The Top 10 Christmas Activities Brits Are Most Excited About This Year
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, with many already planning how to make this Christmas one to remember, filled with joy and magic. Whether it’s sipping mulled wine at twinkling festive markets or gliding across enchanting ice rinks, there’s no shortage of magical activities to enjoy.
But which festive experiences are we most excited about? Numbers have been crunched to reveal the top 10 Christmas activities that have captured the nation’s hearts this year.
A recent study from Sweepstakes Table analysed 22 winter and Christmas activities across the UK, looking at Eventbrite organiser followers, Google searches from November 2024 to October 2025, and Instagram hashtag counts. These were combined into a Festive Popularity Score – the higher the score, the more buzz the activity generated.
The Top 10 Best Christmas Activities Of 2025 In UK
| Rank | Activities | Avg. Followers | Google Search | Est. Social Media Hashtags | Festive Popularity Score |
| 1 | Christmas Market | 208 | 90,500 | 65,620 | 79.96 |
| 2 | Christmas Tree Light Up | 416 | 1,900 | 66,778 | 77.10 |
| 3 | Ice Skating | 165 | 74,000 | 84,920 | 73.78 |
| 4 | Christmas Wonderland | 709 | 1,600 | 2,220 | 73.77 |
| 5 | Christmas Train | 437 | 5,400 | 1,654 | 69.47 |
| 6 | Christmas Afternoon Tea | 305 | 5,400 | 359 | 60.92 |
| 7 | Winter Light Festival | 623 | 390 | 6,813 | 59.50 |
| 8 | Reindeer Farm | 507 | 720 | 525 | 58.03 |
| 9 | Gingerbread House Decoration | 304 | 480 | 6,562 | 54.23 |
| 10 | Santa Grotto | 205 | 18,100 | 222 | 53.26 |
1. Christmas Market
It’s no surprise that Christmas markets have claimed the top spot. With 90,500 Google searches and 65,620 Instagram hashtags, these festive hubs are clearly the nation’s favourite. From Manchester’s famous markets to Edinburgh’s Continental-style stalls, Brits can’t get enough of browsing handmade gifts, munching on roasted chestnuts, and warming up with a cup of mulled wine. The atmosphere alone makes it worth braving the cold.
2. Christmas Tree Light Up
There’s something magical about watching a giant Christmas tree burst into light, and this tradition scored high on the Festive Popularity Score. It’s clear that communities across the UK are gathering to witness these spectacular switch-on events.
London’s Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden remain iconic spots, but nearly every town centre now hosts its own dazzling display.
3. Ice Skating
Gliding across the ice with friends and family is a Christmas must-do, landing in third place. Winter ice rinks pop up across the country, from Somerset House in London to the Natural History Museum’s picture-perfect outdoor rink. Whether you’re a pro or spending more time on your backside than your blades, it’s all part of the fun.
4. Christmas Wonderland
Just missing out on the top three, Christmas Wonderland experiences are pulling in the crowds. These immersive festive attractions combine rides, shows, and seasonal entertainment all in one place. Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is the most famous, but similar events have sprung up in cities like Birmingham and Edinburgh, offering everything from Bavarian villages to circus performances.
5. Christmas Train
All aboard for festive cheer! Christmas train rides are having high searches and showing strong interest. These magical journeys often feature visits from Father Christmas himself, making them perfect for families with young children.
The Polar Express experiences at various heritage railways across the UK have become particularly popular, bringing the beloved story to life.
As the festive season approaches, it’s clear that Brits are ready to embrace the magic of Christmas. This data shows not only the excitement building across the nation but also highlights the UK’s rich tradition of celebrating the season with activities that bring communities together. Whether you’re browsing a Christmas market or meeting Santa at his grotto, there’s something special waiting for everyone this year.