UK Festivals in December – the time of year when we collectively lose our minds in the name of “holiday spirit.” From festive markets that drain your wallet to utterly ridiculous traditions no one asked for, the nation transforms into a giant advent calendar of events. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss this December – unless, of course, you value your sanity.
UK Festivals in December 2024
Christmas Markets: Overpriced Festive Fodder, Nationwide
The UK loves a Christmas market – and by “loves,” we mean “willingly forks over too much money for hot chocolate in a novelty mug.” Whether you’re here for the twinkling lights or the excuse to drink mulled wine at 10am, you’re spoiled for choice.
- Manchester Christmas Markets (Nov 8–Dec 22): The UK’s biggest Christmas market sprawls across nine sites in the city centre. Piccadilly Gardens becomes the Winter Gardens, where you can eat bratwursts, sip glühwein, and navigate crowds that make Black Friday look tame. Feeling adventurous? Try the Yorkshire pudding wraps, a local legend.
- Edinburgh Christmas Market (Nov 15–Jan 4): With its castle backdrop, Edinburgh’s market is undeniably gorgeous – and undeniably expensive. Expect an avalanche of tourists, Instagram selfies, and sausage stands galore.
- Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market (Nov 1–Dec 24): This market is so authentically German that even the locals are confused. Fill up on schnitzels and steins while questioning why you willingly chose to stand in the cold.
Santa Runs: Cardio with a Side of Festive Humiliation
Who needs a gym membership when you can dress as Santa and jog through your town with thousands of equally out-of-shape Santas? These charity runs are equal parts wholesome and hilarious – especially if you’re watching from the sidelines.
- Liverpool Santa Dash (Dec 1): Join thousands of red-suited runners as they pant their way through Liverpool. Whether you’re dashing for glory or waddling for charity, you’re guaranteed to finish sweaty and smiling.
- London Santa in the City (Dec 4 and 5): This 4.5k run takes you past iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Pro tip: wear your Santa beard proudly, even as it gets soggy and gross.
Quirky Festive Events: Unmissable Madness
December isn’t just about markets and pantos – it’s also when the UK’s more bizarre traditions rear their heads.
- Stonehaven Fireballs Ceremony (Dec 31): Scotland’s Hogmanay celebrations hit peak lunacy in Stonehaven, where locals swing flaming balls of fire around their heads in a parade. It’s ancient, it’s fiery, and it’s probably breaking several safety laws.
- The Big Christmas Singalong, London (Dec 2): Get ready to belt out your favourite Christmas tunes as The Choir with No Name—the incredible group that brings together people affected by homelessness—returns to Cadogan Hall for their annual festive singalong. Expect a feel-good evening packed with seasonal classics and plenty of opportunities to join in the merriment.
NYE in the UK is a mixed bag of spectacular displays and questionable decisions. Whether you’re watching fireworks or karaoke-ing “Auld Lang Syne” badly, it’s a night to remember (or forget, depending on the number of cocktails).
- London Fireworks: The nation’s capital does NYE like no other, with a massive fireworks display on the Thames. Tickets are pricey, the crowd is enormous, but hey – it’s tradition.
- Edinburgh Hogmanay: Scotland’s world-famous NYE party features live music, street dancing, and enough whisky to float a ship. If you survive Hogmanay, you can survive anything.
Whether you’re braving the Christmas market crowds, chasing down elves, or swinging fireballs like a medieval pyromaniac, December 2024 is shaping up to be a glorious mess. Embrace the chaos, pack your patience, and don’t forget your woolly hat. Cheers to ending the year with a bang – or at least a slightly tipsy stumble.
