When Christmas Day is done and the wrapping paper has been cleared away, the festive season doesn’t stop — it simply shifts gear. Welcome to Chrimbo Limbo: the stretch between Christmas and New Year (often known as Twixmas), when routines soften, diaries open up and consumers are far more open to indulgence, spontaneity and experience-led spending.
For the hospitality industry, Chrimbo Limbo represents a powerful, and often underutilised, commercial window. With millions of people taking time off, travelling, socialising and seeking memorable ways to fill those in between days, this period offers hoteliers, pubs, restaurants and venues a chance not only to drive revenue, but to create lasting brand loyalty that carries into the year ahead.
The numbers paint a compelling picture that the UK are working with a captive audience who have both time, and more crucially, intent, to spend. According to VisitEngland, 31% of adults in Britain definitely plan to take an overnight trip between Christmas and New Year, with a further 17% undecided — a significant pool of consumers still open to persuasion. On average, those travelling expect to stay 4.1 nights away over the festive period, with 42% planning to travel specifically between Christmas and New Year.
Crucially for hospitality, 51% plan to stay in a hotel, while city breaks dominate: 47% intend to visit a city or large town, compared to 37% opting for the countryside. London remains a standout destination, but regions across the UK, including the North West and East of England, are also seeing strong interest.
Day trips also play a major role, with 24% of adults definitely planning a day trip between Christmas and New Year, creating increased footfall opportunities for food, drink and experience-led venues offering add on’s such as the universally loved festive afternoon teas.
London hotels are already seeing the benefits of Chrimbo Limbo momentum. According to 2024 stats from the Hotel Management Network, reservations for the 28–31 December period are up 18% year-on-year, with guests staying 8% longer on average, a clear signal that travellers aren’t rushing through this period, but settling in and spending more time on-site.
This aligns with findings from SiteMinder’s Changing Traveller Report 2025, which shows that 87% of global travellers are willing to spend on extras such as breakfast upgrades, room size or better views, while 80% actively seek on-site experiences. For hospitality operators, this reinforces the value of bespoke Chrimbo Limbo packages, rather than offering discounts on what is already available. Relaxed festive dining and spa experiences to late check-outs, curated city itineraries and low-pressure social events offer an incentive to make the most of the period between Christmas and New Year.
Of course, Chrimbo Limbo doesn’t come without challenges. New research from VoucherCodes.co.uk forecasts £12.6bn in consumer spending over the December Christmas period, up £0.3bn year-on-year. However, while 39.57 million people are expected to visit a hospitality venue, this represents a 1.5% drop compared to 2024, reflecting ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
Despite tightening budgets, one-third of consumers (32%) will still visit a hospitality venue over the festive season, with Christmas markets, restaurants, pubs and bars remaining popular choices. This signals a clear appetite; Provided venues deliver genuine value and a reason to leave the sofa.
This is where Chrimbo Limbo truly comes into its own. Consumers during this period aren’t looking for formal Christmas Day experiences. Instead, they’re seeking relaxed indulgence, social connection and something a little bit special. Hospitality businesses that recognise this shift can tailor offers accordingly with experiential add-ons and stay-and-play packages that feel generous rather than transactional.
As Emma Jones from CUSTARD explains:
“Consumers are looking for savings more than ever, and with competition especially fierce at Christmas, venues need to take consumer sentiment and budget restraints seriously. Offering genuine value helps encourage people through your doors and dissuades them from at-home celebrations. Chrimbo Limbo is the perfect moment to do this without the pressure of Christmas Day expectations.”
It’s also important to acknowledge that Chrimbo Limbo isn’t a holiday for everyone. Many hospitality professionals — alongside workers across healthcare, transport and retail — continue to work throughout this period to keep the country moving and festive spirits high. Their contribution is vital, and the industry’s ability to deliver standout experiences during this time rests squarely on their dedication.
With thoughtful planning, well-supported teams and realistic offers, Chrimbo Limbo can become a win-win: driving revenue, rewarding staff and delivering memorable moments for guests.
Ultimately, Chrimbo Limbo isn’t just about filling rooms or tables in the final days of the year. It’s about planting the seeds for future bookings, building brand affinity and reminding guests why hospitality matters. When done well, those relaxed, joy-filled in-between days can turn first-time visitors into loyal advocates. Long after the decorations come down.
