We earn a commission through some of the links and banners in this article. Some content on this website is AI-generated.

ADVERTISEMENT

20 Facts about Christmas in the United Kingdom

From Christmas cards to singing Carols, here are twenty fun facts about Christmas here in the UK and yes your guests will be majorly impressed!

20 Facts about Christmas in the UK

If you’re looking to impress your guests this festive season then check out these fun facts about Christmas here in Great Britain. From counting down the days with an old-fashioned advent calendar to scoffing packs of mince pies, here are just twenty facts you may not have known.

Right even though this is a pretty obvious fact, we still wanted to share it – Christmas Day, on December 25th, is a public holiday in the UK. It is a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, and enjoy a festive meal.

The UK is known for its elaborate Christmas decorations, with towns and cities competing to have the most impressive displays of lights and festive decorations.

Bronze Christmas Decorations

Christmas markets are a popular attraction in the UK, offering a wide range of food, drinks, crafts, and gifts. These markets often feature festive music and entertainment.

The Christmas tree is a central decoration in most UK homes during the holiday season. It is typically adorned with lights, ornaments, and a star or angel on top.

Christmas cards are exchanged among family, friends, and colleagues in the UK. It is common to send well wishes and personal messages via traditional mail or electronic cards.

A Christmas Card Design

BUY PERSONALISED CHRISTMAS CARDS HERE

Advent calendars are widely used in the UK to count down the days until Christmas. They often contain chocolates or small gifts behind each door.

The tradition of singing carols is deeply rooted in the UK. Churches, choirs, and community groups organize carol services and perform traditional songs throughout the Christmas season.

Christmas Carolers

The Queen’s Christmas Message is a highly anticipated annual event. Queen Elizabeth II delivers a televised speech to the nation, reflecting on the year and offering messages of hope and unity. After the Queen’s passing this now is handed over to King Charles.

Christmas pudding is a traditional dessert in the UK. It is a rich, steamed or boiled fruitcake often served with brandy butter, custard, or cream.

Another popular Christmas sweet treat in the UK is the mince pie. These small pies are filled with a mixture of dried fruits and spices and are enjoyed throughout the holiday season.

Mince Pies UK's Favourite

Many towns and villages in the UK have a tradition of lighting a community Christmas candle, symbolizing unity and goodwill.

The tradition of sending letters to Santa Claus is cherished in the UK. Children write letters expressing their wishes and post them to Santa’s address in the town of Reindeerland.

Santa Claus, often referred to as Father Christmas in the UK, is believed to bring gifts to children on Christmas Eve. Children leave out a glass of sherry and a mince pie to welcome him.

Santa giving gifts

In some parts of the UK, it is customary to go “wassailing” during the Christmas season. This involves singing carols and going door-to-door to offer good wishes and share a drink.

Christmas crackers are a popular UK tradition. These decorative tubes pulled apart with a cracking sound, contain small gifts, jokes, and paper crowns, adding fun to Christmas celebrations.

christmas cracker

Many Britons attend a midnight church service, known as Midnight Mass, on Christmas Eve to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Boxing Day, on December 26th, is a public holiday in the UK. It is a day associated with giving gifts to the less fortunate, enjoying sports events, and spending time with family and friends.

The UK is known for its Christmas pantomimes. These theatrical performances, often based on fairy tales, feature humour, music, audience participation, and well-known celebrities.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) airs special Christmas programming, including festive episodes of popular TV shows and the annual broadcast of the Queen’s Christmas Message.

The Nutcracker Image

The Twelve Days of Christmas, starting from December 25th, are celebrated in the UK. It is a time of continued festivities, with some people exchanging small gifts each day until January 6th, known as Epiphany.

These fun facts about Christmas here in the UK will WOW any of your guests this festive season.

ADVERTISEMENT