Are you in the Christmas spirit yet? If not, stop being a Scrooge and get on the festive hype. December is the perfect month to explore all the amazing Christmassy locations the UK offers, whether you're searching for a Christmas market to explore post-present shopping, or wanting places to go between Christmas and New Year. There's everything from mouth-watering raclette by London's Southbank to Crimbo brunch sing-alongs in Cardiff (ensure to warm up those vocal cords). Here are the 10 best festive locations you need to visit this Christmas.
Edinburgh
Flight Club's Festive Brunch Social - Get merry at Flight Club this silly season. Starting from just £30 per person, you can indulge in plenty of bubbly and bottomless pizza, followed by beating your mates at social darts and singing along to the best Crimbo tunes.
Brewhemia - On the hunt for lots of festive things to do this Christmas? Check out Brewhemia that have filled their calendar to the brim with festive live music, Christmas cabaret, roast dinners, festive party nights and drag shows. You can even pop in to visit Santa if you fancy.
The Bon Vivant - One of the best Christmas lunches in Edinburgh is served at The Bob Vivant. This decadent, Thistle Street hot spot serves up two delicious courses for just £35 and includes dishes such as duck beast with sweet potato puree, honey glazed carrots and braised cabbage cooked to perfection.
Edinburgh is one of the best places to spend Christmas in the UK.
London
Fire & Fromage - Jimmy's much-loved pop-up has returned to the Southbank for another year of toasty fire pits and the tastiest raclette right on London's Southbank. Sip mulled wine while admiring the views, it's also right beside the Christmas markets, making it the perfect spot for a post-explore treat.
The Chocolate Cocktail Club - Nothing's better than chocolate at Christmas. So if you want to get your fill of the sweet stuff, then head over to The Chocolate Cocktail Club this silly season for a whole host of delights. Tickets are just £10.50 and come with a tasty complimentary cocktail.
The Glasshouses - A brand-new London pop-up has landed this festive season. Boasting the most insane views of London Bridge, The Glasshouses is hosting amazing events this Christmas including curling from £12 per person, wreath making and sip and paint workshops.
Sip cocktails at The Glasshouses while admiring insane views of London Bridge.
Manchester
Cherry Jam's Festive Bottomless Brunch - Fancy an afternoon tea with a Christmassy twist? This winter Cherry Jam will be serving up warm bottomless cocktails, bubbly, and ice-cold beers for 90 minutes. Plus, there will be a range of savoury and sweet treats on offer, followed by festive musical bingo.
The Anthologist - Being Channel 4's former First Dates restaurant, this place oozes romance. It's the perfect spot to take your date (or mate) this Christmas to admire Manchester's festive light display and enjoy a hearty roast with all the trimmings. It's also kitted out in its stunning Crimbo decor.
Manchester Christmas Markets - The northern city lights up around Christmas time, and where better to visit after a day of Christmas shopping than a festive market? Head over to Piccadilly Gardens and surrounding areas to browse more than 200 stalls, selling everything from an array of cheeses to sweet smelling candles. You can also head to Skate Manchester at the Cathedral Gardens to show off your Dancing on Ice skills.
Christmas is the perfect time to get together for a festive bottomless brunch.
Bath
Square Grill House And Piano Bar - Situated in The Square in Bath, this Grill House and Bar comes alive during the festive season. You'll have amazing views of all the winter displays, as well as the Roman baths and Abbey. Their Christmas menu starts at just £45 per person, and ensure to finish with a delicious Christmas pud.
Walcot House - Formerly a bakery, there's nowhere quite like Walcot House. Try their tasty Westcombe Cheddar Souffle or Chicken Schnitzel from their Christmas menu, before heading down to Bread and Jam - their amazing cocktail bar. And for those wanting a boogie, head downstairs to the Lomah bar for some insane DJ sets.
The Boater - Although it's not the weather for it, The Boater boasts Bath's biggest beer garden. It's also the perfect pub to visit this silly season, whether you're looking for a crisp pint after Christmas shopping, or fancy popping in for a roast and some fizz. There's also a speakeasy in the cellar for you to explore.
Bath is the perfect Christmas city with amazing sights to see and pubs to try.
Cambridge
MillWorks - Situated right by a canal is a mill-turned restaurant and it's an absolute must-visit this Christmas. Indulge in a three-course meal for under £40 that includes delicious dishes such as confit duck croquettes and turkey ballotine.
