Santa has a northern swagger after Manchester was named the UK city with the most festive cheer with as 50% of its residents will go “all out” to organise the best Yuletide for their friends and family. From keeping a well-stocked festive fridge, to making playlists, decorating the house and organising secret Santa, Mancunians top the list of jolly cities ahead of Leicester (49%), Nottingham (47%) Birmingham (45%) and London (47%).
While Liverpool (41%), Norwich (41%) and Cardiff (39%) also made the top ten most festive cities in the UK, according to the survey of 2,000 Brits by Coca-Cola. But the UK’s ‘Grinch’ cities on the miserable side are Newcastle (25%), Swansea (25%) Sunderland (24%), Sheffield (22%) and Aberdeen (19%), according to the poll of 2,000 UK adults.
The research, from Coca-Cola, revealed signs of a good Christmas host, including knowing what everyone likes and catering accordingly (45%), making a winning Christmas playlist (23%), having a seating plan (27%) and a perfectly stocked fridge with everyone’s favourite drinks and snacks (27%).
Top hosts are also happy to sit in the worst seat for the family movie, according to the data.
The unsung heroes and “stars of Christmas” start preparing seven weeks before the big day, spend an average of 20 hours thinking about, planning and buying presents, 15 hours cooking and food shopping, 14 hours decorating and 11 hours writing cards.
This year, Coca-Cola is championing the unsung heroes of Christmas, kicking off with Sam Thompson’s surprise appearance this week at Spitalfields, East London, dressed as Santa.
He is inviting the public to nominate their Christmas Makers – and then delivered unexpected, personalised thank you messages to them.
Anyone who missed the moment can still take part by commenting on Sam’s Instagram post. Every “maker” nominated, will support Coca-Cola’s festive donation to food charity FareShare. Images of Sam here – https://we.tl/t-mQOmuj8BqS.
Sam Thompson said: “Last year I spent Christmas Day volunteering, and it was really special. There are so many ‘makers’ of Christmas – from all walks of life, creating magic for families across the UK during the festive season.
“I am so excited to help make Christmas that little bit better for the makers with Coca-Cola … and of course I love dressing up as Santa, so I’m buzzing about that too.”
The 10 most festive cities in the UK – based on those who go all out to make Christmas special for friends and family – are:
Manchester (50%)
Leicester (49%)
Nottingham (47%)
Birmingham (45%)
London (42%)
Liverpool (41%) / Norwich (41%)
Oxford (40%)
Cardiff (39%) / Coventry (39%)
York (37%)
Southampton (35%)
Charlotte Butt, senior marketing manager at Coca-Cola Great Britain and Ireland, said: “We believe in spreading joy and recognising those who make special moments happen.
“We want to inspire the nation to give those unsung heroes the heartfelt thank you they truly deserve. Every maker nominated for a shout-out, will support Coca-Cola’s donation to FareShare this Christmas.”
