In a surprising turn for the festive season, hotel prices in several major UK cities have dramatically fallen, offering Brits the chance for a last-minute Christmas holiday without the expected sky-high costs.
Research from Hotelplanner.com reveals that five key urban destinations have seen rates slashed by up to 55 percent compared to December 2024, turning conventional wisdom about holiday price hikes on its head.
Top Cities for Festive Savings
Bristol leads the pack as the champion of Christmas savings. The average hotel rate has plummeted by a massive 55 percent, falling from £157.62 last year to just £70.93 this December. This makes the vibrant city an exceptionally affordable option for a festive escape.
Newcastle follows closely, offering the lowest average rate on the list at just £52.61 per night. This represents a substantial 43 percent reduction from its 2024 price of £92.31.
In Birmingham, a popular city break destination, travellers can enjoy a 40 percent price cut. Average rates have dropped to £101.45, down from £169.04, making it more accessible for those visiting its famous Christmas market.
Free Festive Fun in Affordable Cities
Beyond the attractive accommodation prices, these cities offer a wealth of free entertainment to keep costs down. In Bristol, visitors can soak up the festive atmosphere at the Bristol Christmas Market in Broadmead or enjoy the always-free, spectacular views from the Clifton Suspension Bridge. The city's cultural offerings are also accessible, with free entry to the collections at the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery and the M Shed.
Newcastle boasts its beloved Geordie institution, the annual Fenwick's Christmas Window Display, which draws crowds for its free, spectacular reveal. You can also browse the stalls at the Newcastle Christmas Markets and enjoy the free festive light displays throughout the city centre.
In Birmingham, the famed Frankfurt Christmas Market is free to wander, offering a chance to browse hundreds of stalls. Families can also enjoy the free Brum's Christmas Reindeer Trail scattered across the city centre.
More Cities Joining the Price Drop
The trend extends to other iconic UK destinations. Edinburgh has become significantly more accessible, with a 35 percent reduction bringing average rates down to £201.36 from 2024's costly £309.70 per night. Its Traditional Christmas Markets in East Princes Street Gardens remain free to enter and explore.
Oxford also sees considerable savings, with a 25 percent cut making average rates £127.38, compared to last year's £169.79.
Even London is offering meaningful relief for festive visitors. The capital's average hotel rates are down 14 percent to £293.09, a welcome reduction from last year's average of £340.66 per night.
This widespread price drop presents a golden opportunity for spontaneous travellers to experience the UK's best Christmas offerings without straining their budgets, proving that a festive city break can be both magical and affordable.