The Petersfield - Fill your boots with mulled wine this festive season, all while cosying up in this classic Cambridge haunt. They've got all their sparkly decs on display to get you in the holiday mood, and you can even choose to enhance your roast by dining here on Christmas Day.
The Station Tavern - If you want a cocktail (or two) this jolly season, then head to this festive pub to share a cocktail tree with friends. You can also order a sharing board which features all the Christmas faves - odds are you'll want one for yourself.
Explore the Cambridge markets to get in some last-minute Christmas Shopping.
York
The Botanist - Boasting gorgeous interiors and delicious food, The Botanist is always a winner. Their winter cocktail list offers a festive twist, with drinks such as 'The Grinch' and 'Let It Glow' available on the menu.
The Cross Keys - If you're looking for somewhere in York near all the Christmas markets, lights and events then this little pub should be your go-to spot. Their mulled wine is ranted and raved about, alongside their festive treats on the menu.
Christmas Cocktail Trail - In the city in the lead-up to Christmas? Then be sure to hop on the Christmas cocktail trail. You'll be able to visit 12 different bars in the lead up to Christmas to try out their festive sips all featuring York Gin. It's the perfect boozy winter activity.
York is one of the most beautiful cities at Christmas time.
Chester
Piccolino - Not only is this place a beauty, but it also offers up some incredible Christmas dishes with an Italian twist. Indulge in a three-course festive lunch for under £40, plus you can't go to an Italian restaurant and not have tiramisu - it's a must.
Veeno Chester - There's no place better than a wine bar (and not just for the infinite amount of grape juice). Book in for festive four course set menu for £30 per person, with a glass of mulled wine upon arrival. Their decor is also stunning.
Opera Grill - Drink and dine while listening to the soothing sounds of live music. There's something different every night, so check the bill if you're looking for something specific. And if you haven't had enough pigs in blankets this Christmas, they're putting on a Boxing Day brunch.
Drink and dine in an old opera house in the heart of Chester.
Cotswolds
The Blue Boar - The Cotswolds area is a scenic vision, as is this classic watering hole. Dine in and feast on one of their festive cheese and port sharers, or book in for a delicious Christmas dinner to kick off the festive season.
Kibou - Looking for something a little different? Head to Kibou for one of their festive sushi platters which will leave you wanting more. They've even got a whole host of Christmas cocktails, ranging from homemade spice mulled sake to Chocolate Orange Orenji.
The Crown At Ampney Brook - Try out this stylish gastro pub's festive afternoon tea, or better yet, head to their terrace that's been transformed into a winter wonderland. You can even book to stay in their hotel upstairs if you're wanting to vacation in England this Christmas.
The Cotswolds is more like a Christmas village, home to many beautiful pubs, including one that serves up an incredible cheese board.
Newcastle
Gaucho - This Argentinian steak restaurant should be on your Christmas list this December. It's beautifully decorated, offers the most amazing cheese platters, and has a boujee festive fine dining menu for those wanting a bit of glamour during the silly season.
Leila Lily's - Now this is how Christmas is done the right way. With everything from festive afternoon teas and feasting menus to seasonal cocktails made out of chocolate, you can't go wrong. The gingerbread-tini is an absolute winner.
Fenwick's Christmas Window - Last year's Narnia display was something special, but Fenwick's have outdone themselves once more. Partnering with famous author and illustrator, Chris Riddell, the famous shop's theme reflects The Twelve Days of Christmas, telling the story of a partridge wanting his pear tree to grow. It's definitely worth a visit.
If you're travelling up North this Christmas, be sure to visit Newcastle for a world-class roast.
Cardiff
All The Jingle Ladies At Tonight Josephine - Get your girl gang together for the ultimate sleigh moment. Enjoy 90 minutes of bottomless brunch, performances from iconic drag queens and plenty of festive songs to scream at the top of your lungs.
The Alchemist - Cocktails don't come much quirkier than the ones at this bar. Their festive drinks are no exception, with the Bakewell bauble, winter paloma and white choc cherry on offer throughout winter. They've also got some fab Christmas feast options too.
Brewhouse & Kitchen Cardiff - If you're looking for a spot for a cosy Christmas lunch, then Brewhouse & Kitchen is the place to go. Offering everything from ham hock bon bons to classic roasted turkey, this place is the perfect spot to book from friendmas celebrations. It's also a great place to go for a pint of pale ale or a glass of red.
Is there anything more Christmassy than a festive afternoon tea?
Looking for more Christmas inspo? Check out this blog on the most Christmassy pubs in the UK.
