Want to know more about English Christmas traditions? Anyone visiting England in December is sure to be surrounded by Christmas-themed decorations, activities, food, music and more. While Christmas is celebrated all over the world, England has its own unique customs you may not know much about. Read on to discover some English Christmas traditions to help you properly celebrate the festive season.
Mistletoe
You may have already heard about this cute little custom through popular Christmas songs or movies. Kissing under a sprig of mistletoe dates back to a fun game invented by servants in the 1700s. What many people don’t know is that mistletoe has been used in English traditions dating back thousands of years. Back in England’s Celtic times, from about 750 BC to 50 AD, mistletoe was associated with fertility and good fortune. This positive belief was reinforced in England’s Viking times, with mistletoe known as a symbol of love in Norse mythology. Many people think this may be where the kissing tradition originated from! If you and your partner pass under some mistletoe around Christmas time, make sure to share a kiss.
Wreaths
Wreaths are rings of woven greenery, decorated with ribbons and hung on doorways in the time leading up to Christmas. Several traditional beliefs have come together over centuries to create this custom. Wreaths are typically made of holly, pine and ivy, all evergreen plants which don’t lose their leaves even in winter. Since Celtic times, these have been used around the winter solstice, symbolising eternal life and the sun’s return in spring. For the Romans, wreaths were a mark of success and often gifted to others during their New Year celebrations. Finally, wreaths during Advent (the lead-up to Christmas) were popularised by Lutheran Germans in the 1500s. A crafty Christmas activity is to go to a wreath-making workshop, where you can get hands-on with this ancient tradition.
Carols
Carols are festive songs, typically sung at Christmas time. They originated from mediaeval dance songs and are often religious but not always. At Christmas, “going carolling” is a traditional activity where small groups sing carols in public or on people’s doorsteps. Sometimes they ask for a charitable donation, or sometimes they simply sing for the joy of it. Even if you don’t want to join in, you can still enjoy others’ carolling in public places like Christmas markets. Alternatively, attend a choir service in a church to hear the amazing acoustics of hymns echoing off the stone walls.
Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Traditions vary in households across England, but most people celebrate from the 24th to the 26th of December. Christmas Eve is filled with anticipation, leaving treats for Santa, such as mince pies and carrots for the reindeer. It’s also common to leave out stockings (large socks) overnight for Santa to fill with presents (if you’ve been good!). Christmas Day is usually when people give gifts and celebrate with their family and friends over Christmas Dinner. Finally, Boxing Day is seen as a day of rest and relaxation before people return to work. Luckily for you, our tours still run on both Christmas Eve and Boxing Day! This way, you can make the most of holiday sightseeing and make fantastic memories on tour with your loved ones.
Christmas Markets
One of the best things about December is the opportunity to visit Christmas markets in various cities all over England. This tradition originated in Germany and Austria, with the earliest dating back over 700 years. Many German Christmas traditions were brought over to England in the 1800s, with the marriage of Prince Consort Albert of Germany to Queen Victoria. Apparently, she wanted to make her new husband feel at home during the festive season. Nowadays, some of the most famous Christmas markets include those in Bath, Manchester and the Winter Wonderland in London. Here, you’ll find cosy wooden huts selling mulled wine, Christmas treats, handicrafts, decorations and gifts. They’re the perfect place to do some Christmas shopping or have a fun day out with your loved ones. To learn more, read our article about England’s Best Christmas Markets of 2025!
Explore more of England this Christmas
With some many exciting traditions to experience, you are sure to enjoy spending time in England during the winter season. Whatever you choose to do, you will be warmed from the inside out by the colourful decorations and festive music. Taking part in Christmas traditions both old and new will make wonderful memories for you and your loved ones.
To see the various ways to celebrate English Christmas traditions with your own eyes, check out our amazing Day Tours from London! We hope to see you on tour soon this Christmas season.
