Menu
Every part of Britain has its own New Year traditions, from the world-famous Scottish Hogmanay to more obscure celebrations. Whether they are ways to bring us luck for the coming year or simply about sharing food and gifts, these old customs are fascinating – and can be a lot of fun.
We’ve gathered a selection of weird and wonderful New Year traditions from across the UK. Where would you like to be celebrating on New Year’s Eve?
With its many ways to celebrate Hogmanay, Scotland leads the way when it comes to welcoming the New Year (there is even an extra bank holiday to mark the occasion). The country that gave the world Auld Lang Syne throws the best parties at New Year, from the massive gatherings in Edinburgh and Glasgow to events in every village pub. The most famous tradition is that of the “First Footer”, who is the first person to cross your threshold after midnight. They’ll bring you luck, and hopefully also a present (can we hint for a nice single malt?). For maximum luck points, your ideal first footer is a dark-haired man.
If you want to be transported back to a wilder time, spend New Year’s Eve in Allendale in Northumberland. A group of local men called “guisers” carry flaming barrels of tar through the streets, which they heave onto the bonfire at midnight. This tradition has been held for over 160 years, but it’s believed to be much older – medieval, or even pagan. There’s also a New Year flaming barrel tradition in Moray (north of Inverness).
https://www.handpickedcottages.co.uk/locations/northumberland
God’s Own Country has a fair few New Year traditions, but this one has to be among the best. Just before the clock strikes twelve, you need to say “Black rabbits, black rabbits, black rabbits”. While the bongs sound out, say “White rabbits, white rabbits, white rabbits”, bringing you luck for the new year ahead. Why rabbits? Nobody seems to be able to offer an explanation, but rabbits are cute and we love this rather more gentle custom.
You can chant about rabbits in the Peak District as this beautiful area includes parts of South and West Yorkshire. However, the Peak District used to have its own New Year tradition, the “posset cup”. Posset is a warming spiced drink made from boiled cream, ale, eggs, treacle, ginger and nutmeg, traditionally served in a special pot. At New Year, the lady of the house would pop her wedding ring in the cup. Whoever found it would be wed within the next twelve months (provided they didn’t choke on the wedding ring).
God Cakes are an old tradition in the city of Coventry, and happily, this was revived a few years ago. A God Cake is a sugar-sprinkled pastry filled with sweet mincemeat, in a triangle shape to represent the Holy Trinity. They were baked and given out on New Year’s Day, often by godparents to their godchildren. The cakes were relaunched with great fanfare at Coventry Transport Museum in 2012 – and jolly delicious they are, too. Here’s a recent recipe for Coventry God Cakes.
Calennig is an old Welsh tradition, rarely seen these days. Groups of children would go door-to-door on the morning of New Year’s Day (hopefully the residents weren’t suffering from sore heads), carrying decorated apples and singing for coins or food, “calennig” meaning “New Year’s gift”. You are unlikely to be troubled by early-morning singing in your holiday cottage in Wales, as this custom has almost died out. Keep a few pound coins handy, just in case….
Cornwall has recently become one of the top spots in Britain for New Year, with people flocking to towns like St Ives and Newquay for a seaside celebration. The coastal county has its own version of first footing called “sweeping the sand”. You mark a line on the doorstep using sand, and the first person to cross the line brings the household luck for the coming year. Hopefully they will also gift a silver coin for extra luck.
There are so many beautiful places with wonderful traditions across the UK. Where will you go to welcome in 2025? At Handpicked Cottages, we still have luxury holiday cottages available for December and New Year. Please get in touch with us to book your New Year holiday.
Are you planning a holiday for Christmas 2024? Whether it’s a cosy cottage for two or a larger place that fits the whole family, going away for Christmas makes the whole celebration seem even more exciting. But where are the best places in Britain to spend Christmas?
From bustling cities to charming old villages, we’ve gathered together a few of our favourite places for a Christmas holiday in the UK.
