The holiday season is when cities across the UK come alive with festive cheer, transforming into winter wonderlands filled with light displays, bustling street markets, and enchanting experiences.
With so many fantastic Christmas destinations to choose from, deciding where to visit for your holiday outing can be overwhelming. So where do you start?
At London Northwestern Railway, we’re committed to connecting you to unforgettable seasonal moments. So, to help you make the most of this magical time, we’ve compiled a list of the 7 best Christmas cities in the UK. From iconic landmarks to hidden Christmas gems, read on to explore our top picks and start planning your perfect Christmas city break today!
7. York
Ranking 7th in our list of the best Christmas cities UK is the charming city of York. When it comes to Christmas, this northern city knows how to celebrate. It blends its rich history with festive charm to create a truly magical experience. Whether you're looking for a traditional Christmas experience or something a bit different, York has something for everyone.
York Christmas Market
York’s St. Nicholas Fair is one of the largest Christmas Markets in the UK. Held in the heart of the city, these wooden chalets are filled with unique gifts, and festive local delicacies. Browse, shop, and taste your way across the market to a backdrop of carolers and other traditional entertainment. A perfect family Christmas day out, date location or even just shopping.
Christmas Lights and Festive Sights
Explore the Christmas lights across York this holiday season. With twinkling lights returning to The Shambles and across the historic Stonegate area, visitors can enjoy a stroll through the illuminated streets.
Head over to the York Minster to see the historic landmark decorated for Christmas, and check out their range of live entertainment over the holiday season. From Christmas carols to services and candlelit concerts, York Minster has some breathtaking entertainment for you.
6. Liverpool
Liverpool may be famous for its rich music and cultural heritage, but during the holiday season the city comes alive in a hub of festive cheer. With hundreds of festive activities and sights to choose from, Liverpool will have you busy this Christmas. Take a look at our highlights and discover why it ranks so high on the UK’s top festive cities list.
Liverpool Christmas Markets
Liverpool’s Christmas Market, located in St George’s Plateau, features more than 40 stalls from across four continents offering visitors all things Christmas. From handcrafted gifts to international street food, this is the Christmas Market to rival all Christmas markets. With live music, entertainment and plenty of festive lights, Liverpool’s Christmas Market is a must-see.
@liverpoolchristmasmkt
Christmas Family Fun
Liverpool transforms into a festive playground each holiday season, offering plenty of family-friendly activities. Beyond the dazzling Christmas lights in the city centre, families can explore a wide array of attractions that make the holidays special for visitors of all ages.
Liverpool ONE is a top destination for family holiday fun, with Santa’s Grotto, Ice events and plenty of shopping. The city’s winter wonderland atmosphere, complete with roaming carolers and street performers, adds to the magic, creating memories for families spending Christmas in Liverpool.
5. London
We’re sure you’re not surprised to see London on the list of the UK’s top festive cities. From world-famous light displays and iconic shopping destinations to immersive winter experiences, London brings festive magic to life for locals and visitors alike. Take a look at what makes London a must-visit city for Christmas cheer.
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland
London’s Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is one of the city's most beloved Christmas events. With a variety of rides, refreshments and entertainment, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy the thrill of the Ferris wheel, glide across the ice rink under twinkling Christmas lights, or explore charming market stalls of seasonal treats and unique gifts. For families, Santa’s Grotto adds an extra layer of magic, giving children an unforgettable holiday experience. Head to Hyde Park as a great choice for a festive family day out or a great location for that special winter date.
Festive Theatre
No Christmas in London would be complete without a trip to the West End, London’s vibrant theatre district. Discover the family favourite Christmas pantomimes or a festive-themed show. With productions for all ages, the theatre scene adds a cultural twist to the holiday season, drawing audiences into classic tales and seasonal performances. With great restaurants nearby, and plenty of decorations to look at, London’s West End can give you a festive night you’ll never forget.
Get Cosy in Covent Garden
When talking about Christmas in London, you absolutely can’t forget Covent Garden, where holiday lights and bustling energy set the perfect atmosphere for a cosy meal. With countless restaurants and cafés offering seasonal menus, you’ll find the ideal spot to unwind and soak up the holiday spirit.
Whether it's the festive lights, immersive winter activities, or world-class shopping, London’s Christmas offerings make it one of the best holiday destinations in the UK. Experience the magic of the season, capture unforgettable moments, and make this Christmas in London unforgettable.
4. Birmingham
Birmingham’s vibrant Christmas spirit ranks it amongst the UK’s top festive destinations. The UK’s second largest city is a pro at bringing seasonal cheer to visitors and locals. Whether you’re looking for a festive shopping spree or traditional Christmas Cheer, read on for a taste of what Birmingham has to offer.
