For expats, Christmas can be a bittersweet time, with the joy of the season often mingled with a pang for distant family and familiar traditions. Yet, it's also an extraordinary opportunity to weave new threads into the tapestry of your life.
An English Christmas is a chance to swap the customary for the extraordinary, to trade the familiar for the adventurous. From the idyllic charm of a Winchester market to the grandeur of London’s lights, each experience is a chance to create new memories that can be cherished just as dearly. While you might miss that family gathering or the hometown parade, embracing the unique customs, from Christmas crackers to Boxing Day dips in sea, allows you to build new rituals and friendships that make the expat journey deeply rewarding.
We help families move to the UK all through the year, some move just before Christmas. Whatever the season, we are experts at making sure families are settled whenever they arrive.
If you have watched the Holiday with Cameron Diaz (filmed in one of our favourite villages, Shere) then you know something of an English Christmas. However, as an expat there is lots more to discover to really experience a magical English Christmas.
Christmas trees in London are something of a must see. Every year, Trafalgar Square has a towering gift from Norway, a tradition born of gratitude and friendship. This isn’t just any tree; it’s a symbol of enduring ties and the start of the capital's festive season. It's the perfect backdrop for your new holiday memories in England. Not all trees are steeped in tradition, St Pancras station take a creative approach and this year is no exception. Their highly anticipated Christmas tree has been unveiled for the 2023 festive season, and it’s doused with the magic of literature this year. more a Christmas bookshelf (still resembling the shape of a tree, of course!). Even more magical is that there are benches inside so that people can sit and read.
Christmas Markets: A Dickensian Dream
There are many Christmas markets, a seasonal spectacle not to be missed with Winchester and Bath hosting particularly good ones in historic settings. Stalls brimming with handcrafted gifts, the aroma of spiced mulled wine, and the sound of carolers unite to create an atmosphere Dickens would have been proud to see.
Fortnum & Mason and Liberty: The Stars of Christmas Shopping
Amidst the jolly chaos of festive preparations, Fortnum & Mason is a holiday delight, the store is always impeccably decorated and the Christmas gifts on offer for food lovers in particular are very special. For those seeking the chic and unique, Liberty awaits with open arms, its eclectic treasures nestled within an architectural marvel.
Panto Pandemonium!
From London to Lancaster, pantomimes are the unsung heroes of English Christmas cheer. A visit to the panto is a foray into a world of slapstick humour, outrageous costumes, and audience participation. Favourite fairytales are brought to life in amateur and professional productions up and down the country.
Ice Skating Charm
Snow is hoped for but often doesn’t arrive for Christmas, however, ice definitely takes centre stage. With Somerset House and the Natural History Museum offering iconic skating experiences, you can glide (or totter) about, basking in the historic and breathtaking backdrops.
Carols and Kings
Schools, small churches and cathedrals hold carol concerts in the run up to Christmas and on the day itself. Many families make time for the King's Speech on Christmas Day, which unites everyone in a moment of reflection and anticipation for the year to come.
Our team is here to help
Embarking on an expat adventure at any time of year can be daunting but especially during the holiday season. With Premier Corporate Relocation, we do everything we can make to make a festive transition as smooth as the icing on a Christmas cake!
If you are are responsible for relocating staff or an individual looking to relocate to the UK then get in touch to find out how we can help. For further information about the services that Premier Corporate Relocation Services offer please contact Barbara on + 44 (0) 1962 793100, / +44 (0) 7770 815325 or via email.