8 Best Things to Do in Cambridge at Christmas
From twinkling lights reflecting off the River Cam to carolers echoing through historic college courtyards, Christmas in Cambridge is pure magic!
My family and I have spent a few Christmas vacations in Cambridge and loved experiencing the British holiday traditions and festive fun all around town. Even though winter in Cambridge can be chilly, there’s no shortage of cozy, charming things to do.
Bundle up, grab a cup of mulled wine, and discover the most magical things to do in Cambridge at Christmas.
Things To Do in Cambridge at Christmas
1. Go for a holiday Punt
Punting on the River Cam is one of the best things to do in Cambridge, and the fun doesn’t stop just because the weather got cold!
In fact, punting in the winter is even better because there are far fewer crowds than in the summer. Punts aren’t offered daily during the winter, though, so you’ll need to be sure to book in advance.
Your Cambridge punting tour will come with warm cushions and blankets, but you should be sure to dress warmly as well.
Punting along the River Cam gives you a glimpse at the College Backs. You’ll get to see views of King’s College Chapel, the Bridge of Sighs, the dormitories of Trinity College, and the Mathematical Bridge.
Book your Cambridge punting tour here.
2. Visit the Cambridge Christmas Market
Every winter, the Cambridge Christmas Market sets up in Market Square so you can shop unique gifts, eat traditional Christmas treats, and sip on some steaming hot mulled wine.
At the Cambridge Christmas Market, you’ll find handmade ornaments, handcrafted candles, knitted accessories, and other gifts.
For food, you can try cuisines from around the world. Many of these vendors offer their traditional festive foods from their home countries. You can also grab plenty of traditional British Christmas treats like gingerbread, shortbreads, hot chocolate, mince pie, and plenty of mulled wine.
The market is set up every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.
3. Enjoy the festivities at Christmas in Cambridge at Parker’s Piece
Christmas in Cambridge at Parker’s Piece is like your one-stop-shop for festive fun in Cambridge at Christmas.
This holiday festival has an ice rink, market stalls, classic fairground rides, a Christmas Tree Maze, a Ferris wheel, and even a bar serving bratwurst, craft beers, and cider.
The festival is free to enter, but you’ll have to pay for rides, food, and the ice rink.
4. Enjoy a Christmas Day meal
The British Christmas Dinner is a hallowed tradition. There are a few restaurants in Cambridge that offer a traditional Christmas meal throughout the day
We always ate a Christmas Day lunch at The Granta, which has been hosting Christmas meals in Cambridge since 1799.
Every year, you can reserve a table at the pub and choose from a set 4-course menu of traditional holiday foods like duck, steak, salmon, prawn, mince pie, and Christmas pudding.
Our table was set up with Christmas crackers for each of us, and after cracking them open, we donned our paper crowns and spent the next three hours sipping mulled cider and enjoying our feast.
5. Visit the historic Cambridge Colleges
Take a University of Cambridge Tour to see the colleges all decked out for the holidays. Cambridge at Christmas is one of the most magical times to see the university.
On this tour, a university student will guide you around the campus, giving you insider information on Trinity College, King’s College, and Corpus Christi College. You’ll see the historic halls where Sir Isaac Newton, C.S. Lewis, and John Harvard once walked.
You can pay to enter many of the colleges on your own as a visitor, but the best way to see them is definitely on a guided tour!
Book your University of Cambridge Tour here.
6. Stop at Fitzbillies for a warm treat
Fitzbillies is one of the best places to eat in Cambridge. The original Fitzbillies on Trumpington Street has been a staple of Cambridge since 1920 when it became the cake-shop of choice for locals who would line up for a taste of their Chelsea buns.
Warm up from your time exploring Cambridge in the winter weather with a delicious treat from Fitzbillies. They have all sorts of cakes and desserts. You can also get coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
7. Listen to carols at King’s College Chapel
King’s College Chapel is famous for their Christmas Eve carol service. A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols has been a King’s College tradition since 1918.
If you want to hear it in person, you’ll need to be prepared to snag a ticket. And tickets for this event go fast. You can apply for tickets during the first two weeks of November.
And if you can’t score a ticket, don’t worry! They broadcast the service live on BBC Radio 4 and the BBC World Service. They also replay the service on BBC Radio 3 on Christmas Day. They’ve been broadcasting the carols since 1928, and millions of people watch from at home.
8. Go Christmas shopping
Have some last minute Christmas shopping to do? There are plenty of places to shop at Christmas in Cambridge!
Stroll through the Grand Arcade, Lion Yard, or the Grafton Centre. You’ll also find plenty of shops on Trinity Street, Bridge Street, and King Street. And the Market Square is always a great place to find local goods.
Cambridge at Christmas Map
Ready to explore these things to do for Christmas in Cambridge? Use the map below to plan out your holiday!
I hope you enjoy seeing Cambridge at Christmas!
Cambridge at Christmas FAQ
Is Cambridge nice at Christmas?
Cambridge is magical at Christmas time! The city is alight with holiday lights, there are tons of festive holiday events from Christmas markets to outdoor ice skating, and you can enjoy the city’s rich history with a bit of holiday flair.
Does Cambridge do Christmas Market?
Yes, Cambridge has a Christmas Market that is set up in Market Square that is open daily during the holiday season through Christmas Eve.
When was the last White Christmas in Cambridge?
The last time Cambridge had a White Christmas was in 2010. A White Christmas in Cambridge is pretty rare nowadays.
Is Cambridge worth visiting in winter?
Cambridge is definitely worth visiting in the winter! Winter is the off-season in Cambridge, so it’s usually pretty quiet and less crowded. This makes it the perfect time to visit and tour the colleges, punt on the River Cam, and enjoy the holiday festivities.
Where to Stay in Cambridge
- Where We Stayed: Graduate Cambridge
- Top Hotel: The Varsity Hotel & Spa
- Great Value: Holiday Inn Express Cambridge
- Unique Stay: University Arms Hotel
More Things to Do in Cambridge, England
Find even more fun things to see and do in Cambridge. Check out these posts for inspiration:
- Best Things to Do in Cambridge, England
- Where to Eat in Cambridge, England
- Free Things to Do in Cambridge, England
- Visiting Cambridge Castle in Cambridge, England
Ready to visit Cambridge, England? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Cambridge using Booking.com.
- Start Packing: Check out my packing list resources so you’re prepared for your trip.
- Finish Your Christmas Shopping: Still looking for the perfect gift for your travel-lover? Check out my comprehensive Gifts for Travelers gift guide.
Cheers!
Paige
Where did you spend your Christmas? Let me know in the comments!
