Best Christmas city breaks

From sparkling spa days with afternoon tea and Santa steam trains, to carol concerts in cathedrals and mulled-wine-fuelled Christmas markets – and of course not forgetting the traditional pantomime – the UK is bursting with things to do for those looking for some festive joy in November and December, and there is something to suit every budget, age and taste!

Following our previous Days Out by Rail guides which highlighted some of the most popular tourist attractions that could be reached within a twenty-minute walk of some of our station stops, we were eager to explore some of the nation’s favourite Christmas city breaks in 2024.

Alongside this, we’ve also quizzed UK adults about their love of Christmas and the festive tourist activities they love to do each year in the lead up the big day. Read on to find out more…

There’s no place like Christmas in London

After surveying 2,000 UK adults regarding their favourite towns and cities to visit in order to really immerse themselves in that “festive feeling” over the holiday season, London came out on top, with a fifth (19%) of those surveyed voting it their UK destination of choice when looking to feel their most festive.

Boasting everything from bustling winter markets and ice skating at the iconic Somerset House, to tours of a very snowy Hogwarts and a magical Christmas at Kew Gardens, with plenty to see and do in the big smoke to get you in the festive mood, it’s a naturally popular destination for domestic and foreign tourists alike.

Other popular places to visit ahead of the big day for a Christmas city break included Edinburgh (7%), Manchester (7%), York (6%) and Birmingham (6%).

Top 20 Festive Christmas city breaks:

1. London  
2. Edinburgh  
3. Manchester  
4. York  
5. Birmingham  
6. Liverpool  
7. Bath  
8. Leeds  
9. Bristol  
10. Newcastle  
11. Cardiff  
12. Glasgow  
13. Belfast  
14. Bradford  
15. Winchester  
16. Brighton  
17. Chester  
18. Lincoln  
19. Cambridge  

20. Nottingham  

     

Which city has the most Christmas fans?

Despite the UK capital topping the list of the nation’s favoured places to visit for feeling festive on home soil, it was actually Birmingham’s residents who claim to be the “biggest fans of Christmas”, stating their feelings towards the holiday season were an 8 out of 10 in terms of excitement.

Of course, not everyone will share in the love of, or celebrate Christmas and the festivities that come along with it, and so, the UK cities where people were found to be the least excited about the big day included Leeds, Manchester, and Norwich who deemed their levels of excitement towards the age-old holiday a much more modest 7.3 out of 10.

Brits’ favourite things to do on a Christmas city break

For those of us who are excited for the upcoming Christmas city breaks, what yuletide pastimes are topping the to-do lists of Brits throughout November and December…

Eat, drink, and be merry on a Christmas city break

Wandering around the festive markets was by far the top choice for UK adults when visiting cities and towns for a Christmas city break, with more than half the nation (55%) voting it a must-do seasonal activity.

UK adults revealed they’re also fans of visiting other towns and cities for a spot of Christmas shopping on their Christmas city breaks (45%), taking the time to slow down and enjoy all of the Christmas lights (37%), visiting with family and friends (30%), and of course booking into local establishments for festive food and drinks (23%), all of which topped the to do lists of UK day-trippers.  

Christmas city break activities

For those looking for inspiration ahead of any upcoming festive trip, we have pulled together some suggested activities, many of which can be reached via our train routes.

Christmas in London

Christmas markets in London

London’s Hyde Park plays host once again to the hugely popular Winter Wonderland, offering a variety of festive activities in the heart of the city. The renowned event takes place between November and January and has plenty to offer people of all ages. From ice skating and food stands, to live music, fairground rides, and a traditional German market, you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice. Keep in mind that booking in now essential, so ensure you do so in advance.

Hogwarts in the Snow

 Harry Potter fan? Well, look no further than the truly magical Hogwarts in the Snow experience. Each Christmas, the Warner Bros. tour gets that little bit more special when snow falls upon the famous school of witchcraft and wizardry. Visit between November 2024 and January 2025 to get a taste of Harry Potter magic with festive feasts and a sprinkling of snow, which this year extends to the Enchanted Forest.

Christmas lights at Kew Gardens 

From November 13th, right the way through until January 5th, Kew Gardens offers exciting after dark activities to get you in the Christmas spirit. Their magical winter trail truly lights up the sky, with illuminations, light shows, and more, once the botanical gardens have closed for the day. There are even independent street food vendors along the way, with plenty of festive treats on offer for those enjoying the dazzling light trail.

Christmas in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Christmas markets 

The East Princes Street Christmas markets return to the city of Edinburgh once again the festive season, promising bratwurst and mulled wine-a-plenty to keep you warm on those cold winter’s nights. Open between 10am - 10pm daily from the 17th November - 5th January, there are plenty of independent stalls fully stocked for a spot of Christmas shopping, with something for all the family!

