Winter: the time for frosty walks cocooned in snuggly scarfs, when steamy cups of mulled wine and buttery mince pies are an afternoon routine and the season where frumpy and garish becomes festively chic. It could only be a Christmas in the UK.
There’s something to be said for the exotic novelty of a bikini-clad Christmas abroad, but honestly, nothing compares to the snuggly, indulgent festivity on our little island.
If you’re anything like me, Christmas in the UK is typically spent incubating at home. Stuffed full of turkey and Christmas pud and wearing pragmatically oversized Christmas jumpers. But this year, why not treat ourselves to something a little more unique?
Whether looking for a place to hunker down for a holiday or eyeing up a weekend of Christmas cheer in the lead-up, these winter wonderlands are awaiting:
London
Crane your neck to see the tree in Trafalgar Square, blink under 115,000 lights in Covent Garden, clink beer steins at Hyde Park’s s Winter Wonderland, transport yourself to Lapland in an igloo on the Thames and wander through Richmond Park to glimpse Rudolph’s cousins. And that’s just day one! With so many Christmas things to do in London. Like shows to see and window-shopping to be done. December just isn’t long enough. Which is why Harrods opens its Christmas department in July! Bit early if you ask me…
Bath
Christmas in Bath conjures up memories of romantic cobbled streets glimmering under Christmas lights and pop-up chalet after pop-up chalet brimming with local handicrafts. The famous Bath Christmas Market 2019 is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever. So grab a hot chocolate to go and get lost in the labyrinth of over 150 festive stalls. Shop till you drop and wind down the day with a soak in one of the city’s famous thermal baths.
Edinburgh
With twinkling medieval streets, sprawling Christmas markets and old churches reverberating with Christmas carols Edinburgh truly comes alive for the festive season. Starting with St Andrews Day in November and culminating with Burns Night in January. Winter in Scotland is one epic celebration! Peruse the Edinburgh Christmas Market. Go ice-skating under the stars. Sip mulled apple juice spiked with whiskey. Or admire the Dome Christmas tree bedazzled with thousands of baubles and lights.
Cornwall
If the saying “snug as a bug” wasn’t coined on a blustery Christmas in Cornwall, it ought to have been. Winter doesn’t get any warmer or fuzzier than curled up in a seaside cottage listening to the waves crash against the cliff below you. Some hardy surfers and swimmers brave the ocean in wetsuits and Santa hats – mad fools? But between light shows, festive fayres and medieval banquets there’s more than enough merriment to keep you landlocked. Check out the official line-up of Christmas events in Cornwall this 2019.
Aviemore
Aviemore offers a quintessentially British Christmas experience like no other. Think of crackling fireplaces and cosy b&bs, whiskey tasting to warm your cockles and country jaunts amongst the snow-dusted hills of the Cairngorms National Park. And, of course, no Aviemore Christmas celebration could be complete without a dog-sledge ride through the winter wonderland.
Where should we tell Santa to deliver your presents this year for the perfect Christmas in the UK?
