Christmas lights

The UNESCO-listed town comes alive with lanterns and tinsel in December – with 30p beers and T-shirt weather.

If you’re fed up with the prospect of yet another freezing cold Christmas market, clutching an £8 mug of mulled wine to keep warm, there’s an alternative option.

For a truly unique festive experience, this market deserves a spot on your bucket list.

With beers at just £0.30, hot chocolates for £1.50 and hundreds of twinkling lanterns lighting up the evening sky.

This enchanting market destination is Hoi An – a UNESCO-listed port town along Vietnam’s central coastline. Throughout December, this historic port transforms with glowing lanterns, fairy lights and tinsel adorning shop windows.

Whilst it might not deliver a conventional Christmas experience – it provides a breathtaking alternative at a fraction of the cost.

There are numerous stalls to explore offering everything from keepsakes to local confectionery and handcrafted goods. Vietnam is renowned for being budget-friendly and Hoi An maintains this reputation, reports the Express.

A glass of locally-brewed beer costs between £0.30 and £0.70 – even at the tourist-popular riverside locations.

Asia travel experts TransIndus describe December as one of the finest periods to experience Hoi An.

A spokesperson said: “Daytimes are usually in the low- to mid-20s, so it’s T-shirt weather for exploring the old streets, and in the evenings you might just want a light jacket if there’s a breeze coming off the river.”

It falls at the tail end of the wet season, meaning occasional downpours or overcast days are possible – but once the rain clears, the atmosphere becomes genuinely enchanting.

They said: “When the rain clears and the pavements start to dry, the reflections from the lanterns in the puddles are beautiful.

“You get steam rising off the street-food stalls, scooters back out within minutes, and the whole old town has this slightly surreal, cinematic feel.”

December in Hoi An blends Western festive imagery with Vietnamese lantern celebrations. Visitors might spot a nativity display or youngsters wearing Santa hats, before witnessing a silk-draped, illuminated riverboat gliding peacefully across the water.

It’s an ideal destination to break away from traditional Christmas habits and immerse yourself in a completely different culture.

Now in its fifth year, Windsor Illuminate snakes its way through the Great Park with a spell-binding array of displays and activities, including the world’s first LED snowman

Nothing says Christmas like a light trial, and Windsor Illuminated is up there with the best.

Now in its fifth year, the stunning display in Windsor’s Great Park’s Savile Gardens sees visitors walk a 2.2km loop through ancient forests enjoying the Windsor Express Train, Snowball Elves, Woodfest, a dazzling Water Show and ‘Frosty Fred’ – the world’s first outdoor LED screen snowman. It takes between one and a half and two hours to complete.

Dog friendly, the trail has ample stops for little legs – and thirsty adults alike – with cosy alpine bars serving mulled wine and open fires to toast marshmallows lining the route. Organisers warn that some areas as unsuitable for pushchairs but there were many families giving it a crack when I visited with seemingly relative ease.

At one point, owls fly out of the trees as deer scatter, escaping a hungry wolf that stalks through the forest – all projected on huge screens.

Another section sees guests walk through a magical tunnel of snow but the most incredible part came at Woodfest – a stage buried in the woodland featuring cute performances from animals.

Setting the scene was a bubble machine, but these aren’t regular bubbles. Reaching out to pop one, it disappeared in a puff of smoke. My confusion soon turned to amazement. Magic! The only problem was that I couldn’t get my four year old to leave.

There’s a traditional funfair featuring a carousel, heater skelter and big wheel that my son convinced me to go on. He loved every second. I’m scared of heights and did not.

We finished off with a stop at the cosy outdoor bar where we tucked into hot chocolate around the fire pit. A lovely festive treat for all the family.

The trail runs until January 3 with a family ticket for two adults and two children starting at £56.10. For more information, visit https://www.windsorilluminated.com/.

The trip is a unique opportunity to ride the Flying Scotsman from York to Newcastle, with pick-ups available from London, Hertfordshire, and Cambridgeshire. But with only one date available, tickets are selling fast

If you’re a fan of festive experiences or have a soft spot for traditional steam trains, you might want to consider booking a trip on the Flying Scotsman this winter. On Sunday, December 14, the historic Flying Scotsman will be making its journey from York to Newcastle, with pick-up points in London, followed by Hertfordshire, then Cambridgeshire.

