The UK’s oldest and most iconic venues continue to shine as magical destinations for Christmas celebrations, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and festive spirit.
From dazzling concerts and immersive exhibitions to heartwarming community gatherings, these historic locations provide the perfect backdrop for creating memorable holiday experiences.
Whether it’s the grandeur of Alexandra Palace, the charm of Tatton Park, or the vibrant festivities at Blackpool Winter Gardens, each venue brings its own unique character and traditions to the season.
This Christmas, step into history and celebrate in style at these remarkable venues.
Alexandra Palace (London)
Opened in 1873, Alexandra Palace features The Great Hall which offers approximately 10,250sqm of space, accommodating up to 10,250 people standing or 7,250 seated.
Known as “Ally Pally”, the venue has a rich history hosting a variety of events, including concerts, conferences, and exhibitions.
Notable events to be hosted at the venue include IDLES: The British rock band, scheduled to perform on November 29 and 30, 2024, and Masters Snooker 2025 from January 12 to 19, 2025, attracting top players and enthusiasts from around the world.
In addition, Alexandra Palace and Horrible Histories Presents Horrible Christmas: From December 12, 2024, to January 4, 2025, this exhibition offers a humorous take on historical events related to Christmas.
Website: https://www.alexandrapalace.com
Royal Albert Hall (London)
Opened in 1871, The Royal Albert Hall features the main auditorium with a seating capacity of 5,544, as well as several smaller rooms suitable for exhibitions and events.
While primarily known for concerts, the Royal Albert Hall has also hosted exhibitions and public events since the 19th century.
Notable events to be hosted at the venue include The Australian Pink Floyd Show—a spectacular tribute to Pink Floyd, featuring iconic songs and stunning visuals—on 26 November 2024; The Fashion Awards 2024 presented by Pandora, a high-profile annual event celebrating excellence in the fashion industry with awards, showcases, and industry insights, on 2 December 2024; and Still in Motion, a UK jazz-inspired art exhibition by Temi Adegbayibi, capturing the energy and spirit of jazz through dynamic artworks, running from 22 November to 19 December 2024.
Website:https://www.royalalberthall.com
Crystal Palace (London)
Opened in 1851 (originally in Hyde Park), the Crystal Palace features the original structure covered by approximately 92,000 sqm.
Built for the Great Exhibition of 1851, it showcased industrial and cultural exhibits from around the world. The structure was relocated to Sydenham Hill in 1854 and continued to host exhibitions until it was destroyed by fire in 1936. The vast iron and glass structure housed numerous exhibition halls and galleries.
Notable events hosted at the venue this Christmas include Pop Up Screens Christmas Series, transforming the venue into a festive cinema, screening classic Christmas films such as “Elf,” “Home Alone,” “Love Actually” on 6–15 December, 2024.
On 30 November 2024, The Crystal Palace Museum will host The Crystal Palace is on Fire! – Special Fire Walk and Christmas Social. This event commemorates the 87th anniversary of the 1936 fire that destroyed the Crystal Palace. It includes a guided tour detailing the history of the fire, followed by a social gathering with complimentary mince pies and hot drinks.
In addition, the venue will host Handmade Palace Art & Craft Market held in the newly restored Crystal Palace Subway. This market features 40 stalls showcasing a diverse range of arts and crafts from South London artists and makers on 23 November 2024.
Website: https://www.crystalpalaceparktrust.org
Manchester Central (Manchester)
Opened in 1880 (as Manchester Central Station), The Central Hall offers 10,900 sqm of space as well as the Exchange Hall, and various meeting rooms.
Converted into an exhibition centre in 1986, it has hosted numerous exhibitions and conferences since then.
Some notable events to be held at the venue this festive season include legendary musician Sir Paul McCartney as he takes the stage on 14 and 15 December 2024, performing hits from his iconic career with The Beatles, Wings, and as a solo artist.
Adding a touch of festive community spirit, the venue will host One Day at Christmas 2024 on 6 December, an event aimed at creating a joyful Christmas experience for those who may be alone or isolated during the holiday period.
Meanwhile, Christmas Party World 2024: ASPEN Rocks! will run from 28 November to 21 December.
Website: https://www.manchestercentral.co.uk
The NEC (Birmingham)
Opened in 1976, the venue offers 20 interconnected halls with a total of 182,000 sqm of exhibition space, including multiple large halls, conference suites, and meeting rooms.
Since its opening, the NEC has been a premier venue for national and international exhibitions.
This Christmas season, the NEC Birmingham is hosting a variety of events, including Hits Radio Live Birmingham 2024 On 22 November 2024.
From 27 to 28 November, the Occupational Therapy Show will welcome professionals from the field for a leading conference focused on the latest practices and innovations.
