11.6 million Brits on a domestic holiday in the UK during festive season

VisitEngland’s Christmas Trip Tracker Survey shows that 11.6 million Brits are planning an overnight holiday trip in the UK during the Christmas and New Year period, bringing an estimated £3.3 billion boost to the economy.

The figures are up by nearly a third (32%) on last year’s results, when 8.8 million had planned a domestic break.

Among those definitely looking at an overnight holiday trip in England, nearly half (49%) were planning on taking two or more trips during the festive season. The survey also showed that 7% of Brits were still uncertain if they would take an overnight trip in England during this time. The top reasons to their unconfirmed travel was ‘waiting to see if there are any deals / special offers’ followed by ‘waiting to see what the weather is like.’

VisitEngland CEO Patricia Yates said: 

“It is encouraging to see many of us are planning a short break with friends and family during the festive season, boosting the economy through tourism. From buzzing Christmas markets to festive light trails, from winter walks with a cosy pub lunch to seasonal favorites such as the free Blackpool Illuminations, there is an experience and attraction for everyone.  

“We know from destinations across England that 2025 has been a very mixed picture as consumers wrestle with cost-of-living uncertainties and businesses with the higher cost of trading. Our latest consumer sentiment research shows that many people were booking last minute, wanting to save on accommodation, activities and seeking good value options.”

Popular seasonal activities Brits plan to do during the festive break, after visiting friends and family, include going out for a meal (41%), visiting a Christmas market (40%) and shopping at the post-Christmas sales (33%). More than one-in-five (21%) will participate in outdoor activities such as walking or cycling.

Of those surveyed, younger people are more likely to spend money at seasonal shopping events with 42% of 16-to-24-year-olds planning to shop at post-Christmas sales, while half (50%) were set to visit a Christmas market.

The full VisitEngland Christmas Trip Tracker survey can be accessed here: https://www.visitbritain.org/bank-holiday-trip-tracker