Christmas Markets 2024: Your ultimate guide

Christmas Markets 2024: Your ultimate guide

The festive season is calling, and you know what that means—Christmas markets galore. From twinkling lights to the sweet smell of mulled wine, there’s something about these magical markets that makes the countdown to Christmas even more exciting. Whether you’re after a gift-hunting spree or just want to eat your weight in mince pies, we’ve got your ride covered.

So, why not leave the car at home, skip the train chaos, and let a coach whisk you straight to the festive fun? We’ve rounded up some of the best UK Christmas markets for 2024—get ready to dive into the magic and discover what’s in store.

London Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park

Dates: 21st November 2024 – 5th January 2025

Location: Hyde Park, London

Calling all thrill-seekers and Christmas fans! Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is the place for festive fun. Not only does it have a classic Christmas market, but it’s also packed with roller coasters, ice rinks, circus shows, and more. If you're after an all-out, supercharged Christmas experience, this is the place to be. Just don’t leave without a churro... or three.

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market

Dates: 1st November 2024 – 24th December 2024

Location: Victoria Square and New Street, Birmingham

Birmingham does Christmas big. The UK’s largest German market will have you munching bratwursts, sipping mulled wine, and singing along to live music in no time. This Bavarian beauty takes over the city with over 80 stalls, selling everything from festive trinkets to sweet and savoury treats. 

Warning: one visit and you might become a bratwurst connoisseur.

Manchester Christmas Markets

Dates: 8th November 2024 – 22nd December 2024

Location: Across the city centre

From bratwursts to Belgian waffles, Manchester’s Christmas markets are basically a foodie's festive dream. With multiple market hubs across the city, this one’s packed with stalls selling everything from European delights to local gifts. Expect glitzy lights, giant Santas, and plenty of mulled wine to keep you warm on those frosty evenings.

Edinburgh Christmas Market

Dates: 15th November 2024 – 4th January 2025

Location: East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh

Picture this: Edinburgh Castle glowing in the background, ice skaters gliding along, and you with a hot chocolate in hand, wandering the stalls filled with Scottish goodies. Edinburgh’s Christmas market is like something out of a festive fairytale. And with a Santa’s Grotto, this is one for both the kids and the big kids at heart.

York Christmas Market (St Nicholas Fair)

Dates: 14th November 2024 – 22nd December 2024

Location: Parliament Street, York

York’s Christmas market feels like it’s been plucked straight from a Hallmark movie. Picture charming chalets, cobbled streets, and mulled wine in hand as you wander through the mediaeval city. With handcrafted treasures and unique finds at every turn, it’s a haven for anyone who loves a touch of festive magic.

Bath Christmas Market

Dates: 28th November 2024 – 15th December 2024

Location: Around Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths

Ah, Bath—famous for its hot springs and the charm of Christmas magic. The market lights up the city’s Georgian streets with over 150 stalls, offering handmade crafts, festive foods, and maybe a mince pie (or two). For a festive experience with timeless charm, Bath is the place to be.

Bristol Christmas Market

Dates: 1st November – 23rd December 2024

Location: Bristol City Centre

Bristol’s Christmas Market lights up Broadmead with charming wooden chalets, festive decorations, and the smell of mulled wine and bratwurst. Browse the unique handmade gifts and seasonal treats, then pop into the Jäger Barn Bar for a festive drink or hop on the Christmas train for a bit of extra holiday magic. This market’s joyful, bustling atmosphere makes it a fantastic spot to dive into the Christmas spirit.

Nottingham Winter Wonderland

Dates: 13th November 2024 – 31st December 2024

Location: Old Market Square, Nottingham

Experience the magic of the festive season at Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland. Take a spin on the ice rink, enjoy panoramic views from the giant observation wheel, and explore a bustling market filled with quirky gifts, scrumptious street food, and festive drinks. This festive extravaganza is perfect for those wanting to combine Christmas shopping with a dash of winter excitement.

Liverpool Christmas Market

Dates: 16th November 2024 – 24th December 2024

Location: St George’s Plateau, Liverpool

Liverpool’s Christmas Market is set against the iconic backdrop of St George’s Hall, offering a great selection of food, drink, and festive stalls. You’ll find everything from German bratwursts and Yorkshire puddings to locally crafted gifts and seasonal drinks. Plus, there are fairground rides, a big wheel, and a snow slide to keep the fun going. Liverpool's market blends festive cheer with a touch of Scouse flair, making it a must-visit for anyone in the North West.

Oxford Victorian Christmas Market

Dates: 14th November 2024 – 17th November 2024

Location: Broad Street, Oxford

Step back in time at Oxford’s Victorian Christmas Market. This magical market on Broad Street brings the festive charm of the Victorian era to life. Expect live music, artisan stalls offering handcrafted gifts, and delicious festive treats. Roaming Victorian stilt walkers and a live DJ compere add whimsy and wonder to this enchanting experience. Perfect for gift shopping or soaking up the nostalgic atmosphere.

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

Dates: 22nd November 2024 – 22nd December 2024

Location: Winchester Cathedral grounds

Winchester’s Christmas market is a little gem tucked away by the Cathedral. It’s a German-style wonderland with handmade gifts, an ice rink, and the kind of festive atmosphere that’ll have you feeling all warm and fuzzy. Perfect for a romantic day out or just getting your festive fill without the big crowds.

Cardiff Christmas Market

Dates: 14th November 2024 – 23rd December 2024

Location: The Hayes, Cardiff City Centre

Looking for something a bit more unique? Cardiff’s Christmas market is packed with local Welsh treasures—think handcrafted gifts, Welsh cakes, and unique jewellery. Whether you’re on the hunt for something different or just want to feast on festive treats, this market’s got you covered.

Chester Christmas Market

Dates: 15th November 2024 – 22nd December 2024

Location: Town Hall Square, Chester

Step back in time at Chester’s Christmas market, surrounded by its gorgeous historic architecture. Here, you’ll find around 70 wooden chalets filled with festive goodies—from handmade crafts to local food and drink. With Chester’s medieval charm, it’s like stepping into a Christmas card.

Exeter Christmas Market

Dates: 15th November 2024 – 15th December 2024

Location: Exeter Cathedral Green, Exeter

Exeter’s Christmas Market is a hidden gem in the South West, set against the stunning backdrop of the Cathedral. Expect a great selection of local crafts, tasty street food, and plenty of festive drinks. It’s a smaller, cosier market, but perfect for a chilled-out festive vibe.

Leeds Christkindelmarkt

Dates: 22nd November 2024 – 22nd December 2024

Location: Millennium Square, Leeds

Fancy a Bavarian Christmas? Leeds’ Christkindelmarkt brings the magic of Germany to the north. Expect traditional wooden chalets, bratwurst, and plenty of beer halls. This one’s all about hearty German food, twinkling lights, and festive entertainment. 

Skip the parking dramas, the train chaos, and the endless queues—hop on our comfy coaches and let us take you straight to the festive action. You’ll be saving on the hassle and a bit of cash too (hello, more money for those Christmas treats). Plus, travelling by coach is eco-friendly, so you can feel good while you're getting your festive on. Win-win, right?

Whether you’re dreaming of Bavarian bratwursts, handcrafted gifts, or just a magical festive atmosphere, these Christmas markets are calling your name. So, pack your Santa hat, grab your mates, and book your coach trip—2024’s Christmas markets are waiting, and they’re better than ever.

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