The 12 Most Magical Places in the UK to Visit This Christmas
Top Magical Christmas Destinations
As the festive season approaches, the UK transforms into a winter wonderland, offering enchanting destinations for a magical Christmas getaway. From snow-capped mountains to enchanting Christmas markets, we've handpicked the 12 most captivating places to visit this Christmas. Each destination promises a unique blend of holiday cheer, festive activities, and cosy accommodations to make your Christmas truly special.
Winter Wonderlands
1. Aviemore
Nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore becomes a true winter wonderland during the festive season. Snow-capped mountains and Caledonian pine forests create a picturesque backdrop for your Christmas escape.
Christmas in Aviemore is filled with magical experiences. Meet the UK's only free-range reindeer herd, enjoy a festive ride on the Strathspey Steam Railway's Santa Express, or hit the slopes for some exhilarating skiing and snowboarding.
Stay at: Macdonald Aviemore Resort, where Christmas comes to life with Santa weekends, festive parties, and traditional Hogmanay celebrations. The resort's three 4-star hotels and spacious woodland lodges provide the perfect base for your Highland Christmas adventure.
2. Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond offers a tranquil Christmas escape, with its stunning winter scenery of snow-capped peaks and serene waters.
The Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a highlight, featuring festive rides, stalls, and live entertainment. Take a winter boat tour on the loch, explore scenic trails in the surrounding Trossachs, or visit the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre for a unique wildlife experience.
Stay at: Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa, nestled on the banks of Loch Ard near Loch Lomond. Enjoy festive afternoon teas with loch views, join in Christmas party nights, or welcome the New Year with a gala dinner. The hotel's stunning location offers a perfect Highland Christmas retreat.
3. Ullswater
Ullswater provides a peaceful Christmas retreat, with its breathtaking winter views of snow-capped mountains reflected in tranquil waters.
Visit Lowther Castle and Gardens for festive events and illuminated trails, take a scenic winter boat ride on the Ullswater Steamers, or explore the numerous walking trails around the lake. Nearby towns offer charming Christmas markets and festive dining experiences.
Stay at: Macdonald Leeming House, set in 22 acres of beautiful gardens overlooking Ullswater. Enjoy festive dining with lake views, join in Christmas parties, or take winter walks in the stunning surroundings. The hotel's peaceful setting offers a perfect Lakeland Christmas escape.
Festive City Breaks
4. Edinburgh
Scotland's capital city pulls out all the stops for Christmas, with the Royal Mile and Princes Street transformed by festive decorations and twinkling lights.
The Edinburgh Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens is a highlight, offering a treasure trove of gifts and seasonal treats. Lace up your skates for a spin on the ice rink on George Street, visit Santa Land for family-friendly fun, or join in the city's famous Hogmanay celebrations to welcome the New Year in true Scottish style.
Stay at: Macdonald Houstoun House, located just outside Edinburgh. This historic tower house offers a tranquil retreat from the city's festivities. Enjoy festive dining, join in Christmas parties, or unwind with a winter spa break. It's the perfect base for exploring Edinburgh's Christmas offerings while enjoying a peaceful countryside setting.
5. Glasgow
Glasgow's Christmas celebrations are as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. George Square becomes the focal point of festivities, beautifully adorned with lights and decorations.
Explore the Christmas markets at George Square and St. Enoch Square for unique gifts and festive food. Join in the fun of the Santa Dash charity run or attend one of the many holiday concerts and performances happening across the city.
Stay at: Macdonald Crutherland House & Spa, a country house hotel set in 37 acres of grounds, just outside Glasgow. Celebrate with themed party nights, savour a traditional Christmas lunch, or welcome the New Year with a gala dinner. The hotel's tranquil setting offers a perfect balance to Glasgow's lively festivities.
6. Birmingham
Birmingham embraces the Christmas spirit with gusto, its city centre transformed into a festive wonderland of lights and decorations.
The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market, the largest German market outside Germany, is a highlight with over 100 stalls offering crafts, gifts, and delicious German delicacies. Glide across the ice at Ice Skate Birmingham in Centenary Square or take in the stunning views from the big wheel. Don't miss the magical light trails at Birmingham Botanical Gardens or the traditional carol concerts at St Philip's Cathedral.