Brighton combines classic seaside charm with a vibrant social scene, not to mention fabulous Christmas shopping in The Lanes. We love ice skating at Brighton Pavilion, especially after dark among the colourful twinkly lights, and there are parades, pantomimes and light shows galore. You can also join in with Britain’s OG festive dip: Brighton’s Christmas Day Swim has been going since 1860. Alternatively, the beach is perfect for an invigorating, post-lunch walk.
Every city looks its best for Christmas, but there’s something particularly special about Bath. The Georgian streets are Christmas card-perfect, enhanced by the Christmas market chalets. Again, there’s an ice rink and a pantomime, and a whole host of other festive events. Our favourite thing to do in Bath at Christmas? Simply wander around the lovely old streets, admiring the lights and decorations, while enjoying the many shops, pubs and restaurants.
Imagine frost-dusted fields, honey-coloured cottages and old inns with roaring fires: the almost-impossibly pretty villages of the Cotswolds look like they were made for Christmas. Pick up delicious local produce at one of the many lovely market towns, and take it home for a cosy feast in your rural holiday cottage. There are plenty of Cotswold attractions with festive events for families, and it’s great dog-walking county all year round.
The half-timbered buildings, cobbled streets and many medieval churches of York make it such a perfect place for a Christmas trip. There’s a wide choice of independent and high street shops and an unbelievable amount of inviting old pubs. Wander through the Christmas Market to pick up Yorkshire-made gifts and to snack on local street food. If you’re able to attend, the Nine Lessons at York Minster on Christmas Eve is one of those life-making moments.
Do you dream of getting away from it all at Christmas? You and the family, or just the two of you, settled down in a snug cottage in the middle of the countryside – perfect. Britain is blessed with many beautiful rural locations; and the unspoilt coast and countryside of South Wales is one of our top spots for a rural retreat. Pop into charming spots like Mumbles or St David’s to pick up essentials, otherwise, enjoy the peace and quiet…
The New Forest may be beautiful in the autumn, but don’t dismiss it as having peaked. The winter forests are magical, sprinkled with frost or even snow, and there are plenty of woodland paths that are suitable for year-round walks. Spotting deer among the evergreens or in the mist-hung fields will be one of those Christmas moments that stick with you. For festive food, Christmas markets and independent shops, head for Lymington, Lyndhurst or Brockenhurst.
Please don’t hold us to this, but the Cairngorms is one of the most likely places in the UK to see snowfall at Christmas. However, even if there’s not enough powder for a Christmas Day snowball tournament, you’ll still have the view of the snow-tipped tops of the National Park’s peaks. The Caledonian Pine forests, icy lochs and roaming Cairngorm reindeer herd create a wintry wonderland feeling like nowhere else, along with that incredibly dark, star-filled sky.
There’s still time to book a Christmas holiday in the UK. At Handpicked Cottages, we have a selection of luxury holiday cottages available for Christmas 2024 and New Year 2025. Get in touch to find out more.
There’s nothing that gets you into the festive spirit quite like wandering around a traditional Christmas market. Mulled wine in hand, enjoying the delicious aromas of street food and music in the background as you explore the stalls, it’s impossible not to feel that tingle of festive excitement.
There are Christmas markets in towns and cities across the country. If you’re thinking of a holiday or short break in the UK this December, you won’t be too far from a festive fair wherever you’re staying.
Here are a few of our favourite Christmas markets for 2024.
Dates: 1 November 2024 – 24 December 2024
Every winter, Birmingham hosts the largest authentic German market outside Germany and Austria. Tuck into traditional fare such as bratwurst accompanied by a warming gluhwein or hot chocolate for the kids, and enjoy the programme of live music from German and local musicians.
If you love the “Nutcracker” look for your festive decor, this is the place to come, with stalls selling gorgeous handmade wooden and glass ornaments. With toys, jewellery, homeware and treats also on offer, it’s an excellent chance to pick up unique gifts and stocking fillers.
