The Best 2025 UK Christmas Markets and other Festive Events
From the quiet corners of Scotland to bustling city centres, discover the best Christmas markets the UK has to...
Are you looking for the most magical places to visit at Christmas in the UK? From snow-capped hills to cosy open fires, there’s plenty to experience and enjoy during a Christmas getaway!
Holidays in December have grown 9% from 2022 to 2024, showing a growing trend and demand for holidays over the festive period. So, this year, we’ve decided to show you exactly where our customers love going away during Christmas!
Using our own internal booking data, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to spend Christmas this year. So, with that being said, if you’re looking for inspiration based on real-life data, then you’ve come to the right place!
Keep scrolling to find out more about where the best place to spend Christmas in the UK is…
Kicking of our list of the most magical places to visit at Christmas is Buxton. This idyllic spa town is at the centre of the Peak District National Park and offers the Christmas charm that you are dreaming of.
During the winter months, the ornamental gardens are covered in snow, a picturesque sight to behold. And what better way to work off the Christmas calories than with an easy Peak District walk?
Furthermore, enjoy candlelit tours of Haddon Hall, the snowy beauty of the Peaks and the many lovely Buxton cafés for an indulgent drink.
For further inspiration, take a look at our free Buxton Travel Guide »
During the summertime, the pretty town of Ambleside is full of tourists wishing to explore the beauty of the Lake District National Park. Come wintertime, the crowds of tourists are replaced with endearing fairy lights. While the independent shops and eateries fully embrace the Christmas spirit!
Spend hours exploring the idyllic town of Ambleside, from walks around the Lake District’s most famous lake, Lake Windemere to strolls up to Stock Ghyll force, there’s plenty to see and do!
With a panorama of mountainous fells and majestic lakes as your backdrop, we can see why this is one of the best towns to visit at Christmas and one of the most popular with our customers.
Discover plenty more things to see and do with our Ambleside Travel Guide »
Often referred to as the “Venice of the Cotswolds”, Bourton-on-the-Water is a truly magical place to visit at Christmas. Nestled along the gentle River Windrush, this picturesque village transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive season, with twinkling fairy lights reflecting off the water and a charming tree placed right in the middle of the river.
Bourton’s quaint stone cottages and independent shops are adorned with decorations, giving the whole village a postcard-perfect feel. Visitors can explore the Cotswold Motoring Museum, enjoy festive treats in local cafés or browse unique gifts at the Christmas fayres in and around the village.
For families, the nearby Birdland Park and Gardens hosts its annual Santa’s Birdland event, making it an ideal festive day out for little ones. Whether you’re after a peaceful stroll, a festive cream tea or a cosy countryside stay, Bourton-on-the-Water offers all the charm of a traditional Christmas in one of the best Christmas villages in the UK.
Discover more things to see and do here with our Bourton-on-the-Water Travel Guide »
Tucked away in the heart of the Peak District, Castleton is easily one of the best UK towns to visit during Christmas, and our customers agree! With its rugged hills, historic charm and cosy pubs, it delivers all the ingredients of a picture-perfect festive getaway.
Every December, the village lights up with sparkling displays and decorated cottages, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for visitors. One of Castleton’s most unique attractions is its Christmas lights inside Peak Cavern, a truly memorable experience featuring carols sung deep underground in one of the area’s famous show caves.
Above ground, the narrow lanes are lined with independent shops selling local crafts, while the surrounding hills and walking routes are ideal for a crisp winter’s walk. So, if you’re looking for somewhere quaint and cosy to visit over the Christmas period, then Castleton is a wonderful option to consider!
Explore plenty more ideas on what to see and do here with our Castleton Travel Guide »
If you’re looking for one of the best places to spend Christmas in the UK, then Skipton will be sure to tick all the boxes for you! This bustling market town, known as the ‘Gateway to the Dales’, blends historic charm with a proper Yorkshire welcome… especially during the festive season!
Skipton’s award-winning Christmas market draws in visitors from far and wide, with dozens of stalls selling seasonal food, handmade gifts and crafts. Set against the backdrop of cobbled streets and the imposing Skipton Castle, it creates a festive atmosphere that feels both traditional and full of cheer.
Just a short walk from the high street, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal offers a peaceful winter stroll, while nearby cafés and pubs provide the perfect spot to warm up with a mulled wine or a hearty roast. Whether you’re shopping for gifts or simply looking for somewhere to spend a classic festive escape, Skipton is a brilliant town with plenty to offer during Christmas and New Year.
Explore lots of other things to see and do during your stay with our North Yorkshire Travel Guide »
Ludlow is a medieval market town with a bustling atmosphere all year round. It has a reputation for producing high-quality food and drink, and thousands of people visit each year for the Ludlow Food and Drink Festival.
What’s more, the festive season sees the town transform into one of the most magical places to visit at Christmas. Admire the town’s Christmas lights, warm up with a mulled wine in one of the medieval pubs or browse the shops for the perfect gift.
If you are looking for something extra special this year, head to the Ludlow Local Produce Market located at Castle Square. Here, you will find a collection of local food and drink producers from the area, selling charcuterie, preserves, baked pies and lots more!
If you’re looking for the best places to spend Christmas in the UK, Whitby should be at the top of your list!
Magical at any time of the year, Whitby has a wide and varied culture that even the Grinch would love. There is something here for everyone, from the traditional Christmas tree competition at St Mary’s Church to the exciting lantern parade.
