Although the days are short and nights are long in the United Kingdom in winter, the country offers an array of festivities and celebrations during the holiday season. As it approaches, England’s new lineup of festivities and celebrations brings the holiday magic through Christmas lit trails, charming Christmas markets, festive culinary creations and debut shows featuring British flair.
To capture the full holiday spirit, see a list of featured events and experiences in the country below:
Experience the charm of Christmas markets across the country, from Leeds to London; York, to Birmingham:
- Leeds Christmas Market, Christkindelmarkt (through Dec. 22) offers 120 Bavarian-style timber market stalls, an ice cube outdoor skating rink and artisan fairs
- Winter Festival at Southbank Centre, London (through Janunary 2024) transforms the banks of the River Thames into a winter wonderland with illuminated cabins, festive shows and global cuisines
- Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market (until Dec. 21) is one of Europe’s best Christmas markets, offering exclusive gifts from hand-crafted decorations to craft beer
- Dundee WinterFest at Slessor Gardens (through January 2024) is a magical Christmas wonderland with a Big Wheel, fun fair, ice rink and Bavarian bar for festive enjoyment
The Clarridge’s Christmas Tree with Louis Vuitton
Step into a festive wonderland at Claridge’s, the legendary Mayfair hotel, from the iconic Christmas tree to the breathtaking decorations. In keeping with its annual tradition, the hotel recently revealed the Claridge’s Christmas Tree, designed by Louis Vuitton, as well as a variety of events:
- Peter Pan Goes Wrong at Lyric Theatre, London (until Jan. 14)
- Coronation Christmas, Tower of London (until Jan. 4)
- Kingdom of Winter at the ExCel, London (through January 2024)
- Christmas Actually at Royal Festival Hall, London (until Dec. 11)
Festive British Holiday Films Showcase Britain
Film lovers can experience a bit of British culture and landscapes through various Christmas films featuring various locations around Britain including:
- Love Actually: A London Love Story: Filming locations include South Bank, Grosvenor Chapel in Mayfair, Trafalgar Square and Tate Modern
- Last Christmas: Christmas Eve in London: Filming locations include Covent Garden, Natural History Museum ice rink, Millennium Bridge, Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus
- Paddington 1 & 2: Heartwarming Adventures, London: Filming locations include Primrose Hill, Hatfield House and Notting Hill
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