Christmas In Cambridge

Cambridgeshire is a beautiful place to be during the festive season, whether you’re looking for a relaxing break over New Year or getting out and about to explore.  Here are some of our favourite events and things to do over Christmas in Cambridge.

Festive Afternoon Tea

If you like a festive afternoon tea (and who doesn’t?) here are the hotspots in Cambridge, starting with The Gonville Hotel’s seasonal offering served every Wednesday to Sunday excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day.  For some of the best views in the city, head to Six Brasserie on the sixth floor of the Varsity Hotel, or Parkers Tavern for a delicious selection of festive sweet treats on the edge of Parkers Piece.  Fitzbillies’ Trumpington Street café is an institution in Cambridge, and their afternoon tea also never disappoints!

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at Kings College Chapel – Saturday 24th December

First broadcast in 1928, King’s College’s A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is as much a Christmas tradition as mulled wine and mince pies.  The service was founded as a gift to the city of Cambridge and as such half of the tickets are still reserved for members of the public via ballot.  However, those who are willing to brave the standby queue will be offered any returns or uncollected tickets.

The International Classic Ballet Theatre at the Corn Exchange

This international company comes to Cambridge directly from the America with presentations of two classical ballets to entertain us between Christmas and the new year, starting with The Nutcracker from Wednesday 28th – Friday 30th December.  One of the most festive ballet’s, The Nutcracker follows Clara and her adventures with her Nutcracker Prince, a magical story to appeal to all ages.  The second presentation is the stunning Swan Lake, a tragic and timeless love story showing on Saturday 31st December and Sunday 1st January.

Peterborough Cathedral Christmas Concert – Saturday 17th December

The ultimate in Festive, heart-warming choral music and Christmas carols will be performed amid the beautiful cathedral setting, including music by composers such as Dankworth, Howells, Leighton and Rutter.

Vivaldi’s Four Season’s at Christmas at Ely Cathedral – Sunday 18th December

If carol concerts aren’t your thing, the Piccadilly Sinfonietta might be more your cup of tea, with their renditions of masterpieces by Chopin, Corelli and Vivaldi, and where better to experience such a performance than the spectacular Ely Cathedral.

National Trust Christmas Lights

Cambridgeshire is home to some stunning Christmas lights, but none are as breath-taking as the illuminations at National Trust properties Anglesey Abbey (pictured) and Wimpole Hall.  The beautiful projections, millions of twinkling lights and plethora of festive food and drink couldn’t fail to spark joy.

The luxury barns at The Yard @ Pringle Farm are set in the idyllic Huntingdonshire countryside, perfect for complete relaxation or exploring the wonderful sights of the county.  Click here to see our eight beautiful barn conversions.

Photo courtesy of The National Trust – ©National Trust Images/Mike Selby