For half of the nation it’s the most popular week of the year for hitting bars and clubs. Most British adults have eight festive events in the calendar for December – rising to 11 for Londoners – and for 49% the third week in December is the busiest of all.

And of course, not all celebrations are planned, this is the season of spontaneity, and four in 10 admit they end up having a cheeky tipple when they hadn’t intended on doing so.

Trainline – in partnership with THINK! – commissioned a poll of 2,000 adults who drink alcohol and found almost four in ten will find themselves spontaneously drinking this month, with 57% also saying they drink more alcohol in December.

Christmas markets, with the temptation of mulled wine, top the list of where people will drink unexpectedly, followed by festive light shows and visits to relatives.

Reasons for doing so include ‘getting into the Christmas spirit’ for 48%, connecting with old friends (37%) and simply enjoying a free drink (31%).

And while 38% say they will opt in to unplanned drinking sessions in December, almost half (45%) say they feel much more relaxed at an event when they have their journey home covered.

For this reason, Trainline partnered with Government road safety campaign THINK! to encourage people to enjoy themselves but, if possible, plan ahead and take a train to travel home safely.

The campaign was launched with eye-catching ‘Hop on a Train’ ads on billboards featuring pints of hop-based beer but Trainline is keen to stress that you can still travel safely if your seasonal event turns into spontaneous session by using the app to check live journey times and book tickets.

The message is especially relevant at this time of year as 18% of all road deaths involve drink driving.

Pete Wade, Chief Commercial Officer of Trainline said: ““Our goal with the Hop on a Train campaign, in partnership with Think!, is to remind those out celebrating this festive season to get ahead and plan their travel, allowing for more freedom and fun with friends and family this December. That’s why we make booking train travel as quick and easy as possible, so you can soon relax and focus on enjoying the festivities safe in the knowledge that your journey home is sorted.”

Lilian Greenwood MP, Minister for the Future of Roads said: “The festive season is a time to celebrate, but it’s also a time to stay safe. Around 18% of all road deaths involve drink driving. This is why we are proud to join forces with Trainline to urge people to make safe choices this festive season. By planning ahead and using public transport, we can all enjoy the festivities while keeping our roads safe for everyone.”

To book ahead and save this winter visit Trainline.com or download the app.