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Christmas across England and Scotland: the traditions that bring us home
Mince pies, twinkling lights and festive favourites. Discover how England and Scotland really do Christmas.
There's a moment every year when it starts to feel like Christmas.
For some of us, it's opening the first door of the Advent calendar. For others, it's the lights going up in town, that first mince pie of the season, or the moment the whole family finally gathers around the table.
But how we celebrate looks a little different depending on where you are. So we asked 2,000 people across England and Scotland how they really do Christmas, from when the festivities begin to what absolutely has to be on the plate.
We also went looking for the towns and cities in every region that do festive spirit best, so that you can soak up more of the holiday season.
With LNER, getting there is half the fun. Swap icy motorways, frosty mornings, and holiday traffic jams for the warmth of a train carriage and a window seat with a view. Grab a hot drink and seasonal snack from the Café Bar, spread out with generous legroom, and let your festive break start the moment you step on board. With direct routes pulling straight into city centres, you’ll arrive relaxed and ready to dive into the festivities.
So grab a mince pie (or don't, we'll explain), and let's see how England and Scotland do Christmas.
How do England and Scotland celebrate Christmas?
Christmas might be the one time of year we all celebrate together, but it turns out we don't always agree on how. Here's where our favourite festive debates begin.
Book your Christmas getaway with LNER now!
When does Christmas really start?
The Advent calendar dates back to the 19th century, and for many of us it's still the official start of Christmas.
If you're from the North East, however, your countdown might start a lot sooner. More people here than anywhere else say Christmas begins as soon as Halloween is over.
Others are happy to let Christmas arrive in its own time. The North West has more mid-December starters than any other region, while the East of England and South East have the most people holding off until Christmas Eve.
What does Christmas at home look like in different regions?
In the North, Christmas at home is all about comfort. Northerners are more likely to celebrate within their own town or city, and nothing beats a cosy night in, ideally with a slice of Christmas cake.
Further south, it’s more about how the home looks. Southerners are keen decorators, and no region loves putting up the tree and decking the halls more than the South East.
However we spend it, one thing brings us all together. Time with family is our favourite part of Christmas, whether that’s around the dinner table, in front of a Christmas film or squeezed onto the sofa together after one mince pie too many.
The mince pie divide
Mince pies have been part of Christmas since Tudor times, when they really were filled with minced meat. Five centuries on, they're as festive as it gets in England, but they don't travel quite so well north of the border. Three in four Scots say their Christmas would be just fine without mince pies, and Scotland is also the region least fussed about roast potatoes and Christmas pudding.
Perhaps that's no surprise. Christmas Day only became a public holiday in Scotland in 1958, and for generations Hogmanay, the Scots word for New Year’s Eve, was the main event. That party spirit lives on, with Scots almost twice as likely as the English to say nights out and parties are their favourite part of the festive season.
But when they do finally sit down to eat, there's one dessert they won't skip. No region loves a trifle more than Scotland.
The festive dinner plate divide
Nothing sparks a debate around the table quite like what goes on the Christmas plate. Turkey replaced goose as the festive favourite in Victorian times, and it's held on to its crown ever since. The trimmings, though, are where opinions start to differ.
Take the Yorkshire pudding. With a name like that, you'd expect Yorkshire to be its biggest fan. In fact, it's the North East that loves a Yorkshire pudding with Christmas dinner the most, even more than its namesake county. The West Midlands, on the other hand, is the least bothered.
Then there’s the Brussels sprout. Love them or loathe them, the East of England is firmly in the love camp, while Londoners are the most likely to pass. Londoners aren’t sold on pigs in blankets either, leaving the East Midlands to claim them as its own. Tough crowd? Not quite. Londoners are simply saving room for afters, as no region loves a Christmas pudding, a slice of Christmas cake or a festive cheese board more.
Which generation is keeping Christmas traditions alive?
You might expect younger generations to be leaving old traditions behind, but Gen Z (aged 18–29) are bringing them back. They're four times as likely as Gen X (aged 46–61) to go to a Christmas church service, and four times as likely as Boomers (aged 62–80) to head out carol singing.
They're also the generation least able to wait. Gen Z are five times as likely as Boomers to say Christmas begins the moment Halloween is over, while Boomers are far more likely to hold out until Christmas Eve.
