The United Kingdom is not only is it famous for its political, commercial, and global significance, but it is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It is home to many charming countrysides, world-famous theatres, historic cities, medieval castles, world-class museums, best-kept national parks, and many more landmarks. During the festive season of Christmas, the UK is brimming with joy and spirit and transforms into a magical place with beautiful décor. Bristol Winter Wonderland, Christmas Lantern Procession, Glitterfest Edinburgh, and Christmas Tree Wonderland greet visitors from around the world to enjoy the festivities. So if you have plans to spend the upcoming holidays, scroll down to find the best things to do in the United Kingdom this Christmas.
Quick rundown for 2024
Planning a trip and looking for what’s up and coming in Bath and Bristol? Below are the latest happenings to get your holiday plans rolling:
- Events/Festivals: Spend your festive season by strolling past iconic landmarks, tasting local foods, and getting mesmerized by light shows brought to you by the annual Bath Christmas Market.
- Attractions: The Newt in Somerset hosts a vast garden area, filled with well-maintained landscapes and eye-opening experiences. The Four Seasons Garden is among its latest attractions, having been opened since Spring of this year.
- Arts and Culture: Looking for some good old Christmas entertainment? The Forum Bath has exactly what you need, with its upcoming Swing into Christmas show at 2nd December.
- Food Scene: Presented by the people behind London's BOXPARK, BOXHALL will make its grand opening this year on Bristol's waterfront. The new concept aims to showcase the best of the city's food and beverage industry.
- Tours: Bristol Beacon happily welcomes everyone who is spending their festive breaks in Bristol, with recent attractions such as a restaurant and cellars refurbished into small performance spaces.
1. Enjoy a Christmas party dinner cruise in London (from USD 101.04)
Looking for some last-minute holiday inspiration? A four-hour cruise down London’s River Thames is one of the best ways to go for Christmas in the United Kingdom.
Mix and mingle with other guests as you feast on a three-course holiday meal. Take in the breathtaking views of London’s most iconic landmarks, attractions, and city skyline. After that, get on the dancefloor as the resident DJ plays a mix of classic Christmas songs and chart hits.
London: Christmas Party Dinner Cruise
Duration: 4.0 hour
2. Experience an enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt National Arboretum
One of the best places to go for Christmas in the United Kingdom is the Westonbirt National Arboretum. At night, you can wander around the stunning arboretum which becomes a mystical land aglow with swirls of brilliant lights.
The place is also welcoming to guests with autism or other special needs. The trail will be specially modified on November 26 and December 3 so that it is more accessible for guests with special needs by temporarily turning off the trail’s intense flashing lights, loud sound effects, and smoke effects.
Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt National Arboretum
Address: Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS
Website: Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt National Arboretum
Takes place: November to December
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3. Hit the dance floor at Glitterfest Edinburgh
Who's excited to celebrate at Edinburgh's biggest Christmas Party !? Tickets include a fantastic three-course...
Posted by Glitterfest on Monday, 12 August 2019
If you are fond of dancing, make sure you visit Glitterfest Edinburgh when holidaying in the UK this Christmas. Watch BT Murrayfield turn into a vibrant nightspot this December. Make your holidays memorable by enjoying the biggest Christmas party in Edinburgh with Boogie, a radio legend. Hit the dance floor and do not miss enjoying the savory food and refreshments on offer here.
Glitterfest Edinburgh
Address: Roseburn St, Edinburgh EH12 5PJ, United Kingdom
Website: Glitterfest Edinburgh
Takes place: November to December
4. Feel the holiday magic at Bristol Winter Wonderland
Explore the largest ice track in the United Kingdom by enjoying ice skating at The Mall’s Winter Wonderland - this year it’s going to be double the size. Try the ice bicycle attraction, which is available for both children and adults. Feel the crisp winter breeze on your face as you cruise on ice. Join Paddington and friends for an entertaining adventure inside Planet Ice. Gaze at the spectacular Christmas tree and relish scrumptious food and drinks while enjoying various activities.
Bristol Winter Wonderland
Address: The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, Bristol BS34 5DG
Website: Bristol Winter Wonderland
Takes place: November to December
5. Tour through Christmas Tree Wonderland, Bournemouth
Explore the unique festive trail at the Christmas Tree Wonderland at Bournemouth. Feel the magic of Christmas here, with more than 100 glittering trees and spectacular illuminations. Experience the thrill of skating at Victorian Lower Gardens. Enjoy the live music and the marvelous illuminations. Explore the enchanted walkway and admire eye-catching features and surprises along the way.