Birmingham Christmas Market
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market, one of the largest German Christmas markets outside Germany, is an essential holiday stop for visitors and locals alike. With rows of traditional wooden stalls filling Victoria Square and New Street, the market offers everything from handcrafted gifts to delicious treats like bratwurst, pretzels, and mulled wine. It’s the ideal place to find unique presents while enjoying a warm, festive ambiance.
Seasonal Shopping
Checkout Birmingham’s Bullring & Grand Central for unmissable seasonal shopping. This shopping hub is adorned with seasonal decorations and offers a variety of stores for all your Christmas gift needs. Discover a mix of high-street favourites, designer brands, and specialty stores, perfect for finding presents for everyone on your list. The nearby Mailbox shopping centre also joins in the holiday spirit, offering festive displays and luxury shopping experiences.
3. Bath
In third place on the UK’s Top festive cities list sits the historic City of Bath. Bath, with its rich history and Georgian architecture, transforms into a charming winter wonderland during the holiday season, making it one of the UK’s top festive cities. Known for its elegant Christmas market, twinkling lights, and unique seasonal events, Bath offers a picturesque setting for a truly magical holiday experience.
The Bath Christmas Market
Bath’s award-winning Christmas market is a must-see attraction, featuring over 150 chalets lining the historic streets near Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths. This festive market offers an array of handmade gifts, artisanal crafts, and locally produced treats, making it an ideal destination for holiday shopping. From handcrafted jewellery to locally distilled gins and holiday-themed decorations, Bath’s Christmas market supports local artisans and offers visitors one-of-a-kind finds.
Bath Abbey
Experience the magic of Christmas through music with carol services at Bath Abbey. These events fill the historic Abbey with festive melodies, creating an atmosphere of warmth and cheer. Bath’s carol services are a beloved holiday tradition, bringing the community together to celebrate the season in a setting rich with history and beauty. Bath is also home to a number of historic buildings, including the Roman Baths and visiting these in their Christmas decorations is a must-see for any visitor.
2. Manchester
In second place is the wonderful Manchester. Manchester’s dynamic atmosphere comes alive with holiday cheer each winter, making it one of the UK’s top cities to visit during the Christmas season. Known for its sprawling Christmas markets, brilliant festive lights, and array of seasonal attractions, Manchester is a must-see destination for anyone seeking holiday excitement and unique festive experiences.
Manchester’s Christmas Market
Manchester's famous Christmas markets draw visitors from all over the UK and beyond. With over 300 festive stalls spread across multiple city locations, including Albert Square, Piccadilly Gardens, and Cathedral Gardens, these markets offer a variety of holiday delights. From German-style bratwurst and mulled wine to artisan gifts and handmade crafts, Manchester’s Christmas markets are perfect for discovering unique presents while enjoying delicious seasonal treats.
Festive Shopping in the Heart of Manchester
From high-end shops on King Street to vintage boutiques in the Northern Quarter, Manchester offers an excellent shopping experience for those in search of holiday gifts. Iconic department stores such as Selfridges and Harvey Nichols, along with the Arndale Centre, make Manchester a prime destination for Christmas shopping.
1. Edinburgh
And in first place we head to Edinburgh, which has officially topped our list of the UK’s top festive cities. Edinburgh is a stunning destination any time of year, but its festive season is particularly enchanting. Known for its dramatic skyline, medieval charm, and vibrant holiday celebrations, Edinburgh transforms into a magical winter wonderland, attracting visitors from all over the world. Whether you’re interested in exploring traditional Christmas markets, gliding across ice rinks, or soaking in festive lights, Edinburgh offers an array of holiday experiences for every visitor.
Festive Music
Edinburgh’s thriving arts scene shines during the holiday season with traditional carol concerts, classical music performances, and Christmas shows at iconic venues like the Usher Hall and St Giles’ Cathedral. From classic carols to festive concerts, there’s plenty of holiday music to lift your spirits and get you into the Christmas mood.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Discover Edinburgh’s Christmas Market at Princes Street Gardens. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, explore the rows of artisan stalls, festive treats and seasonal entertainment to get you into the holiday spirit.
Enjoy Scotland
Edinburgh’s historic charm, combined with its rich holiday traditions, makes it one of the UK’s top festive cities. For the ultimate Christmas experience, join the world-famous Hogmanay celebrations on New Year’s Eve. With street parties, live music and a spectacular fireworks display, plan your visit to Edinburgh this holiday season and immerse yourself in a Christmas experience that combines timeless tradition with festive excitement.
Taking the train to Festive City Breaks
This winter, let London Northwestern Railway take you to the festive hotspots like London, Liverpool, and Birmingham. Travelling by train has never been easier or more budget-friendly, thanks to our cheapest advance tickets, convenient off-peak travel options, and GroupSave discounts for you and your friends.
So, skip the stress of driving and parking and spend more time soaking up the holiday magic. Plan your festive getaway today and explore the incredible Christmas events the UK has to offer!
