The Christmas season has officially begun! Mulled wine, bright lights, games, sweets and frosty nights are all over England. There are plenty of places to enjoy all the magic of Christmas and so we have made a list of some of the best Christmas Markets England has to offer. Perhaps you’re travelling across the country this Christmas, or have visiting families? Any evening spent at one of these festive markets is one worth treasuring. Please enjoy and have a Merry Christmas.
Winter Wonderland
In one of London‘s most famous, central and beautiful parks rises each year a spectacular Winter Wonderland. In one massive area comes a huge selection of not just markets and foods, but performances, rides and more. Purchase tickets and bring the children or go with friends – from sweet stalls to trendy bar areas this place has everything. You can ride the giant Ferris wheel, visit Father Christmas, go ice skating or even (this year) see Paddington Bear on Ice!
When & Where: Hyde Park, London – 21st Nov – 5th Jan
Southbank Winter Festival
If you are out shopping in central London and want a more leisurely Christmas Market the Southbank Winter Festival is a great option. In typical London style, the Southbank is filled not just with festive stalls, lights, treats and tasty drinks but cultural activities. This year there are a host of things to discover including circus acts at Circus 1903, pop-up cinema screenings, standup comedy, illuminated sandpits for the kids and much more!
When & Where: Southbank, London – 8th Nov – 5th Jan
Bath Christmas Market
Perhaps the most beautiful location on the list, this Christmas Market is set in the ancient city of Bath. Amongst the Georgian architecture, bridges and cathedrals will be 150 small chalets dressed in lights and selling all types of handmade Christmas goods and treats. If you can try to squeeze in your shopping with a thermal bath in the roman bathhouses the city is famous for, and even take in champagne lunches at nearby world-class restaurants!
When & Where: Around Union Street, Bath – 28th Nov – 15th Dec
Leeds Christkindelmarkt
In this fun university city, a little bit of Germany comes to their centre each year. The Christkindelmarkt is styled after typical German Christmas markets with the same style beautiful wooden stalls, gluhwein, sausages and delicious beer. If the children want to meet Father Christmas there’s an early morning festive breakfast buffet where the man himself will be in attendance to hear their wishes. Come by for a cosy Christmas atmosphere in Leeds.
When & Where: Millenium Square, Leeds – 8th Nov – 21st Dec
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
The Winchester Christmas Market is also German-inspired, filled with over 100 chalets selling gifts and other artisan goodies. It is widely considered to be one of the best Christmas Markets both in England and Europe, having won awards from Booking and placing in the New York Post’s top 10. The city organisers take care to pick the sellers in this particular market, ensuring that every stall not just has imaginative and original crafts, food or decoration, but are of the highest quality.
When & Where: Winchester Cathedral, Winchester – 21st Nov – 22nd Nov
The Victorian Christmas Festival – Portsmouth
The famous docklands of Portsmouth are celebrating their 20th anniversary of this quaint festival. Happening over the first weekend of December it celebrates the Dickensian style aesthetic and culture of Victorian England during Christmas time. Along with stalls selling unique food, decorations, drinks and toys, there are also circus acts, sideshows and a Father Christmas grotto. The Sunday, in particular, is where artisan stalls prop up with over a hundred choices of handcrafted goods, perfect for present shopping.
When & Where: Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth – 29th Nov – 1st Dec
York’s St Nicholas Christmas Fair – York
York is a perfect place to take in Christmas festivities. Enjoy all the delights of a typical Christmas Market in England, including Mulled Wine, delicious treats and gift shopping of course. The best part is you can do this in one of England’s oldest cities lit up in Christmas lights. The medieval atmosphere is perfect on a dark evening, and after exploring all the many cultural and architectural finishing with a hot drink and a bit of shopping is ideal.
When & Where: Parliament Street, York – 2nd Dec – 8th Dec
We hope you have the merriest of Christmases and of course if you plan to visit more than one jovial market be sure to look to Sixt UK for your reliable, easy to book and friendly car hire needs!
