Christmas Car Hire - 1st UK Car Rentals
Festive Booking Timeline 2026
Christmas and New Year can be busy periods for UK car hire. Availability and prices vary by location, travel dates and vehicle category, so comparing your options early can give you more choice.
September – October
Travellers planning Christmas car hire may find a wider choice of available vehicle categories when searching in advance, particularly for larger cars and automatic vehicles.
November
Availability and prices can change as travel dates approach. Comparing vehicle categories, rental terms and collection locations can help you find an option that suits your journey.
December
Some popular vehicle categories may have more limited availability closer to Christmas. Check the latest options for your dates and review the rental terms before booking.
Compare Different Collection Dates
Car hire prices and availability can vary between different collection dates and times. If your travel plans are flexible, comparing several options may help you find a vehicle and rental arrangement that better suits your budget.
Add Your Flight Information
Winter weather can sometimes affect flight schedules. Providing accurate flight information when requested during the booking process may help the rental provider identify your expected arrival time. However, delayed-flight procedures vary between suppliers and booking conditions, so contact the provider if you experience a significant delay.
Need to Know: UK Christmas Travel
Practical considerations to help you prepare for festive travel in the UK.
Christmas Day Transport
Public transport services in the UK can be significantly reduced during the Christmas period, and many train services do not operate on Christmas Day. Check the latest arrangements with the relevant transport provider if your journey depends on public transport connections.
Automatic Car Availability
Automatic rental cars can be less widely available than manual vehicles in the UK. Availability varies by location and travel dates, so travellers who specifically require an automatic vehicle may benefit from comparing their options well before collection.
Allow Extra Journey Time
Road conditions and traffic levels can change considerably during the festive period. If you are travelling on busy days, allow extra time for your journey and check the latest traffic and weather conditions before setting off.
What Size Rental Car Do You Need for Christmas?
| Travelling Party | Possible Vehicle Category | Why It May Suit Your Journey |
|---|---|---|
| Couple | Economy or Compact | Suitable for travellers with lighter luggage who want a smaller vehicle for everyday driving and parking. |
| Adults, Children and Luggage | Estate or Larger Family Car | Additional luggage capacity may be useful when travelling with presents, pushchairs or other seasonal items. |
| 4–5 Adults | Larger Car or SUV | May provide additional passenger and luggage space, depending on the specific vehicle supplied. |
| Large Family | 7-Seater Vehicle | A practical option for larger groups, although luggage capacity should always be checked carefully. |
| Extended Family or Group | 9-Seater or Larger Vehicle | May allow larger groups to travel together, subject to driver licence requirements and vehicle availability. |
Are Car Hire Locations Open Over Christmas and New Year?
Car hire opening hours can vary significantly during the Christmas and New Year period. Individual airport and city locations may operate reduced hours, while some branches may close on public holidays.
Opening arrangements can also differ between locations operated by the same rental company. For this reason, travellers should check the collection and return details shown during the booking process and on their rental confirmation.
Important Christmas Opening Hours Information
Before travelling, confirm the opening arrangements for your specific rental location. If you require an out-of-hours collection or return, check whether this service is available and whether additional conditions or charges apply.
Opening hours, collection procedures and vehicle availability can change. Always rely on the latest information supplied for your individual reservation.
About This Christmas Car Hire Guide
Prepared and reviewed by the 1st UK Car Rentals editorial team
This guide is designed to help travellers understand common car hire and travel considerations during the Christmas and New Year period. We aim to distinguish between general travel guidance and information that may vary between individual rental providers.
Essential UK Winter Driving Guide
Useful considerations for driving a rental car in the UK during December and the winter months.
Watch for Ice
Cold weather can create hazardous driving conditions, including ice on untreated roads, bridges and rural routes. Adjust your speed to the conditions, allow additional stopping distance and avoid unnecessary journeys during severe weather warnings.
Shorter Winter Days
Daylight hours are shorter in December, particularly in northern parts of the UK. If you are unfamiliar with the rental vehicle, take time to understand the controls before beginning a longer journey and ensure you are comfortable driving in darker conditions.
