Things to Do at Christmas in Milton Keynes City Centre✨
- Christmas
- 6 min read
A run down of Christmas Activity in Date Order:
🎄 Christmas Tree Festival at Midsummer Place
14 November – 24 December – Midsummer Place Shopping Centre
Wander through a forest of creativity at the Midsummer Place Christmas Tree Festival, where beautifully decorated trees have been designed by local charities and community groups. Vote for your favourite while supporting good causes — every tree tells a story, and your visit helps make a difference.
✨Starlight Square – Middleton Hall, centre:mk
15 November – 4 January 2026
Starlight Square in Middleton Hall brings a touch of festive magic to centre:mk, transforming the space into a glowing winter wonderland. You may even have a family tradition of riding the beautiful carousel every year, adding to the charm of the experience. Dotted between the twinkling lights you’ll find a small Christmas market, a festive train ride, a classic Helter Skelter, and plenty of places to enjoy seasonal food and drink. It’s the perfect spot to make memories with family and friends – and don’t forget to snap some photos and share them on social media, tagging @centremk and @mkcitycentre.
Charity support at centre:mk
This year
centre:mk are supporting The Henry Allen Trust to help bring joy and comfort to families facing childhood cancer. All proceeds from the Reindeer Glasses, available to purchase at Elf Services in Starlight Square, the Guest Services Lounge and Information Desk, along with donations made to the Wishing Well, will go towards supporting this wonderful cause.
You can also help make a difference by donating a gift to the Giving Tree in the Guest Services Lounge: simply take a tag from the tree, purchase the listed gift, and return your unwrapped present to Guest Services before 22 December 2025. Your gift will be delivered to little ones just in time for Christmas Day.
💡Christmas Lights Switch-On
Join us as we kick off the festive season with the Milton Keynes City Centre Lights Switch-On on Saturday 22nd November, from 4pm–5:30pm, in The Point car park. Compered by Dave Allen, this magical evening features live performances, family fun, and a dazzling fireworks finale. Wrap up warm, bring the family, and get ready to feel the festive spirit light up the city!
Event Schedule
4:00 PM – Live Performances by:
- Christ The Sower School Choir
- Arts1
- Ollie Corbett
- Milton Keynes Rock Choir (led by pianist and singer Rob Baker)
- The Evil Ringmaster from
Milton Keynes Theatre Panto – Goldilocks and the Three Bears
5:20 PM
Lights Switch-On with Santa!
Fireworks Finale
🎅 Meet Santa and Peter Rabbit & Friends at Starlight Square, centre:mk
21 November – 24 December
Head to Middleton Hall in centre:mk to step inside a truly enchanting Christmas grotto experience — where little ones can meet Santa, along with Peter Rabbit and his woodland friends! This beautifully themed, interactive experience is filled with storytelling, festive cheer, and magical moments your children will remember forever.
Families will step into Peter Rabbit’s cosy burrow, where Mrs Rabbit warmly welcomes them and shares the story of Peter’s missing Christmas presents. Children will follow festive clues to help in the search, before venturing through Peter’s secret tunnel into a magical snowy forest.
In the forest, families will join Peter Rabbit and friends for seasonal fun, including decorating gingerbread biscuits for the Christmas feast, before meeting Santa to complete their adventure.
Each child will take home their decorated biscuit along with a special gift from Santa — the perfect ending to a truly unforgettable Christmas experience.
🐧Arctic Adventure at Xscape – Coming Soon
24 November – 11 January 2026
Step into a wintry world of wonder at the Arctic Adventure inside 
Xscape, brought to life by The Spectrum Place. Explore icy landscapes, meet polar characters, and enjoy an immersive festive experience in the transformed former Extreme Central unit. It’s the perfect place to escape into a frosty fairytale this Christmas.
Contact arcticexperience@mkctv.co.uk to register your interest and more info
🛍️ Midsummer Place Weekend Christmas Emporium
29 November – 21st December
Midsummer Place is excited to bring you the Weekend Christmas Emporium, launching on Saturday 29th November — an event not to be missed! Local independent traders will come together to present an eclectic array of delights — from irresistible baked treats to exquisitely handcrafted designs. Wander through the lively stalls, uncover something unique, and celebrate the creativity of talented local makers.
Market Dates:
- Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th November
- Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th December
- Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th December
- Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st December
🎭See the Panto at Milton Keynes Theatre
6 December – 11 January
No Christmas is complete without a trip to the panto, and this year Milton Keynes Theatre is serving up a show full of sparkle, laughter, and adventure! Goldilocks and the Three Bears stars Brian Conley, his daughter Lucy Conley, and a brilliant cast. Expect spectacular sets, laugh-out-loud moments, and all the family fun you’d hope for in a feel-good festive panto – a magical adventure that promises giggles, chaos, and plenty of “he’s behind you!” excitement.
📸Festive Selfie Points
Now – Early Jan 2026
Capture the magic of Christmas with sparkling selfie spots dotted throughout centre:mk and Midsummer Place. From giant baubles and glowing archways to twinkling trees, there are plenty of picture-perfect backdrops to light up your social feeds. Don’t forget to tag @mkcitycentre and share your festive snaps!
Unity Place Festive Highlights
- Festive Pop-Up Markets – Thursday 27 November & Wednesday 10 December (12pm–2:30pm) at the
Urban Food Market. Browse local artisan stalls for jewellery, décor, candles, gifts, MK honey, and more — the perfect lunchtime escape to shop local and soak up the festive atmosphere. - Wreath-Making at the
Sky Lounge – Saturday 22 November. Join us after the CMK Christmas Lights Switch-On for an evening of creativity and connection, crafting a bespoke wreath with expert guidance (£37 pp). [Book here] - 12 Days of Christmas – 8–23 December. Enjoy a joyful series of daily activations, competitions, pop-ups, and social media challenges, including the fun Find the Christmas Elves hunt with prizes for eagle-eyed visitors.
- House to Haven Gift-Wrapping Pop-Up – Friday 12 & Thursday 18 December (11am–4pm). Bring your gifts to the ground floor and let the House to Haven team wrap them beautifully — just in time for Christmas.
- Christmas Quiz Night at the Sky Lounge – 3 December – A festive evening of trivia, laughter, and great prizes, perfect for groups and colleagues rounding off the year together.
Looking for more fun things to do in Milton Keynes? Whether you’re into bowling, adventure golf, skiing, escape rooms, or other exciting activities, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. Check out our Things to Do in Milton Keynes City Centre Guide for the full list of experiences, attractions, and adventures waiting for you!
