Christmas on a budget: Cheap festive family days out with the kids!

If you’re celebrating Christmas on a budget then you’ve come to the right place – here are 10 ideas for cheap festive family days out with the kids that won’t break the bank! As the lights twinkle and the holiday spirit fills the air, it’s the perfect time to plan some magical family outings. But with the cost of living rising, it’s easy to feel like festive fun might stretch the budget. Fear not! There are plenty of fantastic, low-cost or even free activities that the whole family can enjoy this Christmas – here are my top picks for budget-friendly festive family days out with the kids:

1. Check out the local Christmas lights

One of the simplest yet most magical activities that you can do with the kids doesn’t cost a penny – wrap up warm and take a stroll around your local area to see the Christmas lights. We always have a few December evenings where we drive around too, blaring out Christmas tunes, whilst the kids sit snuggled in the back of the car in their dressing gowns and pyjamas. Many town centres or neighbourhoods put on incredible displays, and we’ll wait for the local steam train to go past with its lights on too.

2. Visit a Christmas Market

Christmas markets are full of festive cheer, and many don’t charge an entry fee. You don’t need to buy anything – simply browse the stalls, enjoy the festive music and soak up the atmosphere. To keep costs low, bring your own hot chocolate in a flask and some festive snacks to enjoy as you wander. You may even find some free or inexpensive craft areas for the children, or a bubble snow machine for them to run around near! For ideas on where to go, check out my article: The 10 best UK Christmas Markets to visit with kids.

3. Make the most of free / cheap local Christmas events

Many towns and villages host free or low-cost festive events, such as carol singing services, tree lighting ceremonies, Christmas fairs or parades. These events are fantastic for getting into the festive spirit and are often perfect for little ones who love music and excitement. Have a look on your local Facebook pages to see which events are running near you – our local town used to run an amazing free Christmas evening with stalls and live music, and they even had real reindeers! You might find that a local school, library or village hall offers free kids’ Christmas craft events too.

5. Enjoy a wintery walk or festive trail

For a very budget-friendly day out with the kids, head to a local country park, woodland or nature reserve for a wintery walk to collect pine cones and natural materials to make your own Christmas wreath or table decorations. Make it extra special by bringing along festive treats like homemade mince pies, or planning a festive-themed scavenger hunt (e.g, spotting holly, pine cones or robins). Some country parks even host free or low-cost seasonal trails with prizes for completing them.

7. Ice skate on a budget

Outdoor ice rinks are a staple of the festive season – they can be pricey but it’s one of my kids’ favourite Christmas days out so I try to plan our annual skate in the most budget-friendly way possible. If you fancy taking the kids ice-skating, keep an eye out for discounted family sessions, early bird November deals or off-peak times, which will typically offer cheaper prices. And, local pop up rinks will often be more affordable than big venues – often subsidised by local councils, schools or charities. Bring a car picnic and a flask of hot chocolate to enjoy afterwards while you warm up.

Tips for keeping costs down whilst enjoying festive family days out on a budget this Christmas:

• Plan ahead: Book tickets early for discounts and avoid peak times.
• Pack your own snacks: Food and drink can quickly add up, so bring your own festive treats.
• Use discounts and vouchers: Check local papers, social media or apps like Groupon for festive deals.
• Bundle up: Dressing warmly means you can enjoy outdoor activities for longer without needing costly indoor breaks.
• Invite your friends: Often the fun comes from who we’re with rather than what we do, so invite friends and family along to make your activities even more special – my two love bringing their cousins!
• Keep it local: Local events will likely be cheaper than those at bigger venues, so see what’s on offer near you.
• Save your reward points: Reward schemes like Tesco Clubcard can be a great way to enjoy days out, cinema trips and meals for free – collect all year for festive fun in December that won’t cost a penny!