Venture to the market for some lovely gifts, which in true Whitby style is a collection of beach huts selling the most beautiful crafts and produce.
Aside from the Christmas markets, admire the winding cobbled streets, the array of perfect Whitby pubs and the unique things that Whitby is famous for. As a result, the festive events, cosy pubs, and enchanting scenery make Whitby one of the best places to go on holiday at Christmas.
Browse our Whitby Travel Guide for more travel inspiration for your next Christmas visit.
Broadway is one of the most beautiful villages in England, so it is no surprise to see it on our magical places to visit at Christmas guide!
This UK Christmas village, nestled at the foot of the Worcestershire hills, is an ideal starting point for exploring the Cotswolds. Look forward to exploring the picturesque village, which boasts excellent cuisine and a rich cultural heritage.
At Christmas, admire the honey-coloured stone cottages draped in snow! Afterwards, discover the chestnut tree-lined High Street and the lovely festive shop window displays!
This village offers late-night shopping in addition to its magical setting in December. On a Friday evening, browse the many independent shops for one-of-a-kind gifts or catch a glimpse of a reindeer when visiting Santa’s grotto!
Discover lots of other ideas on what to get up to here with our Cotswolds Travel Guide »
Bowness-on-Windermere is the next stop on our list of the most magical places to visit at Christmas. Perfect for families, friends or couples looking for Christmas holiday, we weren’t surprised to see this as one of the most booked locations over Christmas!
This sprawling tourist town is located next to England’s largest lake and is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery that begs to be explored.
The annual Windermere Christmas Celebration is an event, not to be missed! It is a fun family affair that features over 40 local produce stalls with a Christmas twist. There will also be live entertainment and a welcoming community spirit, giving it a true Christmas feel.
Find a plethora of things to do on your next holiday with our Bowness-on-Windermere Travel Guide »
For a peaceful escape by the sea, Beadnell makes for a fantastic place to escape to during the festive period. This small coastal village, nestled along the Northumberland coast, offers a slower pace of life and an unbeatable backdrop of dramatic skies and frosty beaches.
Christmas here is all about cosy coastal walks, crackling fires and community spirit. You won’t find big markets or flashy lights, but what you will find is space to unwind, reflect and soak in the raw beauty of the season. With, one of the best beaches in Northumberland, Beadnell Bay just a stone’s throw away from the town, it’s the perfect spot for a bracing Christmas Day walk with sweeping views across the North Sea.
Nearby, you can explore Bamburgh Castle, which often hosts festive events throughout December, or take a drive to Alnwick for Christmas shopping in its independent boutiques. Or, if you’re feeling particularly brave, you could always go for a Christmas Day swim, a popular activity in the region that makes for a wonderful way to spend an alternative Christmas!
So, if you’re after a quieter but equally magical Christmas, Beadnell is a brilliant place to go on holiday at Christmas.
For more inspiration on what to do in this Christmas town, check out our Northumberland Travel Guide.
What is more magical than seeing one of the best castles in Wales, a quaint harbour, the smallest house in Great Britain and the silhouette of Snowdonia?
With all that in mind, it will come as no surprise that Conwy is on our list of best Christmas towns. From the moment you cross the Telford Suspension Bridge, you know that you are in one of the UK’s most popular places to go at Christmas.
Imagine meandering the medieval walls before warming up with a hot chocolate in one of the cosy cafes on the high street. Then venturing to the harbour, where you’ll find the little, red-painted house measuring just 3.05m x 1.83m, before returning to the warmth of a quaint holiday cottage in Conwy – Bliss!
Use our things to do in North Wales guide for even more inspiration!
If this list of the best places to spend Christmas in the UK has you interested in booking a festive break but you’re still not sure, hear first-hand from our customers who enjoyed a memorable Christmas with us…
I have stayed at several Sykes Cottages over several years and have always found Sykes very friendly to deal with, and communicate with. All of the Cottages we have stayed at have been exactly as described, and mostly better. Always a lovely welcome from the owners, at Christmas the cottages are always decorated with welcome packs. I would strongly recommend Sykes if you are looking for somewhere to stay for a five star service.
– Richard, January 2025
View on Trustpilot »Had a lovely peaceful Christmas at this lovely cottage .. lovely walks, nearby pubs and shops at Pateley Bridge. Jenny the owner lives nearby and is very helpful. Would definitely stay here again.
– Mrs. Christine A. Barrow, January 2025
View on Trustpilot »Sanderson House was comfortable for the 11 people in our party. Lovely bedrooms, two sitting rooms we could all sit in together and good facilities. We enjoyed Christmas there.
– Gill, December 2024 View on Trustpilot »
All findings in this article are based on Sykes Holiday Cottages’ internal booking data.
Booking growth was calculated by comparing the total number of holidays in December 2022 with those in December 2024, to highlight changes in demand over time.
To identify the most popular regions, we analysed bookings per property during calendar week 52 of 2024, which includes the Christmas period, a key time for UK holiday travel.
The top towns featured were then hand-picked from the three most-booked towns within each of the regions with the highest bookings per property during this same period.
Feeling inspired? Then book one of these wonderful cottages for Christmas. For more fantastic places to consider spending your next festive getaway, be sure to check out this guide on the best places to visit during Winter in the UK! Not only that, but there’s also plenty of winter bucket list ideas to check off during your trip, as well as plenty of fun Christmas facts to dive into for further reading.
I'm Rob and I joined the Sykes team in February 2024. I am a passionate writer and have always enjoyed holidays in the UK, especia...
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