The Folio Bar & Kitchen’s signature drinks menu.
The Fellows House Christmas Market
This will take place in the courtyard of the hotel, which will transform from a simple courtyard into a traditional Christmas market complete with stations featuring treats, hot chocolate, mince pies and other yummy treats for sale.
Food and Beverage Offerings
The best part of a Christmas at the Fellows House is definitely the food! Our talented chefs and in-house pastry chef are at their very best with the finest ingredients at this celebratory time of year. The Festive Lunch and Dinner menu at the Folio Bar & Kitchen which begins from November 24, 2024 has been specially designed to enchant your tastebuds. Turkey paupiette, beef fillet, ham terrine, baked Camembert and Christmas pudding are just some of the delights you can look forward to for Lunch of Dinner this December.
Furthermore, the beloved Fellows Afternoon Tea is an even bigger treat at Christmas, as its Festive counterpart is on full display. Featuring delectable savouries such as turkey with cranberry, salmon and goat cheese tarte, this is Festive Afternoon Tea it its best. The scones are warmer and tastier that ever, and the desserts include festive miniatures of chocolate log, matcha Christmas tree and chestnut deer tart!
As for the big day itself, The Folio Bar & Kitchen will have an extravagant Christmas Day Carvery lunch that is already selling quickly. A whole host of heavenly starters, mains including roast beef striploin, roast turkey breast, salmon wellington, and even plant-based Wellington for the vegans will be served with roast potatoes, honey glazed parsnips, roast carrot, Yorkshire puddings and Brussel sprouts, all for a feast fit for a King! Did I mention dessert? Christmas pudding and snowflake salted caramel craquelin from the Sage of Cambridge coming right up!
Christmas stay in Cambridge
Looking for the perfect place to stay in Cambridge for Christmas? Look no further than The Fellows House, a stylish hotel of 163 rooms and apartments with a fine dining restaurant, bar, café, pool, sauna, steam room and so much more.
This Christmas in Cambridge, immerse yourself in the festive charm of The Fellows House, where luxury and comfort blend seamlessly to create an unforgettable holiday experience. Stay in one of our beautifully designed apartments or suites, each offering the perfect balance of modern elegance and homely warmth, with fully equipped kitchens and spacious living areas ideal for families or couples. Indulge in seasonal dining at The Folio Bar & Kitchen, where our chefs craft winter-inspired dishes, or unwind with a Christmas cocktail. At The Fellows House, every moment of your stay is infused with the magic of the season.
To plan your Christmas stay, contact us at [email protected].