Nothing says Christmas time quite like a traditional Christmas market. Whether you’re looking just to immerse yourself in festivity or hoping to find the perfect gifts for your loved ones. Just picture yourself amongst beautiful log cabins and decadent Christmas trees whilst you sip mulled wine and listen to your favourite carols. Doesn’t this sound like the perfect way to start your Christmas?
If your answer to that question is yes then here is a list of the top 10 Christmas Markets, to ensure that you get the best Christmas experience, and don’t forget to check out the top tips for how to make the most of a Christmas Market.
Christmas Markets Near Me
1.The Winchester Christmas Market
Best known for its beautiful historic buildings, the city of Winchester knows exactly how to do Christmas. Its famous market is located in the centre of the City’s Cathedral and hosts 112 stalls, a large ice-rink and a German bar. The market will run this year from the 19th of November until to 22nd of December, and really is a great way to begin the holiday season! To find out more you can visit the Cathedral website.
2. Bournemouth Christmas Market
Bournemouth is beautiful at Christmas time. The whole seafront is sprinkled with decoration, including the Christmas Tree Wonderland – a magnificent display of brightly decorated trees leading up to the Alpine Village market. This traditional market holds beer stalls, festive treats and unique crafts for everyone to enjoy, and will be running from the 13th of November until the 3rd of January. You can often find great coach tour packages on sites if you’re looking to attend.
3. Edinburgh Christmas Market
Held annually in East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh Christmas market is a spectacular event with a variety of stalls, entertainment and a large Ferris Wheel from which you can take in the stunning views of the Scottish Capital. The event begins on the 16th of November and more information, including opening times, can be found on their website.
4. Southbank Centre Winter Market
Take yourself for a stroll along the Thames as you celebrate the season at London’s famous Christmas Market. Immerse yourself and your loved ones in entertainment such as the pop-up cinema or the circus bar – it’s fun for the whole family! The exact dates of this event are still to be confirmed but will be released on the ‘Visit London’ website soon!
5. Manchester Christmas Market
At Manchester’s Christmas market you will find the perfect Yuletide gifts, seasonal fun and delicious food. Spreading across the whole city, the Market creates a lively atmosphere and offers a great experience for all visitors. Why not immerse yourself in this vibrant City at Christmas time?
The Manchester Christmas Markets are back for 2021 running from the 12th November to the 22nd December.
6. York Christmas Festival
With a medieval atmosphere and festive log cabins, York offers a traditional and charming Christmas Market. The market hosts an array of unique traders and hand-made crafts that make the perfect Christmas gifts. You can also experience the joy of live carol singers and pantomimes throughout the Christmas season.The charming alpine chalets will once again line the streets from 18 November to 23 December, with local businesses selling everything from handmade gifts to delicious treats. ’. Whilst you’re in York why not check out A Coffee Lover’s Guide to Coffee Shops in York
7. Liverpool Christmas Market
Returning to St Georges Plateau, Liverpool Christmas Market offers many traditions including festive food, handmade crafts and a Ferris wheel that overlooks the vibrant city. Whether you want to enjoy some mulled wine or simply take in the gorgeous views, the Liverpool market is definitely the place for you! It will run from 15th of November till the 23rd of December.
8. Christmas by the River- London
Running from November until January, Christmas by the River is held next to Tower Bridge, at the heart of London city. Filled with cosy cabins and sparkling fairy lights; the market makes for the perfect Christmas celebration. The exact dates are to be confirmed so keep an eye out for this great event!
9. Oxford Christmas Market
Oxford’s beautiful Christmas market makes for the perfect fairytale Christmas. With choirs serenading you as you wander through the stalls, there is something for everyone in this fantastic place. The market will be held from the 9 – 19 December 2021.
10. Plymouth Christmas Market
Plymouth always has a lively atmosphere, great community and vibrant celebration. The Christmas market is no exception to this offering traditional treats and festivities. Pick up some individual and unique Christmas gifts at Plymouth Christmas Market, located in the heart of the city centre from 2 December to 19 December 2021.
There are things that you can do that will ensure that you make the most of the time you have attending your local festive Christmas markets. From enjoying the food to the planning you can do ahead of time, here are a few tips to help you do it.
Find local Christmas markets
A great thing to do would be to find local Christmas markets. It may sound odd, but many villages, golf clubs, and towns tend to host their own festivities during the December period. Actively seeking out markets or Christmas events means you may be able to fill the diary a little more with the family. A Christmas market can be something that you do with your family or children, or even as a date day or night with your partner. Find out what is local and make the most of these events to support the local communities.
Plan to go to one of the well-known ones
While you may want to support local Christmas markets or perhaps you don’t live closer to some of the major cities, there are some more well-known markets that take place each year that are renowned for being a bit special.
Here are some of the popular ones that you might want to look into visiting:
- Manchester Christmas Markets
- Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
- Edinburgh Christmas Market
- Belfast Christmas Market
- York Christmas Festival
- Winchester Cathedral Market
- Nottingham Winter Wonderland
- Bristol Christmas Market
If you don’t live local to any of these locations then they are definitely worth visiting. Staying away for a festive trip away could be a great way to spend some time in the lead-up to the big day.
Find out what will be there and where
Many Christmas markets cover a big area, and so you might want to work out what will be there and where. Some of the larger cities might have their stalls and bars spread across different parts of the city.
In different squares or in collective areas. Manchester, for example, might have stalls near the Arndale shopping centre as well as filling St Anns Square. This year they have even set up different bars and food spots in Spinningfields.
It is worth researching so you know what ground you need to cover. Many city and town websites will have all of the information online. Social media is also a great place to find out some information.
Plan your route
If you are wanting to make the most of the Christmas markets then you will need to ensure that you plan your route.
This enables you to cover and see everything that you want to during your visit. It gives you a chance to check out the different stalls and experience some of the different foods and drinks that are on offer.
Think of the timings for food and drinks
Christmas markets are often taking place throughout the day and night, and people have a preference as to when they visit them.
For example, with children or your family, you might want to visit them during the day. However, with friends or as a couple you may favour them at night. It is important to work out your timings so that you can think about food and drink.
Planning your trip and knowing where the stalls are will help to ensure that you can experience all of the food and drink no matter what time it ends up being that you are visiting.
How do you plan to get there and get home?
Another thing to consider when heading to the Christmas markets in December is how you plan on getting there and going home.
Many people who attend the Christmas markets want the opportunity to enjoy an alcoholic beverage such as mulled wine, so may not want to take the ca`r. However, going with kids might mean that the car is more favourable.
You might want to consider closer car parks or even things such as train stations or booking taxis. The more you plan for this the better things will be. December is a busy time for public transport as well as car parks for Christmas shopping.
Wear comfortable shoes
Christmas markets mean one thing, a lot of walking. So make sure that you wear comfortable shoes. Trainers are ideal, but if you do want to dress things up a little then flat boots will be a great option.
You will also need to think about the weather, and sometimes in December it rains and even snows. Sensible footwear can ensure that you are safe and helps you to avoid any accidents.
Make sure you wrap up warm
Finally, make sure you wrap up warm. Just like you need to think about your footwear you will also need to ensure that you keep warm.
The weather can be very cold at this time of year and most Christmas markets take place outside.
A big coat and even something that is waterproof is probably advisable. You might also want to bring an umbrella that you can carry just in case.
Christmas markets are such a great way to feel festive and enjoy this time of the year. Making the most of them can help you to enjoy them with the people you love the most.
Let’s hope these tips and suggestions help you to make the most of a Christmas market. Enjoy!