Some of you might feel that the shine might have been taken off of December with the announcement that Milton Keynes is in Tier 2, but that shouldn’t stop you from getting in the Christmas spirit in a COVID-safe way! I’ve pulled together some ideas of fun and festive things to do in Milton Keynes this Christmas. I’ve included ideas which involve (safely!) leaving the house or staying home depending on your plans this month. Stay safe and keep supporting local!
For the latest government guidelines, please refer to the government website.
Get creative with Something Less Boring
I LOVE the Remote Art Clubs that Something Less Boring run. My Mum and I have done a few together (pre-no socialising with other households!) and they were great fun. You can do these classes from the comfort of your own home, all you need is some paints, paintbrushes, paper and Zoom! The classes are easy to follow and I find them really therapeutic.
There is a lovely selection of festive paintings and pictures you can do this December, so check out their website for a full list. Classes are just £5 per session. If you need supplies, SLB also art bundles so you have everything you need to get painting.
Find out more and book: www.somethinglessboring.co.uk
Grab some street food in centre:mk
If you’re doing your Christmas shopping in the centre:mk, don’t miss Queen’s Court Street Food Market which is back open! There are some brilliant vendors serving food from all over the world so stop by and refuel! You have to try ‘The Miles Finch’ loaded fries from Fry Guys MK. Fries topped with cranberry mayo, onions, gravy and yes, pigs in blankets!
Read more: A guide to Queen’s Court Street Food Market in centre:mk
Pick your own Christmas tree
This is number one on my list this December! I can’t wait to make a morning of it and visit Stoke Goldington Christmas Trees to pick our Christmas tree straight from the farm. There are plenty of places in Milton Keynes to find a real Christmas tree, whether you’re after an experience or an easy purchase.
Stoke Goldington Christmas trees is at Stoke Lodge Farm and is open every Saturday and Sunday until 20th December.
Vintage Open Air Cinema
Vintage Open-Air Cinema will be transforming Furtho Manor’s Wedding Barn into a beautiful starlit Christmasy Wonderland – for one weekend only! With an on-screen Christmas quiz and ‘seat service’ for treats, snacks and drinks, this is a lovely way to spend an evening. £1 of every ticket purchase is going towards Water Aid UK.
Showings are on Friday 18th, Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th December. Films include Frozen, Home Alone, Nightmare Before Christmas, Home Alone 2, Elf and Gremlins.
Buy your tickets via the website: www.voacinema.com/screenings
Make your own Christmas Wreath
I loved making my own Christmas wreath last year with Flo’s Flowerbox and it’s something I would love to make into an annual tradition. Although you might not be able to go to workshops in person this year, plenty of florists have adapted and created ‘make your own wreath’ kits at home – with addition treats!
If you missed out on Harding & Bloom’s gorgeous kits this year (I’m gutted that I did!) you can find wreath kits from other local businesses including Flo’s Flowerbox and Branch Out MK.
Visit Frost’s Igloos
Frost’s have a wonderful new addition for the winter – these festive igloo’s! They are available to book between December and February 2021 and you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea with a changing seasonal menu, it’s the perfect place to cosy up with your household group or support bubble. Look out for my feature on these igloo’s coming very soon!
Find out more: www.frostsgardencentres.co.uk/igloos
Festive Flix Drive in Cinema
From 18th – 23rd December, MyMiltonKeynes, co-funded by Milton Keynes Council, is reopening MyCinema as a Drive-In cinema located next to The Point. Throughout the week they will be showing 12 classic Christmas films for you to enjoy from the comfort of your car. For just £5 per car, you can enjoy Christmas classics such as Elf, Home Alone and Love Actually.
MyCinema is supporting the MK Food Bank who are currently delivering 1,200 food parcels a week to families around Milton Keynes. 100% of the ticket sales will be donated to the MK Food Bank to help support the growing number of families in need.
Hurry, tickets are selling fast! To book, visit: www.mymiltonkeynes.co.uk/my-cinema/
I’d love to see what you guys get up to this month! Although Christmas feels very different this year, there is still plenty of fun to be had and local businesses to support. If you do any of these activities make sure you tag me on Instagram and use my hashtag #EatandExploreMiltonKeynes.
What festive fun will you have this month?
You might also like:
- The Ultimate Independent Milton Keynes Christmas Gift Guide
- How to support Milton Keynes’ charities this Christmas by MK Charities
- Where to buy a real Christmas tree in Milton Keynes
