8 Cities and Towns in the UK with the Most Magical Christmas Lights

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Christmas is just around the corner and if there is one thing that makes it particularly special, it’s Christmas lights!

If you love exploring our beautiful UK cities and get all the Christmas vibes, this article is for you!

I selected the best cities to visit for Christmas. They all have beautiful lights on as well as fantastic Christmas markets.

1. London

London at christmas bus

From the iconic Oxford Street with its incredible light displays to the traditional Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, London has it all when it comes to Christmas lights.

Another iconic spot is Regent Street which was the first street in London to have Christmas lights, back in 1954.

If you want something a bit more unique, then make sure to go to Kew Gardens as well since Christmas at Kew is simply magical.

2. Blackpool

Located in Lancashire, Blackpool is definitely one of the best places to see beautiful Christmas lights in the UK.

The Blackpool Illuminations are famous in the entire world. They began in 1879 and are a huge success every year.

There are over 1 million lightbulbs!

Tower projections and illuminated tram tours are also availble.

3. Edinburgh

the dome in edinburgh at christmas

If there is one city that knows how to do Christmas, it has to be Edinburgh!

There are Christmas decorations everywhere!

The best place to see them is of course the Christmas markets but I also recommend going to George Street since you can see some amazing displays there.

One of the most iconic spots is The Dome which has beautiful decorations outside as well as inside (and it’s a great place to drink a cocktail!)

4. Bath

bath at christmas

While Bath is mainly known for its Roman Baths, it’s also a great place to visit at Christmas time.

There are beautiful lights in all the main streets including Abbeygate Street and Milsom Street.

You can even follow the official Christmas lights trail if you want to see them all!

5. Manchester

Manchester Christmas lights

Manchester knows how to celebrate, and Christmas is no exception. 

When November comes around, the entire city becomes a Winter Wonderland. There are Christmas markets everywhere but also incredible lights everywhere around the city centre.

St Peter’s Square is always a great place to start as well as Piccadilly Gardens.

6. York

the shambles at christmas

York is by far one of the most beautiful cities in the UK and that medieval charm becomes even more enchanting in December.

Again, you’ll find the lights all around the city centre but make sure to go to the Shambles and the Shambles market for some more Christmas vibes. 

7. Newcastle

Newcastle offers one of the best Christmas Lights trails in the UK. It’s called Northern Lights and is set in Leazes Park.

You need to book tickets in advance since it’s quite popular but it’s well worth it.

There are loads of Christmas displays including a Rainbow road and a light garden.

8. Birmingham

Birmingham is also a great option when it comes to Christmas activities. The city centre is home to an amazing German Christmas market and beautiful decorations.

But the main attraction is the Birmingham Botanical Gardens winter trail. It’s one of the best in the Midlands and features so many beautiful lights.

It’s 1.4 km long and takes a bit an hour to complete.

Map of the UK cities with the best Christmas Lights

uk cities with best christmas lights

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