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The Best Dog-Friendly Christmas Events Happening in 2026
We know there's lots to think about once December rolls around. There are all the presents, the food, the endless lists of things to do and decorate, but throughout it all, our dogs are there, never leaving our sides. They don't care if the tree is straight or if the wrapping on their presents matches the gift bag. They only care about spending the festive period with you.
So in between all the craziness that comes with the festive period, make sure to take some time to celebrate the season with your dog too. Whether that's by visiting one of the UK's dog-friendly Christmas markets, trying some Christmas recipes for dogs together, heading out to one of the events below, or keeping things low-key with a festive activity at home, there's something here for every dog and every kind of Christmas.
Think magical light trails where their senses will be overwhelmed with delight, real meet and greets with Santa Paws and even cosy cinema screenings where dogs can join you as you relax and watch a festive film! Whether your pup loves being the centre of attention or prefers a calmer festive stroll, there's something for everyone to enjoy together.
Here are some of the best dog-friendly Christmas events happening across the UK this year, plus a handful of festive activities you can enjoy together at home, all perfect for making a few new memories with your four-legged friend.
Table of Contents
The Best Dog-Friendly Christmas Events Santa Paws at Dobbies Garden Centres Winter Glow at Three Counties Showground Picture House Dog-Friendly Cinema with Christmas Movies Ross & Friends’ Doggy Winter Wonderland Ingleborough Cave and Grotto Pawfestivities at the North Pole Devon Dogs' Festive Barkery Christmas Party Santa Paws at The Elf Express Bring the Magic Home: Christmas Activities to Enjoy With Your Dog WOOOF Own Christmas Bundle Conclusion
Key Takeaways
From twinkling light trails to Santa meet-and-greets, dog-specific Christmas events are popping up in towns and cities across the UK this December
Several go beyond a simple grotto visit, with extras like agility zones, sniffing trails, mini markets and professional photo ops built for dogs, not just their owners.
You don't need to leave the house to join in either as we'll give you some simple, low-cost ideas that can bring the same festive spirit to your dog's Christmas at home.
Popular sessions such as Santa meet-and-greets and light trail dates can fill up fast, so it pays to book ahead once dates are confirmed.
The Best Dog-Friendly Christmas Events
So, where are the best places to bring your dog for a bit of festive fun this year? From twinkling light trails to special meet-and-greets with Santa Paws himself, these dog-friendly Christmas events are some of our favourites across the UK.
Santa Paws at Dobbies Garden Centres
Imaged sourced from events.dobbies.com
Where: UK-wide (over 40 stores across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland)
When: Selected dates throughout December. See website for dates at your nearest store
If there's one event guaranteed to get you all in the spirit of Christmas, it's Santa Paws at Dobbies Garden Centres. This heart-warming experience lets your pup meet Santa himself and take home a special gift from the big man, with tickets priced around £12 to £13.50 per dog.
There's plenty to make it memorable including a festive "sniff-ari" through the grotto, fun obstacles and photo opportunities you can pre-book to capture that perfect Christmas card moment. Children can join in with their own ticket to meet Santa and receive a gift too, making it a full family day out. Dobbies is once again supporting Dogs Trust, with the option to add a donation when you book.
Winter Glow at Three Counties Showground
Image sourced from winterglow.co.uk
Where: Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire WR13 6NW
When: Illuminated Light Trail dog-friendly dates: 20th & 21st November, and 14th - 17th and 27th - 31st December 2026. Santa Paws dog-friendly dates: 20th & 21st November and 14th -17th December 2026
Winter Glow at Three Counties Showground is one of the most magical dog-friendly Christmas events in the UK because it includes so much. The illuminated light trail transforms into a festive playground for both two and four-legged visitors on its designated dog-friendly dates, with sparkling displays and plenty to sniff and explore along the way.
For those visiting on the Santa Paws dates specifically, dogs can also meet Father Christmas himself and receive their own gift to take home. Dogs must be kept on a short lead and well behaved throughout, so keep an eye on the website as these sessions can sell out fast.
