Visit A UK Christmas Market

Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland

We suggest the best places in the UK where you can experience an authentic European Christmas Market.

Disappointed you can’t visit one of Europe’s top Christmas Markets this year? If the credit crunch means you won’t be flying abroad for a taste of the festive season, do not worry – we’ve come up with the best Christmas Markets around the UK, which offer a continental theme and an authentic experience of the great markets of Europe.

Christmas Markets in the UK were very popular until Oliver Cromwell banned the celebration of Christmas. The markets died out instantly but during the Victorian era, there were traditional markets selling festive products and foodstuffs in the run-up to Christmas, they were just never known as Christmas Markets.

Lincoln in the east of England was the first UK Christmas Market to be revived and from small beginnings is now in its 26th year.

UK Christmas Markets often have continental themes bringing over French, German or Italian traders. There are traditional German markets in London, Bournemouth, Canterbury and Glasgow.

London

What: Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland
When: 22nd November 2008 – 4th January 2009
Where To Stay: Royal Lancaster Hotel, London (4 stars)
Price: From £166 per room per night

This grand hotel is superbly situated opposite Hyde Park for those who wish to join in the festivities of Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. It is also a short walk from the main shopping district, offering spectacular Christmas displays, and the boutiques of Knightsbridge.

The Winter Wonderland is a German style Christmas Market with around 50 wooden chalets situated around the bandstand on Serpentine Road. Visitors can enjoy the ice rink, festive goods and culinary specialities including a glass of “Glühwein” or German mulled wine, the typical German sausage “Bratwurst” and gingerbread hearts.

Bournemouth

What: Bournemouth Traditional Christmas Market
When: 28th November 2008 – 21st December 2009
Where To Stay: Norfolk Royale Classic Hotel, Bournemouth (4 stars)
Price: From £89 per room per night

This four-star Georgian hotel has the luxury of being both by the sea but equally close to Bournemouth’s shopping district. Featuring a heated indoor swimming pool the hotel also offers a beautiful spa.

The traditional Christmas market takes place in The Square, which is right in the centre of Bournemouth. It has a German theme but visitors will find numerous traders from all over Europe.

The typical German Sausage “Bratwurst” will be available as well as gingerbread hearts, roasted almonds and crepes. Parents can relax with a glass of “Glühwein” while listening to traditional Christmas music.

Chester

What: Chester Italian Christmas Market
When: 20th November – 21st November
Where To Stay: Best Western Mollington Banastre Hotel & Spa (3 stars)
Price: From £90 per room per night

The charming Mollington Banastre Hotel and Spa is surrounded by spectacular scenery and is the ideal retreat after a long day shopping and enjoying the festive vibe of the city.

This market will offer an array of festive treats with a distinct Italian theme. It is the only Italian themed market in the UK and only lasts for two days so don’t miss out.

Canterbury

What: Canterbury Traditional Christmas Market
When: 28th November 2008 – 21st December 2008
Where To Stay: ABode Canterbury
Price: £108 per room per night

This four-star hotel is housed in a 16th century listed Tudor building and maintains a traditional exterior. Located on Canterbury’s High Street it is perfect for those who wish to explore the various boutiques, market and cafés.

The medieval city of Canterbury will be transformed into a traditional German Christmas Market this year. Visitors will be able to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the yuletide market, whilst relaxing with a glass of “Glühwein” and listening to traditional Christmas music. The typical German foods will be available to buy alongside silver jewellery, hand-crafted toys and candles in all shapes and sizes.

Buckingham

What: Buckingham French Christmas Market
When: 29th November
Where To Stay: The Bell Hotel, Winslow(3 stars)
Price: £95 per room per night

This modern hotel has a comfortable pub-style feel to it, and is situated just off Market Square. Centrally located the hotel is perfect for those wanting to explore the city, browse the continental markets or enjoy a spot of Christmas shopping.

This market will appeal to all who enjoy French delicacies and want an authentic experience. There will be many stalls selling a wide variety of items such as sausage, cheese, olives, chocolate, leather bags, cashmere scarves and pottery.

Leeds

What: Leeds Christkindelmarkt Traditional German Christmas Market
When: 16th November 2008 – 20th December 2008
Where To Stay: Quebecs, The Leeds Boutique (4 stars)
Price: £69 per room per night

Once Leeds and Country Liberal Club, this four-star boutique hotel retains many of its original features. The hotel is within walking distance of the Millennium Square market enabling guests to enjoy a spot of Christmas shopping.

This is one of the largest German markets in the UK. With 30 traditional wooden stalls providing a wide range of seasonal gifts, traditional German delicacies, festive greenery and twinkling colourful lights. The popular 'Frankfurter Scheune' provides an authentic bier-keller experience with real German bier, specialist food menu and regular evening musical entertainment including the ‘Herr Jens Bavarian Oompah Band’.

To book, go to www.hotels.co.uk or call 0871 200 0171

Glasgow

What: Glasgow Traditional Christmas Market
When: 14th November 2008 – 21st December 2008
Where To Stay: Marriot Glasgow (4 stars)
Price: £120 per room per night

This four-star modern hotel is close to the city centre with access to the hustle and bustle of city life and Glasgow’s key shopping areas, restaurants and cultural attractions.

This year the market will be in either Argyle Street or St Enoch’s Square. The typical German Sausage ‘bratwurst’ will be available as well as the traditional gingerbread hearts, roasted almonds and delicious sweet crepes. The carousel in the centre of the Christmas Market offers younger visitors an enjoyable attraction while parents can relax with a glass of ‘Glühwein’ while listening to traditional Christmas music.

Web Links

Visit London - London's official tourism website

Bournemouth Tourism - Bournemouth's official tourism website

Chester Tourist - A guide to everything going on in Chester

Canterbury - Canterbury's official tourism website

Visit Buckinghamshire - A guide to what's going on in the Buckinghamshire county.

See Glasgow - Glasgow's official tourist board

Hotels.com - Search for discounted hotels throughout the UK

Are you visiting a Christmas Market this festive season? If so, which one? Can you recommend a market for other readers to visit?

Let us know by leaving a comment in the box below. Alternatively, share your thoughts with other readers in the 50connect forums.

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