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England in December: Christmas, White Winter & Travel Tips

England in December: Christmas, White Winter & Travel Tips

3 mins readJanuary 6, 2025

England glitters with Christmas decorations in December. The days get shorter and the nights darker during this time of year, which only adds to the mood of the festival of lights. When visiting England in December, expect to see crowds of holiday shoppers as well as travelers, particularly in city areas. But this is what the merry holiday season is all about. Check out the famous Christmas market in Birmingham and witness the Winter Wonderland at London’s Hyde Park. Explore historical and cultural attractions of England, from the prehistoric monuments to ancient palaces and castles to the Harry Potter studio tour.

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England Weather in December

Snowfall in Tower Bridge in the evening time with cold temperature in December. — Experience England's chilly weather while taking in the splendor of a December snowfall.

The weather in England in December is marked by extremely cold temperatures between 4°C and 9°C, a fair amount of rainfall, and a few days of snowfall. But hey, what is Christmas without cold weather? Just make sure to pack your warm clothes, a sturdy pair of winter boots, and an umbrella or rain gear when you travel to England in December.

Weather in England in December - Rainfall and Temperatures

	JAN	FEB	MAR	APR	MAY	JUN	JUL	AUG	SEP	OCT	NOV	DEC
Avg Daily (°C)	8	9	11	14	17	20	23	23	19	15	11	9
Avg Nightly (°C)	4	4	5	6	9	12	15	18	13	10	6	5
Avg Daily (°F)	46	48	52	57	63	68	73	73	66	59	52	48
Avg Nightly (°F)	39	39	41	43	48	54	59	64	55	50	43	41
Avg Rainfall (mm)	23	30	22	22	26	45	36	38	26	29	34	37

Why Visit England in December

Bath Christmas market in the late afternoon in England in December. — Take advantage of discount offers by visiting the Christmas market in England in December.

Hever Castle in the village of Hever, Kent in the south east of England. — Hever Castle was the childhood home of Anne Boeyn, who became Queen of England for just 1000 days.

England in December offers plenty of activities and attractions for visitors. Here are some of them:

Christmas delights: Christmas markets and winter fairs that take place across England in December. You can visit London, Birmingham, Winchester, and Nottingham which are among the cities to be in if you want to get into the holiday spirit. The Christmas tour of Hever Castle while visiting Kent is a must-do. Check out the castle rooms adorned beautifully with decorations and log fires and enjoy a superb dining experience in the illuminated garden.
Events and festivals: December sees many great events and festivals in England, no matter which city you go to. Walk through the 4,500-year-old Clearwell Caves or take on the thrilling toboggan slide in Nottingham’s magical Winter Wonderland; take part in the magical Burning the Clock Winter Solstice Parade in Brighton; or celebrate the winter solstice at Stonehenge in Salisbury.
Shop ’til you drop: When you are in England in December, you can get your hands on various Christmas discount deals. Shop from your favorite brands. From London to Birmingham to Leeds to Manchester, wherever you go you will find great bargains.
Grassington Dickensian: The Dickensian Festival market is held over two weekends with a week of activities in between-in the run-up to Christmas. Over the course of one week and two weekends, a number of Dickens and Christmas-related events are held.

Where to Go and What to Do

The Sunrise in Stonehenge. — Take a drive to Stonehenge early in the morning and watch the sun rise over its stones.

December in England is all about Christmas. So go to the cities with great holiday vibes. Christmas pantomimes are performed in both professional and amateur theaters across the country. Watch the entertaining spectacles and be part of the festive spirit all around. Children and youngsters will particularly enjoy these performances.

England is full of historical places and cultural attractions. Spend your days exploring its art and architecture in many museums and art galleries if you wish to escape the cold weather. Check out the British Museum, Natural History Museum, and Victoria and Albert Museum in particular if you are in London. For a quieter holiday experience, head to Compton Verney for its beautiful walking and cycling trail. You can also visit England’s most famous attraction, Stonehenge, where the winter solstice is celebrated in December.

Visit the Cotswolds if you wish to see rural England, which is generously blessed by nature. Explore its charming little towns and villages like Chipping Campden and Stanton. While you are there, do not forget to take a stroll along the Cotswolds Way. The Lake District is also a great region to travel to while you are in England in December. Its serene lakes and snow-capped mountain peaks serve as an ideal winter getaway. During Christmas, the Lake District also holds a variety of seasonal activities, such as light processions and a Christmas market. The English know how to put on a party. Be a part of the New Year’s Eve fun and revelry that take place across England on the last day of the year. The fireworks display at Big Ben is something you should not miss if you are in London.

Holiday spirit pervades the air in England in December. Merriment and festivities can be found everywhere. Although the weather can be a bit iffy, the festive mood of the country more than makes up for it. From the bustling metropolis of London to the sleepy village of the Cotswolds, every corner of England is infectiously merry during this time.

If you have managed to snag a trip to England in December, you have most certainly made the right decision. For a hassle-free to England, consider booking customized tours. Reach out to our local travel experts if you are interested in a personalized itinerary.