London Joins Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Newcastle and More To Skyrocket Tourism In UK as Top Christmas Travel Destinations for 2025, Here Is Your Ultimate Guide to Holiday Magic

Published on December 5, 2025

As the festive season of 2025 draws near, the UK is preparing for a massive surge in tourism, with cities like London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Newcastle emerging as top destinations for Christmas travelers. The appeal of these cities is skyrocketing, thanks to their magical winter wonderlands, charming Christmas markets, and unforgettable seasonal events. For both tourists and business travelers, these cities are gearing up to offer a festive experience that combines both tradition and modern holiday spirit.

Top Christmas Travel Cities in the UK for 2025

Every year, cities across the UK showcase their festive best, offering a wealth of activities from Christmas markets to winter festivals. As the country anticipates a strong recovery in tourism, with millions expected to visit for 2025’s holiday season, London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Newcastle are leading the way as must-visit destinations.

London

London remains the UK’s top Christmas destination due to its world-famous Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, the Oxford Street Christmas lights, and the stunning Southbank Centre Winter Festival. Visitors flock to see the West End Christmas shows and enjoy traditional Christmas markets at Southbank and Leadenhall Market. For business travelers, London is an ideal location for networking events and conferences, but visitors should expect crowded streets, especially near popular attractions.

Quick Tips for London Visitors:

• Book early: Hotels and attractions in central London can get fully booked. Secure your accommodation and tickets for attractions like the London Eye and Tower of London in advance.
• Dress warmly: London can be chilly in winter, so pack warm clothing and waterproof shoes, especially if you’re planning to walk around the winter markets or along the Thames.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh, with its medieval charm, is another top Christmas city in the UK. The Edinburgh Christmas Market draws crowds with its carousel rides, food stalls, and festive shopping. The Royal Mile becomes even more magical with twinkling lights and Christmas performances. The iconic Edinburgh Castle offers a picturesque backdrop for the Christmas festivities. For those planning business trips, the city provides a mix of cultural events and conference spaces, although winter weather may cause occasional delays.

Quick Tips for Edinburgh Visitors:

• Bundle up: Edinburgh’s winter temperatures can be quite cold, especially near the Castle. Wear layers, a thick coat, gloves, and a hat.
• Plan for short daylight: As days are shorter, try to visit outdoor markets and landmarks earlier in the day to make the most of the daylight.

Manchester

Manchester is known for its Christmas markets, offering a mix of German-inspired stalls, live music, and plenty of festive food. It is also home to ice skating rinks and Christmas light displays that light up Albert Square. Business travelers will find a wealth of networking opportunities in the city’s bustling cultural scene, but the influx of tourists means crowded streets and long queues at top attractions.

Quick Tips for Manchester Visitors:

• Don’t miss the markets: The Manchester Christmas Markets are among the best in the country. Make sure to visit the Albert Square market for festive treats.
• Check transportation: The high volume of visitors can make public transport busy, so plan for extra travel time, especially around Deansgate and Market Street.

Birmingham

Birmingham is famous for hosting the largest German Christmas market outside Germany, where visitors can enjoy mulled wine, bratwurst, and traditional German handicrafts. The city’s Broad Street and Victoria Square are illuminated with festive lights, offering a charming winter escape. For business travelers, Birmingham provides a central location for events, but heavy crowds can lead to delays, particularly in popular areas.

Quick Tips for Birmingham Visitors:

• Enjoy the food: The Birmingham German Market offers a variety of festive treats – don’t miss out on the famous bratwurst and mulled wine.
• Use public transport: Birmingham’s markets can make the streets quite crowded, so using public transport or walking is advised to avoid traffic jams.

Glasgow

Glasgow has transformed into one of the UK’s most festive cities, with Glasgow Christmas Markets offering artisan food, winter treats, and unique gifts. George Square is home to an iconic ice rink and a Christmas tree, while festive lights illuminate Buchanan Street. For those traveling for business, Glasgow’s modern facilities and accessible transport links make it a convenient choice, though travelers should be ready for delays around major events.

Quick Tips for Glasgow Visitors:

• Check events early: Glasgow has many events during the Christmas season, so make sure to check the calendar in advance to plan your activities.
• Bring an umbrella: Glasgow can be rainy during the winter, so packing waterproof clothing is essential to stay dry while exploring.

Newcastle and Liverpool — Key Christmas / Year‑Round Destinations

Newcastle upon Tyne

Recent regional tourism statistics show strong and growing visitor numbers:

Additional context:

• The tourism & hospitality sector around Newcastle contributes significantly to the regional economy — the wider North‑East region’s visitor economy is estimated at ~£5.4 billion.
• Improving accommodation infrastructure (new high‑end hotels on Quayside) is helping attract longer stays and higher‑value travellers.

Implications for Christmas travel: Given the upward trend in overnight stays, Newcastle is a strong contender for festive‑season visits — especially for travellers who want a mix of urban vibe, nightlife, and access to northern England’s scenic countryside for short trips.

Liverpool

As one of the UK’s major cultural and event cities, Liverpool has seen a notable rebound in tourism in recent years.

Additional context:

• Tourism supports tens of thousands of jobs in the region (58,000+), underscoring Liverpool’s status as a major hub for music, culture, heritage and events.
• Visitor economy data suggests steadily increasing overnight stays and rising spend per visitor — a healthy sign for holiday‑season tourism.

Implications for Christmas travel: For travellers during the festive season, Liverpool offers a strong mix of cultural attractions, live music, nightlife, heritage architecture, and good transport links — making it a compelling alternative or complement to London, Edinburgh or Manchester.

Impact on Business and Leisure Travel

For business travelers, cities like London and Manchester offer a vibrant mix of events, networking opportunities, and business conferences alongside Christmas festivities. However, the influx of tourists can lead to busy airports, crowded streets, and possible delays.

Leisure travelers can expect an enchanting atmosphere, but should plan for longer wait times at popular attractions, public transport, and hotels during peak Christmas hours.

Key Takeaways

• London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Newcastle are leading as Christmas travel destinations for 2025.
• Cities are expected to see a significant increase in tourist arrivals due to Christmas events, markets, and festive activities.
• Visitors should prepare for crowds, long wait times, and winter conditions by booking early, dressing warmly, and planning extra travel time.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated