West Midlands county ranked one of the least festive places in the UK
Families put their Christmas decorations up later than anywhere else
Last updated 24th Nov 2021
Shropshire has been ranked as one of the least festive places in the UK, with families getting into the Christmas spirit later than most.
Research from electrical wholesaler ERF shows that out of 1,000 Brits from across a number of cities, those from Shropshire said they hang their decorations the latest.
Respondents said people in Shropshire put them up on average 19 days before Christmas Day - that's December 6.
That puts Shropshire at top of the leader boards for places that put out Christmas decor the latest, which cements its position as one of the least festive places in the UK.
The county is joined at the top by Renfrewshire and Lothian in Scotland, where families also hang decorations on December 6 on average.
Families in Swansea, ranked most festive place in the UK, put up their festive decor 49 days before Christmas - that's November 6.
See the full list of the least festive cities/counties in the UK (based on when families put up their Christmas decorations):
City/county - Days before Christmas that houses are decorated (Avg) - Date
- Shropshire - 19 - 6th December
- Renfrewshire - 19 - 6th December
- Lothian - 19 - 6th December
- Cambridgeshire - 20 - 5th December
- Lincolnshire - 20 - 5th December
- Sussex - 20 - 5th December
- Wiltshire - 20 - 5th December
- Derbyshire - 21 - 4th December
- Worcestershire - 21 - 4th December
- Ayrshire - 22 - 3rd December
- Buckinghamshire - 22 - 3rd December
- Devon - 22 - 3rd December
Considering all the preferences of different places, the average number of days that Brits like to get their decorations up and ready before Christmas Day is 27 (November 28).
Data also shows that age plays a big factor in the timing, with younger people preferring to get their decorations up earlier, compared to older generations.
On average, under 35s put up their trees and hang their stockings 29 days before Christmas, while over 35s put their decorations up 24 days prior.
Over two-thirds of people (68%) opt for an artificial Christmas tree, as opposed to a real one, though at least the majority are putting some kind of tree up - 6% of Brits don't even bother.
Check out the best places to visit this Christmas:
The Cotswolds
What better way to kick off a list of best Christmas getaways than the Cotswolds. Located toward the South West of England, the area is home to magical little cottages and immense views of natural beauty. If you want a quiet, Christmassy trip away, there's no better place to start.
Edinburgh
Everyone knows Edinburgh has to be among the best places to visit at Christmas in the UK, let alone the world. It's compact, bustling feel, the warm glow of shop windows and pub interiors whips up a magical festive excitement.
There's fair ground rides, Christmas markets, pantomimes and, of course, the beautiful Iron-age old Edinburgh Castle, which is a snowy sight to behold in winter. There was just no chance we were leaving it out.
York
If you'd like your very own slice of Harry Potter this Christmas, spend some time among the winding, old-world streets and shops that give York so much character. The beautiful, walled medieval city is home to some of the most picturesque Christmas markets in the UK.
The Scottish Highlands
One of the best (and coldest) ways to spend your Christmas would be whisking yourself off to the Scottish Highlands. You can choose to see the amazing scenery from the train, with routes going from Edinburgh and Glasgow that take you on a winding route through the painting-like natural beauty. Not to mention you'd get the chance to see the Aurora Borealis.
Bath
For a more cultured Christmas getaway, Bath is the place to be. A small, Roman-age city, Bath boasts gorgeous architecture that's bound to look even prettier in winter. The Abbey, Roman Baths and the Royal Crescent make Bath worth visiting for a few hours this Christmas at the very least.
The Lake District
The Lake District is stunning all year round, but with frost on the ground and the dark winter skies drawing in early, the landscape is something right out of a fairy-tale.
Rochester, Kent
Rochester is strongly linked to Charles Dickens, so if you're a fan of the ghostly but festive tale of A Christmas Carol and you're after something a bit more spooky this year, this is the place to be. The Dickensian Christmas Festival is held in December, transporting the town back to the Victorian age, where visitors can enjoy mulled wine and roasted chestnuts as they browse the various stalls for gift ideas.