Get into the festive spirit
From wreath-making workshops and carol concerts to winter illuminations, find Christmas days out near you.
Christmas at Dunstable Downs
Get ready to unwrap the magic of Christmas at Dunstable Downs! With rolling hills and breath-taking views, our landscape is the perfect winter escape from the pressures and stress of the season. Whether you’re a keen walker, a festive foodie, or simply need some sparkle, we are thrilled to bring you an enchanting array of festive experiences that will make this holiday special for all the family.
What’s on: at a glance
Dunstable Downs is open every day in December. Our Visitor Centre and Café will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Our courtyard lights up for Festive Evenings, Friday 15, and 22 December 5.00pm - 7.00pm.
- Enjoy comforting festive fayre with a view! Festive Lunch available on select weekdays between 4 and 22 December, Festive Afternoon Tea available on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 6 - 22 December.
- For an experience your children won’t forget, book them in for Breakfast with the Elves on select weekdays between 2 and 23 December.
- Multiply the magic with our family trail, ‘Mystery Mail with the Elves’, every day 15 - 23 December 10.30am - 3.00pm.
- Brush off the cobwebs and embrace the great outdoors with our pre- and post-Christmas gentle strolls.
Keep scrolling for more information.
Festive Evenings
15 & 22 December
Late night entertainment and shopping | 5.00pm to 7.00pm | £6 per person (children under 3 go free), pre-booking required
As darkness descends on the Downs, see us light up the courtyard for a cosy evening of music, wreath making, late night shopping and fairy-light enhanced version of our family trail (all included in ticket price).
Warm up with a complimentary mince pie and glass of mulled wine or spiced apple drink.
Other food and drink will be available to purchase.
Festive Family Fun
Family Trail: Mystery Mail with the Elves
15 - 23 December | 10.30am - 3.00pm | £3 per trail - no pre-booking required
Santa’s lost a letter, and he needs you to help! Wrap up warm and get ready for a jolly December adventure as we embark on a quest to assist Santa’s elves find and recover the missing pieces! Solve enchanting clues and riddles and successfully deliver the whole of the missing letter to the Elves sorting office, where a festive surprise will await!
Why not enhance the visit and book in with the Elves for a festive breakfast first – you might even get given some bonus tips (see below for details).
Trail will be available 15 - 22 December between 10.30am and 3.00pm. No pre-booking required, simply pay £3 per child and pick up your trail sheet at our Visitor Centre.
Breakfast with the Elves
Select dates between 2 - 23 December | 9.00am to 11.00am | £9.50 per adult and £5.95 per child - pre-booking required
Another magical Christmas season awaits as the elves return for breakfast at the View Café! Join in the festive fun, meet the elves and complete your Christmas activity sheet whilst enjoying your meal with winter view.
Festive Gentle Stroll with Santa Paws Competition
19 December | 10.30am to 1.00pm | £2 per dog, no pre-booking required
Join us with your dogs for a Festive Walk on Dunstable Downs and win a special prize for the most festively dressed pooch!
‘Twixmas’ - Post Christmas Gentle Stroll
29 December | 10.30am to 1.00pm | £3 per adult and £1.50 per child (under 5s go free), no pre-booking required.
Join us for a gentle stroll across Dunstable Downs before the start of 2024!
Festive Lunch
4 - 22 December, weekdays only | 12.00pm to 2.30pm | from £15.95 for adults and £8.95 for children - pre-booking required
On selected weekdays during December join us for a festive lunch with the perfect winter view.
Book your Christmas lunch here
Festive Afternoon Tea
6 - 22 December, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday only | 12.00pm to 3.00pm | £19.95 - pre-booking required
Get cosy and enjoy the views as you treat yourself to a festive afternoon tea!
Don't miss | Festive Shopping and Tasty Treats at Dunstable Downs
Christmas shopping at Dunstable Downs
It's that perfect time to grab those all important Christmas cards, buy a few stocking fillers or purchase gifts. Whether you're buying something for a book lover, a gardening fanatic or budding chef, there's something to suit all tastes and ages.
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