HEADING home for Christmas is an annual rite for many Brits and as Covid slowly recedes into the past (at least hopefully), many locals will be heading back to Blighty for some truly British festive fun.
But while it’s all well and good to enjoy family and friends and perhaps a pint or two down your favorite pub, don’t forget there is a wealth of seasonal attractions and events that are well worth fitting into your schedule.
Whether you are looking for a traditional British Christmas with a holiday-themed afternoon tea or want to explore the beautiful twinkling lights and iconic Christmas markets, Britain has endless activities for everyone.
Christmas Lights
Illuminating the crisp winter streets with lights each winter, these festive displays fill the air with Christmas cheer and can be switched on from as early as mid-November. Now a well-known tradition, twinkling fairy lights can be seen in countless parts of Britain, from the palatial corners of Regent Street in the capital to quaint towns such as Harrogate in Yorkshire. Electric bulbs were first used to add a touch of magic to the winter festivities in 1881, a year that saw the Savoy Theatre in London’s West End become the first building in the world to be entirely lit by electricity.
Panto!
From fairy lights on the streets to the limelight of the stage, pantomimes are a Christmas tradition enjoyed by family members both young and old. Who doesn’t love an extravagant retelling of classic tales such as Dick Whittington, Snow White and Seven Dwarves and Cinderella? Pantos are comedic, heart-warming shows which regularly call for audience participation, having you join in with the teasing of certain characters – with raucous ‘booing’ and ‘hissing’ sounds reverberating around local theatres.
The history of pantomimes dates back to the Middle Ages, where religious tales highlighting the triumph of good over evil were performed.
Trafalgar Square
One of London’s best-known festive traditions is the annual Christmas tree displayed in the heart of Trafalgar Square. First gifted to Britain from Norway in 1947, in thanks for the country’s support during the Second World War, the tree has become an annual tradition and sits proudly at the centre of the square bedecked in dazzling strings of fairy lights. Meanwhile, many families also choose to celebrate the holidays with their own ornately decorated Christmas tree, a custom first introduced to the people of Britain by Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, in 1800.
Christmas Markets
The Christmas Markets are one of Britain’s fondest traditions, perfect for holiday shopping and exploring some of the UK’s loveliest cities. Offering twinkling lights, mulled wine and more, the Christmas Markets provide the perfect holiday atmosphere and fabulous gifts for all ages.
Some of the best include:
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market
The largest authentic German Christmas Market outside of Germany or Austria brings show-stopping program of live music and carol singers and the German Spirit with traditional German goods, and personalized gifts.
In its 80+ stalls, not only will you find a fine range of traditional, personalized gifts but you’ll also get the chance to channel the German spirit while feasting on schnitzels, bratwursts, glühwein, and weissbeer. The market is conveniently located in Victoria Square, and comes complete with a show-stopping programme of live music and carol singers that’s set to bring the party atmosphere to festive shopping.
When? Thursday 3 November to Friday 23 December 2022.
Winter at Southbank Centre: The popular Winter Market at London’s Southbank Centre is a seasonal pleasure that sits alongside a range of family shows and festive fun as the banks of the River Thames are transformed into a winter wonderland.
The market is a seasonal pleasure that sits alongside a range of family shows and festive fun as the banks of the River Thames are usually transformed into a winter wonderland. Wander along the South Bank and you’ll discover strings of decorations and cute illuminated wooden cabins selling Christmas gifts, from the quirky to the traditional, as well as mince pies, spiced cider and steaming mugs of mulled wine and hot chocolate. Global cuisines are often available too, in the form of festive treats to gift or to eat there and then.
Cardiff Christmas Market: Welsh readers can shake off their World Cup disappointment by exploring the streets of Cardiff City Center while enjoying the festive spirit and picking up unique gifts for friends and family.
And for historic ambience meets winter style, you cannot do better than the Bath Christmas Market, where 150+ pop-up chalets usually set up on the city’s pretty Georgian streets. Marking its 20th anniversary year in 2022, you can expect a real treasure trove of gifts to take home, whether that’s jewellery, homewares, or decorations. 99% of all products were handmade in Britain or abroad with a Fair Trade certification. So, if you’re looking for an eco-savvy holiday shopping experience next year, this is the market for you.
