There’s nothing quite like a Christmas market to get you feeling festive – clutching a cup of hot mulled wine as you browse the Alpine-style stalls decked in twinkling lights and selling handmade gifts, all with the smell of winter comfort food in the air. While some stalls can be found in towns up and down the country, you’ll usually find local traders too, which makes these markets a great place to find unique presents, and it’s a fun way to spend a winter afternoon. The elves at Christmas Tree World have been crunching the numbers to discover which cities’ markets are the most popular, based on the number of Google searches and social media posts, and average hotel room prices. Here’s what made the list and where we recommend staying if you’re visiting… READ MORE: This UK city is a ‘destination dupe’ for New York – it has all the charm for a fraction of the cost READ MORE: ‘I found the perfect hotel for a Manchester city break – it’s minutes from the train station’
Birmingham’s Christmas market was ranked the UK’s best
(Image: Getty Images)
Birmingham Birmingham’s annual Frankfurt Christmas Market comes in at number one in Christmas Tree World’s analysis. With the shortest walk from a main station (Birmingham New Street is a four-minute walk away), it’s ideal if you’re just visiting for the day – and if you want to stay longer the city boasts some of the most affordable accommodation. Held in Victoria Square and surrounding streets, this is the UK’s longest-running Christmas market, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy it. Dates: 1 November to 24 December Where to stay: To make a romantic weekend of it, book into New Hall Hotel & Spa which is 20 minutes outside the city in Sutton Coldfield (train tickets to Birmingham cost less than £5). This 800-year-old country house has a spa, a two-AA Rosette restaurant and stunning grounds. Rooms start from £245 per night. Click here to book via Booking.com.
New Hall Hotel in nearby Sutton
(Image: New Hall Hotel)
London You’re spoilt for choice if you want to visit a Christmas market in the capital as there are several, at famous locations such as Covent Garden, King’s Cross and Greenwich. You’ll also find lots of food stalls offering delicious festive treats at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, a popular attraction for all the family with exhilarating rides and the UK’s largest open-air ice skating rink. Dates: See Visit London as dates vary. Where to stay: Location is key when staying in London, especially if you’re planning to visit a lot of the tourist attractions in the city. It doesn’t get much better than the timelessly elegant Clermont London in Charing Cross, which dates back to 1865 and is a stone’s throw from the official most central point in London. Rooms start from £215.
Christmas in Covent Garden
(Image: Getty Images)
The Clermont Charing Cross has a prime location
(Image: The Clermont Charing Cross)
Manchester Manchester was found to be the most googled Christmas market by Christmas Tree World and it’s easy to see why. We love how the stalls are spread out across nine locations, including Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street and Exchange Square, making a day out at this festive market a really great way to see the city. There’s something for everyone in this northern metropolis, whether you’re after a top shopping experience or world-class food. Dates: 8-22 December 2024 Where to stay: The Kimpton Clocktower Hotel comes highly recommended by one of our writers, who loved its spectacular interior and family-friendly vibe. There’s even a postbox in the reception where little ones can post their letters to Santa Claus. It’s a short walk to the markets. Rooms start from £189 per night with breakfast.
Manchester’s markets are spread out across the city
(Image: Getty Images)
Our writer loved Manchester’s Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
(Image: Hasselblad H6D)
Edinburgh Edinburgh’s Christmas market has proved to be one of the most popular in terms of the number of social media posts, no doubt due to its beautiful setting and because it’s a quintessential city break destination. As well as the traditional Christmas market stalls in East Princes Street Gardens, winter visitors can enjoy fairground rides, an ice rink, wreath-making workshops and live choirs. Dates: 15 November to 4 January Where to stay: Steeped in history, the InterContinental Edinburgh The George offers five-star service in a grand setting, and a brilliant central location, too. Book in for dinner at the hotel’s new restaurant, Le Petit Beefbar, for steaks and street food. Rooms start from £199 per night.
Edinburgh makes for a festive getaway
(Image: Getty Images)
Christmas at the InterContinental Edinburgh The George
(Image: InterContinental Edinburgh The George)
York One of the UK’s most historic cities makes for an extra-cute Christmassy getaway when the festive markets are in town, with more than 80% of the traders hailing from Yorkshire. Don’t miss top tourist hotspots like York Minster, the Jorvik Viking Centre and The Shambles (a narrow medieval street said to have inspired Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley). Dates: 14 November to 22 December Where to stay: On one of York’s oldest streets, Hotel Indigo may have an unassuming exterior but it’s full of character and charm inside. With quirky accessories and lots of little nods to the city, it’s far from your average chain hotel, yet really reasonably priced. You can even book an Immersive Christmas Room this winter for the full festive experience. Rooms start from £105 per night.
The Shambles is one of York’s most famous streets
(Image: Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Guests can book an Immersive Christmas Room at Hotel Indigo York
(Image: Olivia Brabbs)
Winchester Winchester’s Christmas market is set in the grounds of its 900-year-old cathedral and is a nice option if you want to avoid the crowds in the bigger cities. Expect to find artisans selling clothing, crafts, children’s toys and Christmas decorations, as well as tasty local food to keep hunger at bay. Dates: 22 November to 22 December Where to stay: Norton Park Hotel, Spa & Manor House is 30 minutes from Winchester and is a great location for a festive stay in the Hampshire countryside. Keep up the Christmas spirit with the hotel’s Festive Afternoon Tea, from £30 per person. Rooms start from £90 per night. Click here to book via Booking.com.
Winchester’s Christmas market is by the cathedral
(Image: Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The spa at Norton Park Hotel
(Image: Norton Park Hotel)
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