Departing from Finsbury Park, a Class 67 diesel locomotive adorned with Mk3 carriages decked out for the festive season will travel through Potters Bar, Stevenage and Peterborough to collect guests for this unique Christmas experience. As the train winds its way through the fenland countryside, you’ll eventually arrive in York.

On the journey to York, guests can enjoy a variety of hot and cold beverages from the buffet car, along with a breakfast bap to kickstart your day. Upon arrival in York, you’ll switch trains to board the iconic Flying Scotsman.

As you journey on the Flying Scotsman towards Newcastle, you’ll pass by the city of Durham, offering a glimpse of the historic cathedral. You’ll catch a fleeting view of the Angel of the North before crossing over the King Edward VII Bridge and arriving in the city. You’ll feel completely immersed in the history of this 19th-century train, with steam blowing past your window as you chug along towards your destination.

Guests will have three hours to explore Newcastle, providing ample time to wander around the Christmas Market or the Christmas Village at Old Eldon Square. Whether you need to tick off some items from your Christmas shopping list or fancy sampling some festive food and drinks, a stroll around the market could be just the ticket to get you into the spirit of the season, reports Cambridgeshire Live.

Newcastle’s Christmas market has something for all ages. At the heart of the market is the Rockin’ Reindeer stage, where you can book a ticket for Santa’s Stories. This immersive show includes a story told by Santa, interactive activities, and an official Nice List certificate for kids who’ve been good this year.

Above the market, you’ll find igloo pods that can be hired as an escape from the winter chill. These heated igloos have views across the twinkling lights of Grey Street, and a full drinks menu will be available including mulled wine for the adults and hot chocolate for the kids.

After a leisurely stroll around the city, you’ll hop back on the Flying Scotsman to return to York station. The buffet car will be open for some late afternoon festive treats like mince pies and drinks before you board the Class 67 locomotive for your journey back to Peterborough.

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The train departs from Finsbury Park at 9am, and is set to return by 10pm.

Tickets for this Christmas adventure are priced at £175 for an adult standard ticket and £155 for children. A first-class adult ticket will set you back £275.

You can purchase tickets for this trip from the UK Rail Tours website.

Seaton in Devon is a charming coastal town that comes to life at Christmas with light displays, festive workshops and a Polar Express tram ride that’s perfect for kids

When it comes to Christmas holidays, if you’re looking to get away you might think of snowy Lapland or the bustling festivities of London.

However, there is one charming UK town that comes to life at Christmas.

It’s a true hidden gem in Devon and has plenty to explore over the festive season – as well as plenty of cosy cottages and pubs to warm up in and enjoy.

This stunning spot is Seaton on the east coast of Devon, a quaint fishing village that goes all out at Christmas.

There’s light displays, Christmassy workshops and a lovely welcoming community who are more than happy to show you around their beloved town, reports the Express.

Gemma Matthews, owner of Dorset & Devon Holiday Cottages, said: “There’s always plenty of events to experience in the run-up to the big day. Everything from wreath-making workshops, to pantomime and even Christmas park runs.

There’s really something for everyone to enjoy!”.

“The shopping at Seaton’s independent shops, Christmas fairs and markets is always a real highlight – it gives the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts and sample some of our local produce.”

If you have little ones, or you’re a kid at heart, then you can’t miss Seaton’s own Polar Express – a festively decorated tramcar that serves up hot chocolate and treats before taking riders to the ‘North Pole’ where they can meet Santa and his elves.

Gemma said: “The tramway is a must-visit at this time of year, their Polar Express ride will leave little ones in awe! Just like in the story, every guest gets to take home a silver sleigh bell, which is such a lovely memory of Seaton to look back on in years to come, to keep the magic alive.”

Should you time your visit perfectly, you’ll be able to witness the annual illumination of the Christmas lights which occurs on November 30 at 5:30pm.

