They say there’s no place like home for the holidays, but sometimes it can be nice to spend the Christmas season abroad.  The United Kingdom is a fantastic place to spend Christmas as it originated many holiday traditions that we enjoy in the States today.  There are also a number of great modern traditions that make Britain stand out as a Christmas travel destination from winter festivals to Christmas markets.  If you’re thinking about the United Kingdom for your holiday trip, we hope you’ll consider one of these ten idyllic Christmas locations below.  If you think we’ve left out your favorite, you can share that with us in the comments.

London

London is a number one destination no matter the time of year, but there’s so much going on in the UK capital at Christmas time that we’ve dedicated whole articles to it.  From the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland to shopping districts lit up for the holiday to being a center for Christmas panto shows, London has something for everyone at Christmas time.  If you’re there on Christmas Day, you can check out the Peter Pan Cup race held by the Serpentine Swimming Club. 

Bakewell

Home to the famous Bakewell Tart, the Market Town of Bakewell is a great example of how to enjoy a country Christmas in Britain.  Riverside paths are lit up with Christmas lights, quaint cafes have special Christmas food and beverages on their menus, and the Bakewell Christmas Market is one of the top holiday markets in the North.  Not to mention, you’re smack in the middle of Peak District National Park to do some Christmas camping or hiking. 

York

The City of York has been a great place to celebrate Christmas since the Medieval Period.  The Christmas tree in St. Helen’s Square is a marvel to behold and a great place to start your York Christmas adventure.  The York Minster offers a number of Christmas concerts and worship services that aren’t to be missed.  There are also plenty of Christmas fairs and markets from the St. Nicholas’s Christmas Fair to the Piglets Adventure Farm, the latter of which will let you take a Christmas sleigh ride right to Santa’s Workshop. 

Cardiff

If you’re in Wales for the holiday, we highly recommend swinging by the country’s capital for all the great British Christmas traditions.  Including its own fabulous holiday market, Cardiff has plenty of Christmas light trails, ice skating, shopping, and plenty of shows.  The city has two major Christmas festivals including the Cardiff Christmas Festival and Cardiff Winter Wonderland.  Lastly, if you want to get some exercise in an eccentric and festive way, the Santa and Elf Dash is a race that helps raise money for heart health. 

Bath

The Bath Christmas Market has long been regarded as one of the best in all of Britain, but that’s not the only reason to visit this ancient city during the holidays.  National Trust properties throughout the city and the immediate area put on their best period-accurate decorations.  You can also head down into the caves of Wookey Hole which are done up with lights and decorations or visit the Bath on Ice winter ice skating rink. 

Mousehole

If you want a quieter Christmas away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Village of Mousehole in Cornwall is a top destination.  Of course, even this sleepy fishing village knows how to do it up for Christmas with one of the most impressive sets of Christmas lights in the country.  The switch-on is quite the event itself, full of food and Christmas caroling. 

Edinburgh

Christmas wasn’t always the biggest holiday in Scotland thanks to the Presbyterian Church playing down its importance as “papist” during the Scottish Reformation.  However, today it’s as great as any place in Britain, especially after the Edinburgh Winter Festivals kick off on November 25.  The festivals include plenty of Christmas markets, rides, and even a Christmas tree maze.  Many ancient churches in the city also host Christmas services that are worth attending. 

Oxford

Home to one of the top universities in the United Kingdom, Oxford puts on one fantastic Christmas bash each year.  Whether you’re looking for holiday gifts or holiday food, you can check out the Oxford Christmas Fair and the Food Village.  The manor home of Wadderson puts on some lovely holiday decorations and a Christmas light show that’s worth seeing.  Of course, Oxford University also gets in on the holiday action, and its Christmas decorations are some of the best in Britain. 

Lake District

The Lake District is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the United Kingdom and only gets more so when decked out in snow and Christmas decorations.  Christmas markets dot the landscape in every village and town.  Bowness-on-Windemere, the longtime home of Beatrix Potter, puts on its own Father Christmas Tea and a show in which Santa and his reindeer save the holiday for children everywhere.  There is no shortage of events to attend during the holidays, and you’ll be within striking distance of some of the loveliest landscapes to spend Christmas. 

Birmingham

Birmingham is the best place in Northern England to visit at Christmastime.  The Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest German-style Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria with a large Christmas tree that towers over shoppers.  In addition to hosting its own Christmas services and concerts, Birmingham Cathedral also has its own Christmas festival that takes place in the square every year.  Enjoy the winter lights trails throughout the city, or the Big Wheel lit up in holiday colors.