Christmas Day in the United Kingdom
25 December is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the United Kingdom. Christmas in the UK is rich with tradition — from decorated trees and gift-giving to the King’s Christmas Message, carols, and festive family feasts. Cold winter weather, cosy homes and brightly lit streets shape the season’s atmosphere.
Christmas Day Date for 2025
| Name | Date | Day | Holiday Type | Countries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas Day | 25 Dec | Thursday | Bank holiday | All |
Are Businesses Closed?
Christmas Day is a public holiday. Businesses, offices, and shopping centers are closed.
Are Schools Closed?
Schools are closed throughout the Christmas and only open after the New Year.
How Christmas is celebrated in the United Kingdom
1. Decorations and Christmas spirit
Homes and town centres are decorated with lights, wreaths and Christmas trees. Many families visit Christmas markets for gifts, mulled wine and seasonal treats. Nativity scenes and charity fundraising events are common in community spaces.
2. Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve, many families attend church services, especially Midnight Mass. Children may hang stockings near the fireplace or bed for Father Christmas to fill overnight.
3. Christmas Day meal
The Christmas meal is a highlight of the day. Traditional foods include:
- Roast turkey, goose or beef
- Roast potatoes and vegetables
- Pigs in blankets (sausages wrapped in bacon)
- Gravy, stuffing and sauces
- Christmas pudding with brandy sauce
Crackers are pulled before the meal for paper crowns and jokes.
4. The King’s Christmas Message
A longstanding tradition is watching the King’s Christmas Message on television or online at 3:00 pm, reflecting on national events and shared values.
5. Gift-giving and family time
Gifts are typically exchanged on Christmas morning, followed by games, films and visiting relatives.
Boxing Day in the UK
26 December is Boxing Day, another public holiday. Many people spend it:
- Visiting extended family
- Watching football and rugby matches
- Walking in parks or countryside
- Shopping seasonal sales
Similarities with Christmas in other countries
Christmas in the UK shares many traditions with other Western nations, including:
- Christmas trees and lights
- Father Christmas / Santa Claus gift traditions
- Church services and carols
- Family gatherings and holiday meals
Key differences compared with other countries
Winter celebrations
Unlike Southern Hemisphere countries like Australia and New Zealand, where Christmas falls in summer, the UK celebrates amid cold winter weather, often with frost or occasional snow.
Traditional British Christmas menu
Christmas pudding, mince pies and pigs in blankets are uniquely British elements not commonly found in many other countries.
The King’s Christmas Message
This broadcast tradition is a distinctive part of Christmas Day in the UK and some Commonwealth nations.
Christmas crackers
Pulling crackers and wearing paper crowns at the dinner table is a uniquely British holiday custom.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Christmas a public holiday in the UK?
Yes. Christmas Day and Boxing Day are public holidays across the United Kingdom.
Do most shops close on Christmas Day?
Yes. Most supermarkets and retail stores close on 25 December. However, some restaurants and hotels may operate limited services.
What is the traditional Christmas dessert in the UK?
Christmas pudding, often served with brandy cream or custard, is the traditional dessert.