Find out more: Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
Dates: 8 November – 22 December 2024
Manchester’s famous market spreads out across the city’s squares and streets. Now in its 26th year, Manchester’s markets continue to grow, and there are now over 200 stalls selling food, drink and all sorts of Christmas gifts.
The stalls are open until 8pm (9 for food and drink), and when you add in other activities such as the ice rink and Christmas Lights Trail, it’s a great place to come for an action-packed Christmassy day out. It’s easy to get to Manchester: head here for your Christmas shopping if you’re on holiday in the North West, Yorkshire or North Wales.
Find out more: Manchester Christmas Markets
Dates: 14 November – 23 December 2024
The Welsh capital has been hosting its lively Christmas market for over 30 years. The craft, food and drink stalls are located in the city centre, so it’s easy to combine a trip to the market with Christmas shopping among Cardiff’s excellent stores.
There are about 200 businesses selling their unique wares across 70 stalls, which keep changing over the course of the six-week event. The website has a handy list of the exhibitors and their market dates, so you can plan your shopping in advance.
Find out more: Cardiff Christmas Market
Dates: 14 November – 22 December 2024
With its charming old buildings and narrow streets, York feels like one of Britain’s most festive cities. Its bustling Christmas market only adds to this atmosphere, bringing appealing little Alpine chalets to St Sampson’s Square and Parliament Street.
Around 80% of the traders come from Yorkshire, making this an excellent place to pick up locally made Christmas presents. The food and drink at York Christmas Market is also a real highlight, and everyone loves the vintage carousel in King’s Square. Again, there’s a list of traders on the market website.
Find out more: York Christmas Market
Dates: 15 November 2024 – 4 January 2025
It’s a picturesque train ride up the East Coast main line from York to Scotland’s beautiful capital city and some of the country’s most spectacular Christmas events. As you’d expect, the festivities in Edinburgh carry on well into Hogmanay week, and there’s a packed programme of activities.
The main festive events are spread across four sites in the city: East Princes Street Gardens, West Princes Street Gardens, St Andrew Square Winter Gardens and George Street West. For 70 stalls selling Scottish crafts and produce, head for East Princes Street Gardens. You can’t miss it: it’s also home to the mighty Forth 1 Big Wheel.
Find out more: Edinburgh Christmas
Dates: 15 November – 15 December 2024
Devon’s largest Christmas market features around 100 beautifully decorated chalets around the cathedral, including stalls in the cloisters. Entry is by donation to the cathedral, so you can also explore the magnificent church itself.
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market is especially good for food and drink, combining delicious Devon produce with dishes from around the world. Try not to get too distracted by the street food and bars: the artisan market is a great opportunity to stock up on locally crafted Christmas gifts.
Find out more: Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market
Dates: 21 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
For six weeks, Hyde Park in London is home to the most spectacular winter festival. This is a Christmas market and then some, because the traditional stalls are just one part of the fun. Book your tickets, then spend a day exploring the fairs, shows, bars, restaurants and street food that the Winter Wonderland has to offer.
From bottomless pizza to high-adrenaline rides (not necessarily in that order), there’s something for everyone. For a classic Christmas experience, try the ice skating rink or take a ride on the Santaland Express Train. Wrap up to enjoy a cool cocktail at Bar Ice then warm yourselves around the Fire Pit.
Find out more: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Dates: 22 November – 24 December 2024
The biggest Christmas market in Cornwall runs right up to Christmas Eve, which is great news if you’ve left things until the last minute. Lemon Quay is transformed into a festive village with log cabins and twinkling lights, and there are other stalls scattered around the city.
Come to Truro Christmas Market for Cornish-made crafts and delicious local produce. With plenty of street food and live music as well as stalls, it’s a lovely place to come and soak up the joyous, festive spirit.
Find out more: Truro Christmas Market
There’s still time to book a Christmas shopping break in the UK. At Handpicked Cottages, we have a selection of cosy and ever-so comfortable holiday cottages available for December and Christmas 2024. Get in touch to find out more.
If you have any questions, you can use our form below to send an email and we’ll be in touch.