London Joins Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, and More in Skyrocketing Tourism Growth in UK as Top Ten Christmas Travel Destinations for 2025: Here’s the Ultimate Guide to the UK’s Most Magical Christmas Getaways

Published on December 4, 2025

Looking to make your Christmas extra special in 2025? Get ready to experience the magic of the season as London joins Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, and more as the UK’s top Christmas travel destinations. These cities are seeing a huge boom in tourism, and it’s easy to see why—picture yourself wandering through twinkling Christmas markets, marveling at dazzling light displays, and immersing yourself in unforgettable festive events. Whether it’s the iconic Winter Wonderland in London or the lively Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh, the UK offers something for everyone this holiday season. This guide will help you find the best spots, ensuring you don’t miss out on the most magical Christmas getaways of 2025.

1. London – A Global Christmas Hub

London is the UK’s leading Christmas destination, attracting over 20 million international visitors annually (2023). The city’s iconic Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park is a must-see, featuring the UK’s largest ice rink, thrilling rides, festive stalls, and live entertainment. Other top attractions include the dazzling Christmas Lights Trails at Kew Gardens and Kenwood House, as well as the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree.

Budget Accommodation: For affordable options, Hostal Londres offers rates starting from £35 per night, providing great value for travelers looking to stay in the heart of London’s Christmas festivities.

Quick Tips for London:

• Use public transport: London’s extensive underground and bus network makes getting around quick and easy, especially during busy festive times.
• Book tickets in advance: Many Christmas events in London sell out quickly, so it’s best to purchase tickets for attractions like Winter Wonderland ahead of time.
• Explore free events: Many Christmas lights and outdoor events, like the Southbank Winter Market, are free to enjoy.

2. Edinburgh – Scotland’s Magical Christmas

Edinburgh is known for its enchanting Christmas celebrations, drawing approximately 2.6 million international overnight visitors (2024 estimate). The Christmas Market at East Princes Street Gardens is a highlight, along with the beautiful Light Night Illumination event. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations, including the Torchlight Procession, offer a truly memorable way to ring in the New Year.

Budget Accommodation: For an affordable stay, Just Sleep Hostel LTD offers great deals starting from £45 per night, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Quick Tips for Edinburgh:

• Book early for Hogmanay: Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations are incredibly popular, so early booking is essential for both events and accommodation.
• Explore on foot: Edinburgh is a compact city, and walking is the best way to take in the festive atmosphere, especially around the Royal Mile and Princes Street Gardens.
• Free attractions: Edinburgh offers several free museums and galleries, which are great to explore in between Christmas events.

3. Manchester – A Christmas Shopping Destination

Manchester, with 45.5 million annual visitors (2022), is known for its massive Christmas Markets, which are some of the largest in the UK. Visitors can explore more than 300 stalls selling festive treats, gifts, and seasonal food. The city also offers ice skating rinks and festive theater performances throughout the holiday season.

Budget Accommodation: Queens Guest House, with rooms starting at £55 per night, is a highly-rated, budget-friendly option close to the Christmas markets and city center.

Quick Tips for Manchester:

• Use trams and buses: The city has an excellent public transport network, and using trams is often the fastest way to get around.
• Check out the Northern Quarter: For unique and indie Christmas gifts, head to Manchester’s Northern Quarter for independent stores and quirky markets.
• Don’t miss the light displays: The city is known for its Christmas lights along Albert Square and the famous Spinningfields Ice Rink.

4. Birmingham – A German Christmas in the Heart of the UK

Birmingham attracts 45.5 million total visitors annually (2022) and is home to the Frankfurt Christmas Market, the largest authentic German Christmas market outside Germany and Austria. The market offers a wide range of traditional German foods, drinks, and gifts. Additionally, the Christmas Craft Market in Birmingham’s city center adds a creative touch to the festivities.

Budget Accommodation: For affordable stays, look for hotels in less tourist-heavy areas, with rates starting from £50 per night.

Quick Tips for Birmingham:

• Visit early to avoid crowds: Birmingham’s Christmas markets are extremely popular, so arriving early can help you avoid the busiest times.
• Use the Birmingham Walking Tours App: For a self-guided exploration of the city’s festive lights and attractions.
• Take a festive cruise: Birmingham’s canals are a scenic way to view the city’s Christmas lights and enjoy a peaceful ride during the holiday season.

5. Glasgow – Scotland’s Festive Gem

Glasgow is another fantastic Scottish city for Christmas, with 1 million overseas overnight visits (pre-pandemic). The city features a charming Christmas Market at St Enoch Square, along with the stunning Christmas lights along George Square. Glasgow also offers plenty of festive shopping opportunities and cultural performances throughout the holiday season.

