Christmas is just around the corner, and the UK is a fantastic place to spend the holiday season. From festive markets to magical events, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Here are 5 magical ways to spend Christmas in the UK in 2019.
The UK is a country that takes Christmas very seriously, and you can feel the festive spirit in the air from the moment you step foot on British soil. From the twinkling lights of London's Oxford Street to the charming Christmas markets of Edinburgh, there's no shortage of magical ways to spend Christmas in the UK.
Whether you're looking for a traditional Christmas experience, a fun-filled festive getaway, or a romantic winter wonderland escape, the UK has it all. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, settle in, and let's dive into the 5 most magical ways to spend Christmas in the UK in 2019.
1. Visit the Magical Christmas Markets
The UK is famous for its Christmas markets, and for good reason. These festive markets offer a magical atmosphere, complete with twinkling lights, festive food, and unique gifts. From the iconic Winter Wonderland in London's Hyde Park to the charming Edinburgh's Christmas market, there's a magical Christmas market to visit in every corner of the UK.
Some of the most popular Christmas markets in the UK include:
- Winter Wonderland in London's Hyde Park
- Edinburgh's Christmas market in Princes Street Gardens
- Manchester's Christmas market in the city center
- Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas market in Victoria Square
- Bath's Christmas market in the historic city center
What to Expect at a UK Christmas Market
When visiting a Christmas market in the UK, you can expect to find a wide range of festive treats, including:
- Traditional German sausages and mulled wine
- Unique gifts, such as handmade crafts and jewelry
- Festive decorations, including Christmas trees and lights
- Live music and entertainment, including carol singing and ice skating
- A magical atmosphere, complete with twinkling lights and snowflakes (if you're lucky!)
2. Take a Christmas Lights Tour of London
London is a city that takes Christmas very seriously, and one of the best ways to experience the festive spirit is on a Christmas lights tour. From the twinkling lights of Oxford Street to the majestic displays of Regent Street, London's Christmas lights are a sight to behold.
Some of the most popular Christmas lights displays in London include:
- Oxford Street: One of the most famous shopping streets in the world, Oxford Street is transformed into a winter wonderland each Christmas.
- Regent Street: This majestic street is home to some of the most impressive Christmas lights displays in London, including the famous "Spirit of Christmas" lights.
- Bond Street: This luxurious shopping street is transformed into a winter wonderland each Christmas, complete with twinkling lights and festive decorations.
- Covent Garden: This historic square is home to a magical Christmas lights display, complete with a giant Christmas tree and festive decorations.
What to Expect on a Christmas Lights Tour of London
When taking a Christmas lights tour of London, you can expect to see some of the most impressive festive displays in the world. Here are a few things to look out for:
- Twinkling lights: London's Christmas lights displays are famous for their twinkling lights, which add a magical touch to the city's streets.
- Festive decorations: From giant Christmas trees to festive window displays, London's Christmas decorations are a sight to behold.
- Live music and entertainment: Many of London's Christmas lights displays are accompanied by live music and entertainment, including carol singing and street performers.
- A magical atmosphere: London's Christmas lights tours are a great way to get into the festive spirit, with a magical atmosphere that's perfect for all the family.
3. Enjoy a Traditional Christmas Dinner
A traditional Christmas dinner is a must-do experience in the UK, with roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and all the trimmings. From traditional pubs to high-end restaurants, there's a wide range of options to choose from.
Some of the most popular traditional Christmas dinner options in the UK include:
- Roast turkey with all the trimmings: A classic Christmas dinner dish, roast turkey is a staple of the UK festive season.
- Mashed potatoes: A delicious side dish, mashed potatoes are a great way to soak up the juices of your Christmas dinner.
- Stuffing: A traditional Christmas side dish, stuffing is made with bread, vegetables, and herbs.
- Christmas pudding: A sweet treat, Christmas pudding is a traditional UK dessert made with dried fruit and spices.
What to Expect at a Traditional Christmas Dinner
When enjoying a traditional Christmas dinner in the UK, you can expect:
- Delicious food: A traditional Christmas dinner is a culinary delight, with a wide range of tasty dishes to choose from.
