Discover some ideas for fun dog activities, outings and mini breaks this festive season.
If you’re looking for festive dog-friendly activities, you won’t be short of events to enjoy together.
Whether you plan on visiting a market, checking out some local Christmas lights or decorations, or even taking a festive minibreak, we’ve rounded up some ideas of activities you can enjoy with your dog this Christmas.
Christmas markets and dog-friendly activities
With plenty of people to meet and delicious smells wafting through the air, a festive market can be an exciting place for your dog.
Here are some of the biggest Christmas markets across England – and some dog-friendly activity ideas to enjoy around their locations.
Bath: 28 November to 15 December
Bath hosts one of the biggest markets in the South West, with over 170 wooden chalets set around the Abbey offering food, crafts and gifts.
Afterwards, you can enjoy activities such as a photographic tour or even a dog-friendly screening at the Little Theatre Cinema.
Bath is encircled by walks that offer dog-friendly pubs along the way, including the Kennet and Avon Canal or Bathwick Fields. Visit Bath also lists plenty of dog-suitable accommodation, if you fancy staying overnight.
Chester: 15 November to 22 December
Visit Chester claims the city is one of the most dog-friendly places in the UK, with plenty of places to eat and sleep welcoming pets. The festive market offers wooden chalets selling Christmas gifts, food and wine, all encircling a large Christmas tree.
Afterwards, take your dog to the Chester Roman Amphitheatre, the Waterside Café at the National Waterways Museum, or even to a pub quiz night.
Leeds market: 24 November to 22 December
Millennium Square, Victoria Gardens and Cookridge Street play home to Leeds Christmas Market, with seasonal favourites such as gingerbread and wooden toys, plus continental food.
Visit Leeds suggests heading to Water Lane Boathouse – which even has its own dog-friendly Instagram account! The Northern Monk Refectory and the Brunswick also welcome dogs.
Edinburgh: 18 November to 5 January
Edinburgh market offers Scottish takes on festive fare, such as mulled Irn-Bru. Seventy stalls line East Princes Street Gardens, and you can also take in the Christmas lights on a dog-friendly bus tour.
Afterwards, walk around Edinburgh Castle with your dog (though they’re not allowed inside) or the Old Town, then give your pet a run at The Meadows or Holyrood Park. Well-behaved dogs are also welcome at St Giles Cathedral.
Find out more on the Complete Dog-Friendly Edinburgh Guide.
London: 21 November to 5 January
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is a huge event filled with food stalls, fairground rides and more. There’s food in the Bavarian Village and the Sleigh-By, plus plenty of bars and chill-out areas. But are dogs allowed at Winter Wonderland?
The good news is the event is dog-friendly – though your dog must be kept on a lead at all times, and be aware – like all Christmas markets – it will be busy which may be overwhelming for some pets.. Explore the park and afterwards, sleep at a dog-friendly hotel such as Brown’s, where a stay includes a dog bed, food and belly rubs.
Other nearby dog-friendly activities include screenings at Picturehouse Central, which come with blankets and snacks, or you can hire a boat from Paddington – which dogs are also welcome to ride in.
Most London pubs will welcome your dog, as will plenty of cafes, and you can meet other dogs at events organised by Pup Up Cafe. Plus, your dog can travel on London buses, trains and tubes – if they’re kept on a lead.
Birmingham: 1 November to 24 December
Birmingham’s Frankfurt market is set against the grand buildings of Victoria Square. Gaze at the 65-foot Christmas tree and sip Gluhwein while eating bratwurst and schnitzels. Bring your dog and browse around the 100 stalls offering ornaments and handmade crafts.
In addition to the many pubs, bars, cafes and shops which welcome dogs around the city centre, local attractions that welcome your pet include Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Aston Hall and Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens. Pet-friendly hotels include Malmaison and The Grand, and you can find many more pet-friendly things to do on Visit Birmingham.
Dobbies Garden Centres: 7 to 24 December
Dog owners will be delighted that 74 Dobbies Garden Centre locations will host the sell-out Santa Paws experience again in 2024, allowing dogs (and children!) to spend quality time with Santa at the Grotto. For £9.99 per dog, you will receive a special gift and be able to take a souvenir photograph.