Picture House Dog-Friendly Cinema with Christmas Movies
Image sourced from picturehouses.com
Where: Various Picturehouse locations, including Bath, Brighton, Epsom, London (Clapham, Crouch End, Greenwich and Hackney), Norwich, Southampton and York
When: Selected dates throughout December. See website for available dates
When the weather outside is frightful, a dog-friendly cinema is the perfect cosy escape, and Picturehouse Cinemas have you covered. Selected locations run dog-friendly screenings throughout December, welcoming both humans and hounds for a relaxed watch together.
In past years they've shown festive favourites like Home Alone, Elf and The Muppet Christmas Carol, so it's worth keeping an eye on the website closer to the time to see what's showing near you. The lights are kept slightly up, the volume turned down, and doggy comfort breaks are welcomed, making it a stress-free experience for even the most sensitive pups.
Ross & Friends’ Doggy Winter Wonderland
Where: Rossway Park Estate, Berkhamsted HP4 3TZ
When: Returns annually across two weekends in December (2025's dates were 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st). Check the website closer to the time for confirmed 2026 dates
Another one of the most magical dog-friendly Christmas events in the UK, Ross & Friends' Doggy Winter Wonderland is a must-visit. This festive celebration turns one of the UK's best dog parks into a Christmas paradise made just for pups and their people.
Your dog can meet Santa Paws for a festive photo before stopping by to see The Grinch, who'll be spreading his usual cheeky mischief, and taking part in Paw-niments, where you can turn your dog's pawprint into a keepsake ornament. There's also a Christmas Carnival with games and prizes for the humans, a hot air balloon for festive photos when the weather allows, and of course the friendly alpacas will be there to say hello too.
Ingleborough Cave and Grotto
Image sourced from ingleboroughcave.co.uk
Where: The Old Sawmill, Riverside, Clapham, LA2 8DS
When: 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd December 2026. See website for tickets
Deep in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, you'll find one of the most unique dog-friendly Christmas events in the UK, Ingleborough Cave and Grotto. This enchanting experience begins with a walk along the Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail, winding through woodlands and river valleys before arriving at the breathtaking cave itself.
Guided by Santa's elves, you and your pup can venture underground through glittering limestone passages to discover a festive grotto like no other. At the end of your journey, you'll find Santa waiting among twinkling lights and presents. This one is perfect for families with children and dogs!
Pawfestivities at the North Pole
Image sourced from betteshanger-park.co.uk
Where: Betteshanger Park, Deal, Kent CT14 0BF
When: 28th & 29th November 2026, 10am to 7pm
If you're looking for a festive day out that's truly made for dogs, Pawfestivities at Betteshanger Park might just be the highlight of your Christmas calendar. The adventure begins on the Christmas Trail, a magical wander through a twinkling winter wonderland, perfect for soaking up the festive spirit together. Then it's time to visit Santa's Grotto, where your pup can meet the big man himself, snap an adorable photo and receive a special gift worth £20.
Round off your visit with a cosy stop at the Christmas Mini-Market, where you'll find local, dog-friendly stalls, festive treats and even puppacinos for your pooch. Please note this event is designed around dogs, so human companions need to be aged 13 or over.
Devon Dogs' Festive Barkery Christmas Party
Where: At home, via Zoom
When: 12th December 2026, 6.30pm to 9pm
If you'd rather stay cosy at home this December but still want to do something special with your dog, Devon Dogs' Festive Barkery Christmas Party is the perfect way to celebrate the season. This live, 2.5-hour online workshop is packed with festive fun, training games and enrichment recipes using cranberry, turkey and carrot, ideal for filling your pup's favourite lick mats and treat dispensers.
You'll join other dog lovers to make training treats, calming mats, stuffables, biscuits and a magical Christmas-themed creation. If you can't make it live, you'll get access to the recording for two weeks afterwards, so you can join the fun whenever it suits you.
Santa Paws at The Elf Express
Image sourced from Santa Paws at The Elf Express
Where: Quex Adventure Farm Park, Birchington, Kent
When: Selected dates through December 2026. Visit the official site to check.
Kent's answer to a dog Christmas grotto goes several steps further. Santa Paws at The Elf Express gives dogs an entire festive day of their own, starting with an illuminated winter trail before a visit to the Tree House Pet Shop to meet Santa Paws himself, complete with a gift and a professional photo to take home.
