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Christmas in the UK: 20 Travel Tips for a Magical Festive Break
The UK is a magical place at Christmas, from sparkling lights along London's West End to quaint markets in picturesque Cornish towns. At Away Resorts, we host thousands of guests across our UK parks every festive season — so we know a thing or two about making Christmas travel stress-free and special. Here are our 20 tips to help you make the most of your holiday.
Book Early
Christmas is peak time, so book your accommodations and train tickets early. Prices go up as the holiday approaches, and availability can be limited. At Away Resorts, loads of our parks are open for Christmas, with plenty of fun events for you to enjoy. Now is the perfect time to book your festive break!
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Dress for the Weather
The UK can be chilly and wet in December. Pack warm, waterproof clothing, including a good coat, hat, scarf, gloves, and sturdy boots. Layers are key for keeping comfortable.
Explore Christmas Markets
UK Christmas markets are an experience in themselves. Visit the markets in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, or Bath, where you’ll find handcrafted gifts, mulled wine, festive treats and so much more!
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Plan Around Public Transport
Public transport runs a reduced service around Christmas and is often limited on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Ensure you know train, bus, and tube schedules to avoid being stranded.
Enjoy Christmas Lights and Displays
Cities like London, Edinburgh, Manchester and York go all out with festive lights. Oxford Street, Covent Garden, and Regent Street are famous for their displays, while Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and Manchester’s Albert Square are equally magical.
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Book Festive Experiences in Advance
From ice skating at Somerset House to tours of historic castles with holiday décor, festive events sell out quickly. Book any special activities in advance to secure your spot. You can book the Forest of Light and Winterfest events at Away Resorts!
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Stay in Smaller Towns
While cities are bustling with festive cheer, smaller towns like Padstow, York, and St Ives offer a more traditional Christmas feel, complete with carollers, small local markets, and cosy pubs.
Be Prepared for Shorter Days
In December, the UK has short daylight hours — sunset falls as early as 3:40 p.m. in Scotland and around 4:15 p.m. in the south of England near the winter solstice. Plan sightseeing activities earlier in the day to make the most of natural light.
Take Advantage of Boxing Day Sales
Boxing Day (December 26) is a huge shopping day in the UK. Major retailers offer significant discounts, so if you plan to shop, this is an excellent opportunity for bargains.
Try British Christmas Treats
Treat yourself to mince pies, Christmas pudding, mulled wine, and roasted chestnuts. You can find these seasonal delights at markets, cafes, supermarkets and even at Away Resorts.
Check for National Trust Holiday Events
The National Trust decorates its historic properties for Christmas and often hosts events like candlelit tours and carolling. Check their website for event details and bookings.
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Plan for Crowds
Popular spots like Winter Wonderland in London’s Hyde Park can get crowded. Visit during weekdays or early in the day to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
Know the Best Times to Travel
Christmas is one of the busiest periods on UK roads. According to the RAC's annual Christmas travel data, the heaviest congestion typically falls on the afternoon of 23 December and Christmas Eve, with peak traffic between 3–5 p.m. To avoid the worst of it, travel earlier in the day or after 7 p.m. On Christmas Day itself, roads are quietest before 10 a.m. and after 7 p.m. Check the latest advice at rac.co.uk before you travel.
To avoid peak congestion, plan your journey for earlier in the day or, if an evening drive suits you, between 7-8 p.m. when traffic is typically lighter.
For those travelling on Christmas Day, the best times to avoid traffic are 8-10 a.m., before 2 p.m., or after 7 p.m.
Leave Early
Christmas is the second busiest travel season after summer, so it’s wise to start your journey early and allow extra time for any unforeseen delays. Roads are often more congested, so expect longer travel times than usual. Since Christmas falls during winter, poor weather conditions like snow, ice, rain, or storms may impact your journey.
If driving in icy conditions, proceed cautiously and only when necessary. Also, keep an emergency car kit on hand in case of breakdowns or other issues.