- Festive atmosphere: Many UK restaurants and pubs offer a festive atmosphere, complete with twinkling lights and Christmas decorations.
- Family-friendly: Traditional Christmas dinners are a great way to spend time with family and friends, with many options suitable for all ages.
- A special occasion: A traditional Christmas dinner is a special occasion, and many UK restaurants and pubs offer a unique and memorable experience.
4. Go Ice Skating at a UK Ice Rink
Ice skating is a classic winter activity, and the UK has a wide range of ice rinks to choose from. From the famous Somerset House ice rink in London to the charming ice rink in Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens, there's an ice rink to suit every skill level and age.
Some of the most popular ice rinks in the UK include:
- Somerset House ice rink in London: This famous ice rink is a must-do experience, with a stunning courtyard setting and a range of ice skating sessions to choose from.
- Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens ice rink: This charming ice rink is located in the heart of Edinburgh's historic city center, and offers a range of ice skating sessions and activities.
- Manchester's Ice Rink in the city center: This popular ice rink is located in the heart of Manchester, and offers a range of ice skating sessions and activities.
- Birmingham's Ice Rink in the city center: This popular ice rink is located in the heart of Birmingham, and offers a range of ice skating sessions and activities.
What to Expect at a UK Ice Rink
When going ice skating at a UK ice rink, you can expect:
- A fun and festive atmosphere: UK ice rinks are a great way to get into the festive spirit, with twinkling lights and Christmas decorations.
- A range of ice skating sessions: From beginner sessions to advanced ice skating classes, there's a range of options to choose from at UK ice rinks.
- A unique and memorable experience: Ice skating at a UK ice rink is a special occasion, and many rinks offer unique and memorable experiences, including ice skating lessons and activities.
- A fun activity for all ages: Ice skating is a fun activity that's suitable for all ages, from children to adults.
5. Take a Festive Train Ride Through the UK Countryside
A festive train ride through the UK countryside is a magical way to experience the festive season. From the Belmond British Pullman to the Northern Belle, there's a range of luxury trains to choose from.
Some of the most popular festive train rides in the UK include:
- The Belmond British Pullman: This luxurious train offers a range of festive journeys, including a Christmas lunch and a New Year's Eve celebration.
- The Northern Belle: This luxurious train offers a range of festive journeys, including a Christmas dinner and a New Year's Eve celebration.
- The Royal Scotsman: This luxurious train offers a range of festive journeys, including a Christmas dinner and a New Year's Eve celebration.
What to Expect on a Festive Train Ride
When taking a festive train ride through the UK countryside, you can expect:
- A luxurious and comfortable journey: UK luxury trains offer a high level of comfort and luxury, complete with fine dining and luxurious amenities.
- A festive atmosphere: Festive train rides are a great way to get into the festive spirit, with twinkling lights and Christmas decorations.
- A unique and memorable experience: A festive train ride is a special occasion, and many trains offer unique and memorable experiences, including live music and entertainment.
- A fun and relaxing activity: A festive train ride is a great way to relax and unwind, with a range of onboard amenities and activities to enjoy.
What are the best Christmas markets to visit in the UK?
+Some of the best Christmas markets to visit in the UK include Winter Wonderland in London's Hyde Park, Edinburgh's Christmas market in Princes Street Gardens, Manchester's Christmas market in the city center, Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas market in Victoria Square, and Bath's Christmas market in the historic city center.
What can I expect at a traditional Christmas dinner in the UK?
+A traditional Christmas dinner in the UK typically includes roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and all the trimmings, as well as festive decorations and a warm atmosphere.
What are the best ice rinks to visit in the UK?
+Some of the best ice rinks to visit in the UK include the Somerset House ice rink in London, Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens ice rink, Manchester's Ice Rink in the city center, and Birmingham's Ice Rink in the city center.
We hope you've enjoyed our guide to the 5 magical ways to spend Christmas in the UK in 2019. Whether you're looking for a traditional Christmas experience, a fun-filled festive getaway, or a romantic winter wonderland escape, the UK has something for everyone.