Our family guide to Christmas 2026 in and around Peterborough. Dates and prices are as published by each organiser (or the council) when we checked on 18 October 2026, and we only include an event once it's confirmed for 2026. Things change and tickets sell out, so always check with the organiser before you set off.
Christmas lights, switch-ons and the tree festival
26-29 Nov 2026; 9:30am-4pm Thu & Sun; 9:30am-7:30pm Fri & Sat
Where
Burghley House, Stamford, PE9
Price
Adults £15 standard (the early-bird price was £12); child prices not shown on the page we checked. Free standard parking; carers free
About 200 stalls, Victorian carousel, helter skelter, drone shows about 6:20pm Fri & Sat. Advance booking only.
Checked on 18 October 2026 with Burghley House.
Free festive ideas
Make your own Christmas lights trail
When
Any December evening
Where
Your own neighbourhood
Price
Free
Ages
All ages
Plenty of Peterborough streets go big on decorations. Wrap up warm, take a torch and let the children score their favourite houses.
Tips
Book Father Christmas experiences, Santa trains and panto seats early: weekend dates close to Christmas sell out first.
Look for relaxed, quiet or SEND-friendly sessions (Dobbies Quiet Grotto, the relaxed Cinderella on 2 January, the BSL and relaxed Peter Pan on 28 December) if your child finds crowds or noise hard.
City-centre events get busy: agree a meeting point with older children in case you get separated.
The council says Queensgate parking is free from 5pm throughout December, and four council car parks are free after 3pm Monday to Friday.
Check the organiser's website on the day for weather changes or cancellations.
Run a Christmas event, grotto or festive workshop for families in Peterborough? Tell us about it and we'll check it and add it for free. Tell us about it.