Where snow falls the Met Office said up to 2cm (0.8 inches) is likely, although in some places it could be up to 5cm (1.9 inches).
Met Office deputy chief forecaster Mark Sidaway said: “Arctic air and strong northerly winds will bring very cold conditions to all parts of the UK, and it will feel especially cold in the strong winds.
“Widespread and locally severe frosts are expected, along with the first snow of the winter for many.
“It looks like this cold spell will last through at least the first week of January, so it’s important people keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings.”