Le Magazine Accor Hotels
Christmas Markets

Three UK Weekend Breaks for Visiting a Christmas Market

Traditional Christmas markets have been landing in cities across the UK for the past decade, with each desperate to declare their offering the most popular. Discover our top three choices.

The nights are closing in, the temperature has dropped and across the UK people have begun to dream of twinkling lights and festive aromas. Traditional Christmas markets have been landing in cities across the UK for the past decade, with each desperate to declare their offering the most popular.

If you’re thinking about visiting a UK Christmas market this year and want to let the mulled wine flow, you might want to consider turning your visit into a full festive weekend break. Whether you choose the red-brick streets of Manchester, the cobbles of Edinburgh, or the bank of the Thames, you’re certain find your Christmas spirit, and maybe a gift or two, amongst the warmly-lit market stalls.

Birmingham

Birmingham is home to the largest traditional German market in Europe outside of Germany and Austria – that’s no small feat for the UK city! Victoria Square welcomes many merry visitors each year for Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market, which has grown to include dozens of new stalls and attractions since its 2001 inception.

Visitors to the market can browse row upon row of stalls, which offer every festive-ware imaginable from traditional handmade toys to intricately decorated glass tree ornaments. Steaming mugs of gluhwein and hot chocolate help to keep the cold at bay, while sweet, tempting treats are the cherry on top of any visit.

When you’ve maxed out on merriment, you can rest and recover at Birmingham New Street Station Hotel, which is conveniently located in the centre of the city, just half a mile from the centre of the Christmas markets. Sink into a comfortable bed and drift off to sleep with your head full of magic and your heart full of festive joy. 

Glasgow

The Scottish city’s northern setting makes it one of the most likely in Britain to see snow during the festive season. What’s more, Glasgow is host to one of the best Christmas markets in the UK, making it a great option for a festive break.

Every winter the heart of the city comes alive with Christmas cheer as more than 50 traders gather from across the globe, offering high-quality crafts and traditional food and drink. No Christmas market visit is complete without indulgence, and the array of meats, cheeses and deserts on offer here is unparalleled.

Take a slide down the vintage helter-skelter or a ride on the carousel; Santa stops by Glasgow every year to hand out gifts, so this Christmas market is a great place to bring good boys and girls for a festive treat. When your energy is spent, there’s no need to worry – you can be tucked-up in bed at the Novotel Glasgow Centre Hotel within 10-minutes of leaving the George Square markets.

Manchester

Manchester is known for its red-brick buildings and industrial architecture, but every year the city is transformed; the warming scent of mulled wine fills the streets and groups of excited revellers drift amongst brightly lit stalls in search of their next delight.

The Manchester Christmas markets have grown to sit across nine city-centre locations, each of which is filled with wooden stalls offering festive favourites, from traditional German Brockwurst to speciality grilled cheeses and the ultimate pick-n-mix. From 2018, the market will also be home to a magical Ice Village, which features a walk-through Ice Cavern filled with intricate festive ice sculptures which promise to make any visit extra-memorable.

When the city’s vibrant nightlife has got the better of you, you can find comfort and tranquillity at the Novotel Manchester Centre. This modern hotel is just a three-minute walk from the iconic Manchester Town Hall at Albert Square, the most popular Christmas market spot in the city.

Thanks to the growing popularity of traditional Christmas markets in the UK it’s easier than ever to immerse yourself in festivity near your home. However, if you’re willing to travel further in search of the best, you can rest assured that there’s an Accor Hotel nearby to ensure your Christmas market trip ends as perfectly as it begins.

Did you like it? Share it!

At random

More travel ideas

Find your dream destination

With the Dream Detector

Use our Detector