Gemma remarked the lights transform the entire town into something resembling a fairytale scene “straight from a Christmas card.”

She added: “It’s quieter here in the winter compared to the summer months, but that just adds to the cosy, small-town charm and offers a much-needed tranquil escape from the bustling city markets and festive tourist hotspots frequently visited at this time of year.

“If you’re looking for an enchanting Christmas visit, Seaton is a must.”

This gorgeous city is better in November, but in summertime huge anti-tourism demos took place – and I understand why residents in this stunning place are so angry.

I’ve just touched down in the UK from a Spanish city that was basking in a balmy 26C in November, with hardly any tourists in sight. The destination has recently been dubbed an anti- tourism holiday spot, but all the locals I encountered were incredibly welcoming – and I got a glimpse into why some holidaymakers might not be as welcome.

Having visited Palma in Mallorca several times over the years, this was my first off-peak trip to the largest Balearic island, but I’d certainly consider a November visit again. The weather was still delightfully warm and sunny, the Mallorcan people I met were extremely friendly, and it was a real treat to explore the city and the island without the usual throngs of tourists.

During the summer of 2025, the height of the tourist season, large-scale anti-tourism protests erupted on the streets of Palma, with locals brandishing signs telling holidaymakers to go home – and frankly, I can’t blame them.

I can empathise with their tourism grievances, having grown up in Devon where similar issues arise – and I’ve even had the experience of living next door to an Airbnb a few years back which brought its own set of problems with non-locals.

Mallorca grapples with over-tourism during the summer months when the island is swamped with visitors. However, travelling off-peak is a more sustainable way to appreciate the island while respecting the locals – and it offers a genuine taste of Mallorcan life, reports the Express.

Despite being a Brit myself, I can’t help but acknowledge that some of our fellow countrymen can be quite the nuisance in popular holiday destinations, with their excessive drinking and disruptive behaviour tarnishing the reputation of many a Spanish resort.

Adding to this, the surge in short-term holiday rentals has spiralled out of control in numerous sought-after locations, including the Mallorcan city of Palma and other Spanish hotspots like Barcelona.

This issue of residential properties being converted into holiday cottages or Airbnb lettings is a global phenomenon, affecting places from Cornwall to London, Spain to America, and everywhere in between.

A local family residing in Mallorca shared with me that the island’s peak season is a living nightmare for them, with parking woes and a significant increase in traffic causing chaos.

The family expressed their struggle to enjoy the summer months as the beaches become “too crowded”, parking becomes a mission impossible, and many eateries, particularly in Palma, are “too busy”.

One native Mallorcan woman voiced her frustration, stating that many locals are irate due to skyrocketing rents – a consequence of mass holiday rentals like Airbnb in a neighbourhood which inflate the ‘average’ rent due to an overall comparison (which includes high holiday home rents).

She also highlighted a “worrying shortage of affordable housing”, particularly in the capital, Palma. Given that Mallorca is a relatively small island, about 62 miles wide, constructing more “affordable” homes isn’t a straightforward solution.

One can’t help but ponder: if all these holiday homes were converted back into residences for locals, would there still be a housing crisis in the UK – or indeed in Mallorca?

Prioritising tourism creates environments that become nearly uninhabitable for local residents, which seems nonsensical. It’s clear that something is amiss when governments aren’t prioritising housing for locals – and the need to protest is entirely understandable.

Over-tourism also results in excessive traffic, unmanageable crowds and significant parking issues, creating an unpleasant environment for both residents and visitors. During my time in Mallorca, I navigated the island by bus, which was simple and efficient.

Strolling through Palma’s tree-lined streets in November, when tourists are few and far between, is my idea of a city break. Although the Christmas lights haven’t been switched on yet, they will be soon (on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 8pm).

I can envision how stunning the festive lights will look once the official Christmas lights switch-on takes place in Palma, as star-shaped decorations were already adorning the streets in preparation for this event.

The streets of Palma were so pristine and clean, I didn’t spot a single person littering, whereas in the UK, it’s not uncommon to see adults – and children – discarding rubbish on the roads or in scenic areas.

