The UK is one of the best places to spend the festive season. With brisk weather and plenty of traditions, you’ll never be short on ways to spend the Christmas break.
In this article, we’ll explore just nine British Christmas traditions you may want to try this year, from getting away for family Xmas breaks UK to preparing the perfect Christmas dinner at home.
Read on to find out more.
- Festive staycations
In recent years, festive staycations have become increasingly popular for families celebrating Christmas in the UK. Many Britons opt to spend their Christmas holidays exploring the charming corners of their own country, exploring sandy beaches and snow-capped mountains over the occasional pressures of spending Christmas at home.
Popular destinations include seaside retreats in Cornwall or cosy cottages in the Scottish Highlands. These festive staycations often involve enjoying local Christmas markets with your loved ones, winter walks and themed holiday park crafts, allowing you to create new traditions with your family while exploring different regions of the UK.
- Christmas markets
Christmas markets have become a beloved tradition in many UK cities over the years. Inspired by continental European markets, they often feature wooden chalets selling handmade crafts, seasonal food, and mulled wine—the ideal place to find that perfect gift.
- Pantomimes
An unmissable British Christmas tradition is a trip to the pantomime. These theatrical productions, often based on fairy tales, feature slapstick comedy, audience participation, and fantastic dancing. Enjoyed by families across the country, ‘pantos’ are a staple of the festive season for all ages to enjoy.
- Christmas dinner
This one goes without saying, the centrepiece of British Christmas celebrations is undoubtedly the Christmas dinner. Traditionally served on December 25th, it typically features a roast turkey with all the trimmings, including stuffing, roast potatoes, sprouts, pigs in blankets, and, not forgetting the all-important gravy! The meal is often finished with Christmas pudding which is ceremoniously doused in brandy and set alight before serving.
- Boxing day
December 26th, known as Boxing Day, is also a public holiday in the UK. Traditionally a day for giving gifts to servants and tradespeople, Boxing Day has evolved into a day for relaxation, watching sports, and shopping in the post-Christmas sales. Many families use this day to visit relatives or enjoy the local area.
- Carol singing
Carol singing, or carolling, is a cherished tradition in many communities. You might find groups going door-to-door singing Christmas songs, sometimes collecting money for charity or just simply spreading joy. Some carols are sung to celebrate the lighting of town Christmas trees, and many churches and cathedrals also host candlelit carol services.
- Christmas crackers
No British Christmas table is complete without Christmas crackers. These festive novelties are pulled apart with a pop, revealing small toys, paper crowns and jokes or brain teasers. Wearing the paper crowns throughout Christmas dinner is part of the tradition in many households.
- The King’s speech
Although this tradition has now changed, for decades, families across the UK would gather around their televisions at 3pm on Christmas Day to watch the Queen’s Christmas message. Now, with King Charles III on the throne, the tradition continues with the King’s Christmas message, offering a moment of national unity and reflection.
- Mince pies and mulled wine
Throughout the festive season, Brits are known to enjoy traditional treats like mince pies and mulled wine.
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From festive staycations to traditional food and drink, the holiday season in Britain is a time of warmth, togetherness, and joyful festivities, however you choose to spend it.
