Christmas at Silverstone 2026: 7 festive activities to enjoy at the circuit
23 October 2026Christmas at Silverstone gets underway from Friday 11 December to Thursday 31 December 2026 (closed Christmas Day), with the home of the British Grand Prix becoming home to festive celebrations across the circuit.
After welcoming more than 120,000 visitors in 2025, this year promises an even bigger experience, from cruising through the Silverstone Lap of Lights light trail to skating in the F1 garages, giving curling a go, and even meeting Santa.
If you're planning a festive day out in Northamptonshire, here are seven things to do at Christmas at Silverstone in 2026.
1: Drive the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit at Lap of Lights
Lap of Lights is the star of Christmas at Silverstone, and the only festive experience in the world where you can drive a Formula 1 circuit after dark.
Across two miles of the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit, you'll pass nine spectacular light installations, with more than 7,000 lights illuminating famous corners like Maggotts, Becketts and Stowe.
You never have to leave the warmth of your car, so it's a perfect festive night out whatever the British winter weather throws at it. The full experience lasts around 30 minutes, making it one of the longest drive-through light trails in the UK.
TICKETS: Book your Lap of Lights 2026 experience
2: Go ice skating in the F1 garages at Ice Trak
Ice Trak returns for 2026, giving you the chance to strap on a pair of skates and glide through Silverstone's pit garages, the same garages that house F1 cars during the British Grand Prix weekend, transformed into a North Pole skating rink. It's suitable for all ages and abilities, with friends, family and colleagues welcome.
Wheelchair users are also welcome to experience Ice Trak, but it is recommended to contact our team in advance.
TICKETS: Book your Ice Trak slot now
3: Try curling, new for 2026
New for 2026, Christmas at Silverstone adds curling to the line-up. Step onto the ice and try curling at the home of British motorsport, in a fun new competition for the whole family. It's suitable for all ages and abilities, and no experience is needed.
BOOK: Try your hand at curling
4: Meet Santa at Santa's Garage
Santa has made an emergency pit stop at Silverstone! With his sleigh in for repairs, his elves have taken over the F1 garages, creating a temporary North Pole at the home of British motorsport.
Santa's Garage is a fully immersive 40-minute festive journey, taking little ones from a special briefing area to the Elf Toy Workshop, where children become Elf Engineers. It all culminates in a personal meeting with Santa, including a photo opportunity, and every child receives a toy to take home.
TICKETS: Go on a festive journey at Santa's Garage
5: Get behind the wheel at Kart Silverstone
And for those looking for a dose of adrenaline with their festive fun, Kart Silverstone will be open throughout the Christmas period at Silverstone, so you can try karting on Silverstone's brand-new, international standard circuit. It's an exhilarating experience for aspiring racers, and a brilliant way to make even more of your day at the home of British motorsport.
Book Kart Silverstone for an adrenaline-fueled adventure
6: Explore the Silverstone Museum and festive pop-up
Discover the cars, stories and defining moments that have shaped British motorsport at the special pop-up Silverstone Museum display within Christmas at Silverstone. As well as memorabilia from the archive, you'll find a display of F1 cars, supercars and MotoGP bikes that race at Silverstone during the season.
To delve deeper into the circuit's history, visit the main Silverstone Museum, where an extensive collection of historic racing cars, interactive exhibits and immersive displays brings the past, present and future of British motorsport to life.
Visit the Silverstone Museum to discover the history of Silverstone
7: Make a night of it at Escapade Silverstone
Extend your festive day out with an overnight stay at Escapade, Silverstone's trackside hotel, which is offering festive packages during Christmas at Silverstone.
Book your stay at Escapade
Plan your visit to Christmas at Silverstone 2026
- Dates: 11 December to 31 December 2026 (closed Christmas Day). Lap of Lights sessions run from 4.30pm, and Santa's Garage runs 11 to 24 December from 1pm, but can vary between peak and off-peak nights.
- Location: Silverstone Circuit
- Tickets: Book online at Silverstone's official site. Lap of Lights from £50 per car, Santa's Garage from £18, curling from £33 and Ice Trak from £8.50. Save 10% with a Family Bundle combining Lap of Lights, Ice Trak and Santa's Garage.
Christmas at Silverstone 2026: your questions answered
What is Lap of Lights at Silverstone?
Lap of Lights is a two-mile festive light trail that you drive on the Silverstone circuit after dark, featuring nine light installations and more than 7,000 lights.
How long is Silverstone Lap of Lights?
The full experience lasts around 30 minutes.
How much does Lap of Lights cost?
Tickets start from £50 per car, not per person.
When is Christmas at Silverstone 2026?
Christmas at Silverstone runs from 11 to 31 December 2026, but is closed on Christmas Day. Lap of Lights sessions start from 4.30pm.
Can you ice skate at Silverstone?
Yes. Ice Trak lets you skate inside the F1 pit garages, with tickets from £8.50.
