You know that odd, liminal time between Christmas and New Year when you’re completely and totally stuffed with panetonne and pigs in blankets? When your hectic festive plans die down a little and you can get away with doing nothing at all? There’s a name for that: Twixmas.
You don’t have to do nothing over Twixmas, though. Loads of shops and attractions around the UK reopen after Boxing Day before shutting again for New Year’s Day. Here’s some inspiration for what you can get up to this Twixmas.
What does ‘twixmas’ mean?’
The word comes from the old English word ‘betwixt’, meaning ‘between’, combined with Christmas. It covers December 27 to December 30.
Best things to do during twixmas
Start NYE early in Edinburgh
The New Year’s celebrations kick off nice and early in Scotland. Edinburgh’s huge, world-famous Hogmanay begins on December 29 with a stunning torchlight procession of 20,000 torch bearers, then on December 30 there’s a Night Afore Concert and Disco Party to keep you entertained before New Year’s Eve arrives.
Take a winter walk
It would be easy to spend the whole of Twixmas lying horizontal in a food coma. But why not spend it in the great outdoors, walking off some mince pies and test running the new scarf your gran got you? The UK looks magical this time of the year, and these are some of the most beautiful winter strolls it has to offer.
Have one long movie night
Alternatively, there’s no shame in spending Twixmas glued to the sofa. Use these three days to catch up on the best of festive TV specials and all the best Christmas movies you haven’t had time to watch yet.
Head down the pub
The festive period is a time for being around your nearest and dearest. You’ve spent Christmas and Boxing Day with your family, so take Twixmas as an opportunity to catch up with pals over a pub lunch (if you can possibly eat another thing) at one of the UK’s best and cosiest boozers.
Find some sweet post-Xmas deals
The post-Christmas period is a perfect time to hunt for some bargains. Spend Twixmas finding treasures from the finest shops in the capital, perusing its coolest homeware stores or picking up some LPs from its very best record shops. You’ll also find heaps of great deals in Manchester’s best indie stores, our favourite retail spots in Liverpool and Brighton’s collection of unique boutiques.
Stay in the festive spirit
Christmas technically doesn’t end until January 6, the final day of Christmastide (aka. the 12 days of Christmas). So, keep the festive spirit ablaze by taking a trip to one of the most spectacular light trails in the country, one of the most magical markets or one of our most Christmassy towns.
ICYMI: You can have your Christmas dinner on a steam train this festive season.
Plus: These are the UK train strikes happening over Christmas and the holiday period.
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