Each generation has its own festive comfort, too. Boomers stay loyal to the classic mince pie, but for Gen Z, Christmas isn't complete without a mug of hot chocolate.
England and Scotland’s favourite Christmas traditions
From pulling crackers to hanging up a stocking, some traditions never go out of fashion. While the North East claimed the crown for starting the countdown early and insisting on Yorkshire puddings at dinner, other traditions found their biggest fans further south. Almost half of us still send Christmas cards every year, and nowhere keeps the carols alive quite like London.
So where does your favourite tradition feel most at home?
Starting Christmas celebrations early: North East
Traditional Christmas dinner: East Midlands
Sending Christmas cards: East Midlands
Pulling Christmas crackers: East of England
Watching a classic Christmas film: London
Eating Christmas cake: Yorkshire and the Humber
Wearing a festive jumper: South West
Playing board games: Yorkshire and the Humber
Watching the King's Christmas Broadcast: East of England and North West
Hanging up a stocking: London
Attending a church service: London
Putting out treats for Santa: London
Drinking mulled wine: South West
Putting up holly, mistletoe or wreaths: South East
Visiting a cosy pub: South East, and Yorkshire and the Humber
Carol singing: London
Attending a local tradition: London
Starting Christmas celebrations early: North East
Traditional Christmas dinner: East Midlands
Sending Christmas cards: East Midlands
Pulling Christmas crackers: East of England
Watching a classic Christmas film: London
Eating Christmas cake: Yorkshire and the Humber
Wearing a festive jumper: South West
Playing board games: Yorkshire and the Humber
Watching the King's Christmas Broadcast: East of England and North West
Hanging up a stocking: London
Attending a church service: London
Putting out treats for Santa: London
Drinking mulled wine: South West
Putting up holly, mistletoe or wreaths: South East
Visiting a cosy pub: South East, and Yorkshire and the Humber
Carol singing: London
Attending a local tradition: London
Whatever your traditions, Christmas is best shared. Which is why we've gone looking for the places in every region where the festive spirit is at its most magical, all within easy reach by train.
The most festive destinations to visit in every region
Every corner of Britain has its own Christmas personality. To find the towns and cities where the season really comes alive, we looked at how early the lights are switched on, how many festive events are happening nearby, how popular each place is as a festive getaway, and how many cosy pubs have a real fire. Here are the top three in every region.
Scotland: the merrymakers
In Scotland, Christmas is a celebration best enjoyed out and about. With Hogmanay just around the corner, there's a party spirit in the air all season long. From twinkling markets beneath castle walls to cosy whisky bars and winter wonderlands, here's where to find it.
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Aberdeen
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Aberdeen
1. Edinburgh
With the castle glowing above the city and the Old Town dressed in lights, Edinburgh feels made for Christmas. From 14 November to 3 January, Edinburgh's Christmas fills Princes Street Gardens with a traditional market of around 70 stalls, funfair rides, live events and plenty more.
For the best view in town, hop on the LNER Big Wheel. From the top, you can take in the Old Town, Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat, and after dark, the market twinkles below while the whole city sparkles with festive lights.
If you're feeling brave, step inside the Polar Ice Bar, where everything from the tables to the glasses is carved from ice. This year's theme is Vikings, with ice sculptures straight out of Valhalla. You'll be handed a jacket and gloves on arrival, and trust us, at -8°C, you'll want them.
End the day with a festive dinner at The Sheep Heid Inn, one of Scotland's oldest pubs, which serves a cosy Christmas menu all season. Or, for something a little fancier, The Dome is famous for its jaw-dropping Christmas tree, sparkling colonnade and grand architecture.
How to get there: Hop on a direct LNER train to Edinburgh Waverley and step off right in the heart of the festive Old Town. Book your tickets on the LNER app or website with no booking fees.
2. Glasgow
Glasgow knows how to throw a party, and Christmas is no exception. This year, Glasgow's Winter Wonderland spreads across two sites. From 6 November, St. Enoch Square fills with wooden chalets of Scottish food, crafts and gifts, alongside rides and a cosy festive bar. Then, from 20 November, Glasgow Green welcomes an open-air ice rink, an observation wheel and Santa's grotto.
Later in the month, George Square joins the fun with a brand-new Good Times Christmas Village, bringing festive food, drink and dazzling light displays to the heart of the city.
