‘My husband was so cross with me!’ - Mary Berry shares her favourite Christmas traditions, including one that got her stopped by customs

In trying to recreate one of her family's oldest Christmas routines, the baking star nearly found herself in trouble with law enforcement

Dame Mary Berry
(Image credit: BBC/Sidney Street Productions for Darlow Smithson Productions/Neil Genower)

During her wonderful festive special TV show, A Mary Berry Christmas, the baking legend shared insight into some of her favourite family Christmas traditions.

However, in her determination to recreate them year after year, Dame Mary once found herself nearly in trouble with law enforcement.

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"I have other memories of twinkly stars at Christmas too," Mary continues. Sitting next to a roaring wood burner, she tells the audience of another favourite Christmas tradition of hers.

"Every year when the children were little, we'd take them to see the lights," she explains. Mary adds, "It was such a treat, holding their little hands."

"They'd all look up in amazement, and then we'd all come back and have fish and chips. It was the first start to Christmas"

"Going to see the Christmas lights is still one of my favourite Christmas traditions," Mary explains, as she heads off with Gavin & Stacey's Alison Steadman to view the lights display at RHS Wisley, in Surrey.

Another favourite tradition of Mary's at Christmas time, is a visit to the theatre. "This year, I'm off to enjoy the classic children's story, The Snowman," Mary shares.

Dame Mary Berry

(Image credit: BBC/Sidney Street Productions for Darlow Smithson Productions/Banijay UK/Richard Hill)

Sharing with viewers her final favourite Christmas tradition, and of course, it's something Christmas would not be complete without, it's a carol concert.

Walking into St Paul's Cathedral for a concert, Mary exclaims, "Goodness gracious, I've never seen so many people in one church!"

"The Christmas carol service is a tradition close to my heart," she explains, adding, "and the atmosphere inside St Paul's in truly breath-taking. What an honour to be part of it."

A Mary Berry Christmas is currently available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Lucy Wigley
Entertainment Writer

Lucy is a multi-award nominated writer and blogger with seven years’ experience writing about entertainment, parenting and family life. Lucy worked as a freelance writer and journalist at the likes of PS and moms.com, before joining GoodtoKnow as an entertainment writer, and then as news editor. The pull to return to the world of television was strong, and she was delighted to take a position at woman&home to once again watch the best shows out there, and tell you why you should watch them too.

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