Christmas isn’t truly Christmas without a visit to a Christmas Market. Where else can you fill your belly on samples alone, get jolly on copious amounts of mulled wine AND buy that perfect gift for your notoriously fussy mother-in-law!? Read on to learn about the very best Christmas markets in the UK: what makes them special, when are they on, and where to stay in the local area.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Set within the mystical, cobbled streets of Edinburgh, between the grand, Georgian-era buildings which are rich with history and folklore, lies Edinburgh Christmas Market. Join the bustling throngs of city folk and tourists, both of whom want the same thing; some free samples of chutneys and cheese and a little bit of Christmas Magic!
Learn more about Edinburgh Christmas Market here: Visit Scotland
Royal Mile Backpackers is the ideal place to stay while visiting the markets. Situated directly on the Royal Mile, this characterful hostel keeps you directly in the heart of the action without compromising a relaxed atmosphere and a good night’s sleep.
Learn more about the accommodation here: Royal Mile Backpackers
Bath Christmas Market
After pressing pause on the Bath Christmas Market for the last two years, Bath is proud to announce the market is up and running again and bigger and better than ever before! 2022 will be an especially special year as it is the market’s 20th anniversary. Although Christmas markets are full of festive magic, they can also be rife with wasteful packaging and litter. This is why Bath is paving the way for Christmas Markets by being as sustainable as possible by phasing out single-use plastic throughout the Market.
Learn more about Bath Christmas Market here: Bath Christmas Market
Bath YMCA offers a warm welcome and the best value accommodation. From its central location, all the sights of this World Heritage City are easily reached on foot. Perfect for an avid Christmas shopper who is laden with gifts and full of cheeses and mulled wine!
Learn more about the accommodation here: Bath YMCA
Nottingham Christmas Market
Known locally as Nottingham Winter Wonderland and loved by many because of the large ice rink in the centre of the market. It is no wonder that Nottingham Christmas Market is beloved by locals and tourists alike. Peruse the festive wooden chalets, stopping occasionally for a sample of chutney or a mug of hot chocolate. Then retreat to your nearby accommodation.
Learn more about Nottingham Christmas Market here: Visit Nottinghamshire
Located off Market Square, right in the centre of Nottingham, Igloo Hybrid is Nottingham’s most popular choice for budget-minded travellers. Opened in 2015, it offers a clean, safe and warm overnight stay for great value prices. The market will be quite literally outside your front door!
Learn more about the accommodation here: Igloo Hybrid
Birmingham Christmas Market
Birmingham comes alive every year with the arrival of The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market. What better way to celebrate the arrival of Christmas than the largest authentic German Christmas Market outside of Germany and Austria! You would be a fool to leave this Christmas Market without trying a festive German delicacy. For example, the Stollen is a German Christmas cake which dates back to the Middle Ages, it is mouthwateringly good and made with raisins, almonds and marzipan.
Learn more about Birmingham Christmas Market here: The BFCM
Set in 70 acres of semi-rural land 2 miles from Birmingham’s centre, Ackers Adventure is ideal for outdoor activities & seeing the sights of Birmingham such as the Christmas Market.
Learn more about the accommodation here: Ackers Adventure
York Christmas Market
Drink in the magic of Christmas in one of the most magical cities in the UK. Come for the Christmas Market, festive cheer and dazzling lights, stay for the chocolate bar making, the chocolate cottage making and the York Christmas walking tour. This is the 30th anniversary of the York Christmas Market and it will no doubt, be bigger and better than ever!
Learn more about York Christmas Market here: Visit York
Astor York is set in a beautiful Grade II listed building just minutes walk to the historic centre! With a cosy lounge and huge dining area, free WiFi throughout the building and every room ensuite, Astor York is the perfect base for exploring the incredible historic centre of York. And most importantly, rest your weary legs after a long day exploring the Christmas Market.
Learn more about the accommodation here: Astor York Hostel
Glasgow Christmas Market
Christmas isn’t truly Christmas without a visit to a Christmas Market. Where else can you fill your belly on samples alone, get jolly on copious amounts of mulled wine AND buy that perfect gift for your notoriously fussy mother-in-law!? With traders from 32 nationalities from around the world, Glasgow Christmas Market offers amazing foods and out-of-the-ordinary gifts. Tie that with fireworks and hundreds of metres of glittering fairy lights and you have the recipe for a Christmas Market to remember!
Learn more about Glasgow Christmas Market here: Whats On Glasgow
London’s Winter Wonderland
No doubt you have already heard of London’s Winter Wonderland, a place where families rejoice and first dates unfold… Don’t miss spectacular shows such as Zippos Christmas Circus and Cirque Berserk. So many fairground rides are at your disposal that it would take until Christmas 2023 to go on all of them! Don’t forget the holy trinity of “ice” related activities: The Ice Bar, The Ice Slide and The Magical Ice Kingdom!
Learn more about London’s Christmas Market here: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Newcastle Christmas Market
Packed full of local, independent market stalls selling beautiful handmade items and artisanal food and drink, what better way to spend an afternoon than exploring Newcastle’s Christmas Markets? Located in the centre of the city, Grainger Market houses 116 market stalls during the festive period. The wind, snow and rain are no match for the Newcastle Christmas Market because it is all inside… warm and safe from the Wintery elements!
Learn more about Newcastle’s Christmas Market here: Newcastle’s Christmas
Houghton North Farm, partly built with stones from Hadrian’s Wall, has been in the Laws Family for five generations. It is situated in the beautiful Northumberland countryside right on the Heritage Trail and 15 miles from the start of Hadrian’s Wall Trail. Within the region, walkers can enjoy marked woodland trails, rugged moorland & hills and some of the most beautiful deserted beaches in the UK. Then pop into the nearby town of Newcastle for the afternoon to explore the Christmas Markets!
Learn more about the accommodation here: Houghton North Farm Accommodation
Swansea Christmas Market
Swansea Christmas Market is a showcase of incredible local talent and businesses. Why not try bratwurst (flame-grilled traditional German sausage). O’Donnell Moonshine (premium craft spirits in a variety of seasonal flavours). Or something from the BBQ Smokehouse (delicious BBQ favourites such as pulled pork, brisket and chicken with tasty sides.)
Learn more about Swansea’s Christmas Market here: Visit Swansea Bay
Newly opened in November 2021, Cwtsh hostel is new, exciting and trend-setting. What’s more it’s aiming to be Wales’ leading Hostel. Situated in the heart of Swansea City Centre, overlooking Castle Gardens, Cwtsh Hostel provides a modern and unique base to explore the city and surrounding areas. Choose from pod-bunk or private accommodation.
Learn more about the accommodation here: Cwtsh Hostel