Recently updated on August 13th, 2023 at 03:42 pm
With its contrast of nostalgic traditions and contemporary celebrations, London and the English countryside are especially enticing during the run-up to Christmas. We take a look at the festive events, shows, and celebrations that will make you want to spend Christmas in the UK this year.
The Traditions
While Christmas trees and twinkling lights can be found worldwide throughout December, there are far fewer places that offer historic Christmas traditions unique to their location. Join a torch-lit procession from London’s Trafalgar Square, be a part of a Christmas service at St. Paul’s Cathedral, and see carols singers harmonising across the capital.
The Festive Fare
One of the greatest enjoyments of the season is indulging in hearty winter fare and the traditional Christmas dishes that appear at this time of year. Alongside Christmas classics like mice pieces and Christmas pudding, London’s diverse cultural landscape means that there are plenty of other festive dishes to try from across the globe, from German stollen to Italian panettone.
The Christmas Shopping
One of the best reasons to spend Christmas in the UK, London’s shopping streets sparkle at this times of year with shop windows decorated with elaborate seasonal displays. Outdoor vendors also help create a festive atmosphere, bringing fragrant roasted chestnuts and mulled wine to London’s shopping districts. For irresistible festive cheer head to the Bavarian-style Christmas markets that pop up across the city, offering handicrafts and artisanal winter fare.Â
The Season’s Shows
London is bursting with colourful musicals and thought provoking plays each and every month of the year, but as Christmas and the New Year come around so do countless seasonal shows. Catch classic Christmas ballet The Nutcracker, see nostalgic family favourites like The Snowman, and laugh along with the audience at pantomimes like Cinderella, a true British tradition.
The Seasonal Events
In addition to the flurry of Christmas markets and seasonal shows, winter in the UK also sees the arrival of an influx of festive events. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season by gliding across one of the capital’s dazzling outdoor ice rinks, such as Skate at Somerset House, and by being a part of the city’s most anticipated annual festivals, such as Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, where a market is accompanied by fairground rides, shows and an ice rink.
The English CountrysideÂ
The capital may have an extraordinary offering of events, shows and outstanding cuisine, but it’s also worth taking a side trip to see the English countryside at this nostalgic time of year. See rolling fields and farmland with a sprinkling of snow and as frost glistens on the leaves, then settle into a cosy country pub to warm up by a crackling log fire.
Spend Christmas in the UK with Trafalgar by joining the London Explorer trip, Amazing Britain, or Britain and Ireland Grandeur.Â
Image credits: Cover photo © iStock. Skate at Somerset House © iStock. Mince Pies © iStock / Bethany-Fletcher. Christmas in Trafalgar Square © iStock / Adam Petto. London at Christmas © iStock / Kichigin.