sean.blunk We love the holiday season! We have always made it a priority to be with family on Christmas day, but the weeks leading up to the main event can be a great time period to travel.
Spending it in the UK is a magical experience any time of the year but during the Holiday Season, the Brits go all out. The UK is renowned for its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and unique traditions, which make it an unforgettable destination for travelers. In this blog post, we will share five reasons why spending Christmas in the UK is a magical, must-do experience.
Festive Atmosphere:
You truly can’t get a more festive and authentic atmosphere that the UK during December. They have stunning decorations (also knowns as fairy lights), Christmas markets, traditional food, and live entertainment. Find the best Christmas markets in each city to enjoy unique handmade gifts and intimate experiences.
The 3 best Christmas Markets in the UK:
- London: Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland
- Hyde Park is already one of the largest green spaces within the city, add in an entire “city” dedicated to Christmas and it’s insane! Food, vendor stalls, & rides create a great kid-friendly environment but it’s also great for a date night!
- Oxford: Christmas Market
- This is one of the smaller markets within the UK, but that just adds to its charm. An hour by train outside of London makes it easily accessible to all. Plus this is one of the best markets for mulled wine.
- Birmingham: Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market
- This is the LARGEST German Christmas market outside of Germany. This was one of the major draws for us when deciding to go to Birmingham, plus the birthplace for Peaky Blinders!
The Royal Touch:
Witness the magic of the season with a trip to Buckingham Palace and witness the Royal Family’s spectacular decorations. Book a tour of the palace to see the 20-foot-high tree in the Marble Hall and watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
If you do not want to tour the palace itself, I would highly recommend a walking tour that includes The Changing of the Gaurd.
Christmas Lights:
Adorned with beautiful Christmas lights, the UK’s cities and towns become a picturesque destinations during Christmas. Walk or take a bus tour of the city to witness the stunning displays on:
- Oxford Street
- Regent Street
- Covent Garden
- the Royal Mile
- Princes Street
- George Square
A Christmas Carol:
We have made it a family tradition to see this play during the Christmas season no matter where we are. You can experience a cherished British tradition by watching a performance of the beloved Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, at The Old Vic in London. They have recently renovated their theater so it’s shiny and new! The production is widely regarded as one of the best and captures the spirit of Christmas like nothing else.
We have enjoyed A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic several times and one of the coolest things that this theater company offers over others is it’s unique take on the story. From year to year the adaptation changes to create a new version so even if you know the story front & back, you will never see the same play twice! Plus you can enjoy some satsumas (similar to a clementine) & mince meat pies during intermission.
Boxing Day Sales:
If you love to shop, this section is for you! After the festivities, indulge in the Boxing Day sales and grab bargains in high street stores, designer outlets, and independent boutiques. The sales run for several days, starting on December 26th, offering discounts of up to 50% off.
These streets & squares offer the best shopping:
- Oxford Street
- Regent Street
- Covent Garden
- Picadilly
The Wrap!
In conclusion, spending Christmas in the UK offers something for everyone – from festive markets and ice skating to traditional dinners and carol services. Plan your trip in advance and research the best events and attractions to make the most of your visit. Experience the magic of Christmas in the UK for yourself and start planning your trip today!
