5 Xmas markets in the UK that you should visit in 2022:
Do you get super excited when you when the most anticipated holiday of the year is just around the corner? In the UK, it’s long been a tradition to enjoy the festive season by doing a series of activities, such as ice skating, visiting Santa’s Grotto, and picking out a Christmas tree with the help of an elf, and, of course – visiting one of the best Christmas markets in the UK in 2022!
Indeed, the UK’s cheerful festive Christmas markets have worked so hard at mirroring the Xmas fairs Germany and Austria are famous for, that they can easily hold their own now. They provide a beautiful and comforting atmosphere once night sets in. Wooden stalls beautifully decorated with twinkling fairy lights, tantalising aromas of sweet dishes and spiced mulled wine, fairground rides and ice-skating rinks will put both parents and children into a festive mood. So, without further ado, here is a roundup of some of the best Christmas markets in the UK this season:
1. German Christmas delights in Birmingham
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas market is regarded by many as the best in the UK, if not Europe. If you crave German foods, such as Bratwurst, Bavarian pretzels, Schnitzel, Stollen, or roasted almonds while sipping mulled wine and listening to holiday carols, this is the place to be. The largest German Christmas market outside of Austria or Germany consists of around 50 stalls offering not just delicious German foods, but also wheat bear, mulled wine, and hot chocolate, as well as toys, gingerbread hearts, jewellery, handcrafted gifts, and magical Xmas decorations.
It’s a very sociable place where group of friends gather to eat, drink and be merry. Live music from Germany and Birmingham contributes to the jolly atmosphere. The market opens as early as beginning of November, so it’s an easy one to fit into your schedule. There are coach trips from Birmingham to Luton as well as London if you need to get back to the capital after visiting.
The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas market is open from 3 November 2022 to 23 December 2022.
2. Finest craftsmanship at Cardiff
How lovely it would be to support local and independent crafts this season of giving. That’s the spirit that’s alive and kicking in Cardiff. The Christmas market here has been around for close to 30 years now. With over 200 stalls, it brings delight and joy to young and old. Stalls change throughout the month of December, so it’s worth visiting more than once! Handmade soaps, beautiful glass trinkets, wood turned bowels, bespoke jewellery, original artwork, hand thrown pottery, handcrafted quilts and textiles, and traditional pewter gifts – the choice is amazing. Naturally, there is plenty of seasonal food and drink to create a vibrant Christmas atmosphere.
The Cardiff Christmas market opens as early as middle of November and usual runs until 23 December. If you are not local, the market stalls are in the main pedestrianised shopping area: in St. John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street, and the Hayes. Cardiff Central Station is only 5 minutes away, and there are plenty of NCP car parks if you prefer driving. The city also has plenty of accommodation for all budgets, from hostels to luxury hotels if you fancy an overnight stay.
The Cardiff Christmas market runs from 10 November 2022 to 23 December 2022.
3. Winter Wonderland in London’s Hyde Park
Of course, London’s most fabulous Christmas market had make the list! London never fails to amuse both locals and tourist with its grand Winter Wonderland event in Hyde Park. Everything here is on a huge scale, whether it’s the food and drink stalls, the fairground rides, or the circus shows. The Magical Ice Kingdom, a mythical ice palace, is made from 500 tonnes of beautifully sculptured ice and snow, an experience in itself. There really is something for kids of all ages, from the Teletubbies show to scary rides for the teens. Families will enjoy the Zippo’s Circus show and The Snowman cinema experience as well as UK’s largest outdoor ice rink. In the evenings, the younger folk turn up in groups, frequenting the bars and stalls. A cool place (pun intended) is Bar Ice, serving cocktails amongst other fancy drinks. Naturally, like anywhere in London, you can get just about any type of food or drink here at Winter Wonderland, including award-winning 3-course meals in pop up tents!
The mega-sized Christmas market opened to the public around on 18th of November running all the way to the beginning of January. There is an entrance fee, both for the Christmas market and any additional rides, shows, and activities. Nothing is cheap here, but that won’t be a surprise to you if you are a Londoner. If you are looking for a little extravagance, London’s Winter Wonderland is the place for you. Parking is notoriously difficult in this part of London, but there is a Q-Park if you don’t mind the eye-watering rates. Arriving by train and/or tube is probably the more sensible mode of transport if you want to visit.
The Winter Wonderland Christmas Market in Hyde Park is open from 18 November 2022 to 2 January 2023.
4. Festive dishes at Winchester Cathedral
Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market just had to be on our list of best Christmas markets in the UK! The historic market town puts on a vibrant fair, which attracts more than 350,000 visitors a year. Its wooden chalets sell authentic seasonal international treats, including stollen, German sausages, raclette, mince pies, mulled wine, and other tipples if you want to get merry. Crafts people sell their unique art here, from paintings and textiles to beautiful Christmas decorations. It’s a great place to shop for Christmas gifts without breaking the bank. Don’t miss the enchanting nativity scene at the far end of the crafts stalls. If you are feeling the chill, you can warm up in the Cathedral Refectory’s café and enjoy a heart-warming meal. To give you an idea of size – Winchester’s Xmas fair has over 100 stalls!
Just like Winter Wonderland, this Christmas market opens on or around the 19th of November, usually running until 22 December. Thankfully, the popular ice rink is back for 2022, and it’s apparently bigger and better! The most convenient way to get to Winchester is by train. The railway station is only a 10 minute walk from the Christmas market. Driving is not recommended as the town centre tends to be congested with few parking options at this time of year.
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market runs from 18 November 2022 to 22 December 2022.
5. Manchester Christmas markets
If you live up north or fancy a trip to Manchester, visiting the city in the weeks leading up to Christmas is an experience not to miss. Albert Square is undergoing major renovations, so the main Christmas market in 2022 will be in Piccadilly Gardens, which has been transformed into a beautiful winter garden, already a hit amongst visitors last year. Other Christmas markets not to miss are those in St Ann’s Square, Exchange Street, Market Street, King Street, New Cathedral Street and Exchange Square.
There are over 300 market stalls dotted around the city centre selling festive gifts and mouthwatering foods and drinks, from the traditional Bratwurst to the less authentic paella. Festive gifts include Belgian chocolates, jewellery, Christmas decorations, toys, and many unique arts and crafts. But the Albert Square market is not the only Christmas market in Manchester: There are altogether over 300 stalls dotted across the city in various other locations and all of them have a festive feel about them.
Manchester’s Christmas Markets opens on 10 November 2022 and finish on 22 December 2022.
Whether you live here or are coming to the UK for the holidays, visiting one of the UK’s best Christmas markets during the festive period is a truly magical family activity. Whether you need a unique Christmas gift, want to indulge in sweet German cakes, or just soak up the festive atmosphere, there is plenty to admire and enjoy for both adults and children.
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