Nottingham Christmas Market Ranks UK’s Best

Christmas is fast approaching, which means it’s time to get wrapped up and get ready to head to the best German Christmas markets around the UK. It might not be one of the oldest festive traditions, but it has become one of the most popular Christmas outings over the past decade.

However, while the restrictions that were in place last year have been lifted, there are some cancellations of the German Christmas markets, including the festive market in Bath, the Leeds Christkindelmarkt, usually organised with help from the City of Frankfurt, and the Victorian Christmas Festival at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, according to iNews.

Thankfully, there are well over 20 Christmas markets still going ahead as planned this year, with the majority opening towards the end of November, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Plymouth, Glasgow and Cardiff.

However, after missing out in 2020, if you’re looking for the best Christmas markets to visit, then one in the East Midlands has been voted the UK’s best by Vogue magazine in 2019.

Nottingham Christmas Market, known as Nottingham Winter Wonderland to locals, is not to be missed this year as it returns after a year’s break due to the pandemic. Trip Advisor users have previously rated the market as ‘truly magical’.

This German-style market typically features a range of stalls and bars offering mulled wine, an array of homemade gifts, decorations, and food, which will undoubtedly feature the usual roast hog rolls, as well as abundant artisan cheeses, chutneys, and local stews among the other traditional German market delicacies, such as ostrich burgers and German sausages.

There will be some changes to this year’s market, due to concerns about COVID-19, and it will be a little scaled back and distributed across the city to help maintain social distancing and improve circulation.

However, organisers are promising that this year’s market will prove to be a roaring success.

Visitors to Nottingham will find the central hub of the market in the Old Market Square and discover other areas and activities on Smithy Row, Trinity Square, and Long Row.

As the largest Christmas market in the East Midlands, there is plenty to explore. A 33m high observation wheel gives amazing views of the city, or for a more grounded activity, opt for the traditional carousel.

The highlight of the event is an outdoor ice skating rink, as Nottingham Market Square transforms into an icy wonderland, perfect for those skating Instagram-worthy snaps. Previously, the skating rink has also featured a viewing platform from the balcony of a nearby bar, so if you don’t want to feel like Bambi on ice, you can watch everyone else slip and slide during the 45-minute sessions.

The 60ft high Christmas tree will be illuminated with 4,000 twinkly fairy lights and can be found in front of the Council House.

There is also an Ice Bar for refreshments and an Apres-Ski themed pop-up bar in Old Market Square. The Helter Skelter bar also offers mulled wine, or Glühwein as it is known in Germany, which is enjoyed piping hot.

The market will be in place from mid-November to December 24

There are plenty of hotels nearby to make a full festive weekend of the event. The Lace Market Hotel is a favourite with tourists as it’s only 10 minutes away from the market.

Whether you’re aiming for a weekend of it, or planning a day out, why not consider luxury minibus hire to take you, your family, and your friends for a ‘truly magical’ festive outing.

If you are looking for coach hire services in Nottingham, please get in touch today!