10 Reasons Why Britain is Magical at Christmastime

Both Germany and Austria go gaga for Christmas and Denmark definitely does the Holiday season right, but Britain might just be the most Christmas-infatuated place in the world. This makes it the perfect place to visit around the holidays and the following are ten big reasons why the season is so special here.

The most beloved holiday tale of them all was both written and set in London and visitors to the city at Christmas can stop by the Charles Dickens Museum for a glimpse into the great author's Christmas past. Outside of London, pay a visit to one of Britain's most historic cities to see street scenes that seem straight out of A Christmas Carol.

Since 2003, the film Love Actually has nudged its way into millions of hearts on the way to becoming the most beloved modern Christmas movie this side of Elf. Follow in the footsteps of the characters in London by going ice skating at Somerset House or doing some shopping on Oxford Street. Just don't stand outside some random person's house with a declaration of love written on posterboard, though, okay?

Christmas is viewed more as an excuse to let loose in Britain than it is in North America, and so you can expect to be swept up in a maelstrom of merriment from the moment you touch down on English soil. The most common phrase heard in Britain to justify all the yuletide fun? That would be "Go on, it's Christmas ..." and as a traveler you are more than invited to get in on the good times.

Speaking of cutting loose, while the carefree Christmas office party has become an endangered species in America, it's still going strong in Britain. The "Christmas do" is a cherished part of the social calendar here and places of employment typically go all out to create a special night. If you come here at Christmas, chances are good that you will cross paths with some revelers post-party, and if you stick with them, you are in for a Christmassy night to remember.

The frivolity doesn't end on the night of December 25th in Britain because the next day is Boxing Day. The origins of the holiday are rooted in giving gifts to the less fortunate for Christmas, but it has now become a day to keep up the feasting, watch soccer and maybe even snag some "Black Friday" style shopping deals. Regardless, whether you are a visitor or a native, it's a really great day to be in either England, Scotland or Wales.

British pubs are convivial places at any time of year, but in December, they turn into de facto neighborhood family rooms. Throughout the season, people will shuffle into these drinking dens after work to enjoy a pint-one they may have skipped during summer-or to get a break from the relatives. Plus, nothing says "cozy Christmas" like settling down next to a roaring pub fire when it's cold outside.

Sure you know Nat, Bing and Mariah's holiday tunes by heart, but have you heard of Wizzard? How about Shakin' Stevens, Slade or The Darkness? These artists are all behind Christmas songs that are revered in Britain but never really made it across the pond. You are certain to grow to love them during your trip and they are bound to remind you of your British Christmas trip forever.

Many of our most favorite Christmas carols have their origins in Britain and the singing of carols is still a cherished part of the season here today. No matter where you are in the country during your trip, you won't be far from a traditional carol concert at a church or an informal gathering of singers at a pub.

Go on, admit it, you always wanted to know what it would be like to spend Christmas with the crew from Downton Abbey. Well, it turns out that you can come pretty darn close. The opulent residence where the show was filmed, Highclere Castle, hosts enchanting Christmas events-as do scores of stately homes around the country. A particularly festive example is Chatsworth House in the Peak District, where the home is bedecked in a different holiday theme each year.

America has Super Bowl commercials and Britain has Christmas adverts. Several big-name retailers and supermarkets annually put out a "skies-the-limit budget" spot that pulls at the heartstrings and implores you to loosen up the purse strings. Past classics include a sentimental Bear and Hare from department store John Lewis and an animated sing-a-long from supermarket Sainsbury's featuring the voice of James Corden. In 2018, the most talked about ad features Elton John and might just have you rushing out to buy a piano.

Long the domain of mainland Europe, Christmas markets now appear in many British cities. Hyde Park in London plays host to a particularly fun get-together, Edinburgh has an excellent market, Manchester fills every nook and cranny of its downtown with chalets and Bath hosts a very atmosphere market. These are just the tip of the iceberg.