Kent Canine Academy helps run the day, which includes a sniffing trail hidden with treats, a session with the Doggy Dance Elf, a mini Christmas market stocked with treats and accessories for dogs, and a small agility course for pups who fancy stretching their legs. Thirsty dogs can stop at the Bone Broth Bar for a festive drink of their own, at an extra cost.
Bring the Magic Home: Christmas Activities to Enjoy With Your Dog
Not every dog-friendly Christmas moment needs a car journey or a ticket. It's easy to get caught up in the chaos of December, wrapping presents, decorating the tree and prepping the Christmas menu, but your pup deserves to feel the holiday cheer too.
Including your dog in seasonal traditions doesn't just strengthen your bond, it keeps them happy, active and entertained. Here are some of our favourite low-cost, dog-friendly Christmas activities you can enjoy together without leaving the house.
Make a Snuffle Mat from Wrapping Paper
A snuffle mat for dogs is a brilliant way to engage your pup's natural sniffing instincts, and you can give it a festive twist using leftover wrapping paper. Crumple scraps into balls or lay them in a box, hide some treats or dried food within the layers, and let your dog sniff, search and dig their way to the goodies. It's budget-friendly, a great way to repurpose holiday leftovers, and keeps your pup mentally stimulated while you're busy wrapping gifts. Just supervise them to avoid any accidental paper ingestion.
Create a Christmas-Themed Lick Mat
This calming activity is perfect for dogs who feel overwhelmed by holiday visitors or noisy celebrations. Spread dog-safe holiday flavours onto a lick mat, like plain mashed pumpkin, unsweetened applesauce or Greek yoghurt, then sprinkle on some crushed dog treats or freeze-dried meat for extra excitement. Pop it in the freezer for a longer-lasting treat. The licking motion is naturally soothing, making it ideal for when you need a quiet moment together.
Set Up a Christmas Treasure Hunt
Transform your home into a trove of festive surprises by hiding treats, Christmas dog toys or small wrapped gifts around the house and letting your pup sniff them out. Start with easy hiding spots and build up the difficulty as they get the hang of it. Hiding treasures under the tree or among the decorations adds extra festive flair, and it's a great activity for a snowy or rainy day when outdoor play isn't an option.
Take Your Pup Christmas Shopping
Many pet stores and some larger retailers welcome well-behaved dogs inside, making this one of the easiest festive activities to fit into a busy December. Check store policies before you go and keep your dog leashed throughout, but letting them sniff out their own Christmas gift, whether that's a new treat, toy or accessory, is a lovely way to include them in the shopping trip. We've rounded up some of the best dog-friendly shops in the UK if you want to plan ahead.
Take a Christmas Lights Walk
There's something about twinkling lights that instantly gets you into the festive spirit, and sharing that with your dog makes for one of the most heartwarming activities of the season. Bundle up, harness up your pup, and head out to explore your neighbourhood's light displays, adding a festive jumper or a light-up collar for extra sparkle if you fancy it. Just pick a safe, dog-friendly route and let them take in the sights, smells and sounds along the way.
Make DIY Christmas Decorations with Paw Prints
Paw print decorations are one of the most meaningful festive activities you can do together, and pet-safe paint or clay makes it easy to create ornaments, cards or wrapping paper marked with your dog's own print. Decorate them with glitter, ribbons or hand-painted designs, then keep them as a keepsake you'll treasure long after the tree comes down, or gift them to another dog lover.
Organise a Festive Photoshoot
Capture the magic of the season with a holiday-themed photoshoot starring your pup. Dress them in a Santa hat or reindeer antlers and get them to pose by the tree or somewhere scenic outdoors, keeping things light-hearted with plenty of treats along the way. We've a great range of dog fancy dress at WOOOF for the occasion, plus more subtle options like festive bandanas for pups who aren't quite as keen on dressing up.
WOOOF Own Christmas Bundle
We couldn't let you go without mentioning our own Christmas Day enrichment activity for your pup, perfect for your own family event at home.