Stay at: Macdonald Burlington Hotel, a Victorian-era hotel in the heart of the city. Enjoy festive afternoon teas, join in Christmas party nights, or indulge in a traditional Christmas Day lunch. The hotel's central location puts you right in the midst of Birmingham's Christmas festivities.
Historic Christmas Destinations
7. Bath
Bath's elegant Georgian architecture provides a stunning backdrop for a festive getaway. The city dons its Christmas best with twinkling lights and decorations adorning its historic streets.
The Bath Christmas Market is a must-visit, with over 200 chalets offering handmade gifts and delicious treats. Glide across the ice at Bath on Ice, follow the enchanting Christmas Light Trail, or enjoy a festive performance at the Theatre Royal Bath.
Stay at: Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel, a luxurious retreat set in seven acres of landscaped gardens. Enjoy a festive afternoon tea, indulge in a sumptuous Christmas Day lunch, or pamper yourself with seasonal spa treatments. The hotel's proximity to the city centre means you're never far from Bath's Christmas magic.
8. Windsor
Windsor offers a regal Christmas experience, with the town and its famous castle beautifully decorated for the festive season.
Visit Windsor Castle to see its magnificent 20-foot-high Christmas tree and festive decorations. Enjoy a winter stroll or horse-drawn carriage ride through Windsor Great Park, or glide across the ice at Windsor on Ice. The town's shops and Christmas markets offer plenty of opportunities for finding unique gifts.
Stay at: Macdonald Windsor Hotel, located opposite Windsor Castle. Indulge in a festive afternoon tea, enjoy a traditional Christmas Day lunch, or join the New Year's Eve gala celebrations. The hotel's prime location puts you at the heart of Windsor's royal Christmas experience.
9. Chester
Chester's Roman walls and medieval architecture provide an atmospheric backdrop for a historic Christmas experience.
Explore the Chester Christmas Market with over 70 traditional wooden chalets offering festive gifts and treats. Experience the magical Lanterns and Light event at Chester Zoo, watch a Christmas show at the Storyhouse Theatre, or join in the city's festive parades, including the 12 Days of Christmas Parade.
Stay at: Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel, located in the heart of Chester. Indulge in festive afternoon teas, join Christmas party nights, or enjoy a traditional Christmas Day lunch. The hotel's central location puts you right amid Chester's historic Christmas celebrations.
Countryside Christmas Retreats
10. Windermere
Windermere, surrounded by snow-dusted hills and the serene waters of England's largest natural lake, offers a picturesque setting for a Christmas getaway.
Take a winter cruise on Lake Windermere for stunning views, visit Brockhole on Windermere for festive activities, or explore the beautiful winter gardens at Holehird.
Stay at: Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa, located on the shores of Lake Windermere. Enjoy Christmas-themed afternoon teas with lake views, celebrate at festive party nights, or indulge in a traditional Christmas Day lunch. The hotel's prime location offers easy access to all of Windermere's Christmas attractions.
11. The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds offer a picture-perfect setting for a traditional English Christmas, with its charming villages and rolling hills which can even be dusted with snow.
Visit the Blenheim Palace Christmas Market for a festive shopping experience or follow the Enchanted Light Trail at Cotswold Farm Park. Winter walks through the Cotswolds' beautiful landscapes are a must for burning off those Christmas indulgences.
Stay at: Macdonald Bear Hotel in Woodstock, a charming 13th-century coaching inn near Blenheim Palace. Enjoy festive dining, join in Christmas parties, or take winter walks in the beautiful Cotswolds countryside. The hotel's historic charm provides the perfect setting for a cosy Christmas getaway.
12. The New Forest
The New Forest National Park offers a unique Christmas experience, with its ancient woodlands and picturesque villages beautifully decorated for the season.
Join a Christmas canoe paddle down the Beaulieu River to meet Santa, experience the enchanting Christmas light trail at Beaulieu, or enjoy the Glow Marwell event at Marwell Zoo. Winter walks through the forest offer opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy the crisp winter air.
Stay at: Macdonald Elmers Court Hotel & Resort, situated on the edge of the New Forest overlooking the Solent. Celebrate with themed party nights, savour a traditional Christmas lunch, or welcome the New Year with a gala dinner. The hotel's location offers easy access to all the New Forest's festive attractions.
