IT'S CHRISTMASSSS!*
*Imagine this in a noddy holder accent
That’s right, the most wonderful time of the year is nearly upon us.
Soon the UK will be covered in snow, and the sweet sound of carols will fill the streets. Gardens up and down the country will entertain snowmen and windows filled with fairly lights and decorated Christmas trees will light up the night sky.
Of course, this is what we hope for, the reality however will most likely be rain, travel disruption and that icky brown sludge that is left behind after snow :/
However, fear not: just because the weather is grim, it doesn’t mean your Instagram feed has to suffer. Millions of Instagrammers will be heading to Christmas Markets, ice-skating rinks and to Christmas lights around the UK this December to make the most of the holiday season – and to take some festive pictures of course.
We at thortful.com have ranked the top Instagrammable Christmas hotspots to give the ultimate guide to the best Christmas locations to visit in the UK. You will have all your followers admiring your photos in awe!
The Most Instagrammable Christmas Markets
Manchester Christmas Market
Manchester is host to the most Instagrammable Christmas Market in the UK, with the hashtag #manchesterchristmasmarkets being used a staggering 41,507 times. With more than 300 wooden chalets spread across 10 locations in the city, be sure to grab a picture on Albert Square with a backdrop of the huge light up Santa.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Scotland takes the 2nd spot with Edinburgh Christmas Market, with the hashtag #edinburghchristmasmarket being used over 31,100 times the most Instagrammable spot is on the big wheel with an astonishing 360-degree view of the city.
Bath Christmas Market
The beautiful city of Bath is home to the 3rd most Instagrammable Christmas Market, with over 23,000 hashtags. With over 150 twinkling chalets spread out across Bath’s picturesque Georgian streets, it’s certainly not one to be missed.
Winter Wonderland Hyde Park, London
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is chock-a-block with Instagram worthy photo opportunities, from the large outdoor ice rink to the giant illuminated wheel, or among the rows of wooden market stalls.
Birmingham Christmas Market
Birmingham hosts Britain’s biggest outdoor Christmas Market and the largest German market outside of Germany and Austria. With plenty of Instagrammable opportunities, be sure to take a trip to Birmingham this December.
The Most Instagrammable Ice-Skating Rinks
The Natural History Museum Ice Rink, London
The Natural History Museum hosts UK’s most Instagrammable Ice Skating Rink, with the hashtag #nhmicerink being used over 2,600 times. With the charming architecture of the museum as your backdrop, this outdoor ice rink is sure to make for a delightful photo.
Somerset House Ice Rink (SKATE), London
Somerset House is home to the famous Christmas Ice Rink and is the 2nd most Instagrammable Christmas Ice Skating Rink. Wow your followers with a picture on the ice beside the beautiful Somerset House and the sparkling Christmas tree.
Bath on Ice, Bath
Holding two Instagrammable hotspots, a trip to Bath should definitely be on your to do list this December. Bath on Ice at Royal Victoria Park is the perfect spot to show off on the ice and take those all-important Insta photos.
Winter Wonderland Ice Rink, Cardiff
Cardiff comes to our list boasting an indoor ice rink with a fairy light covered roof, against the backdrop of the iconic civic centre. This is the perfect destination for your Christmas Instagram shots without battling against winter weather conditions.
Christmas Village Ice Rink, Aberdeen
Follow in the footsteps of countless Christmas holiday movies featuring graceful people gliding around an ice rink in a Christmas jumper. Christmas village in Aberdeen is one of the most Instagrammable ice rinks in the UK and well worth a visit.
The Most Instagrammable Christmas Lights
Christmas at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is one of the most beautiful places in London at any time, but at Christmas it’s even more extraordinary, with the grounds illuminated with millions of lights. Kew Gardens tops the list as the most Instagrammable Christmas lights in the UK, with an astonishing 41,105 hashtags for #christmasatkew. The displays will have all your Instagram followers in awe.
Carnaby Street, London
There are sights to sea on Carnaby street this Christmas, as the lights take on an ocean theme. You will be with the myriads of people pointing their phones upwards in awe, taking a snap of the unique and extraordinary Christmas lights.
Christmas at Dunham Massey
Cheshire Christmas is the most magical time of the year in Dunham Massey , as it ranks highly as the 3rd most Instagrammable Christmas lights in the UK. If you make a trip to the quaint village after dark, your Instagram feed is sure to get a glow up.
Christmas at the Botanics, Edinburgh
Christmas at the Botanics is an abundance of twinkling lights, luminous flowers and enchanting tree sculptures. An Instagrammer’s paradise, make sure not to miss the Cathedral of Light for the ultimate Christmas photo.
Oxford Street, London
The Oxford Street Christmas lights are known to be a seasonal centrepiece in the capital. For the first time in 6 years, the Christmas lights are having a complete overhaul, so be sure to go grab yourself an Instagram worthy picture whilst doing your Christmas shopping.
The Most Instagrammable Christmas Trees
Christmas Tree, Covent Garden
Covent Garden is home to the most Instagrammable Christmas Tree in the UK, with the hashtag #coventgardenchristmas being used over 5,100 times. Covent Garden transforms into a Christmas paradise during the festive period, so be sure to stop by for a fantastical feast for the eyes.
Claridge’s Christmas Tree, London
If you’re wanting to showcase a spot of luxury, then Claridge’s is the place to be. A highlight in London’s festive calendar, this year the tree is designed by the king of shoes, Christian Louboutin. Perfect for all the fashionistas out there!
Christmas Tree, Cheshire Oaks Outlet Village
Cheshire Oaks at Christmas is pretty spectacular, and with the gigantic 90ft Christmas tree it would be rude not to sneak a snap for your feed. The impressive Christmas installation is the perfect excuse to visit and to do some last-minute shopping.
Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree, London
The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is an iconic festive fixture in London, defining Christmas for many people in the city. Head to Trafalgar Square to take an Instagram-worthy picture under the 20-metre-tall London tradition.
St Pancras International Christmas Tree, London
St. Pancras Christmas tree is the ultimate Christmas tree goal, standing at an impressive 43 feet tall, with the backdrop of the grand St. Pancras International Station. You are guaranteed to have all your followers admiring any sensational seasonal snap from this location!