Hold on to your mince pies, darlings, because we’re diving headfirst into the most wonderfully vibrant Christmas celebrations in the UK. British South Asian families are embracing the festive season with a joyful fusion of tradition, creating a truly unique and utterly fabulous way to celebrate. Whether it’s decking the halls with dazzling decorations or swapping a traditional turkey for a spicy biryani, Christmas in these households is a spectacular mash-up of cultures. It's not just a religious holiday for many, but a cultural phenomenon.
The growing trend of British Asians, regardless of their specific faith, fully participating in Christmas is a beautiful reflection of the UK's multicultural fabric. Reports and anecdotal evidence from recent years show just how widespread and secular the enjoyment of the holiday has become. For many, especially those who grew up in the UK, it’s simply an essential part of British life.
But what does this vibrant celebration really look like on the ground? We spoke to a few families to find out what makes their Christmas truly special.
Aekta Patel: Slowing down and London’s festive charm
“Christmas for me is a really special time. I love slowing down during that whole period. Lazy mornings watching Christmas movies, enjoying all the wonderful Christmas experiences in London and then early nights. Some of my favourite things to do are Christmas at Kew, Christmas carols at the Royal Albert Hall, seeing all the beautiful decorations across London and of course lots of time with family with friends. My son is counting the days until Santa comes to visit which makes it even special. I love decorating the house so it's really festive. We have decorations everywhere. So those dark cold evenings are brightened up with all the decor. I love Christmas!”
Sushma Jansari: Crafting traditions and crib service
“After the joyful celebrations of Diwali, my family gears up for Christmas. I made my daughter an advent calendar and I fill it with lots of little treats for her to open in the run-up to Christmas. I really enjoy making things and take part in a wreath making workshop before Christmas and the wreath I make goes on our front door. We also get a living Christmas tree for the house which we decorate with beautiful baubles that we have collected over the years during our travels abroad and here in the UK. On Christmas Eve, we go to the crib service at a local church. It is always fun to see all the children dress up and re-create the Nativity. My daughter also takes part and really enjoys it. Christmas Day involves exchanging gifts enjoying lots of indulgent food and watching a family movie. We have a dog so we also go out with him for our Christmas Day walk.”
Mischa Rumi Das: Togetherness, carols, and blended cultures
“For six-year-old Mischa Rumi Das, Christmas has become one of the most joyful parts of growing up in the UK. As a British South Asian child, she loves the way the festive season blends seamlessly into her family’s own traditions, creating a celebration that feels uniquely her own. This year, Mischa kicked off the season with a pre-Christmas get-together in Romford. The house was filled with lights, laughter, shared food, and the excitement that only children can bring to the holidays, something Mischa looks forward to every year. At school, Mischa has been practising Christmas carols, both in class and at home, often humming them while doing her homework or helping in the kitchen. She’s especially proud of performing them during her piano lessons, where she has been learning festive pieces and showing them off to her family with quiet confidence. For her, Christmas is less about presents and more about the feeling of togetherness, of enjoying time with family, sharing traditions with her friends at school, and being part of her wider community. Mischa’s experience reflects how many South Asian families in the UK are embracing Christmas in their own ways: blending cultures, creating new memories, and raising children who feel at home in more than one tradition.”
Christmas for South Asian families in the UK is a dynamic, personal, and joyful celebration. It’s a time for family, for indulging in the best of both worlds, and for embracing the festive spirit that lights up the entire nation.
