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UK Christmas & New Year Holiday Itinerary (24 Dec 2025 – 1 Jan 2026)

Viewed by 96 travelers

Day 1: 24 December – Arrival in London

Morning: Arrive at Heathrow and transfer to your central London hotel. Settle in and enjoy a light breakfast at a nearby café.

Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk to Westminster Abbey and Big Ben to soak up the festive decorations. Grab a traditional fish‑and‑chips lunch along the Thames.

Evening: Stroll through Covent Garden to admire the Christmas lights and market stalls. Dine at a classic British pub and get an early night for the next day.

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Day 2: 25 December – Christmas Day in London

Morning: Enjoy a festive breakfast in your hotel, then attend a Christmas service at St. Paul’s Cathedral (check ticket availability).

Afternoon: Wander through Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (if open) for rides, ice skating, and seasonal treats.

Evening: Celebrate with a special Christmas dinner at a riverside restaurant overlooking the Thames, followed by a quiet walk along the illuminated Southbank.

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Day 3: 26 December – Boxing Day Shopping & Museums

Morning: Head to Oxford Street and Regent Street for Boxing Day sales, hunting for bargains.

Afternoon: Visit the British Museum to explore world treasures; the museum is free, but consider a donation.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner in Soho, followed by a West End show (book tickets in advance for popular productions).

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Day 4: 27 December – Classic London Sights

Morning: Tour the historic Tower of London, viewing the Crown Jewels and medieval walls.

Afternoon: Walk across the iconic Tower Bridge and head to the nearby Shakespeare’s Globe for a quick backstage tour.

Evening: Dine at a restaurant in Southbank and watch the city lights from the London Eye (evening tickets provide spectacular night views).

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Day 5: 28 December – Day Trip to Oxford

Morning: Take a train to Oxford (≈1 hour). Begin with a guided walking tour of the historic University of Oxford colleges.

Afternoon: Visit the Ashmolean Museum and enjoy a riverside punt on the River Cherwell.

Evening: Return to London, have a late dinner in Camden Market and explore its lively night scene.

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Day 6: 29 December – Bath & Stonehenge Excursion

Morning: Depart early on a guided coach to Stonehenge, marveling at the prehistoric stone circle.

Afternoon: Continue to the Roman‑heritage city of Bath, tour the Roman Baths and admire the Georgian architecture of the Royal Crescent.

Evening: Return to London; unwind with a soothing tea at a local café near your hotel.

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Day 7: 30 December – Cambridge Day Trip

Morning: Travel by train to Cambridge. Start with a guided walk through King’s College Chapel and the historic university courts.

Afternoon: Experience a classic punt ride on the River Cam, passing the famous “Backs” gardens.

Evening: Head back to London and enjoy a farewell dinner in Mayfair, savoring modern British cuisine.

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Day 8: 31 December – New Year’s Eve in London

Morning: Relax with a brunch at Borough Market, sampling local specialties and festive treats.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic London Tower Bridge Exhibition for panoramic city views and a chance to watch the preparations for the fireworks.

Evening: Join the New Year’s Eve celebrations on the Southbank, with live music, food stalls, and the spectacular midnight fireworks over the Thames.

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Day 9: 1 January – Departure

Morning: Pack and check out of the hotel. Take a leisurely stroll through Hyde Park for a final glimpse of the winter scenery.

Afternoon: Transfer to Heathrow for your flight home, carrying memories of a magical UK holiday.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Westminster Abbey & Big Ben – 2 hrs – £30 (entry & guide)
  • St. Paul’s Cathedral (Christmas service) – 1.5 hrs – £15 (donation)
  • Winter Wonderland (Hyde Park) – 3 hrs – £40 (rides & food)
  • British Museum – 2 hrs – Free (optional £10 donation)
  • Tower of London – 2 hrs – £35
  • London Eye (evening) – 1 hr – £35
  • Oxford University Tour – 3 hrs – £25
  • Stonehenge – 2 hrs – £25
  • Roman Baths (Bath) – 2 hrs – £30
  • King’s College Chapel (Cambridge) – 1.5 hrs – £12
  • Punt on River Cam – 1 hr – £15
  • New Year’s Eve Southbank Fireworks (incl. dinner) – 5 hrs – £120
  • Transportation (trains, coach, local travel) – 8 days – £250
  • Accommodation (mid‑range hotel, 8 nights) – 8 nights – £1,200
  • Meals (average £35/day) – 9 days – £315
  • Miscellaneous (souvenirs, tips) – – £100
  • Total Estimated Cost: £2,447

Tips

If you wish to extend your stay, consider adding a day in the Scottish Highlands or a visit to York for its medieval charm; both are easily reachable by train. To shorten the trip, you could combine the Oxford and Cambridge day trips into a single “University Cities” tour, or skip Bath and Stonehenge, focusing solely on London’s festive attractions for a more relaxed itinerary.

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Plan Your 24 december 2025 to 1 january 2026 x-mas and new year uk tourist visa Trip