Once you've had your fill of the stalls, make your way to the West End and duck into the Ubiquitous Chip on Ashton Lane. Loved for its Scottish produce and well-stocked bars, it's the perfect place to start a festive night out, Glasgow-style.
How to get there: Travel with LNER to Edinburgh Waverley, then catch a frequent connecting train for the short 50-minute journey west to Glasgow Queen Street.
3. Aberdeen
Known as the Granite City, Aberdeen takes on a silvery glow at Christmas. From 12 November to 3 January, the Aberdeen Christmas Village fills the city centre with fairground rides, festive treats and plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
Lace up your skates at the ice rink outside Marischal College, one of the largest granite buildings in the world, or browse handmade gifts from local makers and artists at the weekend Curated in the Square market next door.
When the cold starts to bite, warm up at the Prince of Wales, one of the city's oldest bars. It's said to have the longest bar counter in Aberdeen, and there's live folk music on Sundays that you won't want to miss.
How to get there: Sit back and enjoy the scenic coastal views on a direct LNER service straight to Aberdeen station.
Image credit: Sharpi Studios, and Codona's Aberdeen.
North East: the early birds
Nobody gets into the festive spirit as early as the North East. Here, the Halloween costumes are barely back in the wardrobe before the Christmas jumpers come out, and more people than anywhere else are already counting down to Christmas by the first week of November. We've found the best places for you to join in the fun, from twinkling markets to a festive window you won't want to miss.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Darlington
Gateshead
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Darlington
Gateshead
1. Newcastle upon Tyne
In Newcastle, Christmas officially begins when the curtain drops on Fenwick's Christmas window. The reveal has become a much-loved Geordie tradition, with a brand-new theme every year that's kept a closely guarded secret until the big night. This year, all is revealed on Sunday 1 November, and the window is ready for you to visit from the very next day.
From 19 November to 23 December, the Newcastle Christmas Market winds through the city centre and around Grey's Monument, with more than 70 traders, most of them local. Close by, the Christmas Village has something for the whole family. Hop on the Ferris wheel, toast some marshmallows, meet Santa and his merry elves, or settle in for a Christmas classic at Festive Flix.
When you're ready for a bite to eat, wander into the historic Grainger Market, where you'll find stalls packed with local produce and tasty treats.
How to get there: Take a direct LNER train to Newcastle Central Station, just a few minutes' walk from Grey's Monument and Fenwick’s window.
Button: Trains to Newcastle
2. Darlington
There’s no better place for a festive trip by train than the birthplace of the modern railway. Darlington was home to the world’s first public steam railway in 1825, and this Christmas, its railway museum, Hopetown Darlington, is back with a whole season of festive fun, starting on 22 November.
Visit Santa at the Station, glide around the winter skating rink and keep an eye out for the Grinch, who’s known to cause a little mischief. With festive crafts, family trails and magical evenings at the museum, there’s something for every generation to enjoy.
On Sunday 15 November, the town’s Christmas lights will be switched on in Market Square, with free live music and entertainment, followed by fireworks lighting up the sky.
How to get there: Travel directly with LNER to Darlington station and let your festive railway adventure begin.
Button: Trains to Darlington
3. Gateshead
Just across the river from Newcastle, Gateshead may be smaller than its neighbour, but it’s full of festive cheer. Its striking riverside music venue, The Glasshouse, has a packed Christmas line-up, from folk singer Kate Rusby’s much-loved Christmas show to The Snowman in Concert.
The Glasshouse also hosts a free Christmas market on 12 and 13 December, where you can pick up a few gifts between shows. And if you’ve got little ones in tow, book The Great Glasshouse Elf Hunt. You’ll head behind the scenes and explore hidden corners of the building to track down cheeky elves, ticking each one off as you go and discovering fun facts and little Christmas surprises along the way.
How to get there: Travel with LNER to Newcastle, then stroll across the Millennium Bridge to Gateshead as the river sparkles below. It’s the perfect start to a festive evening.
Yorkshire and the Humber: the traditionalists
Yorkshire does Christmas the old-fashioned way, and it does it beautifully. From cobbled streets and candlelit carols to cosy pubs with a crackling fire, it's Christmas just as you remember it. If you love a traditional Christmas, you’re in the right place.
