10 destinations for a cosy Christmas by the coast

We usually associate coastal towns with summer, but they’re just as magical at Christmastime.

So why not swap the crowds for sea air this year? See fairy lights glint off the water as you enjoy fish and chips with your hat and gloves on. We’ve rounded up ten coastal spots across the UK and Ireland that do Christmas brilliantly, so grab your scarf and get ready for a different kind of festive period!

• Copy link

1. Brighton

Brighton is known for its bohemian spirit, so it’s ideal for a quirkier Christmas and unique gifts. Head straight for The Lanes, which is a maze of narrow alleyways (known locally as the ‘twittens’) where independent jewellers, antique shops and boutiques await. You’re bound to find a gift here that no one else thought of!

While you’re there, go for a spin around the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink, which usually runs from late October into the new year, then finish with the pier’s glowing arcades. And if you’re around on 21st December, don’t miss the Burning the Clocks event, when thousands of people carry paper lanterns through the city and set them alight on the beach.

2. Bournemouth

Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens turn into a proper winter wonderland come the festive season, with around 100 illuminated trees trailing from the town centre down towards the sea.

Explore the alpine-style market in Bournemouth Square from 12th November to 31st December. Expect bratwurst, raclette, and loaded hot chocolates, plus ice skating, a Christmas Tree Maze, and Santa’s Workshop for little ones! And after all the extra grub, you can walk it all off along Bournemouth’s enormous 7-mile-long sandy beach.

3. Hastings

Hastings Old Town is the kind of place that looks like it was made for Christmas. Wonky timber houses, steep little streets, and those famous black net huts on the Stade give it a character you won’t find on any high street.

In recent years, the Old Town has held a Christmas shopping day in early December, with Father Christmas at Butler’s Gap, a children’s treasure hunt, street entertainment, and plenty of independent shops to browse. Dates for 2026 haven’t been confirmed yet, so keep an eye on the Visit 1066 Country website.

4. Berwick-upon-Tweed

England’s northernmost town sits right on the Scottish border, and it’s a real hidden gem at Christmas. Wrap up warm and walk the Elizabethan ramparts that circle the town, looking out over the mouth of the River Tweed and its three famous bridges. Down in the town centre, the Town Hall hosts a Christmas market on 13th December, with local makers, hot food, and a visit from Santa himself!

5. Llandudno

Llandudno does a classic seaside Christmas, complete with a Victorian pier and sweeping bay. Ride the Great Orme Tramway up to the summit for spectacular views over the bay. Or search along the pier for the White Rabbit statues that nod to Alice in Wonderland, who famously has links to the town. Browse the shops along Mostyn Street for gifts, then warm up in one of the town’s cosy cafes.

6. Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the kind of place that has Christmas written all over it. And from 14th November 2026, East and West Princes Street Gardens fill up with market stalls beneath the castle, plus a big Wheel and Star Flyer for a bird’s-eye view of the lights.

And we haven’t even mentioned the coast yet! Blow away the cobwebs with a blustery walk along Portobello beach, or wander around the historic port of Leith, before heading back into town for a hot toddy. Best of both worlds, if you ask us!

7. Fort William

Fort William isn’t about big markets and bright lights. It’s all about proper Highland drama. The town sits on the shores of Loch Linnhe, with Ben Nevis towering behind it. And there’s nothing quite like walking along the loch with snow-dusted peaks on the horizon.

Take the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola for views from 650 metres up. The ski season usually runs from late December to April, so you can check what’s open before you visit. Back in town, the Ben Nevis Distillery (open Monday to Friday) offers tours and Scottish home cooking in its restaurant, which is as good an excuse as any for a wee dram by the fire.

8. Margate

Margate has had a bit of a glow-up, and Christmas looks good on it! The Old Town is packed with independent shops, vintage finds, and cosy cafes, and in recent years the town has held a lights switch-on with a free grotto and Mummy Christmas!

Then there’s Dreamland, the old-school seaside amusement park, and the mysterious underground Shell Grotto, covered in 4.6 million shells! There’s plenty of markets happening across the town over the Christmas period, so keep an eye on the Visit Thanet website for information and dates.

9. Paignton

Paignton is the English Riviera’s cheerful seaside town, and it does Christmas properly. The star of the show is the Train of Lights, a multi-award-winning festive steam train experience. From the 27th November to the 30th December 2026, it chugs along the coast to Kingswear, with vintage carriages covered in thousands of lights and a show you can only see from your seat. It even features a 450-metre tunnel that opens into an enchanted forest!

The wider Bay of Lights event runs across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham from 28th November to 3rd January, so there’s plenty here to keep you busy before a fish and chip supper on the front.

10. Galway

Last but certainly not least, Galway’s Christmas Market takes over Eyre Square from 7th November to 31st December 2026. There’ll be more than 50 wooden chalets, a 32-metre Big Wheel, a carousel, and Santa’s Express Train. Keep your eyes peeled for the Bier Keller, where mulled wine, hot toddies, and a good pint are on the menu from 5pm daily.

And when you fancy some sea air, it’s just a short stroll to the Spanish Arch and the water. Or you can head out along the Salthill promenade for a proper Atlantic blast!