The UK is a great place to visit in December because of its cold climate and several Christmas-themed events. Wintertime in the UK can be enchanting, with picturesque scenery, lively events, and welcoming pubs where you can warm up with a hot beverage or savor a delectable meal after a day of exploring the country. Learn more about Travel to UK in December.
December Weather in the United Kingdom
The temperature in early December fluctuates between 4 and 9 degrees Celsius. In the latter half of the month, it declines. London in December experiences eight hours of daylight. Snowfall is uncommon, with fewer than two snowy days on average.
- Average High – 9 degrees Celsius
- Average low – 3 degrees Celsius
- Rainfall – Light to moderate
Things to Do in the UK in December
Here are some top things to do in the UK in December.
- Go for a stroll to one of the national parks in England.
- Shop during the sales on Boxing Day.
- Explore the Must See Christmas Light Trails in UK.
- Watch a pantomime lady portray your favourite holiday figure. Pantomimes are performed in theatres, from little village halls to the West End in London.
- Have fun during ice skating at Hyde Park in Leeds, Platt Fields Park in Manchester, or Somerset House in London.
- Shop for regional foods, crafts, and presents for loved ones at some of the Christmas Markets in Edinburgh.
- Take a trip to the most joyous capital city on earth, where Christmas lights adorn every corner. Explore Oxford Street for an afternoon and take in the department shop window decorations.
- Attend a carol service or participate in singing.
- Try hot chocolate or mulled wine with homemade mince pies.
- Take a seat by an open fire in a cozy bar.
- Visit one of the warm places in UK in December to attend the New Years Eve celebration.
Places to Visit in UK in December
1) Edinburgh
Edinburgh is one of the best places to visit in UK in December. A spectacular light show featuring over a thousand fairy lights turned on for the Festival of Lights takes place at Princes Street Gardens. Beautiful wreaths and garlands cover the streets. The city centre is closed to traffic for Hogmanay, a massive street festival on December 31.
2) London
The Tower of London, Kensington Palace, the Natural History Museum, ZSL London Zoo, and Kew Gardens are among the winter attractions in the UK capital. There are also a lot of events like the festive Christmas Day Parade and Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park. The famous Oxford Street features a magnificent display of over eighty thousand Christmas lights. See a show, reserve an afternoon tea, or engage in some shopping therapy at some of the most renowned stores in London. These are some of the most well-liked things to do in London in December.
3) Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands attract many tourists in the winter. The region is a haven for nature lovers, with breathtaking mountain views, lochs, glens, and moorland, ideal for leisurely bike rides or treks. Visitors to Cairngorms National Park can experience snow. The Scottish Highlands is an ideal location to see the northern lights in the winter.
4) York
Tourists visiting York can see the Jorvik Viking Centre, York Minister, Shambles, cobbled lanes, and stunning medieval structures. There is an amazing schedule of events and activities, such as the well-known Christmas Market in Shambles. It features over two hundred stalls selling food, drink, handicrafts, and festive gifts. Entertainment options and kid-friendly rides make it enjoyable for the entire family.
5) The Lake District
William Wordsworth has immortalized the Lake District in his poetry. Famous writers including Beatrix Potter and Arthur Ransome have visited the area. Beautiful walk and bike trails and fantastic pubs for winter evenings can all be found in the Lake District. Another way for visitors to experience the region is by boat on one of its many lakes. They can taste classic English ales at one of the best brewers in the nation.
6) Bath
Bath is one of the most romantic places to visit in UK in winter. Bath is a Roman spa city constructed on naturally occurring hot springs that erupted up from the earth. Visitors can also take a dip in the warm springs today. The Jane Austen Center, the Fashion Museum, and the Royal Crescent are open to visitors in the winter.
7) Belfast
Northern Ireland boasts some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United Kingdom. The Christmas boat parade on the River Lagan, ice skating in City Hall Square, and a firework show at Titanic Slipways are a few of the festivities to enjoy. Belfast hosts a wide range of activities throughout the winter, including live performances, food festivals, markets, and cultural and theatrical events.
Festivals and Events in the UK in December
1) Travis
Travis Raze The Bar Tour begins on Thursday, December 5th, at Leeds O2 Academy. It ends with a spectacular homecoming event at Glasgow OVO Hydro four days before Christmas. Manchester, Nottingham, Liverpool, Wolverhampton, Margate, Bristol, London, Eastbourne, Sheffield, and Newcastle are among the cities visited during the tour.
