Make The Most Of The Festive Season In The UK

With all the hustle and bustle leading up to the holidays, few families get the opportunity to really enjoy Christmas. Last minute present buying and frantic turkey basting often leads to Christmas coming and going in a flash, with little time to enjoy the day. A well-timed break can be a real treat for the whole family. Even if it’s just a day trip or a long weekend away in December, with so many UK locations celebrating the holiday with events, attractions and festive views, you don’t have to go far to get into the Christmas spirit.
York
Claiming to be the UK’s Capital of Christmas, the picturesque city of York celebrates the holiday with events, fairs and festivals running from November through to the end of the year. One particular highlight is the Festival of the Angels. The event draws thousands of visitors each year and is host to dozens of stalls offering food and drink, street entertainers and ice sculptures. Even if you just sit in a warm, cosy pub with a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine, a trip to York is sure to bring out the Christmas spirit.
Edinburgh
The bustling Scottish capital is renowned for celebrating in style, and it spares no expense when Christmas comes around. The season starts with a Light Night extravaganza at the end of November. A Christmas Parade marches through the city centre leading to the Christmas Dream Machine. This specially commissioned performance celebrates the enchantment of the holiday, and it culminates with the lighting of the city’s huge Norwegian Christmas tree. Throughout December, Edinburgh also has carol concerts, live nativity plays and the great Santa run. Reindeer even pop by in St Andrew’s Square for children to pet and feed. With so much to see and do, the thriving Christmas atmosphere in Edinburgh will melt a humbug’s heart.
Leeds Christmas Market
Leeds Christkindelmarkt is one of the largest German markets in the UK. Occupying Millennium Square in the city centre, the market has over 40 stalls selling speciality food and drink and uniquely hand crafted gifts and Christmas decorations. The sprawling attraction even has its very own Alp-themed chalet. The interior of the log cabin building is in the style of a German beer hall, and it serves authentic German food and drink well into the evening hours. The rest of the city has plenty to offer, too, with late-night shopping in the high street stores and arcades during the Christmas season.
Lake District
Renting a chalet, cabin or cottage over the Christmas period has become a popular way to plan a holiday getaway for many families. Few places in the UK can offer the stunning views and cosy winter atmosphere like the Lake District. The idyllic setting is a perfect way to celebrate the holidays with family or friends, and Cumbria has plenty of parades, grottos and events to enjoy during the season. The highlight is the Ambleside Christmas Lights, which sees hundreds of paper lanterns lighting Cumbria’s skies as Santa Claus parades through the town.