Christmas Escapes in the UK: Unwrapping the Magic in London, Liverpool, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Bristol, and Belfast

As the Christmas season approaches, the UK’s cities transform into winter wonderlands, each one rich with unique character, cosy traditions, and stunning holiday displays. 

Whether you're after the timeless allure of London’s streets decked in lights, the music-filled squares of Liverpool, or the festive fervour of Belfast, there’s no shortage of Christmas spirit to experience across the country.

Here’s a guide to making the most of your Christmas break in London, Liverpool, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Bristol, and Belfast.

London: Classic Christmas Charm

In December, London becomes an enchanting tapestry of lights and festive cheer. Start at Covent Garden, where an impressive Christmas tree, giant baubles, and stunning decorations make for the perfect seasonal atmosphere. Nearby, the Southbank Winter Market offers mulled wine, street food, and charming gifts with a riverside view. Don’t miss Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, a huge fairground complete with rides, markets, and ice skating. For something quieter, venture to Kew Gardens for a peaceful illuminated trail through botanical landscapes. Whether you’re shopping along Oxford Street or taking in a Christmas show at the West End, London has festive magic at every turn.

Liverpool: Lights, Music, and Magic

Liverpool’s iconic waterfront and music heritage take on a special sparkle at Christmas. Begin at Liverpool ONE, where lights twinkle across the shopping district, and be sure to visit the Albert Dock, where seasonal decorations meet stunning waterfront views. The Liverpool Christmas Market at St George's Hall is perfect for a cosy evening with bratwurst, churros, and mulled cider. Explore Bold Street, lined with indie shops and cafes, for unique Christmas shopping, and don’t miss the chance to join in with Christmas carol sing-alongs, a local favourite. Liverpool's blend of traditional and modern festivities creates a memorable holiday atmosphere.

Birmingham: A Taste of German Festivities

Birmingham is famous for its Frankfurt Christmas Market, the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany. Sip on hot chocolate or glühwein while browsing stalls filled with handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and hearty German food. For families, Birmingham Botanical Gardens offers a magical light trail, while Cadbury World has themed events and festive chocolate-making sessions. The city’s shops are buzzing with gift ideas, from the Bullring to the quirky Custard Factory. With music, lights, and festive markets, Birmingham offers a Christmas getaway with a European twist.

Glasgow: Festivities with Scottish Flair

Glasgow’s holiday season is marked by vibrant light displays and traditional Scottish charm. At George Square, the Christmas tree and fairground rides create a family-friendly atmosphere, while St Enoch Square hosts the city's Christmas market, packed with artisan gifts, local fare, and seasonal treats. Take in the Glasgow Lights Trail through the city centre, or pop into one of the city’s famed music venues for live holiday performances. Known for its warm, lively community, Glasgow’s Christmas experience combines the best of Scottish culture with holiday cheer.

Edinburgh: Historic Beauty and Festive Lights

Edinburgh’s ancient charm is even more magical at Christmas. The Edinburgh Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens is a seasonal highlight, with everything from local crafts to gourmet food stalls. Ice skate under the glow of festive lights at St Andrew Square, and climb up to Edinburgh Castle for sweeping views of the holiday-lit city. The Royal Mile is lined with shops and street performers, and you can catch a Christmas choir at St Giles' Cathedral. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebration, a Scottish New Year’s tradition, is just around the corner, making Christmas in Edinburgh a gateway to more festive celebrations.

Bristol: Artsy Christmas with Riverside Views

Bristol’s creative energy shines through its Christmas celebrations, with a blend of artsy events and traditional festivities. The Bristol Christmas Market at Broadmead offers wooden chalets with handmade gifts, food, and drink, while We The Curious hosts holiday-themed science and art exhibits for families.

Take a walk along the Harbourside, where you’ll find decorated boats and festive lights, or explore the Clifton Village Christmas Lights for a quieter experience. 

The city’s independent shops and galleries make it easy to find unique gifts, and local Christmas concerts and plays round out the holiday spirit.