York
Leeds
Sheffield
York
Leeds
Sheffield
1. York
Snow-dusted or not, York looks like a Christmas card come to life. From 12 November to 21 December, the York Christmas Market fills Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square with traditional alpine chalets, with more than four in five traders coming from Yorkshire. The market takes a well-earned rest on Tuesdays, so plan your visit around it.
From 28 November, York Minster’s Christmas Tree Festival returns for its sixth year, alongside candlelit carol concerts throughout Advent. Then, for the ultimate Yorkshire treat, head to Bettys Café Tea Rooms on St Helen’s Square. Don't forget to try the famous Fat Rascal, a warm, fruity scone that's become a Bettys legend.
How to get there: Simply hop on a direct LNER train to York, and you'll be well on your way to a proper Yorkshire Christmas.
2. Leeds
Leeds goes all out at Christmas. From 19 November to 23 December, City Square’s Christmas Market brings together around 60 traders and food vendors from across Yorkshire, two bar areas and around 200 Christmas trees. Little ones can follow the new Elf Hunt trail, while families can enjoy weekly live music featuring solo acts, brass bands and choirs.
Just around the corner in Victoria Gardens, THOR’S traditional tipi returns, with roaring fires, festive drinks and weekly live music from local artists.
For a twist on tradition, Bundobust’s Christmas menu gives Indian street food a festive spin, with Mince Pie Paratha and Sprout Bhajis. For something more classic, Whitelock's, the oldest pub in Leeds, has been pouring pints since 1715 and serves a traditional Christmas menu in cosy surroundings.
How to get there: With direct LNER trains to Leeds, you'll step out of the station and straight into the festive buzz of the city centre.
3. Sheffield
Sheffield's Christmas market is bigger than ever this year, with more than 50 log cabins stretching across the city centre from 12 November to 26 December. More than four in five traders are from Sheffield itself, so it's the perfect place to find gifts with real local character. Grab a Yorkshire pudding wrap to keep you going, then hop on the Big Wheel for views across the city, or whizz down the festive snow slide if you're feeling adventurous.
When it's time to warm up, make your way to Kelham Island and settle in at Shakespeare's Ale and Cider House, a former Georgian coaching inn with plenty of local ales on tap and live folk music to round off the evening.
How to get there: Travel with LNER to Doncaster and take a quick 25-minute connecting train straight into Sheffield station.
East Midlands: festive feasters
The East Midlands knows a thing or two about good food. It's the home of the Melton Mowbray pork pie and Stilton cheese, and when it comes to Christmas, our survey found that no region loves a traditional Christmas dinner more. So if your idea of the perfect festive getaway starts with what's on the plate, you've come to the right place.
1. Nottingham
For a festive feast with a side of history, start at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem. Carved into the sandstone rock beneath Nottingham Castle, this famous inn is said to date back to 1189, and from 12 November, it serves a festive menu packed with all the classics, from turkey and roast potatoes to, of course, pigs in blankets.
Then, take a short stroll to Old Market Square for the Winter Wonderland, open from 12 November to 31 December. Browse the Christmas market for festive treats and gifts, take in the city from the observation wheel, or glide along the Sky Skate path above the square. If you're brave enough for the cold, the famous Ice Bar is back with a brand-new theme this year.
How to get there: Travel with LNER to Grantham or Newark Northgate, then catch a quick connecting train into Nottingham station.
2. Leicester
Leicester's Christmas kicks off on Wednesday 18 November, when the lights are switched on at the Clock Tower. Families can start by browsing the festive chalets for gifts and treats, then ride the 35-metre Wheel of Light to see the whole city sparkle below.
While you're in town, pay a visit to Leicester Cathedral, the final resting place of King Richard III, whose remains were famously discovered beneath a city car park. Come December, its candlelit carol concerts are one of the most magical ways to feel the festive spirit here.
Book train tickets to Leicester on the LNER app or website, with no booking fees, and get ready to light up your Christmas.
How to get there: Travel with LNER to Peterborough or Grantham, then take a simple connection directly into Leicester station.
3. Lincoln
There's something truly magical about Lincoln at Christmas. The cathedral rises above the city, the cobbles of Steep Hill wind up towards the castle, and from 3 to 5 December, the Lincoln Cathedral Christmas Market brings festive stalls inside the cathedral itself. Tickets are needed for every session, so make sure you book ahead.
