Festive Fun by the Canals and Rivers

The most magical time of the year is fast approaching, so avoid the urge to spend your Christmas hibernating indoors and head towards your local waterway to see all the fun that's on offer.

There are plenty of family activities in store along the canals and rivers this year, from Christmas cruises to craft fairs. Why not take the kids to see Santa's grotto out on the water, or enjoy an xmas lunch thats been prepared by someone else for a change!

So don your woolly hat and scarf, warm your cockles with a glass of mulled wine, and pay a visit to some of these fantastic events...

London and South East

Christmas at Museum in Docklands, London
This December head down to the London Docklands where the Museum in Docklands has organised a programme of fun and festive activities for the family.

A Victorian Festival of Christmas, Hampshire
Guarantee yourself a white Christmas this year by visiting Portsmouth Historic Dockyard for its annual Victorian Festival of Christmas.

Chichester Canal Christmas boat trips, Sussex
Enjoy a relaxing boat trip along the Chichester Canal and meet the much-loved Father Christmas!

Christmas light switch-on at Chichester Canal Basin, Sussex
Get into the festive mood and watch the Christmas lights get switched on at Chichester Canal basin.

Christmas illuminated boat procession, Northamptonshire
Watch the Grand Union Canal light up with a Christmas illuminated boat procession at Stoke Bruerne's Waterways Museum.

Victorian Christmas at Royal Gunpowder Mills, Essex
The River Lee-based Royal Gunpowder Mills will once again play host to a traditional Victorian Christmas.

South West

Santa cruises from the NWM, Gloucestershire
Jump on board Santa's floating grotto and receive a present during special Christmas cruises from the National Waterways Museum, Gloucester Docks.

Christmas wreath & decoration workshop, Devon
Join the countryside rangers at the Grand Western Canal and make a selection of Christmas wreaths and decorations using natural materials.

Christmas carols at Devizes Wharf, Wiltshire
Enjoy a night of festive carols under the Christmas tree at Devizes Wharf.

Christmas party cruises from Gloucester Docks, Gloucestershire
Celebrate Christmas in style with a special disco party cruise along the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal, on board King Arthur.

West Midlands

Search for Santa, Worcestershire
Board the Dream Catcher passenger vessel to search for Santa in Tardebigge Canal Tunnel.

Santa in the crystal mines, Worcestershire
Take a magical voyage by boat to see Santa in his underground workshop.

Coventry Canal Christmas art fair, Warwickshire
Make a start on your xmas shopping and see if you can find that special gift at this Coventry Canal Basin art fair.

Christmas performance at Stourbridge Bonded Warehouse, Worcestershire
The highly acclaimed Midlands Fretted Orchestra will be playing a Christmas concert at Stourbridge's canalside warehouse.

Father Christmas visits Galton Valley Heritage Centre, Staffordshire
Treat the kids with a trip to Santa's canalside grotto.

East Midlands

Christmas at Sawley Marina, Nottinghamshire
Sawley Marina will play host to two special Christmas weekends this December - guaranteed to put even the most avowed Ebenezer Scrooge into the Christmas spirit!

Scotland

Santa's coming to the Falkirk Wheel, Lowlands
Santa's inviting kids, young and old, to come and visit him at the Falkirk Wheel in the run up to the big night.

Santa at Broxburn, Lowlands
Come and join Santa onboard Bluebell for a trip along the Union Canal.

Santa at Linlithgow, Lowlands
Visit Santa's grotto and enjoy a boat trip on the Union Canal.

Santa trips on the Forth & Clyde Canal, Lowlands
Join Santa at Townhead Bridge for a cruise along the Forth & Clyde Canal.

Santa cruises with Re-Union, Lowlands
Come and join Santa and Re-Union for a cruise on the Union Canal.

Christmas lunch cruises, Lowlands
Come and join Linlithgow Union Canal Society for a three course Christmas lunch afloat.

Wales and Border Counties

Peak Forest Canal walk and festive lunch, Cheshire
Enjoy a walk along the Peak Forest Canal, followed by a hearty Christmas pub lunch.

Santa at Fourteen Locks Canal Centre, South west Wales
Children can meet Santa Clause this December when he visits Fourteen Locks Canal Centre.

Santa cruises on the Montgomery Canal, Shropshire
Enjoy a Christmas-themed Santa cruise along the Montgomery Canal, aboard the GW Buck narrowboat.

Yorkshire

Clarence Dock charity jog, Yorkshire
Join hundreds of Santas as they run, walk or jog around Clarence Dock in Leeds to raise money for British Heart Foundation.

Broads

Norfolk Broads Santa cruise, Norfolk
Enjoy family festive fun on the Norfolk Broads, with a Christmas cruise.

Father Christmas visits Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden, Norfolk
Father Christmas and two of his reindeer will be handing out gifts to every child that visits his grotto.

Christmas bird-watching walk, Norfolk
Enjoy a three mile walk around Whitlingham Country Park, and look at the birds that call the park their home during Christmas.

Boxing Day guided walk, Norfolk
Walk off the excesses of Christmas with a tour of Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden, with the head gardener.