Christmas Market Season is Approaching

It's mid-November, which means one thing, the Christmas market season is fast approaching! If, like us, you can't wait to wander around beautifully lit Christmas stalls, indulge in traditional festive delicacies and sip on a mulled wine or two, this post is for you.

Here we'll share a quick rundown of the best Christmas markets to visit in the UK and Europe, along with our top Christmas market planning tips.

What's the best Christmas market in the UK?

You'll likely remember that because of the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the UK's biggest Christmas markets, including Bath Christmas Market, were sadly cancelled the last couple of years. So, if you're planning your Christmas itinerary, you'll be wondering which Christmas markets are on this year in the UK in 2022.

The good news is that the following UK Christmas markets are open this year:

• Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market (3rd Nov - 23rd Dec)
• Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London (18th Nov - 24th Dec & 26th Dec - 2nd Jan)
• Manchester Christmas Markets (10th Nov - 22nd Dec)
• Winchester Christmas Market (18th Nov - 22nd Dec)
• York Christmas Market (17th Nov - 23rd Dec)
• Bath Christmas Market (24th Nov - 11th Dec)
• Edinburgh Christmas Market (25th Nov - 3rd Jan)
• Newcastle Christmas Market (2nd Dec - 24th Dec)
• Nottingham Winter Wonderland (15th Nov - 31st Dec)
• Liverpool Christmas Market (19th Nov - 24th Dec)

And if you're wondering what's the best Christmas market in the UK? Well, it all depends on what you're looking for! However, if you're after a traditional German Christmas market but can't make it to Germany, head to Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market for the next best thing.

It's also set to be a special year for Bath, celebrating its 20th year of hosting a Christmas Market! The market will run from 24th November to 11th December, with more than 170 chalets selling seasonal gifts, food and drink.

Christmas Market Resale Deals

Visit a Christmas Market in a different city with our fantastic hotel resale deals.

Enjoy an overnight stay in Liverpool City Centre at the Aparthotel Adagio from 26th Nov - 27th Nov for just £150 (originally £175).

Or head to Manchester Christmas Market and stay at the Leonardo Manchester Piccadilly Hotel from 10th Dec - 11th Dec for £120 (originally £151).

Browse our Resale Deals for more cheap Christmas Market hotel rooms.

Is Leeds having a Christmas market 2022?

Many of you will be sad to hear that Leeds is the latest city to cancel its German Christmas Market due to budget constraints. But don't worry; there are still Christmas markets nearby, including York Christmas Market and Harrogate Christmas Market. Plus, the Ice Cube @ Christmas is returning to Millennium Square from Friday, 25th November, with an outdoor ice rink, winter-themed rides and local and international street food to enjoy.

What is the best Xmas market in Europe?

While almost every European city has at least one Christmas market, if you are keen to have an authentic experience, you must visit Germany.

Nuremberg is home to one of the world's largest and most famous Christmas markets. 'Christkindlesmarkt', as it is traditionally known, is hosted in the city's main square, Hauptmarkt. This year, the Nuremberg Christmas Market opens from 25th November until 24th December.

You might be interested to hear that Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt traces back to 1628 and has seen people selling traditional wares such as handmade Christmas decorations and sweet treats, like Nuremberg gingerbread and Lebkuchen ever since! Enjoy browsing the 180 wooden booths, beautifully decorated with enchanting festive lights and truly immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere.

Nearby, you'll also find the Children's Christmas Market, which has a nostalgic carousel and Ferris wheel for families to ride, along with child-friendly activities like biscuit baking and glass painting to take part in.

Where to stay near Nuremberg Christmas Market:

• Hotel Karl August
• Melter Hotel and Apartments
• Top Duerer Hotel Nuremberg
• Leonardo Royal Hotel Nuernberg
• Intercityhotel Nuernberg

Book a Nuremberg Christmas Market hotel with us at a discounted rate and have the peace of mind that if your plans change, you can always re-sell your room on our hotel resale marketplace!

How do I plan a trip to the European Christmas markets?

Are you booking a romantic Christmas market break in Europe for 2? Or a fun, festive family trip away? Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Check the dates - Make sure you check the dates of the European Christmas market before you book your flights and hotel room. Many European Christmas markets only run until the 23rd of December and do not continue after Christmas like some in the UK festivities do.
2. Book Christmas Market tickets - Most Christmas Markets offer free entry, but it's always worth double-checking to see if you need to pre-book tickets to avoid disappointment on the day. If they have additional festive attractions like a Ferris wheel or ice rink, you may need to pay extra or book a ticket online.
3. Find a cheap Christmas Market hotel - Use the Plans Change hotel room search engine to find a cheap hotel room near your chosen Christmas Market. Select your location and dates, and we'll show you the closest discounted hotel rooms with availability.

Christmas Market Tips

And to finish it off, we've shared our top tips for visiting Christmas markets in the UK and Europe.

Wrap up warm - It's nearly always cold at this time of the year in the UK & Europe. Keep your fingers crossed for a sprinkling of snow to make it all the more magical!

Wear comfortable shoes - You'll likely be doing a fair bit of walking to see all the different stores and festive attractions, so wear practical footwear.

Take cash - Many stalls will offer contactless payments, but it's still worth taking money (stored safely) to be sure.

Learn please and thank you - If you're visiting a European country, try to learn 'please' and 'thank you' in the native language. This token of respect and politeness goes such a long way! 

Visit on a weekday - For a quieter Christmas Market experience, we recommend visiting on a weekday rather than at the weekend. Early mornings are best for shopping but if it's magical Instagram photos you're after, leave it until dusk.

Eat at the Christmas Market - There's no need to make restaurant reservations when there are so many fantastic signature foods to sample! Save your money and enjoy all of the culinary treats on offer.

Which is your favourite Christmas Market in the UK or Europe to visit? Chat with us on Facebook and Instagram & let us know which ones you plan to visit this Christmas!