After dark, the cathedral is just as enchanting. Carols by Candlelight fills its soaring nave with festive songs on 7 and 8 December, and The Snowman comes to life with a live orchestra on 12 and 13 December.
Before you head home, pop into The Cheese Society, a much-loved independent shop tucked just off the bottom of Steep Hill. It’s packed with local and artisan cheeses, and its Christmas cheese boards make a lovely treat to take home and share with the family.
How to get there: Travel directly with LNER to Lincoln Central station, just a short walk from the historic castle and cathedral quarter.
Button: Trains to Lincoln
East of England: the carol lovers
In the East of England, Christmas sounds as good as it looks. No region loves Christmas music and carols more, and with world-famous college choirs, candlelit cathedrals and historic market squares, there's always something to sing about.
1. Cambridge
Few places feel more like Christmas than Cambridge. The festive season begins on Sunday 15 November, when the lights are switched on at the Big Switch On in Market Square, with live performances throughout the afternoon.
From then on, the city's medieval colleges and cobbled lanes look truly magical, right up until Christmas Eve, when the famous Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King's College Chapel is broadcast around the world.
For a festive treat, pop into Fitzbillies, a much-loved Cambridge bakery established in 1920. Its award-winning mince pies are a seasonal must, and its famously sticky Chelsea buns are even arranged into a festive tree during this season.
How to get there: Travel with LNER to Peterborough or Stevenage, then hop on an easy connecting train straight into Cambridge station.
2. Norwich
This Christmas, Norwich brings a little slice of the Alps to the city. Inspired by traditional Christmas markets in Germany and Austria, the Christkindl Market transforms Chapelfield Gardens into an alpine village of wooden chalets from 11 to 20 December. Browse handmade gifts, decorations and artisan crafts, then cosy up by the fire pits with a mulled wine or speciality hot chocolate as live music plays around the bandstand.
For more local treasures, wander over to Norwich Market. Founded more than 900 years ago, it's one of the largest markets in Britain, with around 200 stalls sheltering beneath its famous stripy roofs. You'll find everything from street food and local produce to gifts you won't find anywhere else.
How to get there: Take an LNER service to Peterborough and connect directly on to Norwich station.
3. Peterborough
At Christmas, all eyes in Peterborough turn to its magnificent cathedral. From 26 November to 6 January, more than 100 trees, each decorated by local charities and community groups, fill the cathedral for its Christmas Tree Festival, turning the ancient building into a twinkling forest. It's even more magical with little ones in tow, as Father Christmas welcomes visitors to his grotto in the cathedral's historic library on selected dates.
If you're on the hunt for gifts, plan your trip for 20 to 22 November, when the Cathedral Craft and Gift Market is at its biggest yet, with around 140 stalls of crafts and gifts to browse.
How to get there: Take a direct LNER train to Peterborough station, arriving just a 10-minute stroll from the historic cathedral.
Button: Trains to Peterborough
London: the showstoppers
London keeps the magic of Christmas alive. The capital loves to put on a show, from some of the most famous Christmas lights in the world to glittering West End stages. So if you're planning a visit, there's no better time than December, when London is at its most dazzling.
Few cities sparkle quite like London at Christmas. To truly soak up the magic, spend an evening strolling along Regent Street beneath its iconic 'Spirit of Christmas' lights, then on to the giant gold bells and mirror balls of Covent Garden. Finish at Trafalgar Square, where a Norwegian spruce more than 20 metres tall takes pride of place. Every year since 1947, the people of Norway have gifted London a tree as a thank you for Britain's support during the Second World War, a cherished tradition that signals the countdown to Christmas in the capital.
For a magical moment of your own, lace up your skates at Somerset House, where an ice rink takes place in the grand courtyard from 11 November. Afterwards, catch A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic, returning for its tenth year. This much-loved production brings Dickens’ classic tale to life, with mince pies and satsumas offered to audiences as part of the festive welcome.
Finally, take your taste buds on a trip to Borough Market, one of London's best-loved food markets. With seasonal treats, artisan cheeses and steaming street food at every turn, it's the perfect place to graze your way into the festive spirit.
How to get there: Travel directly with LNER to London King’s Cross, putting you minutes from the West End, Covent Garden and Regent Street via the Underground.