This WOOOF Own Christmas Bundle pairs a durable slow feeder with a set of all-natural ingredients, so your dog can join in with your family Christmas dinner while staying calm, entertained and enriched on the big day. Head below for a video of the bundle in action.
Inside, you'll find:
- A SodaPup slow feeder, available in a Green Pine Tree or Red Santa design, suited to medium and large dogs
- Pork Furr Boost, made with human-grade meat, veg, fruit, oils and vitamins, to pour over like a festive gravy
- Coya Pork Freeze-Dried Raw Adult Dog Treats, made from raw ingredients with no cooking or processing
- WOOOF Own natural sausage rolls, a high-protein, low-fat treat that's kind to teeth and gums too
To use it, pop a few Coya treats into the slow feeder, add a sausage roll (a "pig in blanket" for your pup), then top with a splash of Furr Boost gravy. A spoonful of your dog's usual dinner or a few dog-safe veggies works well mixed in too, for extra bulk.
It gives your dog their own slow, sniffed-out version of Christmas dinner, kept busy and content for a good stretch of time while the rest of the table tucks in, without needing anything more than what's already in the box.
Conclusion
With so many magical dog-friendly Christmas events happening across the UK this year, there's really no excuse to leave your pup out of the festive fun. Whether you're exploring a twinkling light trail, meeting Santa Paws in person, or snuggling up for a cosy Christmas movie together, these moments are what make the season truly special.
You don't need to fit in every event on this list, though. Picking one that's close to home, then following it up with a festive enrichment activity or two back at your own fireside, can mean just as much to your dog.
December gets busy fast, and it's easy for our pups to slip down the priority list among all the wrapping, cooking and visiting, so a little planning helps keep them included rather than left on the sidelines.
After all, our dogs are part of the family, and they deserve a little holiday magic too. And if your calendar's already full, you can always treat them to plenty of Christmas gifts for dogs under the tree on Christmas morning. From soft Christmas dog toys to festive-themed enrichment toys and treats, there's plenty of festive inspo here at WOOOF for filling your dog's Christmas stocking.
The Author: Charlotte Harris
Charlotte has been a writer and dog owner her whole life, so combining these two things together is a dream come true. Her greatest love is her oversized Golden Retriever, Milo, who has a love of tough chews and anything filled with peanut butter!
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What are the best Christmas markets for dogs in the UK?
There are plenty of festive markets that welcome dogs, offering seasonal treats, stalls and decorations to explore together. If you want a full guide to the top dog-friendly Christmas markets across the UK, we’ve already written a blog on this that you can explore for yourself!
Are all Christmas events dog-friendly?
Sadly, not all festive events allow dogs (even if we think they should!) That does mean it’s important to check before you go. Most venues will clearly state if dogs are welcome, and some may require dogs to be on leads or booked in advance.
How do I keep my dog calm in busy festive settings?
Bring familiar items like a favourite toy or blanket, their favourite treats and ensure regular breaks from crowds, and use positive reinforcement to keep your pup relaxed. Some events also offer quiet areas for dogs to decompress. If your pup is a little anxious around lots of noise, smells and people, then dog-friendly Christmas events might not be for them. Instead, treat them at home where they’re most comfortable - maybe with some new enrichment toys as an early Christmas treat!
Can my dog eat Christmas food like turkey or mashed potatoes?
Many traditional holiday foods like turkey, mashed potatoes and green beans can be safe for dogs in moderation, but they must be prepared without any harmful ingredients. Avoid seasonings like garlic, onions, butter or excessive salt, as these can be toxic to dogs. Plain, unseasoned turkey meat is fine, and mashed potato without butter or milk can be a tasty treat. If you're ever in doubt, stick to treats specifically made for dogs, as they're formulated to meet their nutritional needs.
How can I keep my dog calm during a Christmas party at home?
Christmas parties can be overwhelming for dogs since they're often filled with noise, visitors and excitement. Create a quiet and cosy space where they can retreat if they need a break, and where possible, keep them on their regular routine of walks, meals and playtime to help manage their anxiety. Calming products like scented sprays, treats or music can help too. If your dog is especially sensitive to loud noises or crowds, it might be best to host elsewhere or have someone you trust look after them while you're hosting.
