When the cold weather and dark evenings come to bite, don’t get downcast. The pre-Christmas season is the perfect time of year to wrap up warm and head off on an adventure to find seasonal cheer and festivities. Over the last few years, we’ve been falling in love with English Christmas markets. Here’s our pick of the nation’s best.
1. London Southbank Market
London plays host to several markets during the winter. Lining the Southbank of the Thames, this pretty and bustling Christmas market is perhaps its best. It draws hundreds of visitors ever day thanks to its experimental foods, live music and adorable wooden chalets. There’s even a warm cider lodge supplied by Rekorderlig where you can relax by an open fire.
Stay: Travelodge hotel Waterloo
2. Liverpool Christmas Market
This Christmas market on Lord Street has a truly international feel with more than 50 stalls selling gifts and food from across 5 continents. Expect Chinese delicacies and handmade instruments from across South America.
Stay: Travelodge Liverpool
3. Manchester German-Style Market
Pay a visit to St Ann’s Square to find a gorgeous German-style market. Wander the chalet-lined alleyways and browse gifts, crafts, jewellery, clothes, toys much more. Grab a hot chocolate or mulled wine to sip as you walk.
Stay: Travelodge Manchester
4. Birmingham Victoria Square Market
Set in the stunning surroundings of Victoria Square, this is the largest authentic German market outside of Germany or Austria, and one of the most famous English Christmas markets. Pick up handmade gifts from local artisans, sample warming mulled wine and snack on delicious pastries. There’s plenty of local character too – expect plenty of local participation from school choirs on the central band stand.
Stay: Travelodge hotels Birmingham
5. Bournemouth Gardens of Light
For a magical day out for families, head to the Bournemouth Gardens of Light, complete with ice skating rink, traditional alpine market and apres ski-style chalets dishing out warm foods and treats. If your feet get tiered, there’s even a Santa Express train to transport you around. Pay a visit to the stage area to see comedy, dance and festive songs, or relax in style with a glass of glühwein in the Moose Bar.
Stay: Travelodge Bournemouth
6. Newcastle Continental Christmas Market
The Continental Christmas Market on Grey Street is a foodie heaven. Not confined to German-style food, this market roams through a culinary tour of Europe from Dutch pancakes to Spanish paella and French cheeses. There are also plenty of craft stalls selling unique and handmade gifts.
Stay: Travelodge Newcastle
7. Leeds Christkindelmarkt
Millennium Square is host to a traditional German market known as the tongue-twisting Christkindelmarkt. Stallholders travel from Germany, offering traditional warming foods including schnitzel and bratwurst and there is even a traditional Bavarian band leading songs and bringing festive cheer.
Stay: Leeds Hotels
8. Sheffield Fargate Market
Head to Fargate for an array of pretty wooden cabins selling food, sweet treats and Christmas gifts. Hoping for something special this Christmas? Pay a visit to Santa in his snowy grotto to make sure it gets on his list. Adrenalin junkies can also take a ride on traditional funfair attractions.
Stay: Sheffield Travelodge
