Holidays in the UK add sparkling lights, exquisite goods, carol singers, ice rinks, and countless mugs considered wine to an already enchanting time of year. Bath, Belfast, London, Leeds, Glasgow, and Cardiff host a few of the most magical Christmas events in the country. But where should we start first? In preparation for your next winter vacation, we have compiled a list of our favorite Christmas shops in the United Kingdom.
There’s nothing more quintessentially Christmassy than a good ’ ole festive market. Need to buy mum a suitable stocking filler? Christmas market. Fancy a boozy, mulled-wine-filled night with your mates? Christmas market. Keen to lead off your excellent (!) ice-skating skills? Christmas market.
The UK has plenty of dazzling destinations that come alive with festive cheer once a year, glittering with everything from cozy grottoes and wholesome gift stalls to your favorite Christmas songs.
We’re not just talking about London’s Christmas markets and Winter Wonderland, either (although they’re worth a visit if you’ve never been). We’re talking around the cobbled streets of York and the majestic castle surroundings of Edinburgh. Don’t know where to start? Here is our pick of the best Christmas markets in the UK. Hey, if you’re lucky, you might even get a bit of snow.
Move out the chalets and let the fake snowfall, Christmas markets are back. Following a couple of disappointing years, stalls that bring an after-dark buzz to the UK’s historic centers are again being set out.
As somewhere to show support for local artisans and food producers, traditional markets are a great place to get cracking on your festive shopping lists. So treat yourself to a spiced wine and a slice of marzipan-moistened stollen at one of the UK’s Christmas markets.
Christmas at Leeds Castle is here and you’re all asked to join the party. Share the Castle wrapped in her festive finest. Trees dripping in iridescent silver shimmer and sparkles, extravagant décor covering the roaring fireplaces, and rooms imbued in jewel-like Christmas color.
Come glide through the gates and experience all the glamour and over-the-top Christmas spirit of a luxurious countryside house that hosted some of the best parties of the age.
Peep into the secret world of Lady Baillie as she throws open her doors to the Christmas party of the season. Guess what it would have been like as guests arrived with their extravagant Christmas cards gifts and all that luggage for the weekend in tow. As you walk through the Castle, look out for stunning trees decorated in sparkling lametta tinsel, and an explosion of color with our floral displays.
Head into Lady Baillie’s Private Dining Room where the group is getting started. Experience visitors leaping out of Christmas cards, and get those dancing shoes moving as festive music sets the pace. Feel a feeling of memories as the perfect and most scrumptious Children’s Christmas party takes place with enough sweet and tasty treats. Fair notice, your little ones will be desperate to re-create this at home!
The Salon has never overwhelmed so brightly. Let your feet guide the way as you foot as seasonal songs fill the air. Imagine visitors swaying to the music and even from a sip many of the tasty cocktails. Here you will find the ideal opportunity for a Christmas ‘selfie’, so make sure you’re dressed in your best, as this will be one you will want to remember.
As the reception winds down, wander upstairs into Lady Baillie’s private quarters. Look out for trees frosted with color and sparkle, admire the careful wrapping of Christmas presents for the children, and spot the remains of her party preparations.
The night behind the Christmas party, our dreams are taken over by the Christmas spirit with a dusting of magic. Walk into the Baillie Room and flow into one of Lady Baillie’s Christmas dreams in a festive forest filled with birds taking flight.
Descend the central staircase and marvel at our traditional Leeds Castle Christmas trees in all their glory. Pose for another portrait before joining the opulent drawing room, where you can admire the décor reflecting Christmas from years gone by before you bid adieu, and head back out into the winter’s crisp breeze.
Admire the stupendous trees and décor that will have you remembering Christmas from decades past, before you bid adieu, and run back out into the winter’s crisp breeze.
