Top Christmas UK festivals: A Winter Wonderland Guide

When the days are getting shorter and the air is getting chilly, the UK becomes a winter wonderland. If you are intending to feel the Christmas spirit in Britain, then you are in for a lot of surprises! Now let us unmask the Best UK festivals and events that make the UK one of the best places to be during the yuletide season.

1. Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London

Starting off our UK festivals list is none other than the biggest Christmas Markets in the London. Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is one of the most popular festivals that offer the feeling of the British Christmas. This massive event features:

• A large Christmas market with more than 100 stalls made of wood.

• Ice skating rink

• Circus shows

• A giant observation wheel

• There are numerous food and drinks stalls.

Pro tip: You can purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid long lines especially when visiting attractions such as the ice rink.

2. Edinburgh's Hogmanay

Although technically a New Year’s event, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is so grand that it should be on any list of Christmas festivals. This three-day extravaganza is one of the most important festivals of UK winter season, featuring:

• Procession with torches through the city

• A huge celebration on the New Year’s Eve on the streets

• Fireworks over Edinburgh Castle

• The ‘Loony Dook’ – a New Year’s Day swim in the ice-cold Forth River

Please note that this is in line with UK public holidays, thus accommodation should be booked in advance.

3. Bath Christmas Market

Located in the city of Bath, the Bath Christmas Market is one of the most beautiful Christmas events in the United Kingdom due to the Georgian architecture of the city. With over 150 twinkling chalets spread out across the city center, you'll find:

• Products made by local craftsmen

• Tasty local cuisine and beverages

• Caroling and buskers

• A festive ice rink

Do not leave Bath without visiting the Bath Abbey illuminated for the festive season.

4. Nottingham Winter Wonderland

Nottingham puts on a spectacular show with its Winter Wonderland, featuring:

• It is one of the biggest ice skating rinks in the United Kingdom.

• A traditional Christmas market in Germany

• An Ice Bar for the adults

• A 60ft Christmas tree

• Rides that are all over the place for the children

5. Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is often considered one of the best in Europe and definitely deserves a visit. Set in the Inner Close of Winchester Cathedral, it features:

• More than 100 chalets with homemade products and sweets

• An open-air ice rink

• Beautiful shots of the lit up cathedral

6. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market

Birmingham has the largest authentic German market outside Germany and Austria. This festival brings a slice of continental Christmas to the heart of the UK with:

• The German cuisine and beverages

• Handmade toys, decorations and gifts

• Live music and carol singers

• A big wheel and ice rink in the vicinity

7. Longleat Festival of Light

If you want to go somewhere that is completely different to anywhere else, then the Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire has a Festival of Light. This event combines:

• Lantern displays in China

• A safari park drive through adventure

• Christmas food market

• Santa train

• It is a perfect combination of wild animals and Christmas mood!

8. Cardiff Christmas Market

Wales joins the festive cheer with Cardiff’s Christmas Market. Spread throughout the city center, you'll find:

• Local Welsh crafts and gifts

• Traditional food and drink

• Santa's Grotto

• A festive funfair

9. Belfast Christmas Market

The Belfast City Hall hosts a great Christmas Market in Northern Ireland’s capital. Highlights include:

• Continental food from over 30 countries

• Local arts and crafts

• Santa's Grotto

• A vintage Helter Skelter ride

10. Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market

Completing our UK festivals list is the lovely Christmas Market at Exeter Cathedral. This intimate market offers:

• Devon local food and gifts

• Stunning views of the lit up cathedral

• Christmas carol services that are held in the cathedral

• A warm, community atmosphere

How to Plan Your UK Christmas Festival Trip

Are you ready to feel these magical UK festivals? Here are some tips to make your festive trip smooth and merry:

• UK Visit Visa: If you are planning to visit the UK from another country, make sure you have read the UK visit visa requirements before you travel. It is the festive season, therefore, apply early!

• Timing: Majority of the Christmas markets and festivals are held from late November to late December or early January. Some such as Winter Wonderland in London can operate until mid January.

• Weather: The winters in Britain are generally cold and wet. Carry warm and waterproof clothing as well as comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets.

• Accommodation: Book early! During the festive season, hotel bookings are quickly taken, especially in busy cities such as London and Edinburgh.

• Transport: It is advisable to take public transport, particularly in urban areas. A large number of Christmas markets are located in areas that are closed for cars and where parking is scarce.

• Budget: Most of the markets are open to the public, however, it is advisable to have cash for food, drinks and souvenirs. Some of the attractions within the festivals, for instance, ice rinks may be charged separately.

From the lights of the city of London during the winter to the cute little cabins of Bath Christmas market, the UK has something special for the Christmas lovers. All these events depict different aspects of British Christmas celebrations, with a local flavor augmented by international appeal.

Therefore, whether you are enjoying mulled wine in Birmingham or ice-skating in Nottingham or watching fireworks over Edinburgh Castle, you are guaranteed to make some wonderful memories at these great UK Christmas festivals. Merry Christmas and happy new year and have fun in your snowy wonderland trip!