During my stay in Mallorca, I lodged at the HM Palma Blanc hotel, a truly friendly and luxurious place that offered comfort and an incredible breakfast. I tend to steer clear of Airbnb-style holiday lets as much as possible, recognising the havoc they can wreak in tourist-heavy areas.

With a plethora of markets in the capital city, independent shops, and fantastic eateries, I’d certainly consider another winter visit to Mallorca – it was genuinely delightful.

A festive fan who has visited more than 100 Christmas markets shared her top picks in a video

The Christmas market season has officially kicked off, with many festive fans planning European getaways. For those still undecided on where to go, travel blogger Helene Sula could know just the place. The festive enthusiast has shared a list of her top picks, from the markets with delicious food to those with the prettiest decorations.

Posting on her popular TikTok page @heleneinbetween, Helene revealed her favourite markets, as someone who has visited more than one hundred of them. She told viewers: “After going to over 100 Christmas markets, here are my awards.” Helene then shared videos from her favourite picks, sharing recommendations for fellow festive fans.

Kicking off her list, Helene said Strasbourg, in France, wins ‘best decor’. Often nicknamed the ‘Capital of Christmas’, Strasbourg is home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, with four centuries of tradition.

The website states: “Every winter, Strasbourg is transformed into a veritable showcase of light and magic. The heart of the city beats to the rhythm of Christmas, and the streets and squares immerse you in an enchanting world where lights, decorations and scents create an unforgettable experience.”

Next, Helene awarded Frankfurt, in Germany, the title of ‘most surprising’ market, and she thought Bratislava, in Slovakia, offered the ‘best vibes’. The travel blogger loved the drinks on offer at Heidelberg, in Germany, and thought the market had the ‘best glühwein.” For ‘least crowded’, she voted Linz, in Austria.

Helene loved Brussels, in Belgium, suggesting the market offers the ‘best food’. According to the market’s website, it boasts more than 200 chalets, showcasing the capital’s heritage and culture. The blogger also shared a ‘most unique’ award, which went to Ribeauvillé, in France.

For ‘most charming’, she voted Colmar, also in France. However, Gengenbach, in Germany, won ‘most affordable.’ According to the blogger, Aachen, in Germany, deserved the ‘best shopping’ title. As for ‘best themed markets’, Helene suggested Cologne, in Germany, was a worthy winner.

She also crowned Vienna, in Austria, as the winner of the ‘most beautiful’ award. The tourism board says that Austria is the place to pick for ‘romantic Christmas markets’ with ‘glistening lights and seasonal treats’.

Finally, Helene praised Budapest, in Hungary, as the ‘best city to explore outside of the market.’ Festive activities advertised by the tourism board include the Christmas tram, ice rinks, Christmas concerts, and, of course, the markets, reports the Express.

Helene’s video impressed social media users. Replying to the video, someone wrote: “Going next month!! Cannot wait. Thanks for this list.” Another fan said: “I need to see this.”

A commenter shared: “I loved the elf market in Cologne so much!” Someone else replied: “I’ve been to both Aachen and Cologne, this year I’ll be going to Duisburg! I am a big fan of Currywurst!”

They added: “I forgot Düsseldorf, I’ve been to that one too, but it wasn’t on your list.” A different viewer replied: “Yay. My town Cologne made it. Although I gotta visit Brussels and try that food.”

One Reddit user said they had visited markets in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Finland, and Estonia last winter, and the experience soon began to lose its sheen.

Visiting a Christmas market is a delightful festive tradition for many. The ambience and festivity make them a great way to get into the seasonal spirit, and there’s a chance of finding some unique Christmas gifts you wouldn’t spot elsewhere.

But there can be too much of a good thing, as one Reddit user discovered when they visited eight different markets across Europe last winter. Posting on the social media site, the user said they had visited markets in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Finland, and Estonia, and the experience soon began to lose its sheen.

They wrote: “When I visited more than two or three markets in a short time (weekend) they all started to blur together really quickly. Each market had its own things, like different themes, food, and decorations, but after a few markets, it became hard to remember what things were in which city.

“All the markets started to feel repetitive, like a general ‘winter/Christmas market’ packed with people rather than something new and interesting in each location.”

