Brits into Christmas spirit as early as mid-November, research reveals

The start of November is when we’re first likely to experience festive merriment, with nearly half (43%) feeling it’s never too early to start enjoying Christmas.

Meanwhile, more than a quarter (27%) claim they start to feel Christmassy more than six weeks before the day itself, with a further 11% pinpointing the beginning of November.

Events that are usually associated with the start of November, such as the turning on of the Christmas lights (61%) really switch on our festive mood, the survey – commissioned by Greene King – reveals. 

This Christmassy feeling is amplified by Christmas films starting on TV (57%) and seeing Christmas ads on the TV (44%).

The start of November is when we’re first likely to experience festive merriment (Image: Christopher Biggins / Greene King) Having Christmas drinks with friends and family (40%) are also a huge contributor to how Christmassy we feel. 

Ahead of the festive period, leading pub company and brewer Greene King has now announced the return of its festive tipple Rocking Rudolph – with 5p (plus VAT) from every pint sold going to charity. 

Rocking Rudolph ale - a full bodied ale, bursting with redcurrant and blackcurrant flavours, along with a malted toffee taste – will be available throughout the festive season.

What’s more, Greene King will give 5p (plus VAT) from every pint sold in pubs to Macmillan Cancer Support, with the money raised going towards helping the charity to continue to provide vital care and support for people living with cancer.

Available from now and throughout the festive period, Rocking Rudolph will be available to enjoy in pubs across the UK and in bottle format in select retailers. To find out more, visit: https://www.greeneking.co.uk/our-beers. 

So, this year, to officially mark the start of the festive countdown, Greene King has partnered with pantomime legend and King of Christmas Cheer, Christopher Biggins to host a Rocking Rudolph celebration, which is the UK’s number one Christmas ale and truly a festive pint. 

Christopher Biggins said: “I love that as a nation, we are celebrating Christmas earlier which can only mean more time spent together getting into the festive spirit and season of goodwill. In the spirit of Christmas and thinking of loved ones, Greene King is also giving 5p (plus VAT) for every pint sold of Rocking Rudolph in pubs to Macmillan Cancer Support this festive season.

“Christmas is my favourite time of year, so I was overjoyed when Greene King asked me to help them commence festivities in true style by hosting my first Christmas party of 2024.

“Known for my garden soirees - turning on of the Christmas tree lights and fashioning my Rocking Rudolph jumper really switched on my guest’s festive mood!”