The UK cities splashing the most cash on Christmas lights

A new report has revealed which UK cities are going all out to light up the festive season – and which ones are tightening the purse strings.

Research by GardeningExpress.co.uk has analysed city council budgets to reveal striking differences in public Christmas decoration spending across the country.

Using Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, data has been collected on Christmas light and decoration spend of 32 city councils across the UK since 2015.

With cities gearing up to dazzle residents and visitors this festive season, the results show that Manchester is set to shine the brightest in 2024, with an impressive £250,000 allocated for its festive displays this year.

Coming in second is Wakefield, with around a £140,000 budget, followed closely by Sheffield (£138,000) and Leeds (£129,000).

2024’s biggest predicted spenders:

Manchester: £250,313Wakefield: £140,730Sheffield: £138,000Leeds: £129,000Barnsley: £119,000

Manchester has maintained a steady investment in its festive displays over the years, ensuring magical experiences for residents and visitors year after year.

But when it comes to average spending over the years, Glasgow takes the crown. Since 2015, the city has consistently allocated £284,955 on average for annual Christmas lights and decorations, highlighting its commitment to making the festive season truly special year after year.

Manchester follows closely behind with an average annual budget of £245,383, cementing its reputation as one of the UK’s top festive cities.

Leeds ranks third, with an average annual spend of £213,559, whilst Dundee (£162,483) and Wakefield (£160,233) round off the top five for average annual spend.

Average annual Christmas lights spend since 2015:

Glasgow: £284,955Manchester: £245,383Leeds: £213,559Dundee: £162,483Wakefield: £160,233

Wakefield stands out as the most generous part of the UK for Christmas light spending per capita. With Newport, Dundee and Carlisle following behind as the top four for spend per 1,000 people, visitors can expect stunning festive displays across the country.

On the other end of the spectrum, St Albans ranks as the lowest average spender overall. The city allocates a modest but consistent Christmas lights and decorations budget, perhaps choosing simplicity over extravagance.

Average spend per capita (per 1,000 people in the region):

Wakefield: £1,637Newport: £1,474Dundee: £1,096Carlisle: £711Lincoln: £637

Commenting on the findings, Chris Bonnett from Gardening Express said: “Christmas fans who are planning to visit cities across the UK to see all the dazzling lights and displays will be eager to know which are going to be worth making the trip for.

“The data shows that some cities are definitely outshining others with a big budget gap of around £270,000 between the average highest and lowest spenders.

“Cities like Wakefield, Newport, and Dundee have made it into the top ranks for spending per capita.

“These cities are dedicated to creating memorable holiday experiences, offering visitors a real visual treat.

“But this year, Manchester is set to dominate the festive season with a £250,313 budget, followed by cities like Wakefield, Sheffield, and Leeds, all with significant spends.

“The difference in 2024 budgets – ranging from £250,000 in Manchester to just £6,000 in Leicester – demonstrates the different approaches cities take to create memorable Christmas experiences.

“Whether you’re after a grand spectacle or something more modest, there’s clearly a destination for everyone to enjoy the Christmas magic.”

To see the full size graphic, complete data and details on the methodology, visit: https://www.gardeningexpress.co.uk/blog/post/lighting-up-the-nation-uk-city-councils-christmas-lights-budgets-2024