The 10 Best Places in the UK to Visit This Christmas

The Christmas season is a time of warmth, festive cheer, and magical destinations. In the UK, there’s no shortage of enchanting places that come to life with twinkling lights, seasonal markets, and festive events. If you’re looking for somewhere special to experience the true magic of Christmas, here are some of the UK’s most captivating spots to visit this festive season.

1. Edinburgh: A Winter Wonderland

Edinburgh is a must-visit during the Christmas season, as the Scottish capital transforms into a winter wonderland. The city’s Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens is one of the most charming, offering everything from delicious food to unique gifts. Don’t miss a visit to Edinburgh Castle, where the festive lights create a magical backdrop. For something extra special, take a ride on the Edinburgh Ferris Wheel for breathtaking views of the illuminated city.

Must-See: The Christmas markets, Ice Skating at St Andrew Square, and The Light Night Parade.

2. Bath: A Georgian Christmas Dream

Bath, with its stunning Georgian architecture, provides the perfect setting for a traditional Christmas. The city’s Christmas Market is a magical blend of local crafts, food stalls, and festive entertainment, all set against the iconic Roman Baths and Bath Abbey. The twinkling lights that line the streets give this city a cosy, welcoming atmosphere.

Must-See: The Christmas Market around the Abbey, the Roman Baths lit up for Christmas, and the beautifully decorated Royal Crescent.

3. London: The Heart of Christmas Cheer

London is always full of festive spirit, and during Christmas, it’s even more magical. Iconic landmarks like Covent Garden and Oxford Street are adorned with sparkling lights, and the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park offers an array of festive activities, including ice skating, fairground rides, and an enchanting Christmas circus. Be sure to visit Kew Gardens for its stunning Christmas Lights Trail, a magical experience filled with vibrant displays.

Must-See: Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, the Christmas lights along Oxford Street, and Kew Gardens’ Christmas lights.

4. The Lake District: A Snowy Escape

For a more tranquil and picturesque Christmas, head to the Lake District in Cumbria. This stunning area of natural beauty looks even more enchanting covered in a blanket of snow. Take a peaceful stroll around Lake Windermere, enjoy the crisp air, and stop at a traditional pub for a hot drink. For a magical festive experience, visit Bowness-on-Windermere, where the lakeside Christmas lights create a fairytale atmosphere.

Must-See: Lake Windermere (with its festive lights), Bowness-on-Windermere Christmas market, and a traditional Lakeland Inn for a Christmas meal.

5. York: A Victorian Christmas

York is one of the most charming cities in the UK at Christmas, offering visitors the chance to step back in time and experience a Victorian Christmas. The St Nicholas Christmas Fayre brings together festive stalls, carolers, and Victorian street entertainers. Explore the Shambles, a cobbled street that looks like something out of a Christmas story, and visit York Minster, which is beautifully decorated with seasonal displays.

Must-See: St Nicholas Christmas Fayre, a walk down The Shambles, and York Minster with its festive displays.

6. Castleton: Christmas in the Peak District

If you’re looking for a truly magical, off-the-beaten-path destination, Castleton in the Peak District is perfect for a Christmas getaway. This picturesque village is surrounded by stunning hills and caves, offering a peaceful escape from the busy holiday crowds. The Peveril Castle is beautifully illuminated during the Christmas period, and the local Christmas market brings a traditional touch with locally made gifts and seasonal treats.

Must-See: Castleton Christmas Market, Peveril Castle at Christmas, and a winter walk in the Peak District.

7. The Cotswolds: A Fairytale Christmas

The Cotswolds is the epitome of a British Christmas with its charming stone villages, rolling hills, and festive cheer. The towns of Burford, Chipping Campden, and Stow-on-the-Wold offer the most delightful Christmas markets, and their main streets are adorned with twinkling lights and decorations. Take a wander through the Christmas trails in Cirencester or visit the Blenheim Palace for a luxurious Christmas experience.

Must-See: The picturesque villages of Burford and Chipping Campden, the Blenheim Palace Christmas lights, and the Cirencester Christmas Trail.

 

8. London’s West End: A Christmas Show Extravaganza

For those who enjoy theatre, there’s no better time to visit London than Christmas. The West End is filled with top-tier performances of festive classics like The Nutcracker or A Christmas Carol. After the show, enjoy a stroll through Covent Garden, where street performers and festive lights bring the area to life. It’s a magical experience for families and couples alike.

Must-See: A Christmas show in the West End, the Christmas lights of Covent Garden, and ice skating at Somerset House.

9. Norwich: A Festive Fairytale

Norwich is a city brimming with Christmas cheer and offers a mix of medieval charm and festive spirit. The Norwich Christmas Market is renowned for its quality local produce and unique gifts. The streets come alive with the city’s Christmas lights and festivals, while the beautiful Norwich Cathedral hosts Christmas services and carol concerts that add to the city’s magical ambiance.

Must-See: The Norwich Christmas Market, Norwich Cathedral’s Christmas carol concerts, and the Christmas lights in the city center.

10. Snowdonia National Park: A Winter Wonderland in Wales

Snowdonia National Park in Wales is a magical place to experience the outdoors during Christmas. With its towering mountains and picturesque valleys, the region offers winter walks that lead to scenic views. Betws-y-Coed, a charming village, is beautifully decorated during the festive season, and the surrounding area offers cosy cottages for a perfect Christmas getaway.

Must-See: The village of Betws-y-Coed during Christmas, winter walks in Snowdonia National Park, and the Christmas lights around the park.

Whether you’re looking for a bustling Christmas market, a tranquil snowy escape, or a historic destination filled with festive cheer, the UK offers plenty of magical places to visit this Christmas. From the twinkling lights of London to the winter wonderland of the Lake District, these destinations promise to create unforgettable memories for anyone seeking a little holiday magic.

Together Travel Makes Your York Christmas Holiday Even Better

No matter the festival or event, whenever you are traveling in the UK, Together Travel Co. is here to bring your holiday dreams to life. All across the UK, we have luxurious, comfortable, unique properties located wherever you want to be. When you are ready to book a trip to enjoy some of the Christmas markets or events in UK in 2024, find out how we can make your trip amazing by contacting our expert concierge team at +44(0)1625 416430 or emailing us for more information.