We all dream about having the idyllic Christmas in a European fairytale land with snow-capped mountains, frost-covered trees and twinkling lights, but we sometimes forget the treasures we have here at home.
If you like to picture yourself surrounded by snowflakes and twinkling lights or want something else entirely, here’s how to make it a reality – we’ve picked the places that can deliver your ideal Christmas right here in the UK. Many of these festivities kick off in mid-November, for those who crave seasonal cheer.
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Bath has always been the ideal location for a romantic weekend getaway, but during Christmas this picturesque Georgian town really comes to life. The Bath Christmas market is famous for its almost 200 light-strewn wooden chalets erected around the iconic Roman Baths and the Abbey.
Here you’ll find ceramics, glasswear, clothes and personalised presents, as well as plenty of food and drink for sale. If you need a break from the shopping, take a tour of the Roman Baths or head out on the Christmas Tree Carol Trail to spot the 10 trees, each decorated in a unique musical theme.
York really loves Christmas and it seems that Christmas loves York, too. York’s Christmas Festival draws more people every year, offering visitors spectacular shows and gorgeous ice sculptures.
If you’ve been lazy about your Christmas shopping there’s always the St. Nicholas Fair where you can pick up some last-minute gifts or enjoy some mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. If you want a break from the hustle and bustle of the streets, you can escape to Castle Howard – a historic country house just outside York – and take a tour. The decorations look like they came straight out of a traditional children’s story – and for 2021, the theme of that tale is Narnia.
If you have a penchant for the outdoors and are dreaming of a white Christmas, Aviemore may be the place for you. But beware, it gets cold!
Located in Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands, Aviemore is known for its proximity to the secluded lochs, ancient forest and mountain trails. It’ll be difficult to find a more scenic place to spend the holiday season. There are plenty of opportunities for snowsports and walking trails to keep you occupied. And if you find yourself craving some Christmas cheer, you can check out the town’s annual Christmas Eve Parade, which ends with a fireworks display at the Cairngorm Hotel.
Birmingham often gets a bad rap for its drab, industrial history. But England’s second most populous city has been through a series of ambitious makeovers since the 1980s, bringing with it a cultural revolution.
If you enjoy authentic German Christmas markets then Birmingham is the spot for you. It hosts the largest Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria, attracting over 5 million visitors. Consisting of the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market and the Craft Market, the market has grown from just 24 stalls in 2001 to 180 that cover New Street, Victoria Square and Centenary Square.
Immerse yourself in the history of English academia in Oxford this Christmas. Walking along the hallowed grounds of the university is a profound experience at any time, but Oxford’s dreaming spires have an extra bit of magic during the Christmas holidays.
The city’s historic Broad Street is livened up by the annual Christmas market with over 60 stalls selling gifts and food, and local live entertainment.
A town known for its pudding probably knows a thing or two about Christmas. In Bakewell there’s always a tea room or pub around the corner, and if you’re counting calories the Peak District is right at its doorstep where you can walk it all off.
During Christmas, the town hosts a traditional Christmas market and a Winter Wonderland. If you want something low-key there are candlelit tours of Haddon Hall, a romantic medieval manor house that has featured in a number of period films such as Pride & Prejudice and Elizabeth.
If there ever was a place created with Christmas in mind, the Cotswolds would be it and Chipping Camden would be its star attraction.
Winter festivities kick off with the Enchanted Christmas festival. The arrival of Father Christmas is preceded by a traditional brass band, and local traders turn the picture-postcard high street into a scene straight out of a Charles Dickens novel.
For more of a coastal vibe this Christmas, look no further than Newquay.
This idyllic seaside town in Cornwall is a perfect retreat for those looking for a break from the crowds and wanting to curl up by a fire while being serenaded by the sound of the crashing waves. Bundle up and stroll along Fistral Beach before taking in a stunning sunset over the rugged cliffs.
Note: The criteria for selection is based on a range of factors such as activities available, natural beauty and other unique attributes.
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