FINALLY! It’s this time of year again, why go abroad now when we have so many cities here transforming into a Winter Wonderland. Up and down the country we have traditional Christmas markets capturing the magic of Christmas, so grab that mulled wine and join in the festivities! Join me as I take you on a journey through the best markets to visit, places to stay, food and drink to make your 2024 more unique.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Dates: November 15, 2024 – January 4, 2025 – 10am until 10pm daily – free entry
Why Visit: Edinburgh lights up Scotland again this year! I’ve visited every year with friends or family and just love this beautiful city and market. Set against the backdrop of Edinburgh’s historic architecture and located in East Princes Street Gardens, this market is a must-see for anyone who loves a traditional festive experience. Offering everything from artisan crafts to festive drinks in a scenic winter wonderland.
Highlights:
- A festive fairground with the famous big wheel
- Scottish gifts and food stalls
- Santa’s Grotto, Santa Land and rides for kids
- The Castle of Light (Paid event at Edinburgh Castle)
- Outdoor Ice Rink at West George Street
- Live music events throughout the city
Hotels near Edinburgh Christmas Market
If possible you should visit the markets and stay overnight during the week or on a Sunday as the markets, as in most cities get overly busy and hotels are much cheaper throughout the week.
Best location: The Inn on the Mile (400 metres away, excellent after one too many mulled wines!)
Convenience: Travelodge (There are 4 to choose from within a mile of the market)
Budget: Cityroomz Edinburgh (Central location, clean and modern facilities)
The closest train station is Edinburgh Waverley Station which is only a 5 minute walk. If driving the postcode is EH2 2DG, East Princes Street Gardens.
Food and Drink Recommendations
The Dome, Edinburgh – As shown in the photo below the Dome has it’s iconic lights up every year and looks even more stunning inside. Drinks service is walk-in only but you must book well in advance if you would like a table for food or afternoon tea in the Tea Room, Grill Room or Club Room.
McLarens on the Corner – Restaurant and Bar. A walk out of the centre but a winter terrace complete with ski gondolas and an indoor bar floor with fire pits, it definitely gives you the Christmassy feel.
York Christmas Market (St. Nicholas Fair)
Dates: November 16 – December 21, 2024 – open at 10am and free entry daily
Why Visit: York’s popular Christmas market is back again. York’s St Nicholas Fair is perfect for those who want a cozy, traditional Christmas atmosphere. The historic streets of York are lined with wooden chalets selling everything from local crafts to gourmet foods. The city’s historic charm makes it an ideal setting for a cute, cosy and festive trip.
Highlights:
- Vintage fun fair in Kings Street for the kids
- Santas grotto
- Scandinavian-style chalets in the heart of the city
- Yorkshire Yuletide Village inside the Guildhall
- Special festive treats like Yorkshire pudding wraps
- Local artisan crafts and gifts
Hotels near York Christmas Market
Luxury: Luxury Apartment Rowntree House Across from the Shambles – (600m away from York minster, stunning apartment with beautiful views)
Best location : The Queens Hotel (On the river, short walk to the train station and everywhere in the city centre)
The closest train station is York train station, only around 10 minute walk to the markets. If you are driving the postcode is YO1 8SE, Parliament Street
Food and Drink Recommendations
Evil Eye Bar – Holds a world record for the wide range and amount of gins available, over 1,000 with an extensive cocktail menu. Drink in the graffiti designed downstairs bar or chill out in the Roman-style loungers upstairs.
Lucia – Restaurant and Cocktail bar. Choose from the exclusive set Christmas menu, reserve your table early or just visit for a cocktail.
Newcastle Christmas Market
Dates: November 16, 2024 – December 22, 2024 – 10am – 8pm – Free entry
Why Visit: Newcastle is my home city and Newcastle Christmas Market 2024 promises to bring festive magic to the heart of this vibrant city.. again. The markets are located in the iconic city centre, around Grey’s Monument and the adjoining streets. Visitors can expect a variety of market stalls showcasing local crafts, unique gifts, and festive decorations, perfect for finding those last-minute Christmas presents.
Highlights:
- North Pole Igloo pods and Moosenwirt Alpine bar, adding a Christmas touch to Newcastle’s eat and drink scene
- Christmas Village in Old Eldon Square for the family – Elf workshop, Santa Stories Tipi and Rockin Reindeer Stage.
- A range of food stalls from German bratwursts and Belgian waffles to mulled wine and hot chocolate, ideal for staying warm as you explore the market
- Return of the ice rink in Times Square
- Also you are steps away from Northumberland Street and Eldon Square to complete your Christmas shopping.
