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The 12 best places to spend Christmas in the UK
The UK is one of the best places to spend Christmas, with a diverse range of villages, historical cities and seaside towns ready and waiting to get you into the festive spirit.
We've got you covered if you’re unsure where to go for Christmas. Whether you’re looking for a festive getaway, a seasonal weekend break or a day trip, here are some of the best places to spend Christmas in the UK.
Whitby, North Yorkshire
In North Yorkshire, Whitby transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive season. The town's annual Christmas Festival is a highlight, featuring a traditional Christmas market where local artisans showcase handcrafted gifts and seasonal food and drink.
Find out moreEnjoy the twinkling lights reflecting off the harbour, the Whitby Krampus Run, or ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway's Santa Special – a festive journey through the countryside with Father Christmas himself on board.
Conwy, North Wales
The medieval walled town of Conwy offers a picturesque backdrop for your festivities, making it one of the best places to spend Christmas in the UK. The Conwy Winterfest, typically held in mid-December, is a must-visit event. This festive extravaganza features a Christmas market within the town walls, street entertainers, musicians, choirs, a torch-lit procession with Armoured Knights.
Find out moreConwy Castle is beautifully illuminated during this time, making it one of the most Christmassy places in the UK. For families, the nearby Bodnant Garden organises a magical Christmas trail where the little ones can spot festive decorations and even catch a glimpse of Santa!
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh's Christmas celebrations are legendary, transforming the city into one of the best places for Christmas in the UK. The heart of the festivities is Edinburgh's Christmas market in Princes Street Gardens, where you’ll also find live events and fairground rides, including a big wheel offering panoramic views of the illuminated city.
Find out moreTake advantage of the Street of Light festival, where archways of lights synchronise with music for a mesmerising display. For a uniquely Scottish experience, you could join the Torchlight Procession on December 30th, part of the city's Hogmanay celebrations.
Mousehole, Cornwall
This tiny fishing village becomes a beacon of Christmas cheer with its famous Mousehole Harbour Lights. From mid-December to early January, the harbour is illuminated with floating displays depicting Christmas scenes and Cornish traditions.
Find out moreWhile there isn't a traditional Christmas market here, the village's small shops and galleries offer unique, locally made gifts, so you can still do your Christmas shopping.
Try the traditional Tom Bawcock's Eve feast on December 23rd, where locals celebrate with Star Gazey Pie, a dish unique to Cornwall.
Llandudno, North Wales
Llandudno is another of the best places to spend Christmas in the UK, enthusiastically embracing the festive spirit. The towns Victorian Christmas Extravaganza, usually held in mid-November, kicks off the festive season in North Wales. This event transforms the street into a Victorian-era Christmas scene, with stallholders in period costumes selling traditional crafts and foods.
Find out moreThroughout December, Llandudno's promenade and pier are adorned with festive lights. And, for a unique experience, you could take a tram ride up the Great Orme, where you might be lucky enough to spot some wild mountain goats in their winter coats whilst admiring views all the way to the Isle of Man and Blackpool on clear days.
Nottingham
Nottingham is another of the best places to spend Christmas in the UK. The city truly comes alive during the Christmas season. Winter Wonderland in the Old Market Square is one of the largest Christmas markets in the UK. It features an ice rink, an observation wheel, and stalls selling everything you could want from a Christmas market.
Find out moreNottingham Castle offers a touch of history, often hosting special Christmas events. The nearby Elizabethan mansion, Wollaton Hall, is also transformed during the festive season, with a magical, illuminated trail offering a breathtaking light show set against the historical backdrop.
Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Scarborough is a great place to go for Christmas in the UK if you want a coastal Christmas experience. The town's Christmas light switch-on event kicks off the festive season. It is usually accompanied by a small Christmas market, arts and crafts, and entertainment. At this time of year, the Joseph Theatre puts on a popular Christmas show, perfect for a festive family outing.
Find out moreThe SEA LIFE Sanctuary often has special Christmas-themed events, and the nearby North York Moors Railway also runs Santa Specials, offering a magical journey through the winter landscape with Father Christmas and his helpers on board.
Clovelly, Devon
This picturesque fishing village becomes even more enchanting during the Christmas season. Clovelly's Christmas lights switch-on is an excellent start to the festivities, accompanied by carol singing and a visit from Father Christmas, who arrives by boat.