Christmas Tree Wonderland, Bournemouth
Address: Unnamed Road, Bournemouth BH2 5AY, United Kingdom
Website: Christmas Tree Wonderland, Bournemouth
Takes place: November to January
6. Visit Festival of Light at Longleat Safari Park
Celebrate Christmas by visiting the Festival of Light at Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire. Attend the thrilling odyssey as legends and myths from various corners of the world are brought to life. This festive celebration is filled with displays of Chinese lanterns, spectacular structures, and enchanting scenery, along with opportunities for an epic adventure. Board the Santa Train to visit the North Pole. Make sure you visit Longleat House with decors and celebrations inspired by the 1920s. Finally, do not miss shopping for souvenirs at the gift shop.
Festival of Light at Longleat Safari Park
Address: Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW
Website: Festival of Light at Longleat Safari Park
Takes place: November to January
7. Have fun at Ice Village Manchester
Have fun at the Ice Village Manchester in the UK this Christmas. Go on a fantasy adventure and enjoy an amazing interactive ice sculpture experience at the Ice Cavern. Do not miss checking out the Ice Tiki Bar on-site. This spot includes outstanding tropical sculptures, including a giant fruit and other ice statues. While you’re here, enjoy the many photo opportunities and say hello to Santa at Santa’s Grotto.
Ice Village Manchester
Address: Cathedral Gardens, Corporation St, Manchester M4 3BG, United Kingdom
Website: Ice Village Manchester
Takes place: November to January
8. Attend a Christmas carol concert at Sheffield Cathedral
Christmas celebrations won’t be complete without hearing some Christmas carols. Attend the annual carol concert at Sheffield Cathedral this holiday season. This year, join Chapterhouse Theatre Company for a tale of redemption in A Christmas Carol. Treat yourself with scrumptious festive treats and spend a pleasant time listening to some nostalgic holiday tunes.
Chapterhouse Theatre Company: A Christmas Carol
Address: Church St, Sheffield S1 1HA, United Kingdom
Website: Chapterhouse Theatre Company: A Christmas Carol
Takes place: November
9. Embark on a Christmas trail at Tropical Butterfly House, North Yorkshire [CLOSED]
Begin your adventure through this enchanting wildlife park to meet Santa and his elves at this event inside Tropical Butterfly House in North Yorkshire. A Christmas Trail lets you decorate biscuits, watch an amazing free-flying bird and animal show, and follow the elves to visit Santa at his woodland cabin to receive a lovely, chocolate treat. You can also spend some time listening to the singing reindeer inside Farm Barn.
A Christmas Trail at Tropical Butterfly House, North Yorkshire
Address: Woodsetts Rd, North Anston, Sheffield S25 4EQ, United Kingdom
Website: A Christmas Trail at Tropical Butterfly House, North Yorkshire
[CLOSED]
10. Watch a Christmas show at Manchester Opera House with your kids [CLOSED]
Give your kids a treat by taking them to watch a Christmas show called ‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical’ at the Manchester Opera House. Enjoy the magic of Dr. Seuss by watching a performance with magnificent sets and amazing costumes set in the world of Whoville. Experience the Christmas spirit by watching this amazing show, which is a timeless delight for both kids and adults.
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Address: 3 Quay St, Manchester M3 3HP, United Kingdom
Website: Manchester Opera House
[CLOSED]
11. Participate in the Christmas Lantern Procession at Winchester [CLOSED]
Head to Winchester Cathedral tomorrow evening for their spectacular Christmas lantern procession. The event starts at...
Posted by Visit Hampshire on Thursday, 26 November 2015
Celebrate the yuletide season by participating in the Christmas Lantern Procession at Winchester. Create beautiful lanterns of your own with Bella Crafts and join this cheerful, fun-filled family parade. The lantern parade starts at the Cathedral and ends with a spectacular fireworks display. Admire beautiful lanterns against the backdrop of Winchester Cathedral. If you have some time, you can even attend a lantern workshop.
Christmas Lantern Procession at Winchester
Address: 9 The Cl, Winchester, United Kingdom
Website: Christmas Lantern Procession at Winchester
[CLOSED]
12. Have fun skating on ice at Caerphilly Castle [CLOSED]
Enjoy a memorable ice skating experience with your family at Caerphilly Castle during your Christmas holidays in the UK. Have fun skating within the walls of the biggest castle in Wales and marvel at how this attraction transforms into a marvelous Christmas wonderland. Explore the area and try outdoor skating. Use the available penguin-shaped ice walkers to explore the rink if you are a beginner. Devour delicious treats from the pop-up pancake house, and line up to see Santa.
Ice Skating at Caerphilly Castle
Address: Castle St, Caerphilly CF83 1JD, United Kingdom
[CLOSED]
Fun and adventure in the UK this Christmas
The United Kingdom is full of exciting attractions, popular festivals, and activities. Christmas here offers plenty of fun-filled options to enjoy the festive spirit. So get ready to spend your upcoming winter holidays in the UK and enjoy all these best things to do in the United Kingdom this Christmas.
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