Getting festive in a fiesta! 5 must visit Christmas drive-throughs

Five must-visit Christmas locations worth the road trip

Christmas is edging ever closer, bringing with it twinkly lights, tinsel, and the inevitable return of Mariah Carey to the airwaves.

If you're looking for festive fun without braving the cold, why not hop in your car for a jolly road trip to see some spectacular seasonal sights?

And the best part is you can enjoy them all from the warmth and comfort of your motor.

We've scoured the depths of the internet (gingerbread latte in hand, naturally) to find you the crème de la crème of Christmas drive-throughs.

So, pack up the kids, crank up the festive tunes, and head off to see these yuletide delights.

Lap of Lights, Silverstone Racecourse

The ultimate festive drive?

Cruising around the iconic Silverstone Grand Prix circuit, transformed into a 2-mile Christmas light trail.

Throughout December, you can follow in the tyre tracks of racing legends as you navigate legendary corners like Copse, Becketts, and Hangar Straight – all lit up with over 7,000 LED panels, 35 laser shows, and ten stunning light attractions depicting Santa's journey around the globe.

Interactive audio via ELF FM brings live quizzes and festive tunes to your drive, while extras like ice skating at Ice Trak, Santa's Garage (in partnership with LEGO), and the Festive Food Market make it easy to turn this into a full day out.

Santa Safari, West Midlands Safari Park

Why choose between a safari adventure and a trip to Lapland when you can have both?

West Midlands Safari Park's Santa Safari combines a four-mile winter drive through the park with a visit to the big man himself.

You’ll be able to spot Southern White Rhinos, elephants, giraffes, African lions, and tigers from the comfort of your heated seats during the safari portion.

After your drive, one of Santa's elves will guide you through a North Pole adventure on the Discovery Trail. Step inside the Enchanted Elevator for a fantastical flight before meeting Santa in his cosy log cabin.

Children can then choose their own present from the Elves' Workshop and enjoy Storytime with Mrs Claus; a brand-new addition for 2025.

The park's Safari Walk, Explorers' Play Park, daily keeper talks, and Mrs Claus' Craft Club (complete with reindeer food making) are all included, plus complimentary festive cookies and drinks.

Want to extend the magic?

Add tickets to see Aladdin at the park's first-ever Christmas panto, or try the Virtual Reality Santa Sleigh Ride experience.

Drive-In Nativity, Melton Mowbray

For something a little different, head to Melton Mowbray for Leicestershire Young Farmers' Drive-In Living Nativity; where the Christmas story unfolds before your eyes with real people, live farm animals, and a few festive surprises along the way.

Park up next to the stage (a massive articulated lorry, naturally) and tune your car radio to 103 The Eye to hear the narration whilst watching the nativity scene play out.

It's traditional biblical entertainment meets agricultural ingenuity, complete with vintage tractors for anyone who appreciates a bit of Massey Ferguson action.

Gates open 30 minutes before the 4.30pm performance, giving you time to grab mince pies and hot drinks from the snack bar.

Organisers encourage festive car decorations – lights and tinsel very much welcomed.

Entry is a suggested donation of £10 per car, with proceeds supporting Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People and Leicestershire Young Farmers.

Christmas lights drive-by, your local neighbourhood

The simplest festive drive of all?

A spontaneous cruise around your local area to admire your neighbours' dazzling displays.

From tasteful elegance to full-blown Blackpool Illuminations recreations, there's something magical about spotting houses that have gone all-out with their decorations.

It's free, requires zero planning, and it’s perfect for entertaining restless kids on a dark December evening.

Make it even more special by creating a Christmas playlist, packing hot chocolate in travel mugs, and challenging passengers to spot specific decorations – or Christmas Bingo, if you will.

Who can find inflatable Santas, reindeer on roofs, or the most extravagant display? Points if you create actual bingo cards.

Many towns have specific streets renowned for coordinated light shows, so check local Facebook groups or ask around for your area's hidden gems.

Ready to hit the road?

Whether you're racing around Silverstone's illuminated circuit, meeting Santa surrounded by safari animals, watching the nativity story unfold from your car, or simply cruising your local streets in search of the best light displays, there's no shortage of festive fun to be had from behind the wheel this Christmas.

So, fire up the engine, load up the car with snacks and festive tunes, and make some magical memories without ever having to brave the winter chill.

After all, Christmas cheer is even better when enjoyed from your heated seats.

Happy motoring, and have yourself a very merry little Christmas.