Tips for visiting dog-friendly Christmas events
Many cities, towns and villages put on dog-friendly Christmas activities. But before you grab the lead, there are some things you need to consider:
- Check that events are dog-friendly ahead of time. Take a water bowl and treats, and make sure to take your dog off for frequent loo breaks – you don’t want them to go to the toilet in the middle of a crowd.
- Consider bringing a blanket to keep your dog off the ground when standing around in cold temperatures. You could also invest in a dog coat appropriate for the age and breed of your dog.
- Always keep your dog on a lead and close to you.
- If your dog is nervous or does not cope well with crowds, it’s kinder to leave them at home. If you have dog insurance with Petplan, you can get expert advice on how to handle the festive season with a nervous dog via our 24/7 Pet Expert Chat – simply log into your My Petplan account and go to My Support.
- Be sensitive to the situation and be prepared to leave early if your dog is uncomfortable or misbehaving.
The Petplan Advent Calendar is Back
We've got a sleigh-load of pet prizes to give away this festive season! Check behind the door each day from 1st to 24th December to find out what's on offer.
Festive breaks with your dog
If you’re planning a trip away over the festive period, you might be considering taking your dog with you. The good news is that there are plenty of places to stay across the UK that now accept pets.
Below, we’ve rounded up some notable locations that accept both humans and their four-legged friends.
The Athenaeum Hotel, London
Dogs get a hypoallergenic mattress, food bowls, a gourmet dish from the Mini Bar(k) Menu, a bow tie and treats to take home, all for £40 per pet, in this VIPUP Package.
Mama Shelter, London
Dogs can join their owners in Mama's Restaurant or Garden Bar and explore East London's plethora of verdant spaces, including London Fields and Victoria Park.
The Corner, London
Enjoy a hipster Christmas stay at The Corner, near Spitalfields Market and Brick Lane. The Dogcation package including treats, a luxury bed and bowl – and 10% off grooming at Doug’s Dogs.
Ellenborough Park, The Cotswolds
Luxury five-star Cotswolds hotel Ellenborough Park offers treats, toys, bowls, a Le Chameau bed and blankets. Dogs are welcome in the restaurant, brasserie and lounge.
Hotel Indigo, Edinburgh
Your dog will be greeted with a bed and gifts, such as omega 3-rich SeaSnax, at Hotel Indigo. Enjoy walks recommended by the hotel, including routes that showcase Edinburgh’s festive charm.
Holiday Inn Express, York
This Holiday Inn Express offers dog beds and a fenced area with toys and treats. It’s near the St Nicholas Fair, Christmas Market and the lights at York Minster, and just a short drive from the coast.
The Principal, York
The Principal welcomes dogs with its Pawsome Package (£30 supplement), including poop bags and a bed. Dog dining tables are available to book, with treats provided.
The Crown, Harrogate
Treat your dog to the Ultimate Dog Package, including snacks and a new toy. Located near Montpellier Gardens, dogs can enjoy winter walks in this historic town.
The Swan, Lavenham Hotel and Spa
Dogs are welcome in the lounge or bar of this 15th-century hotel – and an overnight stay includes a bowl, treats and a towel.
The Brudenell, Aldeburgh
A few steps from the beach on Aldeburgh’s seafront, dogs are given treats on the terrace and can enjoy snacks, a bowl and lots of strokes at this pet-friendly hotel.
The Crown and Castle, Orford
This restaurant with rooms in Orford has five dog-friendly rooms with terraces and offers towels, biscuits and a blanket.
Finding dog-friendly accommodation
There are plenty of websites that can help you source dog-friendly places to stay. For instance, Eat Drink Meet helps you find locations to eat and stay with their ‘dog-friendly’ filter, while Canine Cottages helps you find a home-away-from-home that also welcomes your pet.
Other useful websites include Dog Friendly Cottages, which has locations all across the UK, and even Booking.com – which now has its own ‘dog-friendly’ filter!
If you’re looking for the best destinations around the UK – and the world – to take your pet on holiday, check out our article.
Remember, before taking your dog to any of the locations listed above, you must ensure they are comfortable to do so. Nervous dogs may become overwhelmed by unfamiliar places, crowds, noises or flashing lights, so ease them gently into busy locations – and be prepared to leave if it gets too much.
Do you have tips for enjoying festive activities with your dog? Join in with the conversation over on Petplan’s Facebook page.