Bringing Festive Warmth from the UK to Your Home This Christmastime
As a Brit who recently moved from the UK to the US to marry my wonderful husband, I’m excited for all the festive cheer that a traditional American Christmas has to offer. But even as I embrace new holiday traditions, there are a few cozy customs from back home that I’ll be recreating here to keep the spirit of a British Christmas alive.
Here’s a look at some of the unique British and European traditions I’ll be celebrating—and maybe they’ll inspire you to bring a bit of Britain into your Christmas this year, too!
1. Dried Fruits: A Quintessential British Holiday Flavor
In the UK (and much of Europe), dried fruits like raisins, currants, and sultanas are holiday staples, infusing festive treats like mince pies and Christmas cake with rich, earthy flavors that bring warmth to the season. Unlike the typical holiday flavors in the US—where gingerbread and mint dominate—Brits have long enjoyed the subtler sweetness and hearty texture of dried fruits.
Historically, dried fruits served a practical purpose: preserving fruit during the winter months and offering a nutritious boost to cold-weather diets.
Mince pies, with their flaky pastry and spiced mincemeat filling (a mix of dried fruits, spices, and a touch of brandy or rum), are as much a part of British Christmas as any decor or carol. Christmas cake, another seasonal favorite, is a dark, rich fruitcake that’s often covered with marzipan and fondant.
Traditionally made weeks or even months in advance, Christmas cake is “fed” with small amounts of brandy over time, deepening its flavor as it ages.
Whether you’re looking to recreate British treats or bring some of these flavors into your own holiday baking, these rich, aromatic dried fruit-based treats offer a delightful way to embrace the season.
Things to Remember:
- Mini Pie Tins – Perfect for baking your own mince pies at home.
- British Mincemeat – Authentic filling for that classic British mince pie taste.
- Mini Star Shaped Cookie Cutter – Add a decorative pastry star to mince pies for a festive touch.
- Fondant – Smooth and sweet, ideal for a layer atop Christmas cake to balance the rich flavors.
- Traditional Cake Tin with Lid – Great for storing a homemade Christmas cake while it matures.
- Marzipan – A classic almond paste layer beneath the fondant, adding depth and sweetness to Christmas cake.
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2. Christmas Pudding: A Rich, Festive Dessert
Christmas pudding is a traditional British dessert dating back centuries. Rich, dark, and filled with fruits and spices, this steamed pudding is often made weeks in advance and allowed to “mature” with brandy, making it even more flavorful by Christmas. On the day itself, the pudding is often flambéed with brandy, creating a dramatic and festive finish before serving.
If you’re in the US, check out specialty stores like World Market or British online shops to find a Christmas pudding, or make your own with an authentic British recipe.
Things to Remember:
- Traditional Pudding Mold – Ideal for steaming a homemade Christmas pudding.
- Brandy Sauce – A classic topping to serve with Christmas pudding.
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3. Christingle Services at Church
Christingle services are a cherished Christmas tradition in the UK, especially for families. These church services often involve children creating “Christingles”—oranges adorned with candles, red ribbons, and sweets. Each element of the Christingle has symbolic meaning, representing hope, light, and the love of Christ. Held during Advent, these services are beautifully solemn, with carols and candlelight adding to the atmosphere.
While Christingle services aren’t common in the US, you can create your own Christingles at home as part of an Advent celebration.
Watch a Demonstration: Learn how to make a traditional British Christingle Orange HERE in this adorable YouTube video with the Bishop of Ely!
Things to Remember:
- Christingle Kit Supplies – Orange, red ribbon or tape, British sweets skewered on toothpicks, and a small candle to make a Christingle at home.
- Battery-Operated Candles – A safe alternative if making Christingles with kids.
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4. Christmas Markets Everywhere: A Very European Tradition
One of the things I’ll truly miss is the abundance of Christmas markets in the UK and across Europe. From mid-November, town squares transform into festive markets filled with stalls selling mulled wine, artisan crafts, and delicious treats. European Christmas markets are a destination in their own right, with unique decorations, hand-crafted gifts, and live holiday music adding to the experience.
While you may not find the same volume of markets in the US, some major cities host their own versions of European-style Christmas markets. If you’re looking to capture that cozy, bustling market feel, these are worth exploring!
Things to Remember:
- Reusable Tote Bag – Great for carrying goodies and treats from a local Christmas market.
- Christmas Ornaments – Brits love to put personalized Christmas ornaments on their tree, and a Christmas Market is a great place to pick some up and support local creatives.
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5. The Pantomime: A British Holiday Tradition
Pantomimes, or “pantos,” are a truly British Christmas tradition. These theatrical performances are often based on fairy tales like Cinderella or Jack and the Beanstalk, blending comedy, slapstick humor, and audience participation. It’s common for families to attend a panto as part of their Christmas festivities, with beloved actors dressed in extravagant costumes, throwing out jokes, and encouraging lots of audience participation.
While pantomimes aren’t widely available in the US, you may find recorded performances online, or even try creating your own at home as a fun family activity!
6. Christmas Cards: A UK Tradition in Full Force
In the UK, Christmas cards are hugely popular, with many people sending dozens (if not hundreds) of cards each year to friends, family, and colleagues. This tradition is about sharing warm wishes and a little festive cheer with everyone you know, and cards are often displayed prominently in homes.
In the US, holiday cards are typically limited to close family and friends, but if you’d like to go all out British-style, you can start your own list of recipients and make it a tradition to send or hand-deliver cards to loved ones.
