A good Christmas break is about more than a market. The places below combine historic streets that look the part under lights, things to do when it rains, good places to eat and drink, and easy rail links. Whether you want a pre-Christmas weekend in December or to spend the big day itself away from home, these are the towns and cities that consistently do Christmas well.
York
Medieval walls, the Minster and the timber-framed Shambles make York one of the most atmospheric Christmas cities in Britain. Its St Nicholas Fair and festive market draw big crowds at weekends, so midweek visits are more relaxed. Evensong at the Minster, a walk along the city walls at dusk and a pub with a fire make a near-perfect December day. York is on the East Coast Main Line, so it is straightforward by train from London, Newcastle and Edinburgh.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh runs a long winter festival, with markets and rides around Princes Street Gardens, and it builds straight into Hogmanay. Come in early December for the markets, or stay through to New Year for the biggest party in the country — see our Hogmanay and New Year’s Eve guide and our long weekend in Edinburgh.
Cathedral cities: Canterbury, Lincoln and Chichester
Cathedral cities come into their own at Christmas, with carol services, candlelit concerts and compact centres that are easy to explore on foot. Canterbury pairs its cathedral with narrow medieval lanes and independent shops. Lincoln has its cathedral and castle at the top of Steep Hill, and its Christmas market has long been one of the best known in England — check the current year’s plans before you travel. Chichester is smaller and calmer, with the South Downs and the harbour close by for a Boxing Day walk.
The Lake District
For a quieter, cosier Christmas, a cottage or inn near Keswick is hard to beat. Short winter days suit low-level lakeside walks, followed by an early dinner in front of a fire. Many hotels in Cumbria offer three- or four-night Christmas packages, and they sell out well ahead, so book as early as you can.
Peak District and Derbyshire
Chatsworth’s Christmas decorations and the market towns of the Peak District make a classic December day out, and Derby and Nottingham are close by for city shopping. Stone villages, frosty dales and pubs with log fires do the rest.
Cardiff and Belfast
Cardiff has a winter festival around the civic centre and castle, while Belfast holds a Christmas market at City Hall. Both are compact, lively and good value for a two-night city break, with plenty of indoor attractions if the weather turns.
Christmas by the sea
A seaside Christmas has its own charm: empty promenades, bracing Christmas Day swims and fish and chips on the harbour wall. Whitby and Scarborough on the Yorkshire coast, Llandudno in north Wales and Dartmouth in South Devon all make good bases. Several coastal towns hold charity Christmas or Boxing Day dips — check local listings for dates.
Inverness and the Highlands
For a properly wintry Christmas, Inverness is the gateway to the Highlands, with short days, long nights and a chance of snow on the hills. Combine it with a few days on the Isle of Skye if the roads allow, and keep your plans flexible.
Practical tips
- Check public transport on 25 and 26 December. Most of Britain’s rail network does not run on Christmas Day, and services on Boxing Day are very limited. If you are staying away over Christmas, plan to arrive by Christmas Eve and check return trains carefully.
- Book festive packages early. Christmas lunch sittings and multi-night packages are often fully booked by November.
- Weekdays are calmer. Markets and lights are far more pleasant midweek in late November and early December.
- Mix it up. Pair a city break with a winter light trail or a crisp winter walk.
Find the dates
Our UK Christmas markets 2026 guide lists the main markets, and the UK events calendar has dated festive events across the country. Browse our A–Z of visitor guides for where to stay and what to do in each destination.