When the year comes to an end and the festive season begins, Christmas markets all around the UK come to life, filling the streets with sparkling lights and festive treats. Christmas markets come in all different shapes and sizes, offering you insights into different traditions that make the season so jolly, from German-inspired celebrations to independent craft markets.
If you’re looking to make the most of this December, there are several different Christmas markets to explore, giving you endless reasons to plan a winter weekend full of delicious treats and unforgettable experiences. So, make sure you wrap up warm and join CrossCountry as we have a look at the best Christmas markets in the UK.
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market
The Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham allows you to experience German Christmas market culture without having to leave the UK. With stalls spread out in the heart of the city, this market brings a festive European atmosphere with plenty of decorations and treats to tempt you as you explore the stalls.
The Frankfurt Christmas Market offers a variety of different activities that will ensure you make the most of your trip. Start by indulging in German-inspired favourites like bratwurst and brezel that will have your tastebuds tingling. Pair that with Glühwein, a traditional mulled wine, and you’ll be left with a warm and comforting feeling on a chilly winter evening.
Once your bellies are full, head over to the front of the Council House entrance and sing along with the loveable singing moose, affectionately known as Chris Moose. With big crowds singing their hearts out, it’s plenty of fun for all ages. So, if you’re looking for one of the best German Christmas Markets in the UK, there’s no better place to start than at the iconic Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham
Getting to Birmingham with CrossCountry is easy enough. Simply jump on a train towards Birmingham New Street, and the market is within walking distance. If you’re planning on visiting for more than a day, then Birmingham has plenty of opportunities for shopping to explore in your spare time.
Manchester Christmas Markets
Manchester takes its Christmas Markets seriously. Expect the city centre to be filled with hundreds of stalls, creating an infectious festive atmosphere like no other. As Christmas takes over the city, there’s no better time to head to Manchester and soak up the seasonal spirit. Visit artisan stalls, enjoy festive experiences, and try plenty of delicious food from all around the world.
Each location has something to offer, but Albert Square remains the heart of the markets. Don’t miss the opportunity to ride the 50-metre-high Ferris wheel that overlooks the city. Once you’re at the top, be sure to marvel at the city lit up in Christmas colours – it’s a photo opportunity you won’t regret. After a magical Ferris wheel ride, head to the iconic Helter-Skelter slide for a bit more festive fun.
Once you have had your fill of thrills, check out the endless array of stalls and treat yourself to beautiful, handmade gifts. One of the things that makes the Manchester Markets so great is how family-friendly they are. The little ones are sure to love the live music and the giant Santa display that takes over the streets.
Plus, the endless list of food choices means there is something for everyone, from traditional hearty Christmas meals to street foods and desserts that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. If you want to make sure your trip is more than just Christmas shopping, although Manchester is great for that, then the Manchester Markets truly have it all.
If you’re planning on visiting, be sure to give yourself some extra time to see the rest of the city as there are plenty of things to do in Manchester. When it comes to visiting Manchester, CrossCountry makes it easy. We service trains to Manchester Piccadilly, an ideal hub to begin from when exploring the city.
York Christmas Markets
York has a special way of making Christmas feel traditional. Its historic streets, independent shops, and beautiful buildings create the perfect backdrop for festive celebrations. As Christmas nears and the stalls are all set up, wandering the cobbled streets and soaking up the Christmas atmosphere is a great way to kick off the holiday season.
If you enjoy being part of the culture and the people that make up a city like York, the Christmas Markets are a great place to start. With more than 80% of the traders being from Yorkshire, the Market offers plenty of opportunities to explore different stalls each with a local story behind them.
As you roam streets lined with Alpine chalets, take the time to admire unique gifts, local crafts, and plenty of mouth-watering seasonal treats. If you're planning a trip to York's Christmas market, keep in mind that the markets are closed on Tuesdays.
