When it comes to Christmas, the UK is one of the best places to be – the lights in London, the Christmas markets up and down the country and the overall festive feeling you get wherever you go.
With this in mind, we wanted to share with you 15 facts about Christmas that you may not know, so you can share them with friends and family on your way to one of the many Christmas breaks UK destinations are offering this year!
Or, why not save these fun facts for when you’re taking part in another thing we like here in the UK – a pub quiz!
So, if you’re ready, here are 15 facts about Christmas in the UK:
- Christmas Day: Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25th, a public holiday across the UK. It’s a time for family gatherings, gift-giving, and enjoying a festive meal.
- Boxing Day: The day after Christmas, December 26th, is known as Boxing Day. Traditionally, it was a day when servants and tradespeople would receive gifts from their employers. Today, it’s often associated with shopping sales and sporting events.
- Christmas trees: The tradition of decorating Christmas trees in the UK dates back to the 19th century, popularised by Prince Albert, the German husband of Queen Victoria.
- Christmas pudding: A traditional dessert, Christmas pudding is made with dried fruits, suet, and spices, often soaked in alcohol. It’s usually prepared weeks in advance and steamed on Christmas Day.
- Crackers: Christmas crackers, invented by a London sweet maker in 1847, are a staple at the Christmas dinner table. When pulled apart, they make a popping sound and contain a small gift, a paper hat, and a joke.
- The Queen’s speech: Every Christmas Day since 1932, the British monarch has delivered a Christmas message to the nation, reflecting on the past year and spreading festive cheer. This tradition has continued with King Charles III since 2022.
- Carolling: Carolling, where groups of people sing Christmas carols door to door or at events, is a beloved tradition in the UK, often raising money for charity.
- Mince pies: Mince pies are small pastries filled with a mixture of dried fruits and spices and are a popular Christmas treat. Initially, they contained meat, but now they’re sweet.
- Christmas cards: The UK is credited with popularising the tradition of sending Christmas cards. The first commercial Christmas card was sent in London in 1843.
- Advent calendars: Advent calendars count down the days to Christmas, with each day revealing a small gift, chocolate, or festive image. This tradition has grown increasingly elaborate, with some calendars containing luxury gifts.
- Christmas lights: Cities and towns across the UK are adorned with elaborate Christmas lights, with famous displays in places like Oxford Street in London. Many towns have lighting ceremonies to kick off the festive season.
- Father Christmas: Although he is known as Santa Claus in many countries, he is traditionally called Father Christmas in the UK. On Christmas Eve, he brings gifts to children on a sleigh pulled by reindeer.
- Christmas markets: Inspired by German traditions, Christmas markets have become increasingly popular across the UK. Stalls sell crafts, gifts, and festive food and drink.
- Turkey dinner: The traditional Christmas meal in the UK usually consists of roast turkey, often accompanied by stuffing, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy. It’s typically followed by Christmas pudding or trifle.
- Pantomimes: Pantomimes are a popular form of entertainment during the Christmas season in the UK. These theatrical performances are often based on fairy tales and include slapstick comedy, audience participation, and cross-dressing characters.