Days Until Christmas 2025

The King's Christmas Speech

One of the most enduring UK Christmas traditions is the Royal Christmas Message, broadcast at 3:00 PM on Christmas Day. The tradition began with King George V on BBC Radio in 1932 (written by Rudyard Kipling). Queen Elizabeth II delivered her first televised Christmas message in 1957. King Charles III continued the tradition following his mother's death in September 2022, delivering his first Christmas Message in December 2022. The message is typically pre-recorded at Sandringham or Windsor Castle in the days before Christmas and broadcast simultaneously on BBC One, ITV, Sky, and streaming platforms.

Christmas Crackers

Christmas crackers are a uniquely British invention, created by confectioner Tom Smith in London around 1847. He was inspired by French bon-bons (sweets wrapped in paper). The characteristic snap was added in 1861 by Tom Smith's son Walter. A standard UK Christmas cracker contains a paper crown (worn at Christmas lunch), a small gift or toy, and a joke. Approximately 360 million Christmas crackers are sold in the UK each year, making it a £300 million+ industry. Premium crackers from retailers like John Lewis can cost £50–£100 for a box of six.

Christmas Pantomime

Pantomime — or 'panto' — is a uniquely British theatrical tradition running from November through January. Unlike traditional theatre, panto actively involves the audience, with call-and-response routines ("He's behind you!", "Oh yes he is! Oh no he isn't!"). Classic stories include Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Aladdin, and Snow White. Approximately 9 million people attend pantomimes in the UK each year across 2,500 productions. Many feature celebrity leads, with venues ranging from village halls to the Palladium in London.

Carols from King's College Cambridge

The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King's College Chapel in Cambridge is broadcast live on BBC Radio 4 every Christmas Eve at 3:00 PM. The service has been broadcast since 1928 and is heard by an estimated 35 million listeners worldwide. The first carol, 'Once in Royal David's City', is traditionally sung by a solo chorister chosen on the morning of Christmas Eve — their identity kept secret until the broadcast begins. The BBC World Service broadcasts the service to a global audience across multiple time zones.

Christmas Food & Drink

The traditional UK Christmas meal centres on roast turkey, though goose was the Victorian favourite before refrigeration made turkey affordable. Key elements of a UK Christmas dinner include:

• Turkey: Approximately 10 million turkeys consumed in the UK at Christmas
• Brussels sprouts: Loved and loathed in equal measure, with 750 million consumed at Christmas
• Christmas pudding: Made with suet, dried fruit, and often flamed with brandy before serving
• Mince pies: Originally contained real minced meat in the Medieval period; now sweet pastry with fruit mince
• Mulled wine: Red wine with spices and citrus, served warm at Christmas markets and home
• Buck's Fizz: Champagne and orange juice, a traditional Christmas morning drink in many UK households

Secret Santa — Budget Tips

Secret Santa gift exchanges are popular in UK workplaces, schools, and social groups. Common budget limits:

Christmas Markets in the UK 2025

UK Christmas markets typically run from mid-November through to Christmas Eve. Some of the most popular:

• Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market — One of the largest outside Germany, Victoria Square, from mid-November
• Edinburgh Christmas Market — East Princes Street Gardens, with fairground rides and European-style stalls
• Manchester Christmas Markets — Spanning multiple city centre locations including Albert Square and King Street
• Bath Christmas Market — Artisan traders in the shadow of Bath Abbey, one of the most picturesque in the UK
• London Winter Wonderland — Hyde Park, with an ice rink, fairground, and Bavarian village

Boxing Day — 26th December 2025

Boxing Day (26 December) is a UK bank holiday with a rich history. The name likely derives from the Victorian tradition of 'Christmas boxes' — sealed boxes into which customers and household employers would place tips and gifts for tradespeople and servants, opened the day after Christmas. Today, Boxing Day is associated with:

• Premier League football: Boxing Day fixtures are a beloved tradition, with all top-flight clubs typically playing
• Horse racing: The King George VI Chase at Kempton Park and the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow
• Sales: Boxing Day sales are among the busiest retail days of the year, with High Street and online deals
• Charity events: Many Britons participate in sponsored events including swims, runs, and walks

In 2025, Boxing Day falls on Friday 26th December, giving many workers a four-day break (Thursday to Sunday). In 2026, Boxing Day (Saturday 26 December) will have its substitute bank holiday on Monday 28 December.

What day does Christmas fall on in 2025?

Christmas Day 2025 falls on Thursday, 25th December 2025. Boxing Day (26 Dec) is a Friday, and both are bank holidays. This gives many workers a 4-day break from Thursday 25th to Sunday 28th December. New Year's Day 2026 is a Thursday (1 January 2026).

When should I start Christmas shopping?

The UK Christmas shopping timeline: 100 days before — plan your list and budget. 60 days — buy personalised gifts. 30 days (around Black Friday, 28 Nov) — order standard gifts online. 14 days (11 Dec) — last safe date for standard delivery. 7 days — final preparations, food collection. The average UK household spends £600–£800 on Christmas per ONS data.

When is Black Friday 2025 in the UK?

Black Friday 2025 is Friday, 28th November 2025. Cyber Monday is 1st December 2025. UK Black Friday spending reached approximately £3.9 billion in 2024. Most major retailers run deals throughout the full week ('Black Friday Week').

Is Boxing Day a bank holiday in the UK?

Yes, Boxing Day (26 December) is a bank holiday in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. In 2025, Boxing Day falls on Friday 26 December. In 2026, Boxing Day falls on Saturday 26 December, so the substitute bank holiday moves to Monday 28 December 2026.

How much do UK families spend at Christmas?

The average UK household spends £600–£800 at Christmas (ONS data). This typically breaks down as: gifts £300–£400, food and drink £200–£250, decorations £50–£80, cards and postage £15–£25, and entertainment £50–£100. Total UK Christmas retail spending across November–December was estimated at £85 billion in 2024.

Does the countdown automatically switch to Christmas 2026?

Yes. Once Christmas Day 2025 (25 December 2025) has passed, the countdown automatically switches to Christmas 2026 (Friday, 25 December 2026). Christmas 2026 will be followed by Boxing Day substitute on Monday 28 December 2026.