Christmas in the UK is nothing short of magical, with the holiday season bringing festive markets, dazzling light displays, and charming winter traditions to cities, towns, and villages alike. If you’re looking to embrace the holiday cheer, there are numerous places to enjoy a Christmas getaway across the country. Here are our top 10 recommendations for the most enchanting spots to celebrate the festive season in the UK.
Bath
The Christmas Market at Bath is legendary. With over 230 chalets filling the city center, this market showcases a variety of handcrafted goods, from jewellery to artisanal cheeses, offering plenty of food stalls to satisfy your seasonal cravings. You can also enjoy ice skating at Royal Victoria Park or take in the seasonal Light of Stars exhibition at Bath Abbey for a truly atmospheric experience.
Whitby
Known for its Gothic abbey and Dracula connections, Whitby offers a unique coastal take on Christmas festivities. Its Christmas Market in Marina Front Car Park features beach huts filled with local goodies and gifts. A slice of their seasonal Christmas cake is a must-try! On Boxing Day, locals and visitors alike brave the chilly North Sea for a festive dip—a memorable experience, whether you’re watching or taking part! If anyone is up for a challenge, this frigid experience is definitely for you.
Bakewell
Nestled in the Peak District, Bakewell offers a cozy Christmas experience, complete with a traditional market featuring local goods and festive foods. The town’s Christmas Sparkle event at the Agricultural Business Centre includes animal encounters, live music, and Santa’s Grotto. Be sure to sample a festive Bakewell tart—a local favourite!
Edinburgh
Edinburgh transforms into a winter wonderland each year, with its Winter Festival offering everything from markets to thrilling rides. Mid-November through early January, East Princes Street Gardens hosts a charming Christmas market, where you’ll find unique gifts, tasty treats, and festive decorations. With a Christmas Tree Maze and the 80-meter-high StarFlyer, offering stunning views of the city skyline, Edinburgh’s famous Hogmanay celebration is also a must-attend event to welcome the New Year with music, fireworks, and dancing.
Hay-on-Wye
Also known as the “Town of Books,” Hay-on-Wye offers literary Christmas charm in the Welsh countryside. With over 20 bookshops providing opportunities to find rare titles and holiday classics, the Hay Festival Winter Weekend turns the town into a festive hub with storytelling, workshops, and music at Hay Castle, making it the perfect spot for book lovers and families alike.
Clovelly
Clovelly in North Devon, with its cobbled streets and harbor views, becomes even more picturesque during Christmas. With festive lights brightening the village each year, supporting the local RNLI, and unique events like the Boxing Day BBQ with mulled wine, the entire community gathers to celebrate. Visit on the evening of the lights switch-on for live music, fireworks, and delicious treats.
Southwold
This seaside town on the Suffolk coast offers a peaceful retreat with festive cheer. Southwold hosts a Christmas market every weekend in December, where you can find gifts, festive foods, and decorations. For a unique experience, participate in the annual Christmas Day swim at Gun Hill Beach with a hot drink to follow, or enjoy Santa’s Christmas Show at the Southwold Art Centre with your family.
Cheltenham
In Cheltenham, Christmas comes alive with the town’s festive light switch-on event, performances, and parades. Ice skating at Imperial Gardens is a delightful family activity, while local pantomime performances like Aladdin add even more holiday cheer. For those interested in shopping, Cheltenham’s Christmas markets offer a variety of gifts and seasonal foods.
Mousehole
The small Cornish village of Mousehole is famous for its Christmas light displays. With locals transforming the harbor annually since 1963, Mousehole lights up with colorful lights, including whimsical designs of sea creatures and local delicacies. The lights remain on from mid-December until early January, making it an ideal time for a coastal Christmas getaway.
Lapland UK (Ascot, Berkshire)
For a fully immersive Christmas experience, visit Lapland UK in Ascot, where kids can visit Father Christmas’ House and meet Santa, help elves in the Toy Factory, and enjoy activities like gingerbread decorating. This enchanting attraction recreates the North Pole, offering a memorable Christmas adventure for families with young children. If you do visit, don’t forget to write your Christmas wish and place it in the wish jar to keep the magic alive!
With these delightful destinations, Christmas in the UK offers endless opportunities for making memories. This list offers a festive spot for everyone, regardless of your preference for Christmas markets, coastal views, or immersive experiences. So, bundle up along with your friends or family and experience the UK’s holiday spirit at one (or more!) of these wonderful locations.
