IT’S TWIXMAS, you probably have no clue what day it is and returning to work still feels far away – so here’s some free things to do across the UK this week to fill your time.
From museums to New Year celebrations, we’ve found plenty of activities that don’t cost a penny.
There’s a New Year’s Eve lantern parade in Ramsgate, with artist-led workshopsCredit: facebook/@VisitRamsgate
It might be worth bearing in mind though that a lot of places will be closed on Thursday, which is New Year’s day – so just make sure to check out websites of and events before you head out for the day.
New Year’s Eve Lantern Parade, Ramsgate
In you can head to the New Year’s Eve Lantern Parade on December 31 at St George’s Church from 4:15pm.
This year’s theme is Love, Peace and Joy to the World.
The will begin at 4:45pm and finish at the Ramsgate Tunnels where there will be drinks.
Families can even head to an artist-led before the parade to make lanterns.
Whales, St Albans Cathedral
Also in St Albans, but this time at the, you will find an installation called ‘Whales’.
The installation features three large sperm whale sculptures – that are above the Nave – created by artist Tessa Campbell Fraser.
The installation is open from New Year’s Eve and there will also be a number of other events taking place at the Cathedral whilst the Whales are on show including a
Helios, St Albans Museum + Gallery
Head to the Museum + Gallery for a new immersive experience that opened on December 27.
Inside the museum, visitors will find a six-metre sculpture of the Sun by artist Luke Jerram.
There will also be a number of events for all ages.
It is free to visit, but there is a booking system in place.
Helios at St Albans Museum + Gallery features a six-metre sculpture of the sunCredit: instagram/@stalbansmuseums
Hyakkō – 100+ Makers from Japan, Japan House, London
Hyakkō is the current craft exhibition at Japan House in
Across the exhibition visitors can see around 2,000 handcrafted items from more than 120 artists.
Items include ceramic matcha bowls and metal teapots.
Walton Hall and Gardens, Cheshire
There are lots of things to do at Walton Hall and Gardens in and much of the attraction is also open on New Year’s Day.
There’s a glasshouses and even a cycle museum to explore.
Four-legged friends don’t need to be left out either as the attraction (except the children’s zoo) is dog-friendly.
There’s also a small children’s zoo with farm animals, including rescued donkeys.
And if you get hungry there is also a cafe.
The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary on the Isle of Wight has over 100 donkeys, mules, and Shetland ponies that have been rescued.
And visitors can interact with them across a number of barns and paddocks.
There is a cafe too and also a gift shop to explore.
On the Isle of Wight you could head to a sanctuary with over 100 donkeysCredit: Alamy
A Guiding Light by Louisa Smurthwaite & Douglas Green, Wembley Park
Located at Park, ‘A Guiding Light’ is a large public art installation that features 36 banners lining Olympic Way, depicting the 12 hours of the moon rising and the 12 hours of the sun setting.
The artwork has been created by light artists Douglas Green and Louisa Smurthwaite.
There are also a number of other installations around that are free to visit, including The Wishing Tree which is a 30ft installation on the Spanish Steps.
New Year’s Day Parade, London
One of the biggest New Year’s events on the planet, takes place in on New Year’s Day.
The 2026 parade will be the 40th one held in the capital and will feature music, 8,000 performers, giant balloons, heritage vehicles and more.
The route stretches 2.2 miles in total and will travel through Piccadilly, Regents Street, St James’s, Pall Mall, and Whitehall.
The parade will begin at 1pm and finish at 4:30pm.
On New Year’s Day, you can head to a huge parade through central LondonCredit: Jack Hill/The Times
Seven Stories – the UK’s National Centre for Children’s Books, Newcastle
Inside Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books, visitors will find seven floors dedicated to children’s books.
There are original manuscripts, illustrations and treasures from famous writers including
There are currently a few exhibitions on at the centre, including Where Stories Come From, which showcases original art and writing.
There is also a Mog, the Forgetful Cat exhibition, which celebrates the 100th anniversary of
Through the exhibition, visitors are taken on a journey through all 17 books that are dedicated to Mog’s life and adventures.
Kids’ Countdown with Just Vibez, Southbank Centre, London
On December 31, from 10:30am, you can celebrate the New Year with the kids at the Southbank Centre.
Just Vibez collective will be taking visitors to the for dance competitions, music and games for all the family.
Instead of counting down to midnight, families will countdown to 12 midday.
The Southbank Centre also has a couple of free events on over New Year’sCredit: Getty
New Year’s Day Ceilidh, Southbank Centre, London
Also at the Southbank Centre, but this time on New Year’s Day, there will be a Ceilidh – a traditional Gaelic social gathering with folk music.
It will feature music, dance and and no tickets are required.
The Bay of Lights Illumination Trail, Torquay, Devon
Until January 2, you can still catch The Bay of Lights Illumination Trail in Torquay, .
The 1.5 mile trail features 19 installations, including ones in iconic spots across the Bay such as Torre Abbey and the scenic harbour.
The trail is lit up each day from 4:30pm to 11pm.
In Devon, you can still catch the Bay of Lights trail this weekCredit: Torbay Council
Big Fat Quiz of the Year – New Year’s Day Special, Edinburgh
What better way to look to the year ahead than quizzing yourself on the year just gone?
At Street Food on January 1 between 5pm and 7pm you can participate in Edinburgh’s Big Fat Quiz of the Year.
It is free to play, and there are even prizes for the teams in first, second and third place.
Twelfth Night celebrations 2026, London
On Sunday, January 4, head to Borough Yards in to celebrate the Twelfth Night celebrations from 4pm.
There will be the Green Man who is decked out in leaves and foliage, a fiddler, live music and even cakes.
Guests will be invited to ‘dance’ along the Thames Path, with more music, singing and storytelling.
For more inspiration on things to do across the UK, here are the
Plus, the coming to the UK’s seaside towns and cities next year.
The UK’s capital will also host Twelfth Night Celebrations this weekendCredit: Alamy
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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