Now Halloween is over, we can start talking about the real feature of the year: Christmas!

If you’re someone who loves to get in the festive spirit in the weeks running up to Christmas, it’s a given that a trip to festive markets will be on your list of things to do. But some are better than others – so here’s a roundup of the best UK and European Christmas markets to try this year, as well as some Christmas saving tips to stick to your budget.

UK market: Manchester

Manchester is one of the largest Christmas markets in the UK , there are over 200 stalls across the city centre. Explore the huts with their craft wares and unique gifts amongst the Piccadilly Gardens, King’s Street West, Exchange Square, Corn Exchange, Market Street and more locations.

The market opens on 8th November and closes 22nd December – make sure you don’t miss the Christmas Parade on Sunday 8th December! You can also visit the nearby pop-up ice rink for a truly festive day out.

UK market: York

There are few cities more suited to Christmas than the historical cobbled streets of York. Set in the main centre around Parliament Street, the York Christmas market has 75 chalets of crafts and gifts, as well as some delicious local food. The vintage carousel on King’s Square is a recognisable feature each year, adding some fun for the children, too.

The market opens 14th November until 22nd December 2024, with over 80% of traders coming from Yorkshire to ensure a really local artisan atmosphere. Between the hours of 10am – 12pm, the market is in ‘quiet time’, to ensure an accessible experience for everyone.

If you’re taking a weekend to visit the city, make sure you also pop across to Castle Howard near to York. The iconic stately home featured on screen in The Buccaneers, Death Comes to Pemberley, Victoria, Brideshead Revisited and, of course, Bridgerton, is quite a sight to see decked out for winter festivities. This year’s theme is Alice’s Christmas Wonderland, from 15th November to 5th January.

UK market: Blenheim

A truly fanciful and immersive experience is the winter light trails and Christmas market at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. This year’s theme is Neverland in the Palace, with Tinkerbell leading the way on a delightfully Christmassy tour through the State Rooms. Outside, experience the illuminated trails and the Great Skate ice skating experience before returning for a festive afternoon tea. The market itself is full of crafts from local artisans and delicious food and drink, a brilliant way to find stocking fillers and unique Christmas gifts during your visit.

The festive activities are open from November 15th to December 22nd, but as it is a very popular Christmas destination it’s important to book a ticket in advance, which start from £44 for the Trail, Neverland and 12 months free entry to the Palace.

Europe: Cologne, Germany

One of the longest-running Christmas markets and classically festive, the Cologne market has several events across the city centre with the main market right beside the impressive cathedral. The markets start up around 18th November and close 23rd December.

The lovely thing about the Cologne markets is there are different themes across each, such as Nikolausdorf being aimed at children, while others focus on gnomes and even a maritime theme with pirates.

Get a package deal online for flights and hotel to save as much money as you can on your trip. Wowcher is a surprising place to look for travel deals, but comes into its own at this time of year: get a two-night stay at a hotel and flight from London or Manchester from just £179.

Europe: Prague, Czech Republic

A beautifully historical city with architecture that lends itself to Christmas lights, spend time amongst the 14th Century Church of Our Lady Before Tyn or admire the 15th Century Astronomical Clock. Rather than sipping mulled wine, try local specialty grog with rum, water, lemon and sugar in your glass.

The Prague Christmas market has similar chalet stalls as the other markets, but it’s food and drink is where it comes into its own, with local delicacies on offer. Look for local artisans too, with amazing artwork and even Christmas decorations like hand-blown glass baubles. Nab a package trip for just £105 per person from HolidayPirates.

Christmas market saving tips

It’s very easy to get swept away in the romance and cosy feeling of Christmas lights and mulled wine. However, when you’re shopping at a Christmas market, make sure you ask yourself a few important questions:

  • Will the recipient for this gift actually want/use it?

  • Could I buy this elsewhere at a lower price?

  • Is this good quality for the price?

  • Have I already eaten half the food on offer at these stalls? (Another mince pie at £5 a time quickly adds up...!).

You can also take an insulated flask filled with hot chocolate or coffee while you walk around the market to keep warm and hydrated without breaking the bank. Take time to look around all the stalls first, then choose one for a glass of mulled wine or cider when you’ve done your shopping.

If you’re flying to Europe for your Christmas market experience, remember that you need to fly back! That means checking that whatever you buy at the market will travel home with you – check your airline’s restrictions, especially if you’ve only travelled with hand baggage.

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