Packed with festive cheer, comforting food stalls and fairy lights galore, a trip to a Christmas market is a guaranteed feel-good move! Well-established as a pre-Christmas ritual for many, this year’s crop of Christmas markets promise to be bigger, brighter, tastier and more tempting than ever! Simply put, because last year we missed so many of the things and the people that make Christmas magical, this December is set to be that most magical time of the year!
So, if you’re like us, and you’re ready to reap your revenge on last year, read on! We’ve carefully crafted a collection of popular Christmas markets from around the UK. And importantly, to take the stress out of where to stay, we’ve found some great hotels nearby too!
Winter Wonderland London
It wouldn’t be a blog post about Christmas markets, if we didn’t feature the famous Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, London. Visitors travel from all over the country to attend this Christmas spectacular that starts on 19 November and runs until 3 January.
This year, the organisers are working with COVID-19 protocols and therefore, you will need to pre-book. Please don’t just show up as you’ll be disappointed. Highlights to look at for this year are ice skating, the magical ice kingdom sculptures, ice bar and Santa Land. Of course, don’t forget all the tempting stalls too! Whether you’re after a quick food fix or looking for festive gift shopping, London’s Hyde Park is perfect.
Also, why not combine a visit to London with seeing the Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square or the famous Christmas lights in Oxford Street? You can make time for a spot of shopping too!
Corus Hotel Hyde Park, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western
After a jam-packed day immersing yourself in Christmas festivities, the Corus Hotel Hyde Park, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western, is ideally situated. With its prime location, just opposite Hyde Park, this hotel really can boast a convenient location for all the attractions of the capital city.
This 200-year-old Georgian building offers en-suite guestrooms, many with views of the famous Winter Wonderland. Plus, there are two restaurants so if you’re ready to dine on delicious British cuisine, this hotel is for you!
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Possibly one of the most popular Christmas events in Scotland, Edinburgh Hogmanay 21 is a date in the diary for many visitors! Starting on 20 November and ending 4 January, this market has an exciting Christmas Tree maze that’s sure to keep people entertained! As well as ice skating and Christmas stalls, look out for the winter windows decorated with fabulous festive drawings.
Hotel Indigo Edinburgh
Located just 200 yards from the city centre of Edinburgh, you’ll find the modern Hotel Indigo Edinburgh. In addition to a warm welcome, the hotel offers guests a purpose-built fitness centre; ideal if you’ve not got your 10,000 steps in walking around this stunning Scottish capital!
With an excellent choice of guestrooms, all with en-suite facilities, guests also benefit from free WiFi here too.
When it’s time to dine, the Turquoise Thistle Restaurant Bar serves international and traditional Scottish food. But, for those tired after a festive day of markets, room service is another great option too!
Cardiff Christmas Market
Oozing festivity and excitement is all part of the day at the Cardiff Christmas market. It’s packed with handmade gifts and craft exhibitions so visitors are sure to pick up some unique Christmas gifts. In addition, there are lots of local food stalls that showcase delicious Welsh produce so there’s no excuse not to tuck into something tasty.
Cardiff Christmas markets run from 11 November to 23 December.
Innkeepers Lodge Cardiff – The Beverley Hotel
The Innkeepers Lodge Cardiff – The Beverley Hotel is conveniently located in the city centre and is just around the corner from the Christmas market. With single and double rooms available, it’s a good base if you’re travelling with friends or loved ones. You can look forward to good quality, seasonal pub food and draught beers too.
Blackpool Winter Garden Wonderland
A Christmas market isn’t complete without wooden chalets and a Santa’s grotto! Blackpool ticks all these boxes! And their festive village also promises its own snowfalls too! Furthermore, the cosy log cabins in Blackpool are great for some drinks with friends. With a magical forest, festive light projections and an ice rink, there’s so much to love in the run-up to Christmas in Blackpool!
Running from 26 November to 2 January.
Best Western Carlton Hotel
There are lots on the agenda at the Blackpool Christmas market so, consequently, a good night’s rest will certainly be needed! At just 15 minutes from the Winter Gardens, consider a stay at Best Western Carlton Hotel. It’s recently been refurbished and offers modern en-suite accommodation. The Carlton’s restaurant will get your day off to a good start with a hearty breakfast and you can also enjoy lunch or evening dining here too. A nightcap on the hotel’s terrace or by the fireplace in the bar will complete your day in style!
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
A massive favourite with visitors from near and far, the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas market is back from 4 November to 23 December. This is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and with a great selection of food and beer, it would be rude not to visit!
Ibis Birmingham Centre New Street Station
Located 15 minutes from the Bull Ring shopping centre and round the corner from Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market, the Ibis Birmingham Centre New Street Station has large contemporary guestrooms. Some of which offer stunning skyline views of the city. Who knows, you may even see Santa!
So now you’re ready to rock around the Christmas tree, we have lots more hotels located near Christmas markets so why not get in touch? Call our reservations team on 01775 843413, Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:30pm and we can assist from there.