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See our open all year sites9 of the best UK Christmas markets
Sipping on a warm cup of mulled wine or browsing for that perfect gift at one of the many stalls, visiting a Christmas market has become one of England’s best festive traditions.
Set in some of the country’s most picturesque cities, a visit to a Christmas market is part festive shopping extravaganza, part destination discovery! And with most cities opening up their decorative doors this year, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Plan your ultimate winter getaway this year with our top 9 Christmas markets to visit, whether you’re planning on a family day out or a weekend away for two.
London
Where: Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, London
Dates: Open from 19 November 2021 to 3 January 2022
Closest Club site: Abbey Wood Club Campsite and Crystal Palace Club Campsite
Transforming the largest park in central London, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is more than just a Christmas market. With the UK’s largest open air ice rink, a Magical Ice Kingdom, the world’s tallest transportable observation wheel, fairground rides and jaw-dropping circus acts, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained, as well as cocktail bars and food stalls to keep the adults happy too!
For more information and to buy tickets visit: hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Birmingham
Where: Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham City centre
Dates: Open from 4 November to 23 December (Ice rink operating until 9 January 2022)
Closest Club site: Chapel Lane Club Campsite
In need of an authentic German Christmas market, but can’t go abroad? Then look no further, as Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the largest, most authentic outside of Germany and Austria.
Grab yourself a Bratwurst, take a slug of some hot Gluhwein, sing carols with a Christmas moose called Chris (no really!) and soak in the electric atmosphere as the streets of New Street and Victoria Square become alive with festivities, with over 80 stalls selling traditional, and personalised products and gifts. There’s also a big wheel and ice rink returning to Centenary Square, so don’t forget to book in advance.
For more information visit thebfcm.co.uk
Edinburgh
Where: Edinburgh's Christmas Market, Princes Street, Edinburgh
Dates: Open from 20 November 2021 to 2 January 2022
Closest Club site: Edinburgh Club Campsite
With a city so rich in history and tradition, it’s no surprise that Edinburgh’s Christmas Market promises to impress. All the festive stalls are from local businesses and are set to take out the streets of Edinburgh, with plenty of attractions to suit all ages including a big wheel, a Christmas Tree Maze and, of course, Santa’s Grotto.
For more information visit edinburghschristmas.com
Brighton
Where: Brighton Christmas Market, Brighton City centre
Dates: Open from 26 November to 31 December 2021
Closest Club site: Brighton Club Campsite
Promising to be the biggest and brightest winter attraction in Sussex, the Brighton Christmas Festival and Market is a free event, that’s open to all. With over 150 festive stalls, you can wander around and browse the stalls, get tempted by the tantalising treats on offer and marvel at the live shows on offer from the two purpose-built entertainment venues. You can bring your cheeky little elves along for a unique opportunity to visit Santa’s Workshop. Whilst anyone on the “good list” could head to the Apres Ski zone for some of the best mulled wine in Brighton!
For more information visit brightonchristmasfestival.com
Cardiff
Where: The Cardiff Christmas Market, Cardiff City centre
Dates: Open from 11 November to 23 December 2021
Closest Club site: Tredegar House Country Park Club Campsite
Making a welcome return to the pedestrianised streets of Cardiff City centre, the Cardiff Christmas Market is a well-established market that has been running for the last 20 years. Offering you a unique, alternative shopping experience, there will be an eclectic mix of both new and returning exhibitors tempting you with their original, hand-made products and gifts. With over 200 individual businesses selling a wide variety of diverse arts and crafts, as well as the enticing aromas of seasonal food and drink.
For more information visit cardiffchristmasmarket.com
York
Where: York Christmas Market - St.Nicholas Fair
Dates: Open from 18 November to 23 December 2021
Closest Club site: York Rowntree Club Campsite
Make magical memories as you soak up the medieval charm of York’s award-winning Christmas fair. Wintry alpine chalets take centre stage along Parliament Street, stocked with traditional Christmas gifts, delicious foodie treats and festive decorations. Get your tastebuds tantalised with the huge selection of international street food, available from the local indie trader on Shambles Market.
Have plenty of thrills on the vintage carousel or zoom down the Victorian-style Helter Skelter, both situated on Kings Square.
For more information visit: visityork.org
Chester
Where: Chester Christmas Market, Chester City centre
Dates: Open from 18 November to 22 December 2021
Closest Club site: Chester Fairoaks Club Campsite
Get into the spirit this Christmas with Chester’s city centre festively wrapped around the towering and sparkling Christmas tree. Surrounding the Town Hall, you’ll find over 70 market stalls selling everything from handmade gifts and tasty treats to cute stocking fillers and crafty goodies. So treat yourself to some hot mulled wine, whilst you shop-till-you-drop.
Check out the stunning enchanting Lanterns at Chester Zoo or enjoy the eagerly anticipated annual 12 Days of Christmas Parade. Visit chester.com for more information.
Blackpool
Where: Winter Gardens Wonderland, Blackpool
Dates: Open from 19 November 2021 to 3 January 2022
Closest Club site: Our Blackpool South Club Campsite is closed over the winter period, but our Southport Club Campsite is open and approximately a hour drive to central Blackpool.
This festive season, the iconic Blackpool Tower will be transformed into a mesmerising winter village complete with simulated snowfalls, log cabins, a magical forest, light installations of gigantic proportions, Santa tram rides on the Golden Mile and an outdoor skating rink. This truly is a Winter Wonderland for the whole family, where you can also enjoy fairground rides, live entertainment and even a special visit to the ‘big man’ himself.
Wrap up in your cosiest Christmas jumper, grab yourself a glühwein and experience the true magic of Blackpool.
Check out visitblackpool.com for more information.
Manchester
Where: Manchester's Christmas Market
Dates: Open from 12 November to 22 December 2021
Closest Club site: Burrs Country Park Club Campsite
As one of the biggest festive markets in the north, the family-friendly Manchester Christmas Market is set in the heart of Manchester city centre, which is magically transformed for the Christmas season. With yuletide bars tempting you with local ales, foodie favourite stalls for the hungry visitor and craft sellers displaying their handmade stock, you’ll be able to spend hours browsing the market whilst enjoying the live music and DJs on stage.
Soak up the Christmas atmosphere as The Cathedral Gardens will play host to the family-friendly Skate Manchester’s Ice Rink. For more information go to visitmanchester.com
