Christmas is a time of joy, tradition, family and friends. The excitement of the festive season is palpable in the air come November and lingers on till Boxing Day to remain well past the New Year. From the Christmas themed advertisements on the telly to the sparkling decorations hoisted along the streets, it’s a time when the British chill in the air is second only to the warmth in everyone’s hearts.
Christmas in the UK
For some, Christmas could mean an elaborate feast at lunch on 25th December; for others, it may mean celebrating the birth of Christ by attending midnight mass. Some people may just be enjoying it as a break from work, jetting away to warmer climates. No matter how Christmas is rung in, there’s a feeling of magic in the air—especially in the UK.
Leafing through Christmas poetry from an era bygone does an efficient job of capturing the essence of the English festive season. Over the past century, the UK has transformed to accommodate an increasingly multicultural society- inviting newer interpretations of what Christmas here may look like. One thing is for sure, historically and at present, it is so well renowned that it is one of the times of the year with the highest influx of tourists, despite the harsh weather.
Baby, it’s COVID outside
If historical data from a year ago is any indication, the regulations oscillated between restrictions and relaxations to finally recommending creating and celebrating within a Christmas bubble. There is hope that the restrictions this year will be far more relaxed, with preparations on the vaccination front and controlling infected numbers well underway across the country. Staying home on Christmas is a great plan especially with the pandemic, but the allure of the events around the UK are hard to resist. It’s not impossible to have a responsible, very merry COVID Christmas, so here are a few of the events you can make reservations for and head to.
Christmas Markets
2020’s COVID restrictions led to the cancellation of all the Christmas Markets, so the reopening of one of the UK’s most loved festive gatherings this year is highly anticipated. While a few markets (German markets in Leeds and Bath) remain shut for a second consecutive year, there are many others which will be open to the public. Here’s where you can head to in the run up to Christmas 2021:
► ► Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Starting with a Christmas Market set in the heart of London, the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland runs from 19th November 2021 all the way up to 3rd January 2022.
Head to their extremely pun-ny website to make a reservation and visit this Christmas Market that is a wonderland of ice skating with spectacular shows, enthralling rides, delicious food from street stalls, festive bars serving mulled wine and cold beers set against the soundtrack of live music.
Keep your COVID worries at bay- the Hyde Park Christmas Market is routinely sanitised and is now catering to a reduced capacity, with staggered entry timings.
► Nottingham Christmas Market
Last year, the Nottingham Market opened up but was rushed to a stop after just a single night, in light of the pandemic’s restrictions. However, things are looking up this year with the Nottingham Christmas Market chalked in to take place from 15th November 2021 to New Year’s Eve.
With the reputation of being the ‘best Christmas market in the UK’, this is one that you shouldn’t miss.
The Nottingham Winter Wonderland, however, remains cancelled.
With an enormous decorated Christmas tree, large ferris wheel and carousel at the centrepoint of the cheer, ring in a night to eat from the many food stalls, drink at the pop-up bars and be merry!
► Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
Set against an old English backdrop of wooden chalets, Winchester’s Cathedral Christmas Market is running from 19th November up to 22nd December 2021. This German Christmas Market features stalls ideal for shopping, eating and drinking amidst beautifully lit up walkways echoing with Christmas music.
► Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
Opening a lot earlier than most other Christmas Markets across the UK, the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market opens on 4th November 2021 running up until 9th January 2022.
With warmly lit food stalls and bars, quaint places to shop, a carousel and Santa figurines everywhere you look, it would be unwise to give this bustling market a miss!
► Manchester Christmas Market
Holding the reputation for being the UK’s one and only capital of Christmas, Manchester is all set to get the ball rolling on its Christmas Market from the 12th of November 2021. It is projected to remain open up until 22nd December 2021.
With several pop-up cafes and bars, the market is a foodie’s delight! This year, a special Winter Garden will make an appearance too, deemed a must visit for the entire family.
► Edinburgh Christmas Market
Lighting up East Princes Street Gardens from the 20th of November 2021 to 4th of January 2022, the Edinburgh Christmas Market is a wonderful place to shop, eat, drink and soak in the festive ambience.
► Bristol Christmas Market
Watch the cheery transformation of Bristol City Centre before your very eyes from 5th November to 22nd December 2021. With over 40 one-of-a-kind stalls ideal for that last-minute Christmas shopping, delicious multi-cultural food and all-new igloo pods to ‘chill’ in as you nurse a drink, the Bristol Christmas Market looks extremely promising this year.
► York Christmas Festival
St Nicholas Fair at the York Christmas Festival is the city’s answer to fabulous Christmas markets. Functioning from 18th November 2021 to the 23rd December 2021, the alpine chalets at Parliament Street and St Sampson’s square play host to stalls perfect to pick up stocking fillers and trinkets.
●Hello Santa Claus!
A visit to Santa’s grotto and taking a picture with the special annual visitor from the North Pole has been an unmissable event for Christmas, especially when kids are involved.