They added they were disappointed to see local, handmade products were often drowned out by mass-produced goods. Concluding, they said they would still be visiting some Christmas markets this year, but would spread out their visits, and wouldn’t go to as many.

“I don’t regret my travel decisions – mainly because the markets were not the main point of my travels,” they said. “But if they were, I would be, just because it turns into one big blur so easily.

“So I will definitely recommend checking out some Christmas market or two if they’re your thing, just spend a little bit more time there to actually translate and understand all the cool local products they have.”

Commenters were mixed in their reactions, with some agreeing, but others saying they loved visiting Christmas markets in the lead-up to the big day.

One wrote: “I think going to one Christmas market – either here at home or somewhere else – per year can be charming, but to be honest, the whole thing has become so industrialised that I’m pretty done even after one. But I see it as more of an experience and usually don’t want to buy much.

“Like part of the charm is being outside, getting rosy cheeks, dipping in somewhere for a cappuccino or hot chocolate, or having eiswein, being with friends and not having structure or plans. Goes honestly for outdoor markets not at Christmas time, also, but there is something unique and charming at Christmas. It is sad about the squeezing out of real artisans.”

Another said: “Visiting too many Christmas markets quickly can really drain the experience and make them blur together tbh. It is actually smart to focus on one or two. I’d also support local artisans over mass produced souvenirs to keep the culture and quality alive.”

But a third said: “I’ve been to lots of Christmas markets with nice local food, crafts and arts that you can’t easily find elsewhere. And even if it is stuff you can find elsewhere, often the ambience is often quite nice. Talking about the real deal, German markets, and the best of Dutch markets; many other countries have markets which are fake touristy imitations of the real deal.”

And another said: “I love the markets, and go to several for the vibe and the food and the gluhwein. German village markets are fantastic.”

A grotto visit can offer so much more than just meeting the man in red. Many Santa’s grottos now include a range of activities and experiences in the ticket price, giving you a full day of festive family fun

Meeting Father Christmas is essential in the lead-up to the festive period. However, many families want a grotto visit that offers far more than simply handing over their Christmas list.

Many Santa experiences now feature a variety of activities included in the admission cost, providing families with an entire day of seasonal entertainment.

Countless grottos and Christmas attractions have emerged in recent years, offering distinctive and unforgettable experiences. Here’s a summary of some of the most exciting ways to meet Santa, whether aboard a festive train or within a grotto in a historic castle.

The Polar Express Train Ride

Millennial mums and dads who remember watching the 2004 film The Polar Express will undoubtedly love this immersive seasonal experience as much as their kids. Don your Christmas pyjamas and climb aboard the themed train where you’ll be welcomed by staff dressed as characters from the film, such as the Conductor.

As the train, adorned with Christmas decorations, departs the platform, there will be interactive performances, festive treats, and more to savour onboard. And just like in the picture, Santa will stop by each youngster on the train to present them with a silver bell, showing that they still believe.

The Polar Express proved enormously successful in 2024, with one reviewer who experienced the London Euston service commenting: “We had the best experience from start to finish last year, the show was so interactive and there was never a dull moment”.

Locations: London Euston, South Devon Railway, Spa Valley Railway, Kent and Wensleydale Railway, Yorkshire

Prices: From £59.95 per person

Lapland UK

Lapland UK is a ‘fully-immersive’ Christmas experience that takes families on a magical four-hour journey through an enchanted forest. Along the way, you’ll encounter numerous elves and partake in activities ranging from a visit to the Lapland Toy Factory to Little Rudi’s Stables, where you can meet the reindeer.

A white Christmas is always guaranteed at Lapland UK, courtesy of its snow machines, offering an experience as close as possible to a trip to the North Pole without boarding a flight. There’s ice skating, festive shows, and much more to explore, and naturally, your adventure concludes with a visit to Father Christmas and a cherished keepsake photo.

Since 2007, Lapland UK has been based in Ascot, and this year it’s also launching in Manchester, spreading the festive cheer to even more people.