Budget Accommodation: Budget-chain hotels and hostels in Glasgow start from £40 per night, offering affordable stays with easy access to the city’s Christmas events.

Quick Tips for Glasgow:

• Visit George Square: Glasgow’s main square is the heart of the city’s Christmas celebrations, with a stunning light display and ice skating rink.
• Explore local festive food: Glasgow has fantastic Christmas food stalls, offering everything from mulled wine to Scottish specialties like haggis.
• Check out the free exhibitions: Many of Glasgow’s museums and galleries host free Christmas-themed exhibitions.

6. Liverpool – Christmas Cheer by the Mersey

Liverpool’s tourism soared to 4.4 million visitors in 2023, thanks to major events like Eurovision. During Christmas, the city hosts the Christmas Market at St George’s Plateau and the Ice Festival at Pier Head, with plenty of festive activities and cultural performances.

Budget Accommodation: Independent guesthouses and hostels offer rates starting from £45 per night, providing great value near the city’s festive attractions.

Quick Tips for Liverpool:

• Explore the waterfront: Liverpool’s Mersey River is a stunning place to explore during the Christmas season, with light displays and holiday events by the water.
• Don’t miss the Beatles Story Museum: A perfect indoor activity for a rainy day, offering insight into Liverpool’s musical history, especially during the quieter Christmas months.

7. Bath – A Regency Christmas Retreat

Bath’s stunning Georgian architecture makes it one of the most picturesque destinations in the UK during Christmas. The Bath Christmas Market, set against this beautiful backdrop, is a must-see, with festive lights and carol services at Bath Abbey.

Budget Accommodation: Premier Inn near Bath Spa or Oldfield Park train stations offers rooms starting at £60 per night for budget travelers.

Quick Tips for Bath:

• Book early for Christmas Market tickets: Bath’s Christmas Market is popular, and early booking for tickets and accommodations is essential.
• Take a relaxing dip: Bath’s historic Roman Baths offer a relaxing, festive activity if you’re looking for something unique to do during your visit.

8. York – A Historic Christmas Wonderland

York is a city steeped in history and offers a charming Christmas experience, including the St Nicholas Fair, with illuminated city walls and the annual Festive Fiesta. The city’s medieval charm is enhanced during Christmas, with festive food and drink stalls.

Budget Accommodation: Safestay York, offering rates from £35 per night, is an affordable option near York’s city center.

Quick Tips for York:

• Take a walking tour: York is a beautiful city to explore by foot, especially its Shambles Market and historical streets.
• Visit the Christmas maze: York’s festive maze at the York Maze is a fun family-friendly attraction to check out.

9. Cardiff – A Welsh Winter Wonderland

Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland at Cardiff Castle, featuring an ice rink and Christmas Market in the city center, is a major draw during the holiday season. The Welsh capital is known for its festive cheer and charming atmosphere.

Budget Accommodation: Rooms in Cardiff start at £50 per night, offering affordable stays close to major Christmas attractions.

Quick Tips for Cardiff:

• Explore the Castle: Cardiff Castle is at the heart of the city’s Christmas festivities, with beautiful lights and an ice rink.
• Visit Cardiff Bay: For a scenic stroll, head to Cardiff Bay, where you can enjoy Christmas lights and events by the water.

10. Blenheim Palace – A Fairytale Christmas

Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire offers an enchanting Christmas experience, including the Illuminated Christmas Lights Trail and a festive Christmas Market in the Great Court.

Budget Accommodation: Stay in nearby towns like Woodstock or Oxford, with rooms starting at £55 per night.

Quick Tips for Blenheim Palace:

• Book tickets in advance: As Blenheim Palace is a popular destination, especially during Christmas, ensure you book your tickets ahead of time.
• Take a scenic walk around Woodstock: Woodstock, a charming town near Blenheim Palace, offers beautiful walks and Christmas markets to explore.

Conclusion

From the bustling Christmas markets in London and Manchester to the historic charm of Bath and York, the UK offers something special for every traveler during the holiday season. Whether you are visiting for business or leisure, the UK’s top Christmas destinations provide unforgettable festive experiences, with plenty of budget-friendly accommodation options available. Make this Christmas memorable by visiting these enchanting locations, and be sure to plan ahead to secure the best deals.

Additional Tips for Budget Travelers:

• Book early to secure the best rates during the festive season.
• Use public transport or look for accommodations outside the city center to save on costs.
• Check for local discounts on Christmas events or multi-attraction passes.
• Stay flexible with your travel dates to take advantage of off-peak pricing during the Christmas period.

Disclaimer: The Attached Images in This Article are AI Generated