With the festive season upon us, it's time to get into the spirit of things and visit one of the many fabulous UK Christmas markets. While you're at it, why not make a weekend of it and explore a part of the country you've never visited before? Alongside our selection of the best Christmas markets to browse, we've chosen some fantastic places to stay this Xmas in each area, ranging from city centre hotels and apartments to boutique B&Bs and self-catering boltholes.
Edinburgh
Head to Ediburgh's historic centre and find a traditional market and an abundance of seasonal goodies across various areas, including East and West Princes Street Gardens. Elsewhere, there's an ice-skating rink, a big wheel, and 'Santa's Stories' for littluns. If you're with a group, hire luxurious self-catering townhouse 94DR. Meanwhile, couples wanting to escape the bustle after a day's shopping should consider The Bridge Inn at Ratho, a contemporary canalside pub with rooms. Christmas market is open from November 15th 2024 to January 4th 2025.Hyde Park is once again hosting the famous Winter Wonderland, with rides, skating, live music and street food. Check out the magical ice kingdom, giant wheel and festive circus, plus much more, including Christmas singalongs. Across the river, head to the free Southbank Centre Winter Festival for a seasonal stroll along the Thames with a glass of mulled wine. Fancy staying in the capital? We love Hazlitt's, a characterful hideaway in the heart of Soho, or for somewhere a short train ride away, check out sleek bolthole Brama. Winter Wonderland is open from November 21st 2024 to January 5th 2025 / Southbank Centre Winter Festival till December 26th 2024.
Bristol
Situated in the heart of Bristol, expect over 35 stalls plus visits from Santa and his elves. There’s live music in the Jäger Barn and you can book a private igloo or gondola for a drink and rest after all the festivities! It'd be rude not to stay the night – Artist Residence Bristol is a quirky and uber-comfortable hotel, while Brooks Guesthouse is a central choice – and for something a bit different, they have Airstreams on the roof. Christmas market is open from November 1st to December 23rd 2024.
Birmingham
Head to Birmingham and this fab Frankfurt-themed Christmas market for traditional wares plus yummy food and drink, including bratwursts, pretzels and schnitzels. Why not wash all that down with a glass of gluhwein or weissbeer? Oh, did we mention it's the largest German version outside the country itself or Austria? For a place to stay, make your way to Edgbaston Park Hotel in the city's leafy southern side for modern rooms and apartments. Christmas market is open from November 1st to December 24th 2024.Blenheim Palace
How about enjoying a Christmas market with Oxfordshire's Blenheim Palace as a backdrop? Escape to the Great Court and shop for pressies or check out 'Neverland® in the Palace'. After ticking some Christmas delights off the list, hop in the car to The Kingham Plough, a gastropub with individually decorated rooms, for some well-earned rest. Five Bells Cottage is a wonderful self-catering choice – chic, boutique accommodation sleeping six. Christmas market is open from 15th November until 22nd December 2024.Manchester
Manchester's Christmas markets are legendary, spanning nine locations, including Exchange Street and Square, King Street West, and Cathedral Gardens. Enjoy tasty food, drinks and seasonal gifts – available at over 200 stalls. After some comfortable budget accommodation? Check in to the YHA or head to Whitworth Locke, a contemporary yet wallet-friendly apartment hotel. Christmas market is open from November 8th to December 22nd 2024.
Nottingham
What
doesn't this Nottingham Christmas market have? Their Winter Wonderland boasts bars, street food, an
ice rink, tobogganing and rides, plus an array of entertainment and seasonal stalls. A quick car journey north into the countryside takes you to Sherwood Forest, where you can stay at Forest Holidays. The home of Robin Hood awaits... Or, go south just 20 minutes to Birdholm Glamping, where you'll find luxury lodges with hot tubs. Christmas market is open from November 13th to December 31st 2024.
Exeter's Christmas market is Devon's biggest, with more than 100 festive chalets, a food village, bars mixing up warming tipples, and a new area in the historic Cloister Garden. You also get entry into the Cathedral when you make a donation. Afterwards, hunker down at The Turk's Head, a historic watering hole with modern rooms just a five-minute walk away. Or head to Weeke Barton, a stylish six-room B&B. Christmas market is open from November 15th to December 15th 2024.
York
Stroll
York's medieval streets and enjoy seasonal cheer this festive season, with the Christmas market featuring the return of 75 charming alpine chalets along Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square. Accommodation-wise, there's the excellent-value YHA. For something a bit quirkier, take a short drive northwards to Rufus' Roost, a secluded, eco-friendly escape. Christmas market is open from November 14th to December 22nd 2024.Winchester's Cathedral offering is 'recognised as one of the best Christmas markets in Europe because of
its unique location, high-quality exhibitors and bustling atmosphere'. Expect German-inspired wooden chalets, festive lighting, Christmas carols and oodles of mulled wine. Just a 10-minute stroll away is The Westgate, a historic pub with comfy rooms. And if you fancy staying a little out of the centre in rural surrounds, head to Forest Holidays Blackwood – self-catering cabins in the countryside. Christmas market is open from November 22nd to December 22nd 2024.
With that, our best Christmas markets post draws to a close. For more fantastic recommendations, head to our Inspiration page. If you're looking for a top accommodation offer, browse our Hot Deals or Winter Deals. And for more first-rate places to stay in particular areas, check out our destination guides.
