Seaside town named ‘best place to spend Christmas’ with markets, walks and beach

As Christmas approaches, Brighton and Hove has been crowned the best English seaside town to visit during the festive season.

Despite the cold winter weather, the spirit of Christmas is ignited by twinkling lights, the aroma of mulled wine and pine, the sound of carols, and cosy fireside gatherings. It’s also an ideal time to bundle up and explore vibrant Christmas markets or take long winter strolls along the seafront.

A study conducted by the experts at Go Outdoors revealed that Brighton and Hove ranked as England’s most festive city, scoring an impressive 9.38 on the Christmas adventure scale.

The survey considered various festive factors, including Google searches for Christmas walks, the number of bars and pubs per 1,000 people, Christmas market days, ice skating rinks, and average annual snowfall days.

Brighton and Hove outshone other beloved UK cities such as Nottingham, Manchester, and Whitby.

While many envision bustling markets and snow-laden streets, Brighton provides a distinctive experience – a seaside trip adorned with lights, local flavours, and invigorating winter landscapes.

The city’s holiday atmosphere is enhanced by a thriving dining scene, boasting 4.17 restaurants per 1,000 residents, including local favourites like The Salt Room for seafood lovers and Terre à Terre for vegetarian feasts, reports The Mirror.

One of the holiday highlights is the mesmerising Brighton Lights at One Garden Brighton, a spectacular light show that will be open to the public on the weekend of December 7 and 8, followed by a two-week run from December 11 until December 23. Visitors can wander through a light trail beyond a historic walled garden, Stanmer’s famous orchard and the beautifully lit Palm House.

Another festive tradition attracting visitors is the Royal Pavilion’s open-air ice rink, providing twinkling fun from October 26 until January 5, allowing visitors to skate in view of the iconic palace. The city is also renowned for its diverse nightlife, making it perfect for Christmas parties, cabaret nights, DJ events and much more.

With a vibrant music scene, the city draws partygoers and music enthusiasts from across the UK and beyond.

Christmas shopping in Brighton is a joy, with a variety of independent shops tucked away in the winding alleyways of The Lanes and the seafront arches.

For a more festive experience, visitors can explore the Christmas Market and the Artists Open Houses events in Brighton, adding a creative twist to their holiday shopping.

The city also hosts some unique traditions like Burn the Clocks, an annual event celebrating the winter solstice where participants carry hand-made lanterns in a procession that ends with burning them on the beach, symbolising the return of light.

The Brighton area is also known for its scenic walking trails that reveal the beauty of the coast and the nearby South Downs.

Whether exploring the rugged cliff paths or wandering along a gentle coastal route, there are plenty of trails to enjoy Brighton’s unique winter charm.

During the winter months, the city attracts a slower pace and fewer crowds, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the ocean views and the sound of waves – perfect for a peaceful Christmas getaway.