Food enthusiasts can delight in the Good Food Show Winter, running from 21 to 24 November, which promises a culinary extravaganza with live cooking demonstrations, tastings, and a showcase of the finest seasonal produce.
Website: https://www.thenec.co.uk
O2 Academy Edinburgh
Opened in 1909, (previously Edinburgh Corn Exchange) the main hall offers approximately 1,400 sqm of space, including the main hall and several smaller rooms suitable for exhibitions and events. Originally a trading hall, it has been hosting exhibitions and events since its conversion in the late 20th century.
This Christmas season, the venue is hosting a variety of festive events. Notably, the venue will feature the Big Big Christmas Parties on December 6–7, 13–14, and 20–21, 2024. These events offer guests a VIP experience, starting with a drinks reception, followed by a delicious three-course meal, and live entertainment throughout the evening.
Additionally, Boogie’s Big Christmas Bash is scheduled, promising a premium festive celebration with Forth 1 Radio DJ Boogie, featuring fun, flavour, and tunes to get everyone into the holiday spirit.
Website: https://www.academymusicgroup.com/o2academyedinburgh
Olympia London (London)
Opened in 1886, the venue’s Grand Hall offers 19,325 sqm of space with multiple halls including National Hall, and Olympia West available for various events.
Since its opening, Olympia has been a key venue for exhibitions and trade shows.
This Christmas, Olympia London is hosting a range of festive events.
From 27 November to 1 December 2024, the Ideal Home Show Christmas will transform the venue into a dazzling winter wonderland, offering sparkling interiors, exquisite gifts, and festive feasting with collections from independent retailers and well-known brands.
Running alongside is The Cake & Bake Show, perfect for baking enthusiasts and sweet-toothed visitors, featuring top pastry chefs, chocolatiers, and baking stars sharing tips and inspiration.
Adding an artistic touch, Christmas at Olympia will feature a site-specific installation by Liang-Jung Chen, showcasing sculptural interventions inspired by natural elements such as stone, wood, and light, running from 14 November 2024 to 13 January 2025. These events ensure Olympia London is a hub of shopping, culinary treats, and cultural experiences this festive season.
Website: https://olympia.london
Tatton Park (Cheshire)
Established in 18th Century (House and Estate), The Tenants’ Hall offers approximately 800 sqm of space as well as outdoor spaces suitable for exhibitions and events.
The venue has hosted agricultural fairs and exhibitions since the 19th century.
This Christmas season, Tatton Park in Cheshire offers a variety of festive events.
From 23 November to 29 December 2024, the historic mansion transforms into “Journey to Oz: The Christmas Mansion,” inviting guests to explore iconic scenes from The Wizard of Oz, decorated for the holidays.
In the gardens, “Yuletide: A Glittering Winter Garden Adventure” runs from 16 November to 23 December, featuring marshmallow roasting, enchanting stories, live music, and a glittering trail with interactive displays.
National Trust Families can visit Father Christmas at the Farm from 23 November to 24 December, where children can meet Santa and his elves in a festive grotto, enjoy live nativity scenes, and participate in Christmas crafts.
Additionally, the Christmas Gift Fair in the Tenants’ Hall from 29 November to 1 December offers a unique shopping experience with local artisans, while Christmas wreath-making workshops on 30 November and 1 December provide a creative outlet for holiday preparations.
Website: https://www.tattonpark.org.uk
The Blackpool Winter Gardens (Blackpool)
Opened in 1878, The Empress Ballroom offers approximately 1,160 square meters of space, including the Opera House Theatre, and Olympia Exhibition Hall.
The venue has been hosting exhibitions, shows, and conferences since the late 19th century.
This Christmas season, Blackpool Winter Gardens will host Choir by Candlelight in the atmospheric Empress Ballroom, lit by hundreds of candles, On 29 November 2024, while theatre enthusiasts can enjoy the magical production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Opera House, running from 10 to 29 December.
For those seeking elegance, the Winter Ball on 15 December offers live music and dancing, while the same day’s Festive Afternoon Tea serves seasonal treats accompanied by live music.
Website: https://www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk
York Barbican (York)
Opened in 1991, The main auditorium offers approximately 1,500 sqm of space, as well as several meeting rooms. The site has a history of hosting public events and exhibitions dating back to the 19th century.
The York Barbican offers a festive line-up of events over Christmas including Christmas with Anton Du Beke which will showcase the renowned ballroom dancer and Strictly Come Dancing judge in a spectacular evening of live music, dance, and seasonal cheer, on 10 December 2024.
In addition, The Rat Pack at Christmas will take the stage on 22 December, bringing the original West End cast to perform festive classics and timeless hits inspired by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.
Website: https://www.yorkbarbican.co.uk
The post Listicle: 10 of the oldest exhibition venues to immerse yourself in this Christmas appeared first on EN.