Location – O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, London, UK
Date – 13 December 2024
Time – From 7 pm
Ticket Price – £ 11 to £ 135
2) Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 2024
Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park is in its seventeenth year. It features an ice rink, roller coaster rides, live music, and mouthwatering street food. Bring the kids to Santaland to see classic fairground attractions including the Santaland Express train, a carousel, and vintage games.
Location – Hyde Park, London
Date – 21st November 2024 to 5th January 2025
Time – 10 am to 10 pm
Ticket Price – Free
3) Christmas at Kew
Follow a specifically designated trail that is roughly 3 kilometres long. The palm house and fire garden will be illuminated with projections, light tunnels, and gigantic illuminations. Youngsters may enjoy the Victorian fairground, toast marshmallows over a fire with a hot cup of cocoa, and see Santa and his elves at North Pole Village.
Location – Royal Botanic Kew, London
Date – 13 November 2024 to 05 January 2025
Time – 4.20 pm to 10 pm
Ticket Price – Adult – £ 25 to £ 32, Child – £ 16 to £ 20
4) Barbie The Exhibition
Barbie The Exhibition features over 180 dolls. See the first Black, Hispanic, and Asian Barbies, a talking Barbie, a rare first edition doll, and an astronaut Barbie who has traveled into space. The Dreamhouses, her first vehicle and camper van, and other original ensembles are on display. The first friends of Barbie, Midge, and younger sister Skipper are also featured.
Location – The Design Museum, London
Date – 5 July 2024 to 23 February 2025
Time – 9 am to 8 pm
Ticket Price – Adult tickets from £ 14.38, Children aged 6 to 15 from £ 7.19, Under 6 years go free, Student tickets from £ 10.77
5) Ice Rink Canary Wharf
Canary Wharf is an excellent location for winter skating. There is the Grandstand Bar, a bar by the rink with over a thousand fairy lights on the roof, for the audience. Each session lasts for 45 minutes.
Location – Canary Wharf
Date – 26 October 2024 to 23 February 2025
Time – 9 am to 9 pm
Ticket Price – £ 17.95 to £ 20.95
Travel Advice for December Visits to the UK
Consider these travel suggestions for your trip to the UK in December.
- Bring a winter coat, waterproof jacket, gloves, scarf, walking boots, long-sleeved shirts, jeans, and warm sweaters.
- December is a well-liked month for travel for the Christmas and New Year holidays. To prevent disappointment, reserve lodging, tickets, and activities in advance.
- The public transit system in the UK is well-established and effective. For easy city navigation, take the London Tube, buses, and trains. Services may be limited on Christmas Day.
- Schedule outdoor activities during the morning or early afternoon. Revel in the seasonal lights and indoor attractions.
- Many attractions can close or have shortened hours around Christmas and New Year. Be sure to check in advance and make plans appropriately.
Things to Consider Before Traveling to the UK in December
Here are some more tips for a hassle-free December vacation in the UK.
- Keep cash on hand for shopping at small stores and markets.
- Carry an adapter because the UK uses a three-pin plug.
- Tipping in restaurants is appreciated. It is expected to tip between 10 and 15 per cent of the total bill.
- Christmas Day and Boxing Day are official holidays. There will be closures and limited public transportation.
December is a great month to visit the United Kingdom. For a memorable winter travel, remember to plan well in advance, pack for the weather, and embrace the Christmas spirit.
Discover the UK Through the Year
FAQs for the UK in December
1) Which activities are the most popular in the UK in December?
Visit Christmas markets in places like Bath, Edinburgh, and London. Go ice skating at famous venues like Somerset House in London. Visit ancient cathedrals for carol services and seasonal concerts. Eat at British eateries and pubs. Hike in the Lake District during the winter or take a train ride across snowy terrain.
2) Are UK stores and attractions open on Christmas Day?
The UK closes on Christmas Day with almost all restaurants, stores, and attractions closed. There is also very limited public transportation.
3) Which UK destinations are a must-see for visitors in December?
Many locations in the UK provide unforgettable experiences in December. London, Edinburgh, York, Lake District, and Bath are popular places to go for Christmas and New Year.
4) What are the traditional foods to taste in the UK during December?
Traditional British cuisine is best enjoyed around December. Festive foods to try across the UK include gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, Christmas pudding, Yorkshire pudding, mince pies, and turkey.
5) Is the UK overcrowded in December?
The non-peak months for travel to the UK are November to April. A large number of tourists visit London and Edinburgh, in December and early January.