Best Christmas Markets in the UK
We know that it’s a difficult time to make travel plans right now, and no one really knows how Christmas is going to look in the current climate, but even a festive fantasy can bring us some much needed Christmas cheer!
That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best Christmas markets in the UK, and fingers crossed we’ll get to lose ourselves in the magic of the markets. And even if we can’t go in person until next year, we can lose ourselves in dreamland for now…
London’s Southbank Winter Market
Okay, we know this one is on hold in the coronavirus climate. There’s talk of it reopening in the first week of December, but it’s not confirmed. Stalls styled like alpine chalets offer everything from hot mulled wine to Dutch pancakes, with lots of local sustainable produce, too—and breathtaking views of the Thames.
Greenwich Christmas Market
With this one—so far, so good! Greenwich Market is actually open all year round, but comes to life at Christmas with twinkling fairy lights, handcrafted gifts from British designers, and lots of vintage finds. You’ll find everything from eco-friendly candles to antique teacups, and the whole market is enclosed, so you can still visit if it’s drizzling (or snowing!).
Greenwich Market is open seven days a week, from 10am to 5:30pm, serving takeaway food only until the end of lockdown. For the Christmas season, there are currently three late-night shopping events, on 9th, 16th and 23rd December, where the market open from 11am to 8pm, so people can go in the evenings after work.
Swansea Christmas Market
Another UK gem that is so far planning to be open over the festive season this year—although with possible less stalls and more crowd control. Currently the plan is for it to open from 27th to 21st December, but check before you venture out, as restrictions are changing all the time.
Lining up Oxford Street the Swansea stalls are known for their more unusual, offbeat offerings, like seaweed-infused gin, intricate jewellery, artisan cheeses and sweets, and a range of good luck charms (and we could all do with a bit of that right now!).
York Christmas Festival
Sadly the York Christmas Festival won’t be opening this year, but if restrictions allow then York is still a completely magical place to visit around Christmas time. The city is stunning and full of old-world charm, cobbled streets, Tudor houses, and the cathedral looks magnificent all lit up at night.
When the festival reopens you’ll lose yourself in the picturesque wood cabins than line Parliament Street, and St. Sampson’s Square is alive with stalls selling handmade Christmas decorations and lots of treats like Belgian waffles and hot chocolate.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Edinburgh Market won’t be on this year, but it’s wholeheartedly embraced 2020’s now-tradition of going virtual, bringing the Christmas Market experience online.
Normally, you’ll find the Scottish capital features several Christmas markets, with famous ones on George Street and East Princes Street Gardens, where you can find everything from homemade Christmas edibles to hand-blown tree ornaments.
For coach hire in London or anywhere else in the UK, get in touch with us today.