After recovering from a nasty bout of the coronavirus last year, Santa’s all set to meet those who love him (with masks and some social distance, of course). Looks like Santa Claus doesn’t have to voyage around all the countries in the world on a single night—he’s learnt to delegate.
Here’s where you can catch a glimpse of (and perhaps, even take a photo with) Father Christmas! Without a doubt, Lapland comes most highly recommended but at a princely sum. The London Zoo, Christmas at Kew Gardens and Marsh Farm in Essex are other great options to consider. Remember to book online in advance and have a brilliant time!
●It’s Showtime (Christmas Shows in the UK)
Watching a pantomime or a Christmas show is a classic British way to invoke those unmistakable Christmas feels. With the lockdown lull from last year, pantomimes are all set to be back and bigger this year. A family favourite show is The Nutcracker replete with fabulous dance, enthralling music, spectacular sets and colourful costumery. There are two versions of this festive ballet performance that you could choose to attend. Musicals that kids would love or the array of performances at the Royal Albert Hall are also a wonderful option.
Best Christmas Tree Displays in the UK
Whether you’re looking for a quintessential Christmas tree decoration or something that brings out the quirk, London never disappoints. Head out to Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square or Windsor Castle if you’re a fan of towering Christmas trees decorated in a traditional fashion. Wembley Park, St Pancras International Station, Liberty London and Claridge’s Hotel opted for the unconventional a year ago, so we’ll have to wait and watch what’s in store from them this year.
●Do it like the Royals do?
The British public is accustomed to the telecast of the annual Christmas message from the Queen. With the pandemic putting a damper on their usual festivities last year and the death of Prince Philip this year, little is known on how the Palace will celebrate. There’s a vibrant history to Christmas festivities at Windsor. From the annual Christmas cards sent out to a royal mailing list, a traditional Christmas lunch and dinner as well as the ornately decorated trees, a royal Christmas is not so different (extravagance aside) from what you and I are used to.
A Magical Christmas (Hogwarts Christmas)
If magic is on the menu this Christmas and living like the witches and wizards in Harry Potter would is something you’ve wanted to do, then get set for a magical Christmas. Hogwarts in the Snow is a feature at the Warner Bros Studio, London happening from 12th November 2021 up to 16th January 2022. The Forbidden Forest is now open for entry- after a stunning Winter Wonderland transformation! The forest is just one of many sets that you can visit and enjoy this festive season. Make a reservation ahead of time so you don’t miss out on the magic!
A Destination Christmas
Christmas holidays warrant a vacation- so keep safe and head out on one along with your loved ones! While some people enjoy celebrating at home, others couldn’t be bothered with the housekeeping that follows. The solution to that would be a destination Christmas! Be warned of the higher rates, though.
Book a staycation locally if you just want to spend a few days away from being cooped up at home. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, head out on a trip somewhere you fancy- warmer weather is always welcome!
●Mark your (Advent) Calendars
There’s something for everyone with an advent calendar! Treat yourself to an early Christmas present this year and offer an edge to your fervent anticipation with a countdown to Christmas day!
With the increasing popularity of advent calendars featuring little windows depicting the Nativity scene with mini presents in the line up to Christmas, there’s a wide variety to choose from. For the beauty enthusiasts, all of the major skincare and makeup brands launch specially curated advent calendars. For the foodies, enjoy premium chocolates, snacks or liquor- one a day until Christmas. You could even get your little ones toy advent calendars with their favourite characters.
The Season of Giving
Christmas is often called the season of giving- gifting within family and friend circles is a common practice, but what if you were to widen that bubble. Consider donating to charitable institutions that resonate with your beliefs. Why not gift a smile to someone who needs it, this Christmas?
Joy to the World: Around the World
If one was to look at the bigger picture, Christmas traditions in the UK are pretty straightforward. Across the globe, there are so many customs followed on this very same day- some heartwarming, some commercial and others, outright whacky!
Let’s take a look some of British Herald’s favourites:
– The animal that one may first associate with Christmas is the reindeer, but the Swedes’ mind may conjure up the Yule goat. This urban tradition began in 1966 and has led to an adjunct tradition- burning down of the 13-meter tall Yule Goat sculpture!
– Who doesn’t love the traditional Christmas roast with trimmings? Japan has a slightly different idea when it comes to a Christmas meal, though. A bucket of KFC! Talk about a successful marketing campaign. We hear that people are willing to wait in lines for over two hours to get a bucket of the Colonel’s special chicken.
– Not many may confuse Christmas and Halloween, but a Christmas visit to Austria may have you thinking that you’ve managed to time travel to two months ago! Have you been naughty or nice? Masked people dress up as Krampus, an evil friend of St Nicholas also known as Bad Santa, in order to capture and bag away those who have been naughty.
– We all know and celebrate Christmas in December; but the Australians down under celebrate Christmas in July on the 25th! Our friends in the Southern Hemisphere are most likely to enjoy a summery 25th December with a barbeque.
One thing is for certain, though- no matter where in the world you live, Christmas is a time meant to be spent with family and friends, surrounded by love. The team at British Herald wishes you and your family a very merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!
(Cover story On British Herald Magazine- By Neha Vinod )