A Cracking Christmas! Brilliant Holiday Traditions in the U.K. Chris Caggiano December 9, 2024 Europe, general, Holiday Travel, London Ah, Christmas in the U.K.! The crackers! The pantos! The puddings! In reality, though, Christmas in England and the rest of the U.K. isn’t all that different from what Americans are probably accustomed to. They have their Christmas trees, twinkly lights, candy canes, and Santa Claus. Except Santa in the U.K. is called “Father Christmas,” thank you very much. But it’s impossible to talk about Christmas in the U.K. without mentioning Charles Dickens. His novella A Christmas Carol, published in 1843, helped shape the holiday as we know it today. Dickens popularized many of the traditions we associate with Christmas, from festive feasts and generosity toward those in need to the very idea of Christmas as a time for warmth, family, and reflection. Combined with the Victorian era’s revival of customs like decorating trees and singing carols, the ghost of Christmas Past is never far from British seasonal festivities. Of course, there are many traditions that are specific to celebrating Christmas in the United Kingdom. Here’s a selection of some of our favorites. Mince Pies Mince pies are a quintessential part of Christmas in the U.K., with a history that dates back several centuries. Originally, these small pies were filled with minced meat, suet, and a mixture of fruits and spices, symbolizing the exotic ingredients brought back from the Middle East during the Crusades. Over time, the recipe evolved to omit the meat, leaving behind the sweet and spiced fruit filling enjoyed today. Whether freshly baked at a local bakery or bought pre-packaged in decorative boxes from major supermarkets, mince pies are widely available and often served as a festive treat. Tradition holds that it’s good luck to eat one on each of the 12 days of Christmas, and if you’re offered one, it’s considered polite to give it a try, even if they’re not your favorite holiday indulgence. Mulled Wine Mulled wine is a beloved British staple of the Yuletide season, and its history stretches back centuries. The tradition of mulling wine began in ancient Rome, where spiced and heated wine was consumed as a way to ward off winter’s chill. As the Roman Empire expanded, so did the custom, eventually taking root in Britain during the Middle Ages. Back then, it was also seen as a way to repurpose wine that had begun to sour, with the addition of spices and heat masking any off flavors. Today’s mulled wine is a festive concoction typically made with red wine or cider infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, star anise, clove, and other aromatic spices, often accented by slices of citrus or apples. The mixture is gently heated to a simmer, releasing the warm, inviting aromas that make it synonymous with the holiday season. Whether enjoyed at a bustling Christmas market or by the fire at home, a steamy mug of mulled wine or cider can be considered the liquid counterpart to a mince pie—a true taste of Christmas cheer. Christmas Crackers Christmas crackers are an essential part of the British holiday tradition, with a history dating back to the mid-19th century. They were invented in the 1840s by a London confectioner named Tom Smith, who was inspired by French bonbons wrapped in paper. Hoping to add a touch of excitement to his sweets, Smith created a “crackling” mechanism, modeled after the sound of a log crackling in a fire. By the 1850s, his crackers had evolved into the colorful tubes we know today, complete with the iconic “bang” when pulled apart. Modern crackers are filled with small trinkets, jokes, and paper crowns—elements that have become holiday staples. Tradition dictates that everyone at the dinner table dons their crown and reads their often cringe-worthy joke aloud, adding a sense of communal fun to the meal. While many crackers contain simple toys or novelties, upscale versions have gained popularity, offering more luxurious items like sterling silver charms or even diamond jewelry. Today, Christmas crackers range from the delightfully affordable to the extravagantly opulent, making them a versatile symbol of British holiday cheer. Christmas Dinner Christmas dinner in Britain stands apart from its American counterpart with traditions that are distinctively British. At the heart of the meal, you’ll often find a large roast turkey surrounded by all the trimmings, but unlike the American Thanksgiving feast, British trimmings include a few distinctive staples. Pigs in blankets—sausages wrapped in bacon—are a must-have, as are roasted parsnips and potatoes, and the ubiquitous Brussels sprouts. Yorkshire puddings, typically associated with Sunday roasts, sometimes make an appearance, adding a light and airy contrast to the rich flavors of the meal. Gravy and bread sauce — a traditional British condiment made with milk, breadcrumbs, and spices — are served alongside the roast. Christmas Pudding Christmas Pudding, a staple of British Christmas feasts, has roots that stretch back to medieval England. It evolved from a porridge-like dish called frumenty, a mixture of beef, mutton, raisins, currants, wine, and spices. By the 16th century, the dish began to resemble its modern form, incorporating breadcrumbs, eggs, and alcohol for preservation—a practical necessity in pre-refrigeration times. Over the centuries, this dessert transitioned into the rich, dense delight we know today, with dried fruits, suet, and spices becoming central ingredients. The pudding’s association with Christmas gained prominence in 1714 when King George I, reportedly a fan of the dish, insisted it be part of his royal Christmas feast. This royal endorsement cemented its