Welcome to Yorkshire
News • November 16th, 2025
|The tinsel might have only just come out of the attic, but the big question is already doing the rounds. Where can you find the most festive feeling in the UK? It is the time of year when people start planning weekend trips to soak up some proper Christmas cheer.
A new study has revealed the most Christmassy spots across the country, and two of the top places are right here in Yorkshire. Grab a hot chocolate and take a look at who made the list.
What Actually Makes A Town Christmassy?
How does a place even earn the title of most Christmassy? It takes more than hanging up a few fairy lights. The study by Betway Casino looked at several factors across 37 towns and cities. These included the chances of a picturesque December snowfall, which always helps set the mood. They also counted the number of cosy cafes, because a perfect festive day out usually involves ducking into a warm cafe to escape the cold. Social media activity was another factor, measuring how much people were talking about Christmas in relation to each place. It is a clever way of measuring the real festive buzz.
The Official Top Ten Festive Spots
After crunching the numbers, the results are in. The top spot went to Bowness on Windermere, a place that looks like it has been pulled straight from a Christmas card. Yorkshire also made a brilliant showing. Here is the full list of the UK's most Christmassy places:
It is a strong mix of historic cities, scenic towns, and iconic destinations. There is something for every kind of festive trip, whether you love markets, cosy high streets, or dramatic winter scenery.
God's Own Country Gets Its Sparkle On
Yorkshire did itself proud in the rankings, with two standout locations.
York
York landed the number three spot, and it is no surprise. With cobbled streets like the Shambles, timber framed buildings, and the smell of roasting chestnuts drifting through the air, the city feels magical at Christmas. The York Christmas Market has already opened for the 2025 season, filling the centre with wooden chalets offering festive food, unique gifts, and handmade crafts. It is one of the most atmospheric Christmas markets in the country.
Haworth
In eighth place is Haworth, a charming village best known for its connection to the Brontë sisters. The village has a rugged, windswept beauty that transforms into something incredibly cosy during December. The steep cobbled high street, decked out with lights and lined with independent shops, is perfect for picking up thoughtful Christmas presents. Haworth might be small, but its festive charm is huge.
Festive Happenings Beyond The Top Ten
Yorkshire’s festive spirit reaches far beyond York and Haworth.
Leeds
Leeds goes all in for Christmas. The city centre buzzes with shoppers, and restaurants launch special festive menus. A renowned Dubai restaurant brand is also preparing to open its first UK venue in Leeds, adding another exciting option for a celebratory meal.
The events calendar is packed too. Music lovers have Club Classics parties featuring big names from the 90s and 00s, and Leeds United fans might get the chance to meet Champions League era players at a special event. A local Leeds agency is also hosting a free AI event for businesses looking to get ahead after the Christmas rush.
The community spirit is just as impressive. DJ Sara Cox recently completed her 135 mile Children in Need challenge, finishing in Leeds and raising an incredible amount of money. It brought a real sense of warmth and pride to the city. Her 2025 challenge was a huge success.
Elsewhere in the region, a popular YouTuber has declared one northern city as the most overlooked in the UK, proving there are still hidden gems to discover. The North East also continues to shine with some of the best Christmas market experiences in the country. And for entertainment fans, there are still tickets available for Stranger Things: The First Shadow ahead of the final season, offering a different kind of winter thrill.
Looking ahead, a major Leeds festival has already started announcing big names for summer 2026, giving people something exciting to plan for once the fairy lights are packed away.
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