Button: Trains to London
North West: the slow-burners
Good things come to those who wait, and nobody knows that better than the North West. Our survey found people here are the most likely to hold off until mid-December before letting Christmas begin, but once the festive spirit takes hold, there's no stopping them. They also love a cosy night in more than any other region, but with sprawling city markets, grand Victorian pubs and glowing seaside lights to discover, the sofa can wait.
1. Manchester
Manchester doesn't do Christmas by halves. From 6 November, more than 210 market stalls spill across the city centre, turning every square and street corner into a festive treasure hunt. At the heart of it all, Albert Square comes alive with a 50-metre Ferris wheel, a helter-skelter and a brand-new pop-up pub, the perfect place to warm up with a festive drink before taking in the city from above.
Fancy a spin on the ice? Skate Manchester's covered rink at Cathedral Gardens keeps the fun going rain or shine, and stays open until 3 January, so even the slowest of slow-burners has time to join in. And if you're visiting on Sunday 6 December, don't miss the free Christmas Parade, packed with dancers, live music, giant festive characters and a special appearance from Santa himself.
How to get there: Travel with LNER to Leeds, then catch a service straight into Manchester Victoria or Piccadilly
2. Liverpool
Liverpool knows how to do Christmas properly. Down on the waterfront, Liverpool Christmas Wonderland at Pier Head has rides and fairground games for all ages, right in front of the Three Graces, one of the city's most famous views. Just a short walk away, Liverpool Town Hall hosts Story Time with Santa from 5 to 24 December. Father Christmas and Buddy the Elf share stories and songs with small groups of children, and every little one gets to tell Santa their Christmas wishes and take home a gift.
If you're visiting on 5 December, round off your day at St George's Hall for Carols by Lantern Light. Billed as the city's most atmospheric Christmas concert, it sees the Great Hall lit by lanterns as the St George's Singers perform festive favourites alongside its mighty organ.
How to get there: Take an LNER train to Leeds or York, then connect directly to Liverpool.
3. Blackpool
Blackpool might be best known for summer by the sea, but don’t let that fool you: it knows how to put on a show in winter, too. The famous Illuminations have lit up the seafront since 1879, with more than a million lamps stretching along almost six miles of promenade. They’re often called the greatest free light show on Earth. The full display runs until 1 November, but the section between the Pleasure Beach and Gynn Roundabout stays lit until 3 January, so you can still catch the bright lights over Christmas.
From 20 November, Christmas by the Sea turns the Tower Festival Headland into a winter wonderland, right at the foot of Blackpool Tower. Grab some fish and chips and take a stroll along the prom; it's a proper seaside Christmas, and a day out you won't forget.
How to get there: Travel with LNER to York or Leeds, then connect via Preston straight to Blackpool North station.
West Midlands: the festive explorers
Christmas is the perfect excuse to round up your friends for a festive day out, and the West Midlands is made for exploring together. With a much-loved German Christmas market, centuries of history and the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution all close by, there's plenty to discover.
1. Birmingham
Birmingham gets into the festive spirit early, with the Frankfurt Christmas Market opening on 5 November. Said to be the largest authentic German Christmas market outside Germany and Austria, it fills Victoria Square and New Street with wooden chalets serving bratwurst and glühwein, plus handcrafted gifts and live music from the bandstand.
For a proper festive night out, Sleeping Beauty opens at the Birmingham Hippodrome on 19 December. Its producers call it the biggest regional panto in the country, and with Rylan, panto favourite Matt Slack back for his 13th year, and sets and costumes straight from the London Palladium, it's easy to see why.
How to get there: Travel with LNER to London King’s Cross or connect via Leeds, with seamless onward rail connections to Birmingham New Street or Moor Street.
2. Coventry
Coventry has a story to tell, and Christmas is a wonderful time to hear it. The striking modern cathedral stands beside the ruins of the medieval one, and this December, it hosts a festive programme. G4, who first found fame on The X Factor in 2004, bring carols and festive favourites on 15 December, followed by the EX CATHEDRA choir's Christmas Music by Candlelight on 17 December.
St Mary's Guildhall is one of the city's oldest buildings, dating back to the 14th century. At Christmas, it brings the festive traditions of the past to life, with Tudor and Victorian Christmas days, candlelit tours with mulled wine, and carols with a festive afternoon tea. Little ones can meet Father Christmas for storytelling and gingerbread decorating, and take home a chocolate selection box too.
