We are spoilt for choice when it comes to Christmas Markets in the UK! Whether it’s a small market town or a big city spectacle, there is a festive treat for everyone to enjoy.
There is no better way of getting into the Christmas spirit than sipping on a warm mulled wine whilst meandering around market stalls with the streets aglow in twinkling festive lights. It is a great opportunity to get together with family and friends, or even a romantic weekend away with your partner to fully indulge yourself with seasonal tasty treats, sampling local produce and buying bespoke, handmade gifts. We have picked out just a few of the Best Xmas Markets in the UK for you to add to your visit list!
York Christmas Festival 2023
Photo credit: Photo by Sarah on Unsplash
Fully immerse yourself in one of the UK’s favourite festive cities! From 2nd December until 5th January, York will sure be the place to fill your hearts with Christmas spirit. There is no better time to buy and support a small business.
Where to stay:
Yellowtop Country Park, near Selby, North Yorkshire
Just twenty minutes away from York Park and Ride is Yellowtop Country Park. Housing twenty lakeside luxury lodges, it’s perfect for those seeking a romantic Christmas shopping getaway or a family weekend away. Rest up after a busy day exploring the York Christmas Festival with a dip in the hot tub, or enjoy snuggling up with a good film!
Sleeps 4 | Dog friendly | Lakeside | Hot Tub | From £180 per night
Take me to Yellowtop Country Park near York
Bath Christmas Market 2023
Photo credit: Unknown
From November 24th until December 10th, Bath will be holding their annual Christmas Market. With over 200 stallholders, Bath is certainly a firm favourite to visit this winter. The beautiful golden stoned city may only have a short Christmas Market however, with the streets lined with twinkling lights, a warming hot chocolate in hand, it is a beautiful destination to head towards to get those last Christmas presents in! There is still plenty to do throughout the month of December with National Trust properties nearby, such as Dyrham Park will be holding wreath making workshops and wonderful festive activities for all the family to enjoy.
Where to stay:
The Little Shire, near Wells, Somerset
The Little Shire is a quirky and unique place to stay, located 17 miles from the city of Bath, it is a wonderful holiday home burrowed into the ground. You’ll be sure to be filled with festive cheer as your inner child’s imagination runs wild within these amazing underground homes. With a wood fired hot tub, there will be no better way to end a busy day easing yourself into the tub with a glass of something bubbly.
Sleeps 8 | Hot Tub | Dog Friendly | Quirky & Unusual | From £270 per night
Blenheim Palace
Photo credit: photo by Simon Godfrey on Unsplash
Christmas at Blenheim Palace has begun, starting from 17th November which continues until 1st January. With a new illuminated trail for 2023, Blenheim Palace has really raised the bar for an unmissable Christmas Market experience. The Christmas Market itself is now in full swing and will continue until December 17th where you can stock up with beautiful handcrafted gifts and enjoy tasting some delicious treats from local producers. Explore Blenheim Palace to reveal the glorious fairytale of Sleeping Beauty within each room tells a chapter of the wonderful tale. Fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Blenheim Palace this Christmas!
Where to stay:
Abbey Farm Shepherds Hut, near Thame, Oxfordshire
What better way to contrast a busy day on your feet than resting at Abbey Farm Shepherds Hut. A perfect bolthole to lay your head and soak those achy limbs within the wood fired hot tub! Located within Oxfordshire, what a treat it would be to cosy down for the night within the Shepherds Hut just a little over half an hour away from Blenheim Palace to really mark your memorable Christmas trip!
Sleeps 2 | Hot Tub | Romantic | Rural Retreat | From £140 per night
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Photo credit: Photo by Ross Sneddon on Unsplash
A very iconic Christmas Market in Scotland’s capital. Scotland is a beautiful place to visit any time of year however, we feel it is extra special during the festive period. Proceeding for several weeks, Edinburgh’s Christmas Market is certainly one of the best Xmas markets in the UK and is an exceptionally popular choice for all ages. So what can you expect? West Princes Street Gardens will be a free to enter family-friendly zone this year, complete with funfair rides and attractions, as well as festive food and drink stalls. You can also enjoy the Ross Bandstand which boasts a festive programme of family-friendly live events, including live choirs, ceilidhs, silent discos, the list goes on!
Where to stay:
Rock & Castle, near North Berwick, East Lothian
Located approximately 45 minutes West of the City, is Rock & Castle. Have the best of both worlds whilst you are on your break with the hustle and bustle of the city by day and a wonderfully relaxed place to retreat to by night. Rock & Castle is located on the East Lothian coastline so you can get some sea air to freshen your senses after a busy time exploring the Christmas Market!
Sleeps 2 | By the Coast | Romantic | Quirky & Unusual | From £125 per night
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Cardiff Christmas Market
Photo credit: Photo by Callum Blacoe on Unsplash
From the 9th November until 23rd December you will find a vast range of makers and producers lining St John’s Street in Cardiff. Open seven days a week you can organise a pre-planned visit or a last minute decision to incorporate the Cardiff Christmas Market into your festive plans. Why not incorporate a visit to Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland to extend your festive fun. With ice skating, entertainment for all ages and an Ice Bar, there is something for everyone!
Where to stay:
Celtic Manor Hunter Lodges, near Newport, Gwent
Just a short drive out of the City Centre, gather your family and friends to stay at Celtic Manor’s Hunter Lodges. Sleeping 8, it is an ideal place to host a gathering. With large spacious rooms, wood burning stove and a hot tub you really can get into the festive spirit with your friends and family here!
Sleeps 8 | Hot Tub | Group Accommodation | Room With a View | From £485 per night
Take me to Celtic Manor Hunter Lodges
