Things to Do in United Kingdom in December

December Weather in United Kingdom

8°C (46°F) High Temp

2°C (35°F) Low Temp

97 mm (3.8 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Christmas markets peak season - Over 200 authentic markets nationwide featuring mulled wine, handcrafted gifts, and traditional foods from late November through December 23rd
Lowest accommodation prices outside London - Hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to summer, with exceptional deals in cities like Manchester, Edinburgh, and Bath
Minimal tourist crowds at major attractions - National Trust properties, castles, and museums have 60-70% fewer visitors, meaning no queues and better photo opportunities
Peak season for indoor cultural experiences - Theaters, museums, and galleries showcase special winter exhibitions, Christmas productions, and extended opening hours

Considerations

Daylight severely limited - Sun rises around 8:00 AM and sets by 3:30 PM, giving only 7.5 hours of daylight for outdoor sightseeing
Weather disrupts transport frequently - Rail delays increase 40% in December due to frost, flooding, and wind, with potential flight cancellations at regional airports
Many outdoor attractions close or reduce hours - Castles, gardens, and walking tours operate limited schedules, with some closing completely after mid-December

Best Activities in December

Historic House and Castle Tours

December transforms stately homes into winter wonderlands with elaborate Christmas decorations, special exhibitions, and seasonal events. Properties like those managed by National Trust and English Heritage offer unique access to rooms normally closed, plus traditional Christmas celebrations. The short daylight hours actually enhance the atmospheric lighting inside these historic buildings.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead as many properties have special December-only tours with limited capacity. Prices typically range £15-25 for adults. Many offer combination tickets with afternoon tea. Check individual property websites as opening hours vary significantly in December.

Christmas Market Tours

Britain's Christmas markets are authentically European, featuring local artisans, traditional foods, and festive atmosphere. Markets in Manchester, Birmingham, Bath, and Winchester offer the best experiences with minimal crowds on weekdays. The cold weather makes mulled wine and roasted chestnuts particularly appealing.

Booking Tip: Most markets run late November through December 23rd. Free entry but budget £20-40 per person for food and drinks. Weekday visits (Tuesday-Thursday) have better atmosphere and shorter queues. See current market tours in booking section below.

Traditional Pub and Whisky Experiences

December is peak season for cozy pub experiences, with open fires, seasonal ales, and hearty winter menus. Scotland's whisky distilleries offer special winter tastings and tours, while traditional pubs across England serve mulled wine and seasonal dishes. The cold weather makes these warm, atmospheric venues particularly inviting.

Booking Tip: Whisky distillery tours typically cost £25-60 and should be booked 1-2 weeks ahead. Traditional pub crawls and food tours range £40-80. Look for operators offering indoor venues and transport between locations due to weather.

London Winter Walking Tours

London's winter atmosphere is magical with Christmas lights, festive window displays, and seasonal decorations throughout the city. Specialized winter tours cover Christmas lights, Dickensian London, and winter markets. The city's covered passages and indoor attractions provide shelter from weather while maintaining the festive atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Book walking tours that include indoor stops and provide weather contingencies. Prices range £15-30 for 2-3 hour tours. Evening tours showcase Christmas lights best, typically starting 4:30-5:30 PM when lights activate but before it gets too cold.

Theater and Cultural Venue Tours

December is peak theater season with Christmas productions, pantomimes, and special holiday shows. Many venues offer behind-the-scenes tours, and museums feature winter-specific exhibitions. The short daylight hours make afternoon and evening cultural activities ideal for maximizing your sightseeing time.

Booking Tip: Book theater tickets 4-6 weeks ahead for popular Christmas shows. Matinee performances (2:00-3:00 PM start) work well with limited daylight. Theater tours typically cost £12-20. Many venues offer pre-show dining packages.

Covered Market and Shopping Quarter Tours

Historic covered markets like Borough Market in London, Grainger Market in Newcastle, and the Covered Market in Oxford provide sheltered shopping and food experiences. These venues showcase local products, seasonal specialties, and traditional British foods while protecting visitors from December weather.

Booking Tip: Free to enter most covered markets, but food tours range £35-65. Best visited late morning (10:00-11:00 AM) when vendors are fully set up but crowds are minimal. Many offer sampling tours that include seasonal specialties.

December Events & Festivals

Late November through December 23rd

Christmas Markets Season

Over 200 Christmas markets operate across the UK featuring traditional crafts, seasonal foods, and festive entertainment. Major markets in Manchester, Birmingham, Bath, and Winchester offer the most comprehensive experiences with local artisans and traditional German-style offerings.

Early December through early January

Christmas Pantomime Season

Traditional British pantomimes run at theaters nationwide, offering a uniquely British cultural experience. These family-friendly productions feature audience participation, slapstick comedy, and familiar fairy tales with modern twists.

December 26th through early January

Boxing Day Sales

Britain's biggest shopping event begins December 26th with retailers offering 50-70% discounts. Major department stores like Harrods, Selfridges, and John Lewis attract international shoppers for luxury goods at reduced prices.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket with hood - December brings frequent light rain and drizzle, with showers lasting 1-2 hours rather than brief tropical downpours

Layered clothing system - Temperature swings of 6°C (11°F) daily require base layers, warm mid-layer, and outer shell you can adjust throughout the day

Waterproof walking shoes or boots - Pavements stay wet for hours after rain, and many historic sites have uneven stone surfaces that become slippery

Warm accessories - Hat, gloves, and scarf are essential as wind chill makes 2°C (35°F) feel like -4°C (25°F)

Compact umbrella - More reliable than relying on hoods alone, and essential for the 10 rainy days you'll likely encounter

Portable phone charger - Cold weather drains batteries 20-30% faster, and you'll rely heavily on maps and transport apps

Cash in small denominations - Many Christmas markets, pubs, and small venues still prefer cash, especially for tips and small purchases

Comfortable indoor clothing - You'll spend significant time in heated museums, theaters, and restaurants escaping the cold

Wool or thermal socks - Keep feet warm and dry, especially important for extended walking on cold stone and concrete surfaces

Insider Knowledge

Most locals avoid outdoor attractions after 2:00 PM in December, instead heading to pubs, theaters, and shopping centers where they socialize indoors until spring

Train heating systems often malfunction in December cold snaps - carry an extra layer and download offline maps as backup when rail delays inevitably occur

Christmas markets are tourist-focused and overpriced - locals shop at regular markets like Borough Market or local high streets for better value and authentic British products

Book restaurant reservations for 5:00-6:30 PM slots - this avoids the pre-theater rush while ensuring you're indoors during the coldest evening hours

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how early darkness falls - planning outdoor activities after 3:00 PM leaves you stumbling around historic sites in the dark with poor visibility

Packing only a light rain jacket - December's damp cold penetrates lightweight shells, leaving you miserably cold for hours even after rain stops

Expecting attractions to maintain summer hours - many castles, gardens, and outdoor sites close at 3:00 PM or shut completely, wasting prepaid tickets and planned itineraries