How to get there: Book your cross-country rail connections via the LNER app or website with no booking fees to arrive directly at Coventry station
3. Telford
Ever wondered what Christmas was like in Victorian times? Just a short ride from the town centre, Blists Hill Victorian Town lets you find out. This open-air museum is decked out for a traditional Christmas from 21 November, with carol singers and costumed townsfolk filling the streets, a music hall sing-along to join and, every hour, snow falling on Canal Street.
While you're there, pop into the Victorian print shop to make your own personalised festive poster, or hang a wish on the Wishing Tree. Little ones can crack the Lost Presents puzzle trail to win a prize from the Post Office, and before you leave, pick up something freshly baked from the town's bakery for the journey home.
How to get there: Connect smoothly via Birmingham or Wolverhampton straight into Telford Central station.
South West: the jolly jumpers
The South West wears its Christmas spirit on its sleeve, quite literally. Our survey found that when it comes to time-honoured traditions, no region loves pulling on a festive jumper more. So dig out your best knitwear, because there are plenty of places here to show it off.
1. Bristol
Bristol has a creative streak, and Christmas brings out the best of it. On King Street, the Bristol Old Vic, the oldest continuously working theatre in the English-speaking world, stages Cinderella: A Fairytale from 27 November. Make a night of it with a drink beforehand at the Llandoger Trow. Dating back to 1664, this timber-framed pub is said to have inspired the inn in the pirate classic Treasure Island.
And for something brand new this year, Bristol Zoo Project is launching Wild Lights, a winter trail that transforms the park after dark, with surprises waiting along the way.
How to get there: Travel with LNER to London King's Cross, then connect via London Paddington or across regional networks directly to Bristol Temple Meads.
2. Bath
With honey-coloured stone and grand Georgian architecture, Bath was made for Christmas. From 26 November to 13 December, the Bath Christmas Market fills the streets of the historic city centre with twinkling chalets. Browse stalls for handcrafted gifts, jewellery and Christmas decorations, then keep warm with festive treats as you go.
On 7 December, the City of Bath Male Choir performs at Bath Abbey as part of an evening of carols, festive music and readings. Before the concert, stop by Sally Lunn’s, one of Bath’s oldest houses. Legend has it that a young French baker called Sally Lunn arrived here in 1680 and created the famous bun that still bears her name. Tuck into one with a cup of tea, then head downstairs to see the historic kitchen associated with her story.
How to get there: Connect easily via London or regional rail services straight into Bath Spa station.
3. Bournemouth
Who says the seaside is just for summer? At Christmas, Bournemouth offers a festive day out with a twist, and it starts in Bournemouth Square. Here, an Alpine-style Christmas market is the perfect place to pick up a few handmade gifts and warm up with a mulled wine.
From there, follow the free festive light trail as it winds through the Lower Gardens towards the beach. Get lost in a maze of Christmas trees along the way, then keep going until you reach the seafront and the pier. It's not every day you get Christmas lights and a sea breeze in the same evening.
How to get there: Travel via London or cross-country connections straight to Bournemouth station.
South East: the deck-the-hallers
In the South East, Christmas starts at the front door. Our survey found people here are the most likely to hang a wreath or a sprig of mistletoe, and no region loves putting up the tree and decorations more. Once the halls are decked, there's plenty of festive sparkle to discover further afield too. Here’s where to find it.
1. Oxford
With its golden stone colleges and dreaming spires, Oxford feels like a storybook come to life at Christmas. The season begins with the Victorian Christmas Market, open for four days from 12 November, where you can pick up a festive treat or two.
For a truly magical evening, head to Christ Church, whose grand dining hall inspired the Great Hall at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. On 16 December, its Cathedral Choir brings festive music, with plenty of carols for you to join in with. Afterwards, slip down a narrow alleyway to the Turf Tavern, where a real fire and glowing braziers make it the perfect winter hideaway.
How to get there: Travel with LNER to London King's Cross or Stevenage, then connect easily into Oxford station.
2. Southampton
This winter, Southampton turns its city centre into a festive puzzle. On the free Snow Windows Trail, shop windows are transformed with illustrated winter scenes, from snowy wildlife to the city's own landmarks, with clues to crack along the way. Pick up a trail map, follow one of the two routes, and once you've solved them all, there's a prize waiting for you at the end.