Locations: Whitmoor Forest, Ascot, and Capesthorne Hall, Manchester

Prices: From £75 per person

Hamleys

Hamleys, self-described as the world’s largest and oldest toy shop, is the ideal place to meet Santa and gather some inspiration for your Christmas shopping. The Regent Street store is adorned with Christmas lights for the festive season, going all out with glittering decorations, and features six floors of toys to peruse.

Once your children have compiled their Christmas list, they can visit Santa in his Hamleys grotto and will receive a special gift bag to take home.

Location: Hamleys, Regent Street, London

Prices: Starting from £65 for a group of three (one adult and two children, or two adults and one child)

Christmas at Warwick Castle

The historic Warwick Castle is set to host Christmas at the Castle. Here, youngsters will not only get to meet Santa but also enjoy a cosy storytime session with him.

The castle will be adorned with festive decorations and lights. Besides meeting Santa, families can enjoy an ice rink, a festive food and drink village, and a brand-new Christmas light trail within the grounds.

There are also Santa Sleepover packages on offer where you can stay at the castle and enjoy an elf wake-up call, evening entertainment, and more.

Location: Warwick Castle, Warwickshire

Prices: Daytime entry plus stories with Santa starting from £29 per person, ice skating from £8pp, light trail from £17pp

Eden Project

The Eden Project’s Biomes will be illuminated for the festive season, with Father Christmas making a visit to the Cornwall-based attraction. Visitors to the unique botanical gardens will be treated to an immersive experience, culminating in a visit to Santa and a special keepsake to take home.

On selected dates, the park will extend its opening hours, allowing visitors to witness its transformation into a twinkling winter wonderland. Each Biome will offer its own festive experience; for instance, the Mediterranean Biome will feature a light show and festive music.

Additionally, there will be a Christmassy undercover ice rink, and festive food available for purchase in the cafes.

Location: Par, Cornwall

Prices: Visits to Father Christmas start from £16 per person, light trail from £5.50pp, ice skating from £11 per adult. Entry to the Eden Project for adults starts from £38, children from £12, under-fives go free

Father Christmas at London Zoo

Why not mix a trip to Santa’s grotto with a day at the zoo for the ultimate Christmas-themed family day out?

London Zoo offers a variety of packages for those wanting to meet Santa. Little ones can simply enjoy some Christmas crafts before their meet, or you can upgrade to a deluxe package which includes an immersive quest in the attraction’s new ZooTown play area.

You can also opt for the Meet Santa VIP Breakfast, which allows you to enter the zoo at 8am before normal opening, with a special tour before the crowds arrive.

Location: London Zoo, Regent’s Park, London

Prices: Starting from £18.50 per child

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The town’s Christmas markets are a must-visit for anyone looking to get into the festive spirit, with a wide range of stalls selling everything from food and drink to handmade gifts

Christmas in Kent is a truly enchanting time, with charming town centres adorned with sparkling lights, festive decorations and an abundance of holiday cheer.

One of the highlights of the winter season is undoubtedly the return of the delightful Christmas markets, offering a plethora of fantastic options across Kent.

Full details for this year’s Faversham Christmas Markets, which will be taking place over one weekend in December have now been confirmed. This year, the festivities are set to occur from Friday, 12th December to Sunday, 14th December.

Over these three days, a colourful mix of stallholders will descend on Market Place and Court Street, presenting a diverse range of local food and drink, unique crafts and handmade gifts that are perfect for filling up those stockings.

On Friday, locals and visitors alike will have the opportunity to explore the Festive Food Market, showcasing the very best of Kent’s remarkable food and drink businesses, reports Kent Live.

Then, on Saturday, the town will play host to the Bumper Charter Market and Best of Faversham artisan market, ideal for discovering unique, locally-crafted gifts.

Finally, Sunday will see the arrival of the Christmas Gift Market where you can complete your holiday shopping – whether you’re searching for that perfect, unique gift or need to stock up on cards to send to all your friends and family over the holidays, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for.

There will be live Christmas carols and plenty of festive music for all to enjoy, and there is even a planned visit from the Happy Endings donkeys for guests to pet and feed.

