Festive Brits give verdict on what UK city has the best Christmas experiences
Festive Brits love Christmas in the capital – as winter experiences in London make up almost half of the nation's favourite outings during the holiday season, research has found.
Admiring the Christmas lights at Carnaby Street, Oxford Street, and Regent Street topped the list of Yuletide experiences, followed by a trip to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.
And elsewhere in London, carol services at St Paul's Cathedral, as well as taking in some festive entertainment in Trafalgar Square, are also considered a must at this time of year.
But Brits don't just stick to the big smoke when it comes to Christmas outings – as the Christmas markets in Manchester and Edinburgh, and the Blackpool Illuminations, also appeared among the top 10 festive favourites.
The top 23 list followed research of 2,000 adults, and also saw Christmas concerts at York Minster, and the Dickensian Christmas Festival in Rochester, Kent, rank highly.
Martin Lewis issues 8-week warning to phone users ahead of huge price hikesMeeting Santa's reindeer in Surrey’s Richmond Park, Cornwall’s winter walk through Tramway Trail, and the Candlelit Christmas at Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, also featured.
Fearne Cotton, ambassador for Samsung, which commissioned the research to launch the Galaxy S23 FE, said: “There is so much beauty to be discovered in the UK over the festive season.
“But as joyful as this time of year can be, it’s also overwhelming – particularly when it comes to planning days out. So, I’m pleased to be spotlighting some of the nation’s best places to visit this Christmas.
“One of the best bits of Christmas for me is getting wrapped up, gathering my loved ones, and heading out for a winter stroll. My family’s favourite place is Richmond Park, as spotting the deer always gets us in the spirit.”
It also emerged that 98% are seeking value for money when planning their festive trips. Meanwhile, for 31%, the photo and video moments are among the best bits about a Christmas outing, and 65% enjoy the lights.
Annika Bizon, from Samsung UK, added: “Christmas is a time for joy and connection, so it’s unsurprising that people want to capture their best moments.
“For those who thrive on capturing the best holiday snap, we’re delighted to do justice to those special experiences and picture memories that will last a lifetime.”
TOP 23 BEST UK CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCES, ACCORDING TO BRITS:
- Christmas lights on Carnaby Street, Regent Street, and Oxford Street, in London
- Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, London
- Visiting festive storefronts around London, such as Selfridges, Harrods, and Liberty
- Covent Garden Christmas lights, London
- Edinburgh Christmas markets
- Blackpool Illuminations
- Manchester Christmas markets
- Festive entertainment at Trafalgar Square, London
- Carol services at St Paul's Cathedral, London
- Christmas concerts at York Minster
- Christmas displays at Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
- Christmas markets at Winchester Cathedral
- Ice skating at Somerset House, London
- Illumine Light Up Festival, in Yorkshire
- Exploring Haworth Village, in West Yorkshire
- Leeds Christmas markets
- Ice skating at Glide, Battersea Power Station, London
- Meeting Santa's reindeer in Richmond Park, Surrey
- Winter walk through Tramway Trail, Cornwall
- Cardiff Christmas food markets
- Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival
- The Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre
- Gloucester Cathedral's Christmas Experience at Night