Christmas Markets sprinkle festive joy, magic and sparkle across the UK. From the illuminated lights, grand Christmas trees and mulled wine, to the fantastic market stalls and Christmas carols, these events are guaranteed to get everyone into the Christmas mood!
From London’s very own Winter Wonderland to Birmingham’s German inspired Frankfurt Market, we’re shining the spotlight on a selection of UK Christmas Markets that will certainly add to a special few days away in the run up to the festive period.
Winter Wonderland in London
First stop is London, England’s capital city. There’s no way you can think of this destination without thinking of the impressive Winter Wonderland which takes over Hyde Park during the festive season. The spectacular event is known as one of the most famous UK Christmas Markets and will open its gates from Thursday 21 November right through to Sunday 5 January 2020. Not only is it free to enter, but there really is an endless list of attractions, activities and entertainment!
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In the morning, visitors can enjoy a more relaxed wander around the park and by night, enjoy the thousands of sparkling lights and a very festive atmosphere. Returning for another year is the world’s tallest transportable Observation Wheel, a new theme of ‘A Christmas Carol’ at the Magical Ice Kingdom, as well as the UK’s largest open-air ice rink and jaw-dropping acts in the Circus MegaDome. Plus, London’s biggest market will of course be there, along with Santa Land.
To browse our collection of stylish London hotel members to go in-hand with your visit, click here.
Bath Christmas Market
Taking centre stage for 18 days is the award-winning Bath Christmas Market which returns from Thursday 28 November until Sunday 15 December. Here visitors will be welcomed by over 150 chalets spread across the Georgian streets of the city. It provides a great spot for Christmas shopping! The stalls sell a combination of great gift ideas including handcrafted jewellery, artisan gifts and tasty food gift sets too! And of course, if you’re feeling peckish, there are plenty of stalls to satisfy your appetite, from hog roasts, mulled wine and caramelised nuts.
Another exciting element for Bath Christmas Market is the Bath Christmas Market Experience, which is being introduced this year. Visitors start the experience with wreath-making, followed by a two-course Champagne lunch at The Ivy Bath Brasserie. In addition to this, they can enjoy rejuvenation time at Thermae Bath Spa which will be perfectly timed after a day of exploring and Christmas shopping! Plus people can admire the city’s incredible decorations from the steaming rooftop pool.
After an enjoyable day out in Bath, you’ll need a nearby hotel to rest and relax. For accommodation in the area, click here.
Winter Wonderland in Nottingham
The largest event in the East Midlands is back on Friday 15 November until Tuesday 31 December. It’s free entry to Winter Wonderland in Nottingham and visitors are in for a spectacular event that offers something for everyone to enjoy. There will be over 70 market stalls selling a great variety of gift ideas for loved ones, plus, the Winter Wonderland entertainment features a mixture of live performances from violinists, guitarists, singers and club DJs, to name a few.
And of course, you’re in for a treat when it comes to the food and drink options. From continental food stalls, right through to sitting down with a cold beer and dinner at the Sur La Piste Bar. The Altitude Bar is an all-glass chalet with panoramic views of the city, the Ice Bar boasts impressive sculptures and drinks are served in real ice glasses, or alternatively, the Helter Skelter Bar is a great spot for mulled wine while the kids enjoy the famous slide. And all of these bars are a great option for socialising in the evening too!
With a collection of hotels in the city centre and just outside, to book your preferred place to stay in Nottingham, click here.
Edinburgh Christmas 2019
From rides and attractions, shows and markets, Edinburgh really does offer the full package when it comes to festive celebrations. Edinburgh Christmas 2019 takes place from Saturday 16 November until Saturday 4 January. On Sunday 17 November, which is the official launch night, Light Night welcomes performances by Edinburgh’s Little Voices Big Stars, Rock Choir Live and the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh’s Community Choir. Plus there wil be a flying visit from Santa Claus too!
Edinburgh Christmas will light up the streets of the entire city centre, however, if you’re after the traditional Christmas Market, head over to East Princes Street Gardens where there’s a selection of stalls selling local and bespoke presents, as well as tasty treats perfect for the festive season. Soak up the magical atmosphere of this area by watching one of the shows that are scheduled throughout the 12 weeks. These include An Edinburgh Christmas Carol, The Comedy Show Christmas Special, as well as Baby Loves Disco’s Christmas Glitter Ball – perfect for the kids!
Once you arrive in Edinburgh, you won’t want to leave. Turn your visit into a long weekend with our selection of hotels in the centre. To discover your ideal hotel, click here.
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Market
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Market welcomes visitors to the city from across the UK and Europe. The event has already started and will run until Monday 23 December 2019. With over 80 stalls, it’s the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria and has grown tremendously after first coming to the city in 2001 with just 24 stalls!
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Market is a food lover’s paradise with a tempting selection of dishes and sacks to try, including Pretzels. Plus for an authentic experience, the traditional beers Weissbeer (wheat beer) and Gluhwein are definitely worth adding to your list of things to try! And of course, you can’t leave this market without trying Stollen.
Furthermore, the weekend calendar of events at Birmingham’s Frankfurt Market is jam-packed with musical entertainment, so it’s definitely worth noting for when you decide to visit. Plus, this market is just moments away from the famous Bullring. So, if you don’t find what you’re looking for at Birmingham’s Frankfurt Market, the UK’s top shopping and leisure destination will certainly impress.
With hotels just on the doorstep of this market, discover our selection of Birmingham member hotels here.
Cardiff Christmas Market
And last but by no means least, Cardiff Christmas Market will make its return to the streets of Cardiff city centre from Thursday 14 November to Monday 23 December 2019. Boasting a mixture of returning and new exhibitors, Cardiff Christmas Market is known for its gorgeous wooden stalls in St John Street, Trinity Street and the Hayes.
The event continues to support genuine artists and craft people who are looking to promote their work, as well as food and drink producers whose produce will leave visitors taste-buds tingling. Some of the stalls you can expect to see include ceramics, artwork and prints, confectionery and sweets, as well as glass-work, jewellery, metal work and textiles! This market is filled with gift ideas and inspiration for your friends and family! And of course, Cardiff Christmas Market boasts a festive atmosphere with gorgeous Christmas lighting and decorations too.
Conclusion
So, you’ve decided which UK Christmas Market to visit this festive season! Now you need a hotel that will guarantee a great night’s sleep for maximum exploring throughout the next day! Contact our team and submit your requirements on 01775 843417, Monday to Friday from 9:00am until 5:30pm and you’ll soon be full of festive cheer!