Beyond the Christmas Market: Alternative Festive Days Out for Families

As November arrives, Christmas decorations begin appearing in shop windows, festive events start filling local calendars and families begin thinking about their plans for the holiday season.

Visiting a Christmas market can be a lovely way to get into the festive spirit, but it's far from the only option. If you're looking for festive days out that offer something a little different, November is a great time to explore alternative activities before December gets busy.

From combining Christmas shopping with entertainment to planning an indoor family outing, here are some ideas to help you make the most of the season.

Why Plan Festive Days Out in November?

December can be a busy month, with school events, family gatherings, present shopping and Christmas preparations all competing for attention. Planning a few activities in November can help you enjoy the festive season without trying to fit everything into the final few weeks.

It's also a good opportunity to spend time together before the calendar fills up. Whether you have younger children, teenagers or several generations of family to entertain, choosing an activity everyone can enjoy makes planning easier.

Think about what your family enjoys, how far you want to travel and whether you'd prefer an outdoor event or an indoor activity that doesn't depend on the weather.

1. Visit a Christmas Market, Then Try Something Different

Christmas markets are a popular way to enjoy the festive atmosphere, browse seasonal stalls and discover gifts. However, if you want to make a full day of it, consider adding another activity to your plans.

After browsing the stalls, you could head somewhere for a meal, explore a local attraction or arrange an indoor activity that gives everyone a chance to unwind and have some fun.

This is particularly useful when you're planning a day out with children who might appreciate a change of pace after walking around a busy market.

Check the market's opening times and travel arrangements before you go, and leave enough time for your additional acrtivity.

2. Combine Christmas Shopping With Family Entertainment

Christmas shopping can be more enjoyable when it becomes part of a wider family outing.

If you're visiting a shopping centre or town, plan a break from the shops with an activity everyone can enjoy. This gives younger family members something to look forward to and helps break up a day of browsing for presents.

You could arrange lunch before heading to an activity, or finish your shopping early and spend the afternoon doing something together.

The key is to keep your plans flexible. You don't need to fill every hour of the day to make it feel special.

3. Swap a Traditional Festive Outing for Bowling

If you're looking for family Christmas activities that don't involve another trip around the shops, bowling is a fun alternative. At Hollywood Bowl, families can enjoy a game together, cheer each other on and see who can claim the highest score. It's a simple way to turn an ordinary afternoon into something a little more memorable.

Bowling can also work well for mixed-age groups. Everyone can take part, and the friendly competition gives the whole family something to get involved in.

Whether you're planning a weekend outing or looking for something to do during a school holiday, an indoor activity can be a useful option when the weather is unpredictable.

Check your nearest centre for available activities and booking options.

4. Head to the Arcades for Some Friendly Competition

For families who enjoy games, an arcade visit can add another dimension to a festive day out.

Challenge each other to racing games, test your aim on basketball machines or see who can achieve the highest score on your favourite arcade game.

Arcades can be particularly useful when different members of the family enjoy different things. Everyone can choose games that suit their interests, while the group still shares the experience.

At Hollywood Bowl, arcade games can be combined with bowling, depending on your plans and the facilities available at your chosen centre.

5. Try Indoor Mini Golf

Mini golf is another option for families looking for something different to do together.

It's easy to turn a game into a friendly family challenge, whether you're trying to get a hole in one or simply hoping to beat everyone else's score.

The best part is that you don't need previous experience to join in. Everyone can have a go, making it a useful choice for a family outing that includes different ages and abilities.

Indoor mini golf is available at selected Hollywood Bowl centres, so check the facilities at your preferred location before making plans.

6. Organise a Multi-Generational Family Day Out

November can be a good time to bring the wider family together before Christmas commitments take over.

If you're organising an outing with grandparents, parents, children and other relatives, choose something that allows everyone to participate at their own pace.

An activity such as bowling can provide a shared experience without requiring everyone to have the same interests or skill level. You can also plan breaks for food and drinks, giving everyone time to catch up.

For larger family groups, agree on a date early and check booking requirements before inviting everyone. A little organisation can make the day much easier to manage.

7. Plan an Indoor Day Out for Unpredictable Weather

Autumn and early winter weather can make outdoor plans less predictable. While a crisp walk or outdoor market can be enjoyable, it's helpful to have an alternative when rain or cold temperatures make spending hours outside less appealing.

Indoor activities offer a way to keep your plans on track without relying on the forecast.

Bowling, arcade games and indoor mini golf are options to consider if you're looking for a family day out that combines entertainment and time together.

Before leaving home, check opening hours, activity availability and any booking requirements at your chosen venue.

8. Make Time for Food and a Festive Catch-Up

Not every family outing needs a packed itinerary. Sometimes, the best part of a day together is having time to sit down, enjoy something to eat and catch up.

You could plan a meal after Christmas shopping, take a break between activities or arrange a relaxed afternoon with family members you haven't seen for a while.

If you're visiting Hollywood Bowl, check the food and drink options available at your chosen centre when planning your visit.

Combining an activity with time to eat and chat can make your outing feel more complete without adding too much to your schedule.

Tips for Planning a Festive Family Day Out

A little preparation can make your November outing easier to organise.

● Book ahead where possible: Popular activities and seasonal events can get busy, so check availability before setting off.

● Choose activities for everyone: Consider the ages and interests of your group when deciding what to do.

● Check local facilities: Activities and opening hours can vary by venue, so confirm the details before travelling.

● Allow time for breaks: Leave room for food, drinks and a little flexibility if plans change.

● Keep travel simple: Choosing activities close together can help you make the most of your day without spending too much time travelling.

You don't need an elaborate itinerary to enjoy a festive day out. A couple of well-chosen activities can be enough to make a memorable family occasion.

Plan Your Next Family Day Out at Hollywood Bowl

Christmas markets and seasonal shopping are great ways to get into the festive spirit, but they don't have to be the only activities on your calendar.

If you're looking for things to do with family in November, Hollywood Bowl offers an indoor option where you can enjoy bowling, arcade games and, at selected centres, mini golf.

It's a chance to take a break from the Christmas rush, spend time together and add some friendly competition to your family plans.

Whether you're organising a weekend outing or looking for an alternative to another trip around the shops, start planning ahead and check the activities available at your nearest centre.

Find your nearest Hollywood Bowl and plan a fun-filled family day out this November.