place in holiday tradition. By the Victorian era, Christmas Pudding was firmly established as a beloved centerpiece of festive celebrations, thanks in part to Queen Victoria’s enthusiasm for the dish. Today, the Christmas pud’ is steeped in ritual. It is traditionally prepared on “Stir-Up Sunday”—the last Sunday before Advent—and traditional holds that everyone in the household should take a turn stirring the mixture while making a wish. Often served flambéed with brandy for dramatic effect, the pudding is a robust, indulgent dessert that symbolizes warmth, tradition, and the spirit of British Christmas celebrations. Christmas Entertainment The holiday season in the U.K. offers plenty of entertainment, whether you’re gathered around the television or looking for screen-free fun. Much as American families look forward to classics like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, British audiences have their own seasonal staples. The sweet and slightly melancholic cartoon The Snowman is a perennial favorite, and classic British TV comedies often deliver beloved Christmas episodes. Shows like Blackadder, Absolutely Fabulous, The Vicar of Dibley, Are You Being Served?, and Keeping up Appearances are revisited year after year, bringing laughter to holiday gatherings. But when the telly’s off, British families have a treasure trove of traditions to fall back on. Parlor games like charades and hide-and-seek are long-standing favorites, as are board games like Guess Who? and Cluedo (the U.K. version of Clue). And during the festive season, pub quizzes—trivia contests held at neighborhood pubs—become even more popular. These quizzes bring people together for a bit of friendly competition over pints and pens, making them a quintessentially British way to celebrate the season. Pantomimes Pantomime – Mother Goose by Millfield Manager licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 One particular form of entertainment that U.K. audiences cherish—and one that remains largely unfamiliar to Americans—is the pantomime, or “panto.” This theatrical tradition dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries, drawing its roots from commedia dell’arte, a form of Italian street theater known for its stock characters and improvised comedy. Over time, British pantomime evolved, blending these influences with elements of English folk theater and music hall comedy. Pantomimes are broad, bawdy burlesques of classic fairy tales and folk stories, such as Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Aladdin. The term “burlesque” here refers to its original meaning—a parody or lampoon rather than the more risqué connotation it has today. While pantos often feature suggestive humor, they are family-oriented, with the cheekiness balanced by playful slapstick and child-friendly silliness. A hallmark of pantomime is its embrace of outlandish theatricality. Expect exaggerated performances, colorful costumes, and female impersonators—usually men playing the “Dame,” a larger-than-life comic character. Audience participation is another key feature, with frequent call-and-response moments like “Oh no it isn’t!” and “Oh yes it is!” woven into the show. Add in absurdly irrelevant comedic interludes and a complete disregard for staying faithful to the source material, and you have a panto. Boxing Day Boxing Day, observed on December 26, has long been a significant part of Christmas celebrations in the U.K., though its meaning and traditions have evolved over time. Historically, it was a day when servants and tradespeople received a “Christmas box” containing gifts, money, or leftovers from the family’s Christmas feast as a token of gratitude. For households with live-in staff, it was often their only holiday, allowing them to spend time with their own families after serving their employers on Christmas Day. Today, with the decline of domestic service, Boxing Day has taken on a more modern flavor. It’s become synonymous with post-Christmas sales, offering shoppers a chance to snag bargains in what was, for many years, the U.K.’s biggest shopping day of the year. However, in recent times, Black Friday—a phenomenon imported from the United States—has surpassed Boxing Day in retail significance, despite the absence of a British Thanksgiving. FAQs: Q: When do Christmas markets usually open in the U.K.? A: Most Christmas markets in the U.K. open in mid to late November and run through Christmas Eve. Some may even extend to the New Year, particularly in larger cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. Q: Are there any special events on Boxing Day besides shopping? A: Yes, Boxing Day is known for sporting events, including football matches and horse racing. It’s also a popular day for outdoor activities like countryside walks or attending pantomime performances. Q: Are pantomime performances only for children? A: No, pantomimes are designed for the whole family, blending humor for adults with slapstick and silliness for children. The mix of suggestive jokes and over-the-top theatrics ensures there’s something for everyone. Q: Can you find mulled wine outside of Christmas markets? A: Yes, many pubs, restaurants, and even grocery stores serve or sell mulled wine during the holiday season. It’s a popular winter drink, so you’ll find it widely available across the U.K. Q: What is the best way to participate in a pub quiz during Christmas? A: Head to a local pub that hosts trivia nights, especially during the holiday season when festive quizzes are popular. You’ll need a team, a pen, and your best trivia knowledge. Some pubs may require advance booking, so check ahead. Do you have a favorite English holiday food or tradition? Let us know in the comments below!
