Christmas on the towpath

With Christmas drawing closer, we’re bringing festive cheer to the towpaths. Find out what’s happening near you and how you can get involved this winter.

Bringing the Light in Birmingham

We’re partnering with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the Roundhouse Birmingham to experience a unique celebration of light, music and heritage in the heart of Birmingham.

All tickets are free but must be booked in advance.

Bringing the Light - 30 November

Enjoy a lantern-making workshop, live music and a canal procession led by our iconic 1930's heritage working boat, lighting up the canal towpath

Christmas Wreath Workshop at Stoke Bruerne

Get crafty - 23 November

Combine canal traditions and Christmas festivities to create your own unique rag-rug Christmas wreath in our one-day workshop – designed for all levels of expertise

Christmas Family Fun Day at Stoke

Meet Santa - 30 November

Say ‘hi’ to Santa and his reindeers, brass band, Christmas elves and lots more!

Christmas at Anderton

Santa is returning to Anderton Boat Lift to celebrate this festive season with us, bringing with him some helpers, his story book, new songs and gifts.

All passengers require a ticket for the event.

This event will take place across several dates. See our events calendar for full details.

Person in Santa costume standing by water and boat lift with their arm extended outwards

Join Santa on a cruise - 7, 14, 21 - 24 December

Experience the canal by Santa’s side, as he tells you stories of his adventures and sings new music.

Festive Boat Trips & Santa’s Grotto Experience

This event will take place across several dates. See our events calendar for full details.

Visit Santa’s grotto - 7, 14 and 21 December

Meet the man himself at Ellesmere Port’s National Waterways Museum, with a festive boat trip, singing, games, stories and a treasure trail.

Carols on The Cut

We’re bringing you carol concerts across our canals.

Close up of golden bells with sheet music in the background and thistle

Cambrian House - 14 December

Celebrate Christmas at Cambrian House on Saturday 14 December with Carols on The Cut and Cambrian Toll House Grotto Experience from 11-4pm

Delph Stables, Brierley Hill - 21 December

Make Christmas decorations, let the children meet Santa Claus and sing along with our canalside carol singers on 21 December

Christmas floating markets

Winter Floating Fayre - 30 November

Discover the wonderfully crafty and musical community living on the historic Kennet & Avon Canal at this Winter Floating Fayre. Pick up gifts for friends and family, try some festive food and enjoy live music.

More details here: www.rcta.org.uk/events/#!event/2024/11/30/winter-floating-fayre

RCTA Linslade Christmas Market - 22 November

The Roving Canal Traders are joining the Globe Inn Linslade along the Grand Union canal towpath to bring you some magical Christmas shopping. Discover interesting crafts, decorated boats and delicious food and drink.

More details here: www.rcta.org.uk/events/#!event/2024/11/22/rcta-linslade-christmas-market