- London has topped the UK list of Christmas holiday destinations, with people saying they’d rather visit the capital over winter than anywhere else.
- The North West came second, followed by the South West
- The top motivation for winter holidays was ‘family time or time with my partner’, followed by ‘getting away from it all and having a rest’
- Christmas comment from Together Travel
London is the place to spend Christmas this year, according to a new report.
Domestic Sentiment data analysed by experts at Together Travel revealed more people want to holiday in the capital this winter, than anywhere else in the UK.
21% of respondents said they’d like to stay over in the capital in November and December, that’s a sharp rise from 16% last year.
The North West came second (18%), followed by the South West (14%), Scotland (12%), and the South East (11%).
| Location | % |
| London | 21 |
| North West | 18 |
| South West | 14 |
| Scotland | 12 |
| South East | 11 |
| Yorkshire and Humber | 9 |
| East of England | 9 |
| North East | 8 |
| West Midlands | 7 |
| Wales | 7 |
| East Midlands | 6 |
| Northern Ireland | 4 |
The top motivation for winter holidays was ‘family time or time with my partner’ at 40%.
‘Getting away from it all and having a rest’ came second with 29%, followed by ‘experiencing excitement or fun’ with 21%.
| Motivations for UK holidays and short trips in November to December 2024 | |
| Activity | % |
| Family time or time with my partner | 40 |
| To get away from it all and have a rest | 29 |
| To experience excitement or fun | 21 |
| To spend time with friends | 19 |
| To connect with nature / be outdoors | 18 |
| To celebrate a special occasion | 14 |
| To travel somewhere new | 12 |
| Because of a particular interest | 12 |
| To go somewhere where there is great food | 10 |
| To go somewhere luxurious | 9 |
| For an active holiday, with exercise or sport | 9 |
| For adventure or a challenge | 8 |
| To learn something new | 7 |
| For a technology detox | 5 |
Zak Ali, from Together Travel who analysed the data, said: “Christmas is a time to focus on what truly matters—spending quality time with loved ones, taking a break from the daily grind, and embracing the joy and excitement of the season.
“It’s that rare moment in the year when everything slows down, and we’re reminded of the simple joys, whether it’s sharing a meal with family, playing games by the fire, or settling down with a new book or watching Christmas TV.
“With 40% of people wanting to prioritise time with their family or partner this Christmas, and 29% seeking a well-earned rest, it’s clear that the festive season is about connection, renewal, and a much-needed pause.”