Belfast: Cosy and Cultural

Belfast’s Christmas is a cultural and festive delight, with holiday lights illuminating the city’s iconic architecture. Belfast City Hall is surrounded by a charming Christmas market filled with festive foods, drinks, and handmade gifts. Wander through St George’s Market, where local artisans display their crafts alongside live music and seasonal treats. Belfast’s thriving arts scene offers Christmas plays, pantomimes, and traditional Irish music sessions. A stroll around the Cathedral Quarter, decorated with holiday lights, makes for an atmospheric evening in this cosy yet vibrant city.

Tips for a Memorable Christmas Break:

Plan Ahead: Many popular events require advance booking, especially during peak holiday times.

Bundle Up: UK winters can be chilly, so pack warm clothing for exploring outdoor markets and attractions.

Try Local Delights: Whether it's mulled wine, mince pies, or artisanal chocolates, each city offers its own seasonal treats worth sampling.

Capture the Magic: Christmas decorations, light trails, and historic architecture make for memorable photos, so keep a camera ready.

Each of these UK cities has its own special way of celebrating Christmas, filled with warmth, joy, and charm. Wherever you choose to go, your Christmas break will be an unforgettable experience, bringing festive cheer and unforgettable memories.

New historical novel set in Bristol and Shropshire published. An ideal stocking filler for your bookworms!

Bristol-born author Frederick J Hillberg is celebrating the publication of his new historical novel, ‘The Dangerous Journey’. Set in 1840’s Victorian England, the story brings to life the brutal attempted murder on Bristol accountant William Miller Mackreth in the Shropshire town of Ludlow - a crime that reverberated across Britain and the colonies. 

Based on real events, this gripping tale of mystery, love and endurance, is written by William’s great-great-grandson who recreates a moving and faithful account of the shocking attack by the enigmatic Josiah Mister, William’s recovery and the sensational trial that ensued.

Image courtesy Richard Tisdale

The author Frederick J Hillberg, who is retired, shared his insights into researching and writing his great-great-grandfather’s extraordinary near-death encounter over 150 years ago, “I began working on the project several years ago whilst I was investigating our family tree. I knew William Mackreth was a wealthy businessman in Bristol but it wasn’t until a visit to the Bristol Archives and a reference to the ‘Ludlow Chest’ that the full story began to unfold.”

It was an important, landmark case in British legal history that shocked Victorian society.

A trip to Ludlow revealed an unexpected truth: William Mackreth had been at the heart of a famous local tale of mistaken identity, culminating in a vicious attack with a razor blade at the well-known Angel Inn (still standing) and became a landmark legal case in British history.

“As I delved deeper, I was amazed at the extent to which my great-great-grandfather’s ordeal had captured the attention of Victorian society. Even Charles Dickens is believed to have mentioned the case in a letter to a friend.” Hillberg added.

The novel not only recounts the events in Ludlow but also paints a vivid picture of life in Bristol during the era, highlighting Mackreth’s struggle to recover with the help of his fiancée, Jane. Hillberg explores a time when Bristol was governed by ‘Bristol Time’ and ‘Bristol Nails,’ and where an ‘upstairs downstairs’ culture was still prevalent and the scourge of cholera outbreaks spared no one.

The author added, “It is a remarkable tale, almost stranger than fiction, not only due to the nature of the crime and the sheer number of coincidences but also the fact that my great-great-grandfather survived the attempted murder that left him scarred for life. I am incredibly proud to have been able to bring this piece of family history to light. I think the book will appeal strongly to anyone with an interest in local history, crime and mystery, or a touch of romance.”

When not writing, Fred is an active figure in his local community and his pastimes include gardening, photography, coin & stamp collecting and reading historical biographies. In 2023 Fred published his first children’s book, Brave Cat Millie (ISBN: 9781916095069 ).

The paperback version of The Dangerous Journey (ISBN: 9781839528200) published by Brown Dog Books (https://www.browndogbooks.uk/) is priced at £9.99 (RRP) and is available to order from all bookshops from 17th October as well as on-line. An eBook version priced at £3.99 will be available via Amazon (Kindle), Kobo devices and Apple iBooks.

We at That's Christmas feel this is a must buy book for the lovers of historical crime stories in your life.