With less than 100 days until Christmas, brits are already planning festive activities, generating more than 1.6 million google searches for events in august. This figure is expected to reach 27.5 million by december, according to ashridge house festive experts.
Most popular festive events
- Winter wonderland: 315,000 average monthly searches, 11 million in december, down 17% year on year
- Christmas markets: 184,000 average monthly searches, up 18% year on year, rising to 6.5 million in december
- Ice skating: 161,000 average monthly searches, 3.5 million in december, down 2% year on year
- Other rising activities include festive light trails (+18% yoY), py0 christmas tree farms (+10% yoY), and christmas pantomimes (+2% yoY)
Cities with rising interest
- Festive light trails have grown in popularity across the UK, particularly in inverness (+150% yoY), oxford (+124%), and stoke-on-trent (+120%)
- Other areas with notable increases include derby (+74%), manchester (+64%), birmingham (+63%), and chichester (+46%)
- Oxford shows the highest overall rise in searches for christmas activities (+455% yoY)
Festive light trails: a growing tradition
Festive light trails are becoming a standout attraction. They transform outdoor spaces into magical, twinkling experiences, providing immersive evenings for families. Many events incorporate christmas markets, carols, and seasonal food offerings. Some, like Ashridge House Illuminated, even include dog-friendly sessions.
David Evans, managing director of ashridge house illuminated, says: “Based on the success of last year’s dog-friendly sessions, we’ve brought them back so the whole family can enjoy their favourite christmas tradition without worrying about leaving the family dog at home. These early spikes in online searches show how important christmas events have become as annual traditions. From festive light trails to christmas markets and even the cheesy end-of-year panto, it’s about creating moments that feel magical to the whole family – dogs included. The team has worked tirelessly to create an unforgettable way to experience the festive season with friends and family. We can’t wait to open our gates and welcome everyone back for a christmas celebration like no other.”
Ashridge House Illuminated 2025 highlights
- Location: berkhamsted, hertfordshire, 30 minutes from luton, 45 minutes from heathrow, 35 minutes from london euston by train
- Dates: 27 November 2025 to 1 January 2026, open daily 4pm to 8pm
- New 115ft observation wheel offering panoramic views of illuminated gardens
- Dog-friendly sessions every wednesday and thursday
- Expanded food village with seasonal treats
- Tickets: £14.40 children, £23.50 adults, free parking, flexible booking for weather changes
Outlook for christmas 2025
The growing popularity of christmas light trails across the UK, with over 50 major events including kew gardens and blenheim palace, highlights a shift toward outdoor, family-friendly festive experiences. These attractions offer shared moments of holiday magic while accommodating rising demand for memorable traditions.