Hotels near Newcastle Christmas Market
All three of these options are in the city centre, a very short walk to the train station and a less than 10 minute walk from the Christmas market/bars and shops.
The closest train station to the Newcastle Christmas Market is Central Station, just around 10 minutes walk. If driving there are many car parks nearby such as Eldon Square Multi-Storey, Grainger Town, Dean Street.
Food and Drink Recommendations
The Botanist – Cocktail bar and restaurant, offering a Christmas menu and drinks packages around the Christmas period so book in advance! The decor is also beautiful!
Filthy’s Bar – Bar and club which offers live music from local musicians and DJ’s every night a week, offering open mic nights, drink deals and a lively rock vibe!
London – Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Dates: November 21, 2024 – January 5, 2025, Daily 10am-10pm – Standard entry £5, Peak entry £7.50 Book online now at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland If you spend £25 on attractions, rides and food & drink you’ll get your entry for free
Why Visit: Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is a Christmas extravaganza that has something for everyone, as I used to live in London myself I looked forward to the event throughout the year. With 150+ festive things to do, eat and drink this year you will never want to leave the entertainment here.
Highlights:
- Ice Kingdom and Magical Ice Bar, with an Alpine club vibe and DJ beats
- Circus shows, ice skating and a variety of rides for all ages
- Dozens of festive food and drink stalls, including an Artic Lodge Bar and Bar Narnia to sit and enjoy your mulled wine!
- Justin’s Christmas singalong (Justin Fletcher, BAFTA Award Winning family favourite entertainer)
- Buy a 5 peaks pass for £45 for access to 5 of Winter Wonderland’s most towering and thrilling rides (£10 each), you get a free fast-track upgrade and your free entry.
- Santaland unlimited rides pass to enjoy over 12 rides as many times as you want in Santaland – £25
- Voodoo Ray’s bottomless pizza party – Unlimited pizza for 1 hour within Santaland, £19.99 adult £14.99 child, book in advance
- Ice Sculpting workshops for 12+
Hotels near Winter Wonderland Hyde Park – Book early due to popularity
Hyde Park Studio Apartments – Only 200m away from Winter Wonderland
Parkwood Hotel – Easy to get to via underground station, there are many Tube and national rail stations near Winter Wonderland.
Public transport is recommended to travel to Hyde Park, especially due to the crowds. The nearest tube station is Green Park and train station is Victoria station. There is no parking but parking spaces in the surrounding areas.
Food and Drink Recommendations
The Victoria – A tradition British pub with a cozy atmosphere and also provides live music so for a new visitor to hide park it is a must-visit.
Serpentine Bar and Kitchen – A popular bar and grill with a romantic atmosphere. A drink, a brunch or a full dinner, you can sit with a beautiful view of the lake.
Manchester Christmas Market
Dates: November 8 – December 22, 2024 – Craft stalls 10am-8pm Food/Drink stalls 11am-9pm, free entry
Why Visit: One of the UK’s most famous Christmas markets, Manchester’s sprawling event takes over the city with multiple market hubs, this year taking over 9 zones of the city centre. The main hub, Piccadilly Gardens will transform into Winter Gardens. You’ll find European-style wooden stalls selling handcrafted gifts, delicious food like bratwurst and mulled wine.
Highlights:
- Over 200 festive stalls
- Global food options: Dutch pancakes, German sausages, and more
- Family-friendly ice skating in Cathedral Gardens and entertainment
- Manchester Christmas Parade taking place on December 8th at 1pm
- The iconic big Santa
The best way to get to the markets is by train or tram. The nearest train station is Manchester Piccadilly with a small walk of 5 minutes to the markets from there.
Hotels near Manchester Christmas Market
Location – Piccadilly Central Hotel – Right in the centre of Manchester and 200m away from canal street.
Budget – The Gardens Hotel – £39 per night 10/11th December
Food and Drink Recommendations
The Ivy – The Ivy Manchester will be transforming soon for Christmas, a Polar bear-themed wonderland for 2024. There will be many cocktails to try out or dine in their Alpine Winter Wonderland with their festive set or festive all day menu, book early as spaces will go fast!
Bar Hutte – Back again in 2024 with even more Christmas spirit. Options of some karaoke in your private ‘Hutte’ or a few drinks in the cosy bar area, even if you fancy attend the wreath making workshops.
The Best Christmas Market?
Within the UK there are so many Christmas markets and each are very unique as are their cities. A lot of the markets are easy to reach by public transport especially train so why don’t you visit a few markets throughout the Christmas season and have the Christmas spirit!