Planning a Festive Day Out with Friends

As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to make new memories with your best friends. Whether you prefer to catch up over a few drinks, go shopping together or head into the great outdoors, there’s so much on offer throughout the festive season.

From bustling Christmas markets in big cities to beautiful light installations on country estates, there’s something for everyone. If you’re starting to get some plans sorted, here’s how to organise a memorable festive outing.

CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION

The destination you choose will shape the entire day out. You’ll need to think about the preferences of the group as a whole, which sometimes involves compromising to keep the majority happy. A few of your options include:

• City adventures: With plenty of high-street shops, independent boutiques and often outdoor markets too, big cities always feel special at Christmas time. If your group loves dining out and you’re craving a dose of retail therapy, head for an urban day out.
  
• Rural towns: For a mixture of activities and time to unwind, quieter towns could tick all the boxes. They often feature lights displays and special events, without the major crowds that flock to bigger cities. You’ll have plenty of food and drink options too.
  
• Countryside attractions: While remote destinations call for a little bit more planning, they offer unbeatable charm and atmosphere. On a crisp winter day, you could enjoy cool sunshine and beautiful views. By night, it’s worth gazing at Christmas illuminations.

TIME IT RIGHT

Timing matters hugely. If you’d like to avoid overcrowded areas and reduce the chance of queues or traffic delays, it’s worth visiting earlier in the day instead of during the evening, or midweek rather than at the weekend.

That said, some events only run for limited periods or have peak times that add to the experience. Being organised is crucial no matter what you choose, so just make sure to chat to your friends and decide before you travel. 

Because Britain’s winter experiences are so popular, it’s always worth booking in advance before spaces fill up. Availability can drop very quickly for sell-out events, so signing up to newsletters can help you to secure your place.

DON’T FORGET THE SMALLER DETAILS

Small touches can make a huge difference to your day out. It’s easy to get caught up in planning the more important details, but you’ll still need to stay comfortable throughout your day out.

While you’re exploring a new town, home comforts like sipping a warm gingerbread latte during your café stop make all the difference. Breaking up outdoor activities helps to reduce fatigue and keep everyone feeling fresh, especially if you have older or younger people in your group. 

MIX AND MATCH ACTIVITIES

Finally, why not make the most of your shared interests by doing more than one activity? The best festive days out balance different type of experiences for variation and a little bit of flexibility too.

For example, if you’re visiting a town you could browse the market stalls and then take part in some seasonal activities like ice skating or wreath making. If you’d rather get active, you could try ice skating and then head indoors for a live performance. 

No matter where you’re heading, don’t forget to stay safe and stick to the budget. Backup plans could be useful, especially if the weather or delays get in the way.   

**Contributor post