Check Your Rental Protection
Insurance, protection products and excess amounts can vary between bookings and suppliers. Review the protection included with your individual rental before collecting the vehicle and check the terms carefully.
Plan Your Collection Journey
Allow sufficient time to collect your vehicle at busy locations. You can compare car hire options at Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport and Manchester Airport.
How We Review This Guide
The 1st UK Car Rentals editorial team reviews important information against relevant publicly available sources where appropriate. We aim to avoid presenting estimates, assumptions or information that can vary between suppliers as universal facts.
- We distinguish between general travel advice and supplier-specific policies.
- We encourage travellers to check the conditions of their individual reservation.
- We review pages when significant information changes.
- We update editorial review dates when substantial changes are made.
Car hire prices, vehicle availability, opening hours and rental conditions can change. Always check the latest information supplied during the booking process.
Christmas Car Hire Checklist
Save this checklist before collecting your vehicle to help prepare for your Christmas journey.
Before collecting your car:
- Check which driving documents are required for your booking
- Check the payment card requirements for the main driver
- Provide accurate flight information if requested during booking
- Confirm the latest Christmas and New Year collection arrangements
- Choose a vehicle category suitable for your passengers and luggage
- Review the fuel and mileage policies before collecting the vehicle
- Keep the rental provider's contact details available while travelling
- Allow extra time for seasonal traffic and winter weather conditions
Christmas Car Hire Frequently Asked Questions
Is car hire available on Christmas Day?
Availability and opening arrangements vary between car hire companies and individual locations. Some branches may operate reduced hours or close entirely on Christmas Day. Always check the details for your specific collection location before travelling.
Is it more expensive to hire a car at Christmas?
Car hire prices can vary according to demand, location, travel dates and vehicle availability. Comparing available options and booking conditions can help you find a rental that suits your requirements and budget.
When should I book a rental car for Christmas?
There is no single best time to book for every journey. However, travellers who need a specific vehicle category or have fixed Christmas travel dates may benefit from checking availability well before collection.
Are car rental offices open on Boxing Day?
Opening arrangements vary by rental company and location. Some branches may operate with reduced public holiday hours, so check your booking confirmation and the latest information for your chosen collection location.
Can I collect a hire car on Christmas Eve?
Collection may be available at some locations, but opening hours and availability can vary. Check the latest collection arrangements for your chosen branch and allow sufficient time if you are travelling during a busy period.
Do I need to book an automatic car early for Christmas?
Automatic cars can be less widely available than manual vehicles in the UK. If an automatic vehicle is important for your journey, checking availability in advance may provide more options.
Can I hire a 7-seater for Christmas travel?
7-seater vehicles may be available depending on your chosen location and travel dates. Larger vehicles can have different luggage capacities, so check the vehicle category information carefully before booking.
Can I return my rental car on New Year's Day?
Return arrangements vary between rental providers and locations. Some suppliers may offer out-of-hours return procedures, while others may have specific public holiday arrangements. Check the instructions for your individual booking.
What happens if my flight is delayed during Christmas?
Providing accurate flight information may help the rental provider identify your expected arrival, but delayed-flight procedures vary between suppliers and booking terms. If you experience a significant delay, contact the rental provider and check the conditions of your reservation.
Can I cancel my Christmas car hire booking?
Cancellation and amendment policies vary between rental offers. Check the specific terms shown during the booking process and in your confirmation before making a reservation.
About This Christmas Car Hire Guide
This independent guide has been prepared by the 1st UK Car Rentals editorial team to help travellers research car hire during the Christmas and New Year period.
We aim to provide useful travel information while making a clear distinction between general guidance and supplier-specific policies. Car hire prices, vehicle availability, opening hours and rental conditions can vary and may change.
For important details relating to an individual booking, travellers should always check the latest information provided during the booking process and on their rental confirmation.
Page last reviewed: September 2026