The Prime Minister has urged caution for Christmas gatherings and encouraged people to have smaller, shorter, meetings with family. He has encouraged people to avoid travelling from high prevalence to low prevalence areas, to avoid seeing people in the days leading up to Christmas and to to avoid staying away from home overnight if possible. He has suggested that older people consider delaying seeing family indoors until after they have been vaccinated.

A joint statement with the Devolved Administrations re-emphasises considering meeting outdoors and advises to 'only form a [Christmas] bubble if you absolutely need to."

Meanwhile, the Welsh Government has advised that only two households should meet and stricter restrictions will come into force after Christmas.

In Scotland, the First Minister has strongly advised celebrating Christmas within your own household. If meeting others it was recommended to do so on only one day if possible. Considering meeting outside was recommended.

We are awaiting details on Northern Ireland. 

Prime Minister's Statement

Joint statement UK administrations

Updated Christmas bubble guidance (England)

Updated guidance for the Christmas period (England)

Welsh Government announcement

Scottish Government Press Release