Book Afternoon Tea for a Festive Twist
Many hotels and cafes offer a Christmas-themed afternoon tea with holiday pastries and seasonal teas. The Ritz, Claridge's, and Bettys Café Tea Rooms in York are known for their festive teas. At Kenwick Park, we also have a special Christmas afternoon tea for you to enjoy.
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Explore Christmas Carols and Concerts
Enjoy traditional Christmas carols or classical concerts at iconic venues like the Royal Albert Hall, St. Martin-in-the-Fields, or Edinburgh’s Usher Hall. Tickets may sell out, so book in advance.
Plan in Advance
As with any travel plans, organising your trip in advance is best. With the extra holiday pressures—like ordering the turkey or remembering the name of that pricey perfume your partner mentioned—it’s easy to overlook travel essentials. To avoid this, create a packing list a few weeks ahead and try not to leave packing until the last minute.
Try Christmas Lunch in a Pub
Experience a cosy, traditional British Christmas lunch in a pub. Many pubs offer special Christmas menus featuring roast turkey, stuffing, and other festive dishes. Book ahead, as pubs fill up quickly on Christmas Day. Many of our restaurants at our parks also offer a delicious Christmas lunch.
Shop Local for Unique Gifts
Christmas markets and independent shops offer unique British-made gifts, from handmade crafts to gourmet treats. They’re a great way to find unique presents and support local artisans.
Bring an Umbrella (and Patience)
December weather in the UK can be unpredictable, with frequent rain showers. Carry a sturdy umbrella, and be prepared for sudden changes in weather. Embrace the festive hustle and enjoy the cosy indoors when the rain hits.
Travelling to the UK during Christmas can be a wonderfully festive experience if planned well. From magical lights and Christmas markets to traditional holiday meals and serene countryside scenes, the UK offers a holiday season that is both vibrant and cosy.
Frequently asked questions about Christmas in the UK
When is the best time to visit the UK at Christmas?
Mid-December is ideal — festive markets, lights, and events are in full swing, but it's slightly less crowded than the final week before Christmas. If you're travelling over Christmas itself, aim to arrive by 22 December to avoid peak travel congestion on 23–24 December.
What should I pack for a Christmas trip to the UK?
Warm, waterproof layers are essential. Pack a good winter coat, hat, scarf, gloves, and sturdy waterproof boots. December weather across the UK is cold, wet, and unpredictable, so a compact umbrella is a must. If you're heading to Scotland or the north of England, be prepared for the possibility of snow and ice.
Are UK Christmas markets worth visiting?
Absolutely. The UK has some of Europe's most charming Christmas markets. Highlights include Manchester's Victorian-style market, Edinburgh's market on Princes Street, Bath's market in the shadow of the Roman Baths, and London's many festive markets across the city. Most run from mid-November through to Christmas Eve.
Is public transport reliable over Christmas in the UK?
Public transport runs a significantly reduced service over Christmas. Most trains, buses, and the London Underground run limited timetables on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and some services don't run at all. Always check National Rail and your local bus operator's website ahead of travel, and book train tickets as early as possible.
What are the best Christmas events in the UK?
There's no shortage of things to do. Top picks include Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, ice skating at Somerset House, candlelit tours at National Trust properties, carol concerts at the Royal Albert Hall and St Martin-in-the-Fields, and pantomimes at theatres nationwide. Away Resorts also hosts Winterfest and Forest of Light events across several of our parks.
Can I visit Away Resorts parks at Christmas?
Yes — many of our parks are open over the festive period and offer special Christmas events, activities, and dining. From Winterfest celebrations to Christmas afternoon tea at Kenwick Park, there's plenty to enjoy. Browse our festive breaks to find availability at your nearest park.
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Kate Watts
Kate has been part of Away Resorts for many years, beginning her journey as a Holiday Home Advisor at Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park. She’s passionate about sharing authentic experiences that show what makes Away Resorts so special, whether that’s alpaca walks, surfing on the FlowRider, or simply enjoying time together in beautiful locations. Outside of work, Kate loves spending time by the coast and countryside. Her favourite spots include the beaches at St Ives Bay, wandering around Padstow, and exploring the stunning New Forest countryside around Sandy Balls Holiday Village.
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