A Quick Guide to Christmas Markets in England – English Holiday Markets

The festive season is drawing near, and many of us will be thinking about the Christmas period, with presents to be bought, trees to decorate and food to prepare.

Each year, towns and cities around the UK play host to their continental neighbours, hosting their very own Christkindelmarkt, which bring with them entertainment for all the family, including fairground rides and live music, as well as market stalls that sell crafts, gifts and a lot of delicious food and drink from all over Europe – including Dutch pancakes, Spanish paella and German bratwurst sausages.

These markets turn city centres into bustling shopping areas that attract thousands of shoppers during the run-up to Christmas, to buy quirky little trinkets and warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine (known as Gluhwein) after a hard day’s shopping. Many of the stalls are also open til later in the evening, allowing visitors ample time to enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and flavours of the festive season.

So why not check out your local Christmas market this festive season, maybe even make use of the local hotels and have a festive weekend in the city? Here are just a sample of the markets on offer from around the country:

Lincoln Christmas Market, Lincoln Cathedral

2^nd December to 5^th December 2010 (Thurs: 4pm-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 10am-9:30pm, Sun: 10am-7pm)

Nearest train station: Lincoln Central

One of the oldest and most visited Christmas markets in the UK, the cobbled roads of Lincoln are packed with festive shoppers for a few days at the beginning of December. The majestic cathedral is beautifully illuminated and the castle grounds are filled with the scents of Christmas cheer as thousands of shoppers pass through the gates each year.

Christmas-themed stalls stand alongside those from local farms, allowing the opportunity to try some great local produce in the run up to Christmas. There are a number of fairground rides to enjoy, along with a festive theatre production from a local group, you may even see the actors in period costume walking round the marketplace as you shop!

Manchester Christmas Market

18^th November to 21^st December

Nearest train station: Manchester Victoria

The city of Manchester is transformed into a winter wonderland during the time of the Christmas Market, with stalls spread out all across the city centre, offering plenty to explore during a shopping trip to the city.

Begin your festive stroll from Albert Square and discover plenty of market stalls en route to the Triangle Shopping Centre at Exchange Square,  where you’ll find the Wheel of Manchester Ferris wheel attraction (prices: £7.50 adult and £5 children) from which you can see some spectacular views of the Manchester area.

Leeds Christmas Market, Millenium Square

12^th November to 19^th December 2010 (10:30am-9pm daily, with some stalls open til 11pm)

Nearest train station: Leeds

Every year, Leeds plays host to one of the largest and most established Christmas markets in the UK. Millenium Square at the heart of the city comes alive with Christmas cheer, with stalls selling everything from hand-crafted Christmas trinkets to delicious continental food, as well as an assortment of fairground rides for the little ones to enjoy.

Birmingham Christmas Market, Victoria Square/New Street

18^th November to 23^rd December 2010 (10am-9pm daily)

Nearest train station: Birmingham New Street

Birmingham plays host to the largest outdoor Christmas market in the UK, and like Manchester, the stalls and events take place at several points around the city, offering visitors the chance to discover the city centre whilst perusing the festive fares.

London Christmas Market, Southbank Centre/London Eye

19^th November to 23^rd December 2010 (Sun-Thurs: 11am-8pm Fri-Sat: 10am-10pm)

Nearest Tube station: Waterloo

Located along the banks of the River Thames, the Cologne Christmas Market transforms this stretch of riverbank into a beautifully lit, delicious smelling walk along the riverside, providing a warming end to your day in the capital – whether you’ve spent it shopping or sightseeing.

Combine a trip to the market with a ride on the London Eye and take in the sight of London from a different perspective, and take in the sight of the landmarks that are illuminated at night – including the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

Bath Christmas Market

25^th November to 12^th December 2010 (Mon-Sat: 10am-7pm or 9pm; Sun: 11am-6pm)

Nearest train station: Bath Spa Rail

Bath plays host to a Christmas market each year. Located between the popular tourist traps of Bath Abbey and the world renowned Roman Baths , the market brings a festive flavour to the ancient spa city.

This year’s event has been extended by a full 7 days, so why not make a weekend out of your visit and treat yourself to a pampering at a spa after a hard day’s shopping and exploring the city.

Many of these major market locations are accessible by taking the train to a central station that are a short walk from the festivities. If you’re thinking of driving in for the markets, be aware that traffic usually increases during these peak times, so it’s usually better to make use of public transport when you’re able.

Lincoln runs a Park’N'Ride service from the Lincolnshire Showground on the outskirts of the town (£12 per car – includes parking and bus to the marketplace) and the London market can be reached by hopping on the Tube and taking the Northern Line to Waterloo.

Visit your local Christmas market and warm up after a day’s shopping with some hearty food and mulled wine, also be sure to stock up on stocking fillers and other trinkets to bring a touch of the continent to your Christmas.