10 Festive Cities You Need To Visit This Christmas

Are you in the Christmas spirit yet? If not, stop being a Scrooge and get on the festive hype. December is the perfect month to explore all the amazing Christmassy locations the UK offers, whether you're searching for somewhere to eat post-present shopping, or wanting places to go between Christmas and New Year. There's everything from mouth-watering raclette by London's Southbank to Crimbo brunch sing-alongs in Cardiff (ensure to warm up those vocal cords). Here are the 10 best festive locations you need to visit this Christmas

Edinburgh

Flight Club's Festive Brunch Social - Get merry at Flight Club this silly season. For just £30 per person, you can indulge in plenty of bubbly and bottomless pizza, followed by beating your mates at social darts and singing along to the best Crimbo tunes. 

Ballie Ballerson - These guys are putting on their very own winter wonderland jam-packed with seasonal pizzas, a range of winter cocktails, and entry into their beloved ball pits are just £25 a pop. It's set to give you all the Christmas feels. 

Brewhemia - On the hunt for lots of festive things to do this Christmas? Check out Brewhemia that have filled their calendar to the brim with festive live music, X-mas lunches, festive party nights and drag shows. You can even pop in to visit Santa if you fancy. 

Christmas in Edinburgh | DesignMyNight

Edinburgh is one of the best places to spend Christmas in the UK.

London 

Fire & Fromage - Jimmy's snow globes have returned to the Southbank for another year of toasty fire pits and the tastiest raclette right on London's Southbank. Sip mulled wine while admiring the views, it's also right beside the Christmas markets, making it the perfect spot for a post-explore treat.  

The Chocolate Cocktail Club - Nothing's better than chocolate at Christmas. So if you want to get your fill of the sweet stuff, then head over to The Chocolate Cocktail Club this silly season for a whole host of delights. Tickets are just £10 and come with a tasty complimentary cocktail.  

Pergola Paddington - Filled to the brim with fairy lights, Pergola Paddington is a must-visit this December. Their Deck the Halls displays are back and ready to welcome you for their festive singalongs, winter bottomless brunches and gospel choir evenings - it's giving Love Actually.  

Pergola Paddington London | DesignMyNight

Chocolate cocktails, Christmas dinner by the Southbank and Pergola Paddington's festive scenery are a must-visit this December. 

Manchester 

Cherry Jam's Festive Bottomless Brunch - Fancy an afternoon tea with a Christmassy twist? This winter Cherry Jam will be serving up warm bottomless cocktails, bubbly, and ice-cold beers for 90 minutes. Plus, there will be a range of savoury and sweet treats on offer, followed by festive musical bingo.

Freight Island's Wreath Making Workshop - Head on down to Freight Island for a very wholesome Christmas experience. Take this two-hour wreath making class to create something to hang proudly on your front door. All materials are provided so no need to nip into your nearest arts store beforehand. 

The Anthologist - Being Channel 4's former First Dates restaurant, this place oozes romance. It's the perfect spot to take your date (or mate) this Christmas to admire Manchester's festive light display and enjoy a hearty roast with all the trimmings. It's also kitted out in its stunning Crimbo decor.

Christmas In Manchester | DesignMyNight

Christmas is the perfect time to get together for a festive bottomless brunch. 

Bath

Square Grill House And Piano Bar - Situated in The Square in Bath, this Grill House and Bar comes alive during the festive season. You'll have amazing views of all the winter displays, as well as the Roman baths and Abbey. Their Christmas menu starts at just £45 per person, and ensure to finish with a delish Xmas pud. 

Walcot House - Formerly a bakery, there's nowhere quite like Walcot House. Try their tasty Westcombe Cheddar Souffle or Chicken Schnitzel from their Christmas menu, before heading down to Bread and Jam - their amazing cocktail bar. And for those wanting a boogie, head downstairs to the Lomah bar for some insane DJ sets.

The Boater - Although it's not the weather for it, The Boater boasts Bath's biggest beer garden. It's also the perfect pub to visit this silly season, whether you're looking for a crisp pint after Christmas shopping, or fancy popping in for a roast and some fizz. There's also a speakeasy in the cellar for you to explore. 

Bath Christmas Market | DesignMyNight

Bath is the perfect Christmas city with amazing sights to see and pubs to try. 

Cambridge 

MillWorks - Situated right by a canal is a mill-turned restaurant and it's an absolute must-visit this Christmas. Indulge in a three-course meal for under £40 that includes delicious dishes such as confit duck croquettes and turkey ballotine. 

The Petersfield - Fill your boots with mulled wine this festive season, all while cosying up in this classic Cambridge haunt. They've got all their sparkly decs on display to get you in the holiday mood, and you can even choose to enhance your roast by dining here on Christmas Day. 