Edinburgh Castle Christmas lights

A very special light installation is taking place at Edinburgh Castle this year, with spectacular light exhibits set up to help transport you off to a number of exciting places in the blink of an eye. The Castle of Light event can be explored on evenings between 22nd November - 4th January, but tickets must be booked in advance.

Christmas light nights at Edinburgh Zoo 

Another exciting festive event set to take place between November and January is the light trail at the infamous Edinburgh Zoo. Explore the zoo at night and follow the twinkling light trail set up around the attraction. For those visiting with children, Santa will be there in his grotto, ready and waiting to hear their Christmas wishes. Slots are limited so booking is essential. Book in advance.

Manchester at Christmas

Ice skating in Manchester

The gorgeous winter wonderland, Skate Manchester, is open from 8th November right the way through to January 2025, so there’s plenty of time for those looking to dust of their ice skates and show off their moves on the ice. Pre-booking is recommended.

Manchester Christmas market city breaks

 Live music, mulled wine, Christmas shopping, staged performances, and even a craft corner for the kids, Manchester's Christmas market is set to take place between the 9th November and  22nd December this year. The markets promise festive cheer both day and night, with a whole host of festive-themed activities, whether you’re visiting with friends, family, or even colleagues. 

York at Christmas

Thor’s Tipi 

Thor’s Tipi is back in York for winter 2024 but this time there are three locations set up in the city. Choose from either York’s central Parliament Street location and squeeze in festive food and drinks between a spot of Christmas shopping, head to Museum Gardens for a winter warmer or opt for The Milner Hotel Gardens tipi, located conveniently close to the station for those visiting the city by rail. Open between October - December, booking is advised.

St. Nicholas York Christmas market

York’s St. Nicholas Fair is a must-do for anyone planning a trip to the northern city for a Christmas city. Located centrally on busy Parliament Street, the fair boasts independent stalls offering arts, crafts, and other unique gift ideas, as well as a plethora of food and drink stands to get your energy levels back up for an afternoon of festive shopping.

York Minster Christmas events

For those looking for a more traditional Christmas event, look no further than York Minster and its range of festive events taking place throughout December. Events are ticketed this year and there are still spaces on many of their yuletide happenings for anyone keen to sing some carols or experience this spectacular building in the run-up to Christmas.

Birmingham at Christmas

Birmingham Christmas Markets

Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas market returns to the city again this year, with plenty of chances to sample traditional food and drink such as pretzels, schnitzels, bratwursts, and roasted almonds. Why not enjoy a spot of Christmas shopping too, with lots of unique gifts on offer for your loved ones?

Birmingham ice skating

Whilst just across the road you can find enjoy Ice Skating and the Big Wheel – Back for 2024, Birmingham welcomes back its largest undercover ice rink, and big wheel to Centenary Square. Running from 1st November right through to January 5th, offering plenty of time to get your skates on ahead of the busy Christmas period.  

Birmingham Winter Funland 

The UK’s largest indoor winter wonderland is coming to Birmingham (and Manchester) in December 2024, promising a magical experience for all. Boasting circus shows, food and drink vendors, a funfair, and ice skating, tickets are on sale now.

Bradford at Christmas

Of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a traditional pantomime – oh yes it would! Bradford’s iconic Alhambra theatre has performances of Pinocchio throughout December and January starring local comic legend, Billy Pearce.

Haworth Christmas market

Housed just a stone’s throw from the city of Bradford lies the beautiful village of Haworth, with Haworth Christmas market The cobbled village has a Dickensian feel the year round, but at Christmas it feels especially magical. Visit throughout December for a variety of festive events which are suitable for all the family, ranging from traditional Christmas music, late-night shopping evenings, and a torch light procession. 

Further ideas for days out by rail that can be visited all year round can be found here.

A festive Christmas puzzle

After all this talk of Christmas, we’re certainly feeling ready for the festive season, and so we thought we’d leave you with a little train-themed Christmas puzzle to help spread the magic a little further.

So, we challenge you to find Santa and his naughty elf, who’ve hidden themselves amongst the trains in our tricky brainteaser. We’ll give you a clue; they’re not hiding together, so you may find one before you spot the other! Good luck, we’ll post the answers at the bottom of this post.

Christmas city breaks in 2024

It’s wonderful to see the country getting geared up for the festive season, with such a wealth of choice when it comes to things to eat, see, do and explore across November, December, and into early 2025.

Whilst Christmas and the subsequent celebrations may not be for everyone, for those that are excited for the traditions and festivities that are just around the corner, whatever your location or budget, we’re sure you’ll find something to suit you, and anyone else who may be joining your festivities this year. 

Why not check out our blog or our Instagram feed for further inspiration?

And remember, booking in advance of both travel and the attractions you wish to visit can help to avoid disappointment on the day, and may save you money!

Whatever your plans this festive season, whether you travel with us by train, or opt instead to drive home for Christmas, we want to wish you and your family a very merry Christmas, and a healthy and Happy New Year!

Before we forget, the answers to the puzzle are below. Let us know how you did on our X page.