Find out moreWhile there isn't a large Christmas market, the village's steep, cobbled main street is lined with small shops filled with unique gifts and local crafts. The Clovelly Court Gardens sometimes host Christmas wreath-making workshops, meaning you can create your own festive decorations using locally sourced materials when you visit.
Isle of Wight
Another one of the best places to spend Christmas in the UK is the Isle of Wight. Osborne House, Queen Victoria's former holiday home, is particularly magical during the festive season. The house is beautifully decorated, and guided tours reveal how the royal family celebrated Christmas in Victorian times.
Find out moreWith lots of shops, pantomimes, and Christmas fairs, you’ll surely enjoy a range of Christmas festivities on the Isle of Wight with the family.
You could even visit the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, which runs special Santa trains through the island's winter landscape.
Winchester, Hampshire
Winchester Cathedral's Christmas Market is widely regarded as one of the best in Europe. Set in the cathedral's historic Inner Close, the market features over 100 chalets selling gifts, festive foods, and warming drinks amongst over 1,000 years of history. A real highlight is the open-air ice rink, where you can enjoy a skate with the stunning cathedral as a backdrop.
Find out moreBeyond the market, Winchester's historic streets are beautifully decorated, and many local shops and restaurants offer special Christmas menus and events for you to enjoy. As well as this, for a truly magical experience, you won’t want to miss the special Christmas services and concerts held in the cathedral itself.
Lapland UK, Berkshire
Without a doubt, one of the best places to spend Christmas in the UK is Lapland UK in Berkshire. It offers an immersive Christmas experience that's hard to beat. This theatrical production brings the magic of Lapland to life, complete with snow-covered forests, reindeer, and, of course, Father Christmas himself.
Find out moreYou can help the elves in their toy factory, decorate gingerbread with Mrs Claus, and explore a twinkling Christmassy village.
Castle Howard, North Yorkshire
Castle Howard, one of Britain's finest stately homes, transforms into a festive wonderland during the season. The house is decorated with themed rooms, each telling a part of a unique Christmas story. Towering Christmas trees, thousands of baubles, and miles of garlands create a truly spectacular sight, making this Castle in York one of the best places to visit in the UK at Christmas.
Find out moreOutside, the grounds often host a Christmas market. And in the evenings, parts of the gardens are sometimes illuminated for magical after-dark walks. If that’s still not enough, you’ll find special events like carol concerts in the Great Hall to add to the festivities.
Best places to spend Christmas in the UK – FAQs
If you’re still not sure where to spend Christmas in the UK, some of these frequently asked questions might help.
Where is the most Christmassy place in the UK?
While many places in the UK embrace the Christmas spirit, Edinburgh often tops the list with its extensive Christmas markets, light displays, and famous Hogmanay celebrations.
Where is the best place to spend Christmas in England?
The best place to spend Christmas in the UK largely depends on personal preference. But if we had to choose, Winchester, with its cathedral Christmas market and historic charm, could be considered one of England's most magical Christmas destinations.
Manchester is another one of the best places to spend Christmas in the UK, with one of the biggest Christmas markets in the country.
Where is the most magical place in the UK at Christmas?
The most magical place in the UK at Christmas is also down to interpretation, as Christmas magic can come from simply spending quality time with your loved ones, no matter where you are.
However, if you have little ones, Lapland UK in Berkshire offers an immersive journey into a winter wonderland you won’t find anywhere else.
Where is the best place to have a Christmas break in the UK?
What makes Christmas so special is spending quality time, making memories, and creating new traditions with your loved ones. A festive break could be the best place to spend Christmas in the UK, so you can make the most of the season without the expectations of everyday life.
At Away Resorts, we offer a range of festive breaks around the UK. You’ll find unique activities, events, entertainment and even visits from Santa on-site. And with many ways to stay, from chalets and lodges to caravans and glamping, you can find the perfect place for your family to spend Christmas in the UK.
Don’t miss out. Book now!
Get festive with these fantastic places to go for Christmas in the UK
Whether you're looking for traditional Christmas markets, light displays, or other unique festive experiences in the UK, the country has much to offer. Each destination brings special magic to the holiday season, from coastal towns to historic cities.