The Station Tavern - If you want a cocktail (or two) this jolly season, then head to this festive pub to share a cocktail tree with friends. You can also order a sharing board which features all the Christmas faves - odds are you'll want one for yourself. 

Cambridge Christmas Pubs | DesignMyNight

Explore the Cambridge markets to get in some last-minute Christmas Shopping. 

York

The Botanist - Boasting gorgeous interiors and delicious food, The Botanist is always a winner. Their winter cocktail list offers a festive twist, with drinks such as 'The Grinch' and 'Let It Glow' available on the menu. 

The Cross Keys - If you're looking for somewhere in York near all the Christmas markets, lights and events then this little pub should be your go-to spot. They're offering a 12 days of Christmas giveaway this year in the run-up to the big day, alongside lots of festive treats on the menu. 

Christmas Cocktail Trail - In the city in the lead-up to Christmas? Then be sure to hop on the cocktail trail. In the 12 days leading up to the big day, you'll be able to visit 12 different bars to try a drink featuring York Gin. It's the perfect boozy winter activity. 

York Christmas | DesignMyNight

York is one of the most beautiful cities at Christmas time. 

Chester

Piccolino - Not only is this place a beauty, but it also offers up some incredible Christmas dishes with an Italian twist. Indulge in a three-course festive lunch for under £40, plus you can't go to an Italian restaurant and not have tiramisu - it's a must. 

Veeno Chester - There's no place better than a wine bar (and not just for the infinite amount of grape juice). Book in for festive tasting sessions for £30 per person, with a glass of mulled wine upon arrival. Their decor is also stunning. 

Opera Grill - Drink and dine while listening to the soothing sounds of live music. There's something different every night, so check the bill if you're looking for something specific. And if you haven't had enough pigs in blankets this Christmas, they're putting on a Boxing Day brunch. 

Piccolino and Opera Grill Chester | DesignMyNight

Drink and dine in an old opera house in the heart of Chester. 

Cotswolds 

The Blue Boar - The Cotswolds area is a scenic vision, as is this classic watering hole. Dine in and feast on one of their festive cheese and port sharers, or book in for a delicious Christmas dinner to kick off the festive season. 

Kibou - Looking for something a little different? Head to Kibou for one of their festive sushi platters which will leave you wanting more. They've even got a whole host of Christmas cocktails, ranging from homemade spice mulled sake to Chocolate Orange Orenji. 

The Crown At Ampney Brook - Try out this stylish gastro pub's festive afternoon tea, or better yet, head to their terrace that's been transformed into a winter wonderland. You can even book to stay in their hotel upstairs if you're wanting to vacation in England this Christmas. 

The Crown At Ampney Brook Cotswolds | DesignMyNight

The Cotswolds is more like a Christmas village, home to many beautiful pubs, including one that serves up an incredible cheese board. 

Newcastle 

Gaucho - This Argentinian steak restaurant should be on your Christmas list this December. It's beautifully decorated, offers the most amazing cheese platters, and has a boujee festive fine dining menu for those wanting a bit of glamour during the silly season. 

Leila Lily's - Now this is how Christmas is done the right way. With everything from festive afternoon teas and feasting menus to seasonal cocktails made out of chocolate, you can't go wrong. The gingerbread-tini is an absolute winner. 

Fenwick's Christmas Window - Step into Narnia by visiting this dazzling Christmas window display. This year, the theme is based on C.S. Lewis's famous book 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' as you follow their journey through this mesmerizing display. 

Newcastle Gaucho Christmas | DesignMyNight

If you're travelling up North this Christmas, be sure to visit Newcastle for a world-class roast. 

Cardiff 

All The Jingle Ladies At Tonight Josephine - Get your girl gang together for the ultimate sleigh moment. Enjoy 90 minutes of bottomless brunch, performances from iconic drag queens and plenty of festive songs to scream at the top of your lungs. 

Culley's Kitchen and Bar - Situated in the heart of an old bank, this drinking and dining spot is a Christmas fave. You can book in for festive afternoon tea, plenty of fine dining, or even just for a bev in front of their magicical X-mas display. 

The Alchemist - Cocktails don't come much quirkier than the ones at this bar. Their festive drinks are no exception, with the Bakewell bauble, winter paloma and white choc cherry on offer throughout winter. They've also got some fab Christmas feast options too. 

Culley's Kitchen and Bar Cardiff | DesignMyNight

Is there anything more Christmassy than a festive afternoon tea? 

Looking for more Christmas inspo? Check out this blog on the most Christmassy pubs in the UK. You can also sign up to our newsletter to stay in the loop.