UK flag carrier British Airways is gearing up for a busy holiday period and adding some festive touches to its flights. Preparing for take-off are 380,000 Christmas dinners, 8,000 yule logs, and more than 600,000 Brussels sprouts for flights departing from London's Heathrow, Gatwick and City airports through January 4.

In a statement about the holidays, British Airways' Chief Customer Officer Calum Laming said:

"Christmas is one of our favorite times of the year – customers and colleagues alike – and we're all really excited to spread some holiday cheer over the coming weeks, both at the airport and in the skies. We hope these special touches, both big and small, help make our customers' journey, wherever it may be, as original and extra special as possible."

Decorations at London airports

Even before boarding their aircraft, travelers will be whisked away to the North Pole with festively decorated departure halls and gates. Everything from the check-in screens and seasonal décor to the Christmas music in the halls will feel like the holidays for British Airways customers.

Those departing from British Airways' London Heathrow's Terminal 5 will instead enter a winter wonderland before their flight. The airline commissioned an original British artist to create the Christmas display in the walkway between its main lounges. The unique design will feature "snow graffiti" along with a British skyline scene featuring white puffy snow.

The airline is also encouraging friends and family to create welcome messages for holiday travelers arriving at London's Heathrow, Gatwick, or City airports between December 15 and 24. The messages will be used on British Airways billboards and airport screens in the airport. To submit a message for posting, friends and family can click here.

Holiday themed meals

Through January 4, British Airways will be celebrating the winter holidays with special holiday-themed meals for long-haul passengers. In economy and premium economy, passengers will be treated to a traditional roast turkey dinner and a mince pie. Business class travelers will enjoy a British roast turkey followed by chocolate orange mousse. Meanwhile, first class passengers will be treated with a chestnut-stuffed British roast turkey with all the trimmings along with a chocolate yule log.

For those on short-haul flights, the High Life Cafe will have a selection of festive treats available for purchase, from Pullin's Gingerbread Muffins to Tom Kerridge's turkey feast sandwich. Festive drinks are on board too, including the delectable Black Cow Christmas Spirit vodka.

If all that's not enough to get you in the mood, the inflight entertainment offers 20 classic Christmas movies and 50 different television specials to enjoy, delivering more than 1,500 hours of festive fun. There's even festively scented soap in the bathrooms - talk about the little things!

A gift for first-class passengers

What's Christmas without gifts? According to British Airways, they have that covered as well. Travelers with first class reservations on December 24 and 25 will be presented with a hand-painted festive Christmas ornament suitable for the tree. The commemorative holiday decoration features a snowy Christmas scene with pine trees, a red ribbon, and the British Airways logo.

British Airways is calling its festive holiday celebration of Christmas this year its British Original Christmas 2023.