The Prime Minister said he is “hoping for peace, particularly in the Middle East” this Christmas.
In his Christmas Eve message to the nation, Sir Keir Starmer said the festive season was a “time to remind ourselves what’s really important”.
“This Christmas, people will be travelling up and down the country,” he said.
“Heading home, visiting relatives and loved ones to celebrate together the hope and joy of this special season.
“It’s a time to remind ourselves what’s really important. Family. Friendship. And fellowship between all people.
“Being there for one another – in these celebrations, as well as the more difficult times.”
In July Sir Keir led Labour to a landslide general election victory, but in recent weeks his party and personal poll ratings have plummeted as the UK economy struggles.
In his holiday message he chose to focus on the positive, saying he was “looking towards a better, brighter future”.
He added: “This Christmas, I will be hoping for peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story.
“I’ll be looking towards a better, brighter future for every person and celebrating the joy and wonder that Christmas brings.”
The PM also thanked those who will be working in Britain’s public services over the holidays, particularly those caring for others.
“I’d like especially to thank those who will spend their Christmas serving others this year,” he said.
“In our NHS and emergency services, our Armed Forces and the churches and charities that will welcome every person this Christmas.
“Because I know that this is not an easy time for everyone, and my thoughts are with all those who are lonely this Christmas. Having a tough time, missing a loved one. You are not alone.
“Because as Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Christmas story reminds all of us to reach out to one another. To care for one another. And to look after those around us.”
Sir Keir will be going abroad "for a few days" over New Year, Downing Street has confirmed.
He and his family will spend Christmas at Chequers, his official country residence, before taking a break elsewhere.
Sir Keir's official spokesman said on Monday: "He and his family will be going abroad for a few days over the New Year".
Speaking to the BBC's Newscast podcast earlier this year, Sir Keir said that it had been "very tough" to keep time free for his wife, Victoria, and two children since becoming Prime Minister.
In the interview as he marked 100 days in office, the Prime Minister was asked whether he had managed to keep Friday nights or any other time free to "retain a semblance of normality and family time".
He responded: "No, it's been very tough."
"The Friday nights are almost always eaten up now with work and that's fine. That's understandable.
"It's really important for me to spend time with Vic and the kids and therefore whatever time I can carve out - I will carve out," he added.
"I had kids because I want to be with them, enjoy their company," Sir Keir said.
"They are my pride and joy and therefore I love spending time with them. They're very funny."
Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch said Christmas was a time to reflect on "all that's happened in the year" and "support all of those people who need our assistance".
"I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone, not just in the Conservative Party or in my constituency, but across the country," the Tory leader said.
"For all that you have been doing in your communities, supporting each other and helping to keep all our towns, villages and places going.
"I think that Christmas is a time for us to reflect on all that's happened in the year.
"Sometimes we have amazing years.
"Sometimes, like when I lost my dad, we have difficult years and we're commiserating, but we do it together.
"But it's a time for us to support all of those people who need our assistance, who need our help, who need our support."
She added: "And I'm looking forward to 2025.
"I wish you all the very best for the New Year and all of the exciting things to come."
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: "This year, I've had the chance to spend time with some amazing young carers.
"Incredible young people who will spend this Christmas doing what they do all year round; looking after loved ones who are ill or disabled.
"Carers embody the Christmas spirit of love, selflessness and generosity.
"So I hope we can all take some time to think of them, and keep them in our hearts.
"And wish them - and everyone - a Christmas full of peace, joy and love."