When visiting York, it’s also worth spending a couple of hours engaging with independent shops and historic sights. Enjoy an afternoon walk through the city streets and have a hearty dinner in one of their many restaurants. With so much on offer, York makes it easy to turn a Christmas excursion into a city break full of exploration.
With the market being centrally located, getting there is simple when you travel with CrossCountry. With trains running from Newcastle, Bristol Parkway, and Bristol Temple Meads, jump on a CrossCountry train and make your way to York station. It’s only a fifteen-minute walk but remember, wear some warm clothes as it’s sure to be chilly.
Newcastle Christmas Market
Newcastle’s Christmas Markets promise stalls and celebrations spread out over several streets, all of which offer different seasonal treats and experiences. Here in Newcastle, you’ll be welcomed by the tempting aromas of delicious desserts and tons of Christmas accessories and gifts, so make sure you arrive with an appetite and a little extra room in your bag for some Christmas shopping.
Newcastle’s festive markets make for a great choice when you’re looking to spend a day out. Combining plenty of stalls, entertainment, and amazing food, you could spend all day immersed in the holiday feeling and still want to come back for more. If you’re heading to Old Eldon Square, be sure to grab some steaming hot food for a comforting bite during the winter weather.
After indulging in hearty meals, make your way to Grainger Street to find festive accessories and seasonal trinkets and any other extras you want to take home. Finally, finish your evening at Grey Street where you can wrap up the festivities with sweet treats and a warm drink as the bright lights and festive buzz bring your evening to a cosy close. Don’t worry, if you’re still feeling a bit peckish, there’s plenty of great restaurants around the city for you to venture into.
There’s so much festive family fun on offer throughout the city. For example, Old Eldon Square is home to a spectacular Christmas Village where enchanting experiences take over. The kids can enjoy festive tales from Father Christmas himself and mischievous musical fun at the Rockin’ Reindeer stage. Finally, hop on the vintage carousel or go sky-high in the Ferris wheel for lots of Christmas cheer and beautiful city sights.
Experiencing the Christmas fun in Newcastle is easy and getting there is even easier. There’s plenty of trains that run to Newcastle station from Southampton and Berwick-upon-Tweed, so grab your train ticket and get ready for plenty of festive fun.
Nottingham Christmas Markets
Nottingham takes its Christmas celebrations seriously, placing their Christmas Markets in the heart of their renowned Winter Wonderland. With plenty of seasonal attractions, there’s so much to visit and experience. Old Market Square is bursting with gifts, traders, and endless energy that gets you into the festive spirit immediately.
Not only are Nottingham’s Christmas Markets a seasonal spectacle, but they’re also great fun for a family day out or a trip with a group of friends. Take the kids to try out artisan cheeses and continental food under bright lights and a lively atmosphere. Once you’re done exploring what’s on the ground, take to the skies on the Observation Wheel and get a birds-eye view of all the festive fun.
If you’re feeling energetic, there’s even an ice rink that offers penguin skate aids for the little ones, so everyone can get involved in the action. With so much to do, the kids are sure to be asking to go again next year! If you’re roaming the markets with your friends, the ice bar is definitely worth checking out too. Its impressive ice sculptures and wide variety of refreshing drinks make for a chilling experience you won’t want to miss.
Remember, there’s plenty of independent traders with tons of goods to explore, from home decorations and jewellery to statement fashion pieces. Take your time strolling and who knows, you may even find a locally made treat or an unusual stocking filler that reminds you of the magical Winter Wonderland experience.
Nottingham station is the ideal starting point for a visit to the city centre, and luckily enough, CrossCountry trains can take you there. With Old Market Square only being a ten-minute walk from the station, take your time as you make your way over. You may even find a cosy pub for a quick refreshment before you jump into the festivities.
If you’re planning on visiting some of the best Christmas markets in the UK, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Info
At the time of publishing, all information given is correct. Details of events, businesses, and locations included may be subject to change by third parties. Please make sure to check any details with organisers before you travel.
Discover cosy and historical UK pubs with CrossCountry.
