With Christmas fast approaching, attention turns to the lights, the gifts, and the age-old tradition of showing good neighbourly spirit.
But just how much festive cheer is alive and well on our streets?
A new UK-wide survey, commissioned by NetVoucherCodes and conducted by Censuswide, set out to answer that question by asking residents in 17 major cities whether they would be writing Christmas cards for their neighbours this year. Nationally, the results show 50 per cent of Brits are keeping the goodwill tradition alive, but the results vary across the UK.
From the most cheerful city (where two-thirds of residents are writing notes) to the least (where barely one-quarter participate), the ranking reveals insights into community culture.
So, in the race for festive glory, where does Leeds place, and which cities top the ultimate “cheer-board”?
The findings were compiled using a UK-wide online survey commissioned by NetVoucherCodes and conducted by Censuswide in October 2025. The study gathered responses from a sample of one thousand UK adults aged 16 and over, with the final data weighted to accurately represent the UK's adult population.
The ranking is based purely on the percentage of residents in each city who agreed they were planning to write Christmas cards for their neighbours.
7. Glasgow (47%)
Sitting just shy of the halfway mark nationally, Glasgow's 47% commitment to neighbourly cards suggests a strong but slightly divided approach to the tradition. Known for its legendary friendly spirit, residents are keeping the community-focused ethos alive, though slightly less than half are committing to the formal card-sending. | Glasgow Life
8. Liverpool (50%)
Liverpool hits the exact national average, with precisely half of its population planning to write Christmas cards for the community. The city's famous close-knit communities are clearly reflected in this result, showing that the tradition is alive and well on Merseyside. | Ian Fairbrother
9. London (51%)
London manages to just surpass the national average, placing it in joint 6th place. Despite its vast size and fast pace, over half of Londoners are still taking the time to spread neighbourly cheer, proving that community connection isn't lost even in the UK's busiest metropolis. | Sister London
10. Newcastle (51%)
Tying with the capital, Geordie land confirms its famous friendliness with 51% of residents planning to send cards. Newcastle is clearly maintaining its reputation for warm hospitality and community spirit, with the slight majority actively engaging in the festive tradition. | Jason Button/Iconic Media
11. Norwich (60%)
Securing the bronze medal, Norwich takes the first spot with a resounding majority, as 60% of residents plan to send neighbourly cards. The city’s strong family-friendly neighbourhoods clearly foster a powerful sense of community, ensuring this tradition remains a priority here. | Shutterstock
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12. Manchester (65%)
Manchester follows close behind, nearly claiming the top spot with 65% of residents agreeing to write Christmas cards. This impressive commitment proves the city's reputation for being friendly and fostering exceptionally close-knit communities right across its neighbourhoods. | Richard Stonehouse/Getty Images