MAIN Christmas Europe Christmas in the UK

Today, Dicken's A Christmas Carol is read, performed, or otherwise etched in the minds of millions around the planet during the holidays, when all of England itself seems to know "how to keep Christmas well."

Just as in the 19th century, a merry olde English Christmas today continues to be a time of good cheer, caroling, partying with friends, and feasting with family.

The Christmas stocking tradition originated in England, and today children will anxiously await the arrival of Father Christmas to fill their stockings with holiday gifts and toys, especially if they've been very good.

Later, Christmas dinner is customarily a huge meal of roast goose or turkey, perhaps a Christmas ham, kilted sausages ("pigs in blankets"), and, of course, lots of Christmas pudding, mince pies, and the traditional brandy-soaked Christmas fruitcake.

n yet another popular holiday tradition, sometime during the meal loud snaps may be heard as Christmas crackers are pulled to reveal a small trinket or gift.

Immediately following Christmas Day is Boxing Day (so-called for the alms boxes that were open to the poor on December 26) which is usually observed in viewing important sporting events, or for going to the shops in the final money-saving sales day of the year.

More information about Christmas in the UK around the Web:

Christmas traditions in England, Scotland & Wales - A complete look at Advent traditions, Christmas crackers, popular carols, Mummers plays, Stir-up Sunday, mince pies, related recipes, and more fun facts from the Woodland's Junior School in Kent.

A Tudor Christmas - Information on how the Twelve Days were kept, including the yule log tradition, popular carols, and a look at some serious royal feasting.

A Victorian Christmas - Colorful, illustrated history of 19th century English Christmas traditions.

Christmas Lights London - London's annual Christmas spectacular in Trafalgar Square, with information on this year's schedule including the Christmas crib, caroling, and tree lighting ceremony. Also surf down the page for more on holiday lights ceremonies on Oxford Street, Regent Street and Chelsea.

Bankside Frost Fairs - London's newest and biggest Christmas tradition offering family entertainment, food, shopping, caroling, parades and light shows with this year's dates and times.

Lincoln Christmas Market - The top Christmas market in England, and one of the largest throughout Europe with dates & times, features & fact sheets, a virtual walking tour, photos.

Enjoy England - Christmas Markets - The major markets in Lincoln, Bath, Birmingham, York, Winchester and elsewhere throughout the country with highlights and descriptions, related links.

Christmas Tree Farms in the UK - Where to find precut and choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms near London, the Southeast, Midlands, Yorkshire, and other regions including Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

also in Travel -> Best London Tourist Attractions | Best UK Tourist Attractions

Scotland Tourist Attractions | Ireland Tourist Attractions

also see in Holidays -> Christmas Cookie Recipes | Christmas Party Ideas

Christmas Recipes | Christmas Trees | Christmas E-Cards

Holiday Planner | Christmas Music | Santa Claus