Do you plan to celebrate Christmas in England? Are you wondering which place would be best to visit in England during Christmas? Well, if these questions are baffling you, then you must read our post!
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. It gives the perfect opportunity to get cozy with your loved ones over long weekends. If you belong to England and cannot take a trip to Europe, it does mean that you are out of luck. There are plenty of getaway options right here in England.
So today, we will review ten of the best places where you can celebrate Christmas in England. Read on!
1. Yorkshire:
If you and your family have never seen York, then Christmas is the perfect time to visit the place. Yorkshire has a blend of natural beauty, city attraction and U.K history. The Stockeld Park in the Yorkshire is the unique attraction here during Christmas. The park offers magical illuminations, theater and unique sculpture. You must enter the Enchanted Forest to discover a world of fairytale creatures. Throughout the Christmas, the Adventure Zones of the park feature some activities like the outdoor skating rink, Nordic ski train, illuminated Yew tree maze and a giant witch’s hat. The huge Christmas tree in the St. Helen’s Square is another must see the attraction here. Sing along with the carolers at the Churches Conversation Trust. Lastly, shop, eat, drink and get creative with your loved ones at the Hepworth Wakefield.
2. London:
From south to far end west, the capital of England buzzes with activities that spread good vibes and holiday cheer. Fro the Nutcracker Ballet at the Royal Opera House, to the giant Christmas tree in the Trafalgar Square, the city just sparkles everywhere. The Winter Wonderland is a popular Christmas attraction here. Here, you can sip mulled wine, browse through the wooden chalets, skate on the ice rink or feast on the German sausage. The other best highlights to catch here during Christmas include the Christmas market in the Hyde Park, outdoor ice skating rinks and the London’s Eye. You must also take a walk around the Oxford Circus here. You will feel like a cast member of a Christmas movie. If you want to shop for friends and family, then you can head to the West End. Selfridges and Liberty London are two general stores that are dedicated to selling Christmas goodies.
3. Bath:
Bath is an ideal choice for a short break and what better time to explore it than during Christmas. Bath is a magical shopping getaway. The gorgeous Georgian architecture of the city gives it a perfect backdrop for the Bath Christmas market. After hours of shopping, take a break by skating at the open-air ice rink at the Royal Victorian Park. Milsom Street is the liveliest spot here during Christmas. It offers contemporary shopping. You can also join the choir at the Royal Victoria Park, where the Bath choir gives host their annual Christmas concert. The “Switching on the Light” is another favorite event in Bath during Christmas.
4. Castleton:
Castleton is a small English village that comes alive during the Christmas. It is one of the most beautifully lit villages in the Peak District. It looks alluring when dotted with the Christmas tree. The beautiful decoration of every shop, café, and pub attract people from all over the country. The lights are turned on every year in November to herald the season of Christmas. The beloved Santa Claus visits children every weekend, and the Father Christmas parades up and down the village in a horse carriage to greet the children. The practice of candlelight caroling inside the caves at Treak Cliff Cavern makes it all the more beautiful. The Treak Cliff Cavern also gives out tickets for the brass band and carol singing. Most of the shops at Castleton remain open until the wee hours during Christmas.
5. York:
York is another beautiful place to witness during Christmas. It transforms into a winter wonderland offering magical festivals, superb shopping and scores of events and festivals. The 15th-century townhouse Barley Hall hosts a medieval market that displays live craft show. The Center streets of York are filled with carol singers and mulled wine stalls. The Festive Fayre running from 9th to 12th December sells local foods and works of local artists. Do you want to do your Christmas shopping from York? Then head straight to the markets and boutique shops that sell unique gifts. You can also indulge in chocolate making workshop and make your own chocolate Christmas tree. And do not forget to take your child to meet Santa and his reindeers. With so many things to do, you must stay for at least a week in York.
6. Lincoln:
There is a lot more in store in Lincoln than high street shopping and boutiques. You will see the charm of Christmas in its festive theaters, markets, and cafes. The famous Christmas market in Lincoln takes place from 3rd to 6th December in Lincoln’s Cathedral Quarter. The 280 stalls in the market showcase the finest crafts and local cuisine. There is something for everyone in this market. The local sites of Lincoln will give you an insight into the history dating back to thousands of years. The Lincoln Cathedral is the second highest central tower in the United Kingdom. Just sit back and enjoy the scents of the freshly cooked food and mulled wine, the beautiful sights of the market, the sound of entertainment, merriment and music of this historic city during Christmas.
7. Rochester:
Christmas in Rochester is a feast for the Victorian delights. It is all about classic readings, song, dance and street entertainment. There are singing of carols, lamp-lit parades, meeting Father Christmas, snowfall and of course, rubbing the shoulders with some of the beloved characters of Dickens. Rochester Dickensian Christmas has been held continuously since 1988. Traveling is easy here, but you must book the coaches and mini buses in advance here.
8. Canterbury:
Canterbury turns into a carolers haven during Christmas. The Canterbury Cathedral commences the chorus of “O Come All Ye Faithful” on the 2nd of December to mark the advent of Christmas. And trust us it is simply divine. If you want to experience a Dickensian Christmas, then head to the Canterbury Heritage Museum. You must also see the Gareth Gates at the Marlowe Theater. And don’t forget to join with the carol singers every December weekend at the Whitefriars Shopping Centre.
9. Brighton:
Christmas in Brighton is characterized by quirky events like Burning the Clocks, a torchlight parade that celebrates the Winter Solstice and Santa Run along the seafront. Brighton also offers a range of events, performances and seasonal shows for children and teenagers. The Santa Dash is perfect for the energetic kids. If you want to go skating, then head to Brighton’s outdoor ice rink next to the Royal Pavilion. And then warm up with a glass of mulled wine at Jamie Oliver’s restaurant. For shopping, head to the Brighton Center for the Boutique Market. And the hot chocolate at the Pavilion Ice Rink is truly delectable. Then there is Open Market in Brighton that features a broad range of Christmas markets and workshops. The market provides space for hundreds of artists, makers and craftspeople to sell their artwork.
10. Manchester:
During Christmas, Manchester is awash with holiday cheer. Manchester holds eight Christmas markets to choose from. We particularly loved the European Christmas market in the Albert Square. The huts draped in fairy lights look stupendous. The shops are open until 10 pm every night. You will get everything here, right from the Dutch flower bulbs to the German sausages. If you want to experience the pleasure of the traditional panto, then you can visit the Palace Theatre.
We hope you find our list helpful. Which places would you suggest our readers to visit in England? Tell us by commenting below.
