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
Read This Next
World’s Best Beaches 2025 Revealed
Destinations
May 8, 2025#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDining/Entertainment
May 6, 2025What to Expect from This Year’s Food & Wine Classic in Charleston
Mark your calendar now for the Food & Wine Classic in Charleston. The second annual event takes place Nov. 14–16 and is the perfect excuse for traveling foodies to make their way to the South Carolina city.
Sponsored Content
AmaWaterways’ Specialty River Cruises
When you embark on a river cruise with award-winning AmaWaterways, unpack once and step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences. With enriching excursions, exquisite locally sourced food and wine, nightly entertainment and more included in the fare, you will learn why AmaWaterways has the most returning guests out of any river cruise line.
Airlines
May 6, 2025SAS Introduces Flavors by SAS
Scandinavian Airlines will unveil its Flavors by SAS food and beverage concept. Launching Oct. 1, the new service will offer passengers a more varied, globally inspired culinary offering, coming first to the new European business class and later to lounges and intercontinental flights.
Hotel
May 6, 2025Why You Should Head to This Unique Costa Rican Surf Club
In Nosara, Costa Rica, you’ll not only find coastlines with exceptional surf breaks, but also The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel, a family-owned and locally run boutique hotel offering travelers a comfortable stay.
Hotel
May 5, 2025New Orleans Marriott Unveils Shepard Fairey’s “Harmonious Elements” Mural
New Orleans Marriott recently unveiled Harmonious Elements, a new mural from artist Shepard Fairey. The large-scale artwork celebrates the city’s connection to art and dynamic culture.
Airlines
May 5, 2025Corendon Dutch Airlines Launches “Tattooed” Aircraft
Corendon Dutch Airlines recently celebrated its 25th anniversary by unveiling some eye-catching new livery. The airline partnered with tattooist to celebrities, Henk Schiffmacher, to create what it’s now calling the first fully tattooed aircraft in the world.
ShareThis