Things to Remember:
- Festive Card Display Holder – Perfect for showcasing holiday cards at home.
- Holiday Postage Stamps – Adds a festive touch to each card.
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7. Boxing Day: The Day After Christmas
In the UK, Boxing Day (December 26) is traditionally a day to relax after the busyness of Christmas Day. Families might go on a country walk, enjoy leftover holiday treats, or even hit the sales for some post-Christmas shopping. It’s a low-key, restful day that feels like an extension of Christmas, perfect for unwinding and reflecting.
While Boxing Day isn’t officially celebrated in the US, there’s no reason you can’t embrace this tradition by setting aside the day to unwind, enjoy family time, and savor any leftover holiday goodies.
Things to Remember:
- Thermos – Ideal for a warm drink on a Boxing Day walk.
- Boxing Day Hamper – A basket filled with leftover holiday treats to enjoy with family.
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8. Advent Calendars: A Fun Holiday Countdown
Advent calendars are beloved in the UK, offering a fun way to count down to Christmas with a small surprise each day. Traditionally filled with chocolates or small gifts, they’re a great way to add excitement to the holiday season, especially for children.
In recent years, advent calendars have become more elaborate, with options ranging from luxury chocolate to skincare and even cheese! If you’re missing the joy of this daily treat, check out specialty stores in the US for a variety of advent calendars—or make your own for a personal touch.
Things to Remember:
- Chocolate Advent Calendar – Classic and fun for a daily countdown.
- DIY Advent Calendar Kit – Make a custom advent calendar with personalized surprises.
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9. Christmas Crackers: A Festive British Table Tradition
No British Christmas table is complete without Christmas crackers! These colorful paper tubes are pulled at the dinner table, creating a “snap” sound and revealing small toys, jokes, and a paper crown. They add a bit of festive fun and are beloved by people of all ages.
If you’d like to incorporate Christmas crackers into your holiday, check out World Market or similar stores in the US for some imported options. They’re a simple way to bring a traditional British touch to your Christmas dinner.
Things to Remember:
- Christmas Crackers – Look for festive options at World Market or online.
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10. The King’s Christmas Speech
One of the most iconic British Christmas traditions is the King’s (formerly the Queen’s) Christmas speech. Each year, the monarch addresses the nation in a short message reflecting on the year and sharing Christmas wishes.
Families across the UK gather to listen, often during Christmas dinner, to hear words of encouragement and unity from the Royal Family, as well as some unseen glimpses of our most beloved Royals.. It’s a cherished tradition that offers a moment to pause, reflect, and feel connected to the entire nation.
This festive season, I’m genuinely looking forward to experiencing the U.S. President’s Christmas Address for the first time in my new home. But no matter where I am, I will always hold a special place in my heart for the British Monarch’s Christmas Speech—a timeless reminder of kindness, resilience, and unity that feels like a piece of home.
Things to Remember:
- VPN – Watch British Television abroad with the help of a VPN! (check it’s legal in your country first!)
- The Royal Family YouTube Chanel – Or catch the speech HERE on YouTube!
11. Mulled Wine and Warm Winter Drinks: A European Toast to the Season
Mulled wine is a quintessential British holiday drink, and popular throughout Europe during the festive season. It fills homes and cobbled streets with the fragrant scents of spices, oranges, and hot red wine. It’s a comforting, warming tradition that adds a festive touch to holiday gatherings. Alongside mulled wine, spiced cider and hot toddies are also popular, creating a selection of wintery beverages for friends and family to enjoy.
If you’d like to bring this tradition into your home, consider setting up a warm drink station for guests. For a non-alcoholic option, you can try spiced apple cider with cinnamon sticks and cloves. It’s a delicious way to offer holiday cheer while recreating a bit of British Christmas tradition in your own home.
Quick Tip: Try using a slow cooker to keep mulled wine or cider warm and fragrant throughout your holiday gatherings.
Shop the Essentials:
- Mulled Wine Spice Kit – Pre-measured spices for easy mulled wine preparation at home.
- Traditional Mulled Wine Glasses – Charming glasses to serve warm holiday drinks in style.
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12. A Treat for Father Christmas: Mince Pies and a Splash of Spirits!
In the UK, leaving a treat out for Father Christmas isn’t just for the kids! Instead of milk and cookies, British families traditionally set out a rich, buttery mince pie alongside a small glass of sherry, brandy, or whisky.
This slightly stronger refreshment is a nod to the “hard work” Father Christmas has ahead, delivering presents all over the world! It’s a fun little tradition that lets parents (and the legendary visitor) enjoy a bit of holiday cheer.
For families, this can add a playful twist to Christmas Eve—just make sure to leave a little something for Rudolph too! A carrot and maybe a sugar cube are usually enough to fuel his sleigh-pulling efforts.
Things to Remember:
- Mince Pies – For a traditional British treat with warming spices and sweet mincemeat.
- Brandy – Perfect for a small tipple on Christmas Eve.
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The Takeaway
Embracing British Christmas traditions while abroad can bring a touch of home and warmth to the holiday season, creating a beautiful blend of old and new customs.
From sweet treats to sentimental customs, adding a few of these traditions to your festivities is a wonderful way to keep British holiday spirit alive, no matter where you are.
What to Read Next
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As always, I’d love to hear from you! Let me know which British Christmas traditions you’re most excited to try or if there are any favorites you miss. Feel free to share your thoughts below!
Last update on 2025-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