These markets will follow the fabulous Christmas lights switch-on in Faversham town centre, which will take place on the evening of Saturday, 29 November.

Crowds will flock to the historic Market Place to see the spellbinding illuminations come to life at 5pm, bathing the town in a sea of colour. Again, there will be Christmas carols and live music to add that extra Christmas spirit.

From 4pm to 8pm on this day, the Festive Night Market will run on Preston Street, bringing plenty of opportunities to shop and tuck into delicious seasonal food. Between the numerous craft stalls and mouth-watering street food choices, this is one event you won’t want to miss.

Faversham may be rich in history, with its ancient port, maritime industry and hop-growing heritage, but it’s also brimming with contemporary attractions that today’s visitors will love.

The town offers a wealth of shopping opportunities and businesses, a theatre, thrilling events and activities, and a vibrant market, which proudly proclaims itself as “Kent’s oldest”. There are also beautiful scenic spots, such as Mount Ephraim Gardens, which will soon be ablaze with autumnal hues.

Norwich is a historic city that offers a quieter, yet equally enchanting, winter escape compared to the likes of Bath, London, Oxford, Edinburgh or York

As the festive season approaches, many Brits’ thoughts turn to staycations in bustling cities like Bath, London, Oxford, Edinburgh or York, all renowned for their Christmas markets and historic charm. But for those seeking a quieter, cosier winter retreat, Norwich is a hidden gem.

The city was even listed among the top UK staycation destinations for 2024 by StressFreeCarRental.com. John Charnock, CEO of StressFreeCarRental.com, said: “As the nights draw in and the temperatures plummet, it’s inevitable that many of us start to feel a little down at this time of year.”

He highlighted Norwich’s unique appeal as the only British city located within a national park.

John explained: “The picturesque Broads National Park has miles and miles of footpaths for visitors to truly feel at one with nature and help to keep active. Norwich is a great city to connect with the outdoors and practice ecotherapy.”

Norwich Cathedral, a medieval architectural marvel, continues to be the city’s main attraction, drawing in countless tourists, reports the Express.

One visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: “Norwich Cathedral is a beautiful building, which we had said we would visit. Over the years, we have visited many of the major cathedrals in the UK and some in Europe, but we have never been to our local cathedral. After 75 plus years, that time had come. We had coffee in the very modern cafe, and overall, the afternoon was most enjoyable.”

Another added: “This a brilliant place to go whatever the occasion even if your not religious. Light a candle for a lost loved one, sing a hymn, look at the amazing architecture or pray. There are also family events in the summer holidays to occupy the kids.”

Throughout the festive period, the cathedral hosts Christmas services, concerts and a stunning light display, whilst Norwich’s own ‘Winter Wonderland’ is situated conveniently nearby.

Following a day of sightseeing, popping into one of Norwich’s numerous historic pubs, complete with a crackling fire, provides the ideal way to get cosy.

Whilst it might not feature one enormous Christmas market, Norwich comes alive with a selection of smaller, more personal festive gatherings that showcase local creativity.

Norwich is packed with independent retailers and well-known high street names, providing a range of distinctive gifts, keepsakes, and much more.

The city features a bustling marketplace, multiple Christmas markets, the Norwich Lanes, and thriving shopping centres.

There are also late-night shopping Thursdays in the lead-up to Christmas. The city is buzzing with festive spirit, boasting stunning Christmas lights and seasonal events at historic venues like The Assembly House and The Maids Head Hotel.

Elsewhere in Norwich, there’s a wealth of charming walks and cosy pubs to discover.

Norwich Lanes glisten with festive decorations during the winter months, perfect for a tranquil wander. Embark on a riverside walk from Norwich Rail Station along the River Wensum.

You’ll stumble upon historical treasures including Pull’s Ferry, Cow Tower, and Norwich Cathedral, with chances to nip into traditional pubs like the Compleat Angler and The Red Lion for a drink.

For a walk steeped in history, take on the city’s circular route, which follows the banks of the River Wensum and crosses several ancient bridges.

You’ll spot medieval city walls, the towering castle, and various churches, while Norwich’s oldest pub, The Adam and Eve, conveniently sits along the route.