After all that detective work, warm up at the Christmas market, where wooden chalets sit right beside the Bargate, the city's medieval gatehouse. Grab a mulled wine at the Moose Bar, while little ones hop aboard Santa's Runaway Train and pop next door to meet the man himself in his grotto.
How to get there: Connect via London straight to Southampton Central station. Book your tickets across all rail operators on the LNER app or website with no booking fees.
3. Brighton
Brighton does Christmas a little differently. On 21 December, Burning the Clocks returns after a year off. Running since 1993, it's a community lantern parade that marks the shortest day of the year. Thousands of people make their own paper lanterns, carry them through the city and set them alight on the beach to wave goodbye to the year.
For a more royal kind of Christmas, visit the Royal Pavilion, the extravagant seaside palace built for King George IV. From 21 November, its festive exhibition, A Fairy Tale of Frost and Fire, brings a little winter magic to the palace. If you visit on 15 or 22 December, try the Christmas Regency cream tea, served by staff in Regency dress alongside a short reading from a Jane Austen novel. It’s a truly unique experience you won’t want to miss.
How to get there: Travel with LNER to London King's Cross, then take a direct Thameslink train from neighbouring St Pancras International straight down to Brighton. Book your full trip on the LNER app or website with no booking fees.
LNER takes you home for Christmas
There's nothing quite like being home for Christmas. The familiar faces, the same old jokes around the table, and that first hug at the door after months apart. Our survey found almost nine in ten of us have friends or family who live further away, so for many of us, those moments are what this season is all about.
With LNER, you can spend less time thinking about the journey and more time with the people you love.
How to get cheap train tickets for Christmas
Book your Christmas train tickets early
LNER Advance tickets usually go on sale at least 12 weeks before you travel, and prices tend to rise closer to the day. Book at least four weeks ahead on the LNER website or app, and you could save an average of 45%.* You’ll also get a reserved seat and no booking fees.
Save a third with a Railcard
Most Railcards save you a third on eligible fares, including Advance tickets. There are options for 16 to 25s, 26 to 30s, over 60s, couples and families, and most cost £35 a year. You can now buy a digital Railcard straight from the LNER app.
Save on family trips with a Family Single
Travelling with the children? With a Family Single ticket, up to two adults and four children can save up to 77% on LNER and Northern trains.
Save 20% when you travel in a small group
Heading home with friends or family? Book Advance tickets for three to nine people travelling together, and you’ll get 20% off automatically, with seats reserved together.
Book your Christmas train tickets early
LNER Advance tickets usually go on sale at least 12 weeks before you travel, and prices tend to rise closer to the day. Book at least four weeks ahead on the LNER website or app, and you could save an average of 45%.* You’ll also get a reserved seat and no booking fees.
Save a third with a Railcard
Most Railcards save you a third on eligible fares, including Advance tickets. There are options for 16 to 25s, 26 to 30s, over 60s, couples and families, and most cost £35 a year. You can now buy a digital Railcard straight from the LNER app.
Save on family trips with a Family Single
Travelling with the children? With a Family Single ticket, up to two adults and four children can save up to 77% on LNER and Northern trains.
Save 20% when you travel in a small group
Heading home with friends or family? Book Advance tickets for three to nine people travelling together, and you’ll get 20% off automatically, with seats reserved together.
*Average saving on Standard Advance tickets bought at least four weeks in advance on the LNER website or app, compared with Standard tickets bought on the day of travel.
Methodology
We asked 2,000 adults across England and Scotland how they celebrate Christmas, from when the season starts and their favourite traditions to the food they can't do without and how far they travel to see loved ones.
To find the most festive towns and cities in every region, we created the Festive Town Index, scoring 46 destinations across England and Scotland on five things that make Christmas feel special:
Festive spirit (30%): how people in each area celebrate Christmas, based on our survey
Christmas lights (25%): how early the festive lights are switched on, using dates from local councils and Business Improvement Districts
Festive getaway appeal (20%): how many people search online for a Christmas trip to each place, using Google search data
Christmas events (15%): how many festive events are on within five miles
Cosy pubs (10%): how many pubs have a real fire, using CAMRA's WhatPub guide
To keep things fair between big cities and smaller towns, each measure was turned into a score out of 100, and events and pubs were counted per 10,000 residents, using the latest census figures.
