Things to Do in England in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in England
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Christmas markets transform cities into atmospheric wonderlands from late November through December, with mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and craft stalls creating genuinely festive experiences in places like Bath, Winchester, and Manchester - the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market runs until December 23rd and is the largest authentic German market outside Germany
- Shorter daylight hours (sunrise around 8am, sunset by 4pm) actually work in your favor for indoor attractions - the British Museum, Natural History Museum, and major galleries are less crowded mid-morning on weekdays, and you can comfortably spend 4-5 hours inside without feeling you're missing sunshine
- Theatre and arts season peaks in December with pantomimes (a uniquely British theatrical tradition worth experiencing), West End shows offering Boxing Day performances, and classical concerts at venues like Royal Albert Hall - tickets for mid-week performances are typically 30-40% cheaper than summer tourist season
- Hotel prices in London drop significantly after December 23rd through New Year's Eve, with 4-star properties in Zone 1 often available for £120-180 per night compared to £250-350 in summer - Manchester, Edinburgh, and Bath follow similar patterns with post-Christmas value
Considerations
- Daylight is brutally short at 7-8 hours, with the winter solstice on December 21st bringing the year's shortest day - outdoor sightseeing feels rushed, and that 4pm darkness means you're navigating unfamiliar streets in the dark during what feels like mid-afternoon
- The damp cold penetrates layers in a way dry cold doesn't - 5°C (41°F) with 85% humidity and wind feels significantly colder than the same temperature in drier climates, and you'll find yourself cold even when dressed warmly by continental European or North American winter standards
- Many rural attractions, country houses, and coastal destinations operate reduced hours or close entirely from mid-December through early January - places like the Cotswolds villages, Cornwall coastal paths, and Lake District hiking routes are accessible but facilities (cafes, visitor centers, public toilets) are often shuttered
Best Activities in December
Christmas Market Tours and Festive City Walks
December is literally the only month these exist, making it the defining seasonal experience. Markets typically run from late November through December 23rd, with peak atmosphere between 4pm-8pm when lights are fully lit and mulled wine stalls are busiest. Birmingham, Bath, Manchester, and Winchester have the most established markets with 40-60 stalls each. The cold weather actually enhances the experience - you're genuinely grateful for that hot cider. Weekday evenings (Tuesday-Thursday) are significantly less crowded than weekends.
Museum and Gallery Deep Dives
The short daylight and frequent rain make December ideal for London's world-class museums. The British Museum, Natural History Museum, V&A, and National Gallery are free for permanent collections, heated to comfortable 20°C (68°F), and genuinely less crowded on weekday mornings in December than summer months. You can comfortably spend 3-4 hours inside without guilt about missing outdoor weather. Special exhibitions run through December with extended evening hours (until 8pm on Fridays at many venues). The dampness outside makes the warm, dry museum environment particularly appealing.
Historic Pub Crawls and Food Tours
December weather makes traditional pubs with fires and warm interiors especially atmospheric. Historic pub tours in London, York, and Edinburgh combine British drinking culture, architecture, and storytelling while keeping you mostly indoors. Food tours work well because you're moving between heated venues with minimal outdoor exposure - 5-10 minutes walking between stops. The seasonal pub menus feature game, pies, and winter warmers that actually suit the weather. Evening tours (6pm-9pm) let you experience the cozy atmosphere when locals finish work.
Windsor Castle and Royal Palaces
December sees these major attractions decorated for Christmas with special displays, making it worth the indoor-heavy experience. Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace, and Kensington Palace are fully heated, require 2-3 hours to tour properly, and offer the kind of historical depth that works well in short-daylight months. The State Rooms at Windsor get Christmas trees and decorations from late November through early January. Outdoor courtyard time is minimal - maybe 15-20 minutes total - so weather is manageable. Weekday visits see 40-50% fewer visitors than summer peak.
Traditional Afternoon Tea Experiences
Afternoon tea suits December perfectly - you're indoors for 90-120 minutes in heated, elegant surroundings during those dark afternoon hours between 2pm-5pm. The British tradition of tea, scones, sandwiches, and cakes provides both cultural experience and substantial food that works as a late lunch. December bookings often include festive touches like mince pies or Christmas cakes. Hotels and tea rooms are decorated for the season. The ritual nature of afternoon tea matches the slower pace December weather encourages.
West End Theatre and Pantomime Shows
December is peak theatre season with special Christmas pantomimes (a uniquely British theatrical tradition mixing fairy tales, comedy, audience participation, and surprisingly adult humor) running throughout the month. West End shows offer Boxing Day and New Year's performances unavailable other times. The 7pm or 7:30pm curtain times work well with December's 4pm darkness - you're not missing daylight. Theatres are heated to 21°C (70°F) and provide 2-3 hours of quality indoor entertainment. Pantomimes at venues like London Palladium or regional theaters give cultural insight tourists rarely experience.
December Events & Festivals
Winter Solstice at Stonehenge
December 21st brings the shortest day and winter solstice celebration at Stonehenge, where English Heritage allows free access to the stones themselves (normally you view from 30m away) for sunrise around 8am. Expect 4,000-6,000 people, druids in robes, and a genuinely unique atmosphere. It's cold - typically 0-3°C (32-37°F) at dawn - but the cultural experience is worth it. Managed Heritage England event requires no ticket but does require arriving by 7am for positioning.
Boxing Day Sales and Traditions
December 26th is a public holiday with massive retail sales starting at major department stores and shopping streets - Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Westfield shopping centers in London see 50-70% discounts. It's also traditional Premier League football match day with full fixture list. Many attractions reopen after Christmas Day closure. The sales are genuinely significant (not manufactured events) and represent real value, though crowds are intense at popular stores between 9am-2pm.
New Year's Eve Fireworks and Celebrations
London's South Bank fireworks display at midnight is the major event, though it now requires paid tickets (£15-25) booked months ahead through the Mayor of London's office - free viewing ended in 2022. Edinburgh's Hogmanay is a massive multi-day celebration (December 30th-January 1st) requiring tickets for main events. Manchester, Birmingham, and other cities have free public celebrations. Weather is typically 3-6°C (37-43°F) with high chance of rain - waterproof layers essential.