There are lively festivals in December held in cities all over the United Kingdom. Holiday markets and special New Year celebrations are highlights of these December festivals.
The best winter festivals and events in the UK for 2024 – 2025 are listed here.
Portsmouth Book Fest
Location – Portsmouth, Hampshire
Book Fest is held in several locations across the city. Visit this yearly literary event to meet the popular writers. Charles Dickens, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and HG Wells are among the writers who have called it home. There is something for everyone, including meet and greets with literary celebrities and writing sessions. James Herbert, Michael Morpurgo, Andy McNab, and Jacqueline Wilson are among the authors who have previously appeared at Portsmouth Book Fest.
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
Location – Hyde Park, London
The most popular winter festival London is the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. It lasts from the middle of November to the first part of January. There will be ice rinks, roller coasters, circus performers, and a fun market here. These get-togethers are the perfect way for your friends and family to enjoy a day together, especially the kids.
Chinese New Year
Location – Manchester
During the winter months, Piccadilly Gardens is a riot of colour, music, and delectable fragrances. St Anne Square is turned into a scale model of Beijing. This lantern-lit market serves food from the top eateries in the city. Guests can enjoy a beverage at the pop-up Tiger Bar or engage in some retail therapy. A group of drummers and dancers will accompany a 175-foot paper dragon during the Dragon Parade.
Bath Christmas Market
Location – Bath, Somerset
One of the biggest UK festivals, Bath Christmas Market is set against the stunning backdrop of historic buildings. It is held in the lanes and squares surrounding the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey. It features over 170 beautifully furnished wooden chalets with a large assortment of premium presents, games, apparel, and festive food and beverages. With delicious cuisine and mulled wine, the 18-day celebration has a terrific vibe.
Festival of Light
Location – Longleat, Wiltshire
The Festival of Light at Longleat House is the best UK Festivals. It has hundreds of lanterns lit up and depict historical, cultural, and mythological characters. The combination of coordinated music and light sculptures creates a captivating atmosphere. The attractions include thousands of themed lanterns and light installations, musical light shows, and scenic walks across the illuminated grounds.
Coastival Arts Festival
Location – Scarborough, Yorkshire
The Coastival Arts Festival is a three-day festival of dance, art, drama, music, and film. The dates of the Coastival festival are from February 22 to 24. This year marks the tenth year of the arts festival. About 100 events are happening in 30 locations in Scarborough, from pubs to alleyways. The historic Grand Spa, which has held multiple performances over the previous century, will welcome several well-known artists. To keep the crowd laughing over the weekend, the event includes stand-up comedians, immersive art pieces, and screenings of classic films.
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
Location – Birmingham, Frankfurt
Frankfurt Christmas Market is the biggest outdoor market in Europe. It is the biggest authentic German Christmas market outside Germany and Austria. Bratwursts, pretzels, and gluhwein are among the delicious foods and drinks available to visitors to these markets. The Christmas decorations and oak counters will give guests the feeling of entering a winter wonderland.
Tewkesbury Winter Ales Festival
Location – Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
The CAMRA Winter Ales Festival will take place in Tewkesbury in February. Sample a range of authentic ales from various UK breweries. There is something for every taste among the more than four hundred international beers, ciders, and cask ales that are offered. Dance the night away while taking in live band performances. Visitors can join the Perfect Pub Crawl to discover the best pubs in the city or take a micro-brewery tour to learn the trade.
Tunbridge Wells Ice Skating Rink
Location – Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Royal Tunbridge Wells is a well-liked vacation destination for ice skating. During the start of the holiday season, from November 19 to January 3, Calverley Grounds is converted into a magnificent winter ice rink. Skating, festive food and beverages, music, and dance can all be enjoyed during this time. Visit the Tunbridge Wells Ice Skating Rink, the perfect spot for a business party, a romantic first date, a family adventure, or a fun night with friends.
Royal Shrovetide
Location – Ashbourne, Derbyshire
Watch a 16-hour football match in Ashbourne. This sport dates back to the seventeenth century. The Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide Football Match has very few rules, two eight-hour periods, with goals three miles apart. The leather ball includes a cork interior to help it float when it lands in the river. The game draws hundreds of spectators. Many people track the ball throughout the day as it moves through the streets, across surrounding fields, and into the river.
Winter Solstice at Burning the Clocks
Location – Brighton and Hove, East Sussex
Brighton hosts the Burning the Clocks winter solstice parade to mark the shortest day of the year. Every year on December 21, a procession and bonfire are held on the beach. The festival has been running for almost two decades. Beautiful paper and willow lanterns are crafted by locals in Brighton and Hove. The atmosphere is beautiful, with around two thousand individuals participating in the march. The funfair proceeds to the beach, where a spectacular fireworks display is followed by lanterns passing over a blazing bonfire to celebrate the longer days.
Kielder Winter Wonderland
Location – Kielder Water and Forest Park, Northumberland
In December, Kielder Winter Wonderland is open on weekends. Visit Father Christmas in their woodland home, enjoy a musical performance, and meet a reindeer. Book a hotel for the weekend at one of the luxurious lodges in the Scandinavian style on the lakeshore of Kielder Water. It has a nature garden, a swimming pool, and a play area, making it the perfect family vacation spot.
Christmas Tree Festival
Location – Chester Cathedral, Cheshire
See the Christmas trees that the local stores and schools have decorated when you visit the Gingerbread Village. The Christmas Tree Festival will be held from November 22, 2024, until January 5, 2025. Carol music, a local group performance, and the ceremonial turning on of the Christmas tree lights are scheduled for November 21. Visit the Lanterns at Chester Zoo for a memorable nocturnal adventure. Savour delicious food while admiring the breathtakingly lit gardens with life-size animal lanterns.
Christmas at Kew
Location – Kew Garden, London
Christmas at Kew is held annually at Kew Gardens in London. The celebrations start on November 27, 2024, till January 5, 2025. The gardens feature a stunning path of lit installations, mesmerising light displays, seasonal treats, and lively music.
Conclusion
Winter festivals take place in scenic settings. They offer an ideal holiday retreat. Many events require reservations. Verify the business hours and make reservations in advance.