7 British Christmas Traditions That Are Simply Smashing

Pantos—short for pantomimes—are a quintessential British holiday tradition. These musical comedy shows are loosely based around a classic fairy tale and feature slapstick humor and silly jokes for the kids, plus mild sexual innuendoes and double entendres for the grown-ups. So um, family fun for all?

King George V delivered the first holiday address over the radio in 1932, a tradition that Queen Elizabeth II continued until her death (she began televising her speech in 1957). Last year, a staggering 24 million people tuned in to Her Majesty’s speech and this year, we can only assume that as many will be eager to hear King Charles’ first Christmas addressing the nation. The speech typically looks back at the previous year and offers some hopeful words for the year ahead.

A British holiday feast typically consists of roast turkey with vegetables, stuffing, pigs in blankets and the ever-important gravy. Yum.

While mince pies are filled with “mincemeat,” there’s no actual meat in them but rather a gooey mix of dried fruits and spices. Brits like to dish them up cold or with a dollop of cream. A Christmas pudding, similarly, can be served with cream (or brandy butter) and is made with dried fruit, candied fruit peel, and citrus zest to create a dense and very moist fruit cake. Fun fact: Christmas pudding is actually made weeks before Christmas and should be stored in a cool, dry place until Christmas Day.

After Christmas dinner, Brits have fun with Christmas crackers—and we’re not talking about the kind you can eat. These table decorations are meant to be pulled apart, making a loud snapping sound in the process, and revealing a hidden gift inside. Many crackers will also contain a party hat and a so-bad-it’s-funny joke inside.

In the UK, December 26 is another public holiday known as Boxing Day. This is typically a chilled out day where people sit at home and watch the telly, munch on chocolates and leftovers, and continue the festivities in a low-key way.