Would love to go to a Christmas Market...any recommendations?

[TimeForCake]

It's been on my to do list for years and this year Dh and I would really like to do it. Uk (would love Europe, but will have to wait for that!) but not really sure where to go, thinking maybe Oxford?? But all recommendations gratefully received. Ideally not more than 2.5 hours from London as will probably only ask grandparents to babysit for one night.
Any ideas??

Another vote for Birmingham

The market is in the city centre, and it's lovely. Lots of lovely lovely stalls, most of them lit with white lights, you can buy all sorts of things - things from Germany, local crafts, gluwein, spicy sausages, huge pretzels - and it's got a magical feel when it's dark, and all the lights look warm and inviting. We love it!

(disclaimer: I do not work for birmingham tourist board!)

We'll be going to the Birmingham one in the evening - its fab. And big enough to feel like the trip is worth it.

Beryl, I'd park at Birmingham International rail station (out by the airport and NEC) and get the train in. Dead easy and not too pricey

I second parking at the train station, and if you need somewhere budget to stay there is an Ibis, an Etap and a Ramada Encore that all provide reasonable cheap accomodation :)

Think we might head to Birmingham,have done Manchester a few times now and seriously not impressed. We keep going in the hope that it will have improved.

Winchester is just lovely It's in the grounds of the cathedral and there is often Winchester College choir singing carols. All the stalls (think german style little chalets) and the cathedral are all lit up and its just magical. There are lots of traditional food and drink stalls as well as a santas grotto (must be booked) and an outdoor ice rink. Winchester city centre itself is lovely too and the Markets are a 10 min walk from the train station or if you drive there is a good park and ride service which stops 5 mins away. website here with more info

At the Birmingham one two years ago, there was a big beer chalet/log cabin type thing with a HUGE animated mooses head above the entrance, talking in a German accent to the crowds and singing Christmas carols! I'm not making it sound very good, but honestly, it was fabulous! I must have stood there for about half an hour just watching it!

The posters than have asked about parking in Birmingham, you will be able to park for free at your hotel and just get the train/bus to the city centre. The Market itself was huge last year, I didn't get chance to get around it all!

I know it's too far, but Edinburgh has the best Christmas market in the UK.

Gerdens? Gardens

Another vote for Winchester-lovely atmosphere.

Glad to hear all the votes for Birminghams Christmas market-me & my best mate have booked 1 night in a hotel the first weekend of December this year & are planning on doing the market, Cadbury World & the bullring in 2 days!! Can`t wait-all that shopping, mulled wine & chocolate!!! Going to be a real girly weekend-in a nice way!!

Lincoln way better than Birmingham and not just cos of the gorgeous setting, was disappointed last year so not going back to B'ham

Don't laugh, but the one in Barnsley the last weekend of November is lovely. Barnsley's twin town is Schwäbisch Gmünd so there are a lot of genuine German stallholders there.

I think Lincoln one is shit. Too crowded and too much tat.

Lots of choice see here. I still think Winchester is best.

Been to Winchester, Southampton, Manchester, Chester, Prague and Brugue Christmas Markets.

Manchester wins absolutely hands down. That was 2 years ago and it had by far the best atmosphere, most variety of stalls and most interesting stuff to do.

Enjoy it, whichever one you do.

The Oxford one last year was lovely but quite small in comparison to other ones around the UK. It's centred around Oxford castle and they have lots of Christmassy craft stalls and places selling mulled wine and nice food.

On the night the Christmas lights are switched on, they have a huge lantern parade through the city centre and lots of events in the museums and other places late into the evening and the whole town feels very festive (but a bit crowded!)

Oxford Christmas light night

The one at the Castle in Oxford is meant to be good. Could combine it with a trip to Burford for their Christmas thing?

Oh, better info from zinfandel. :)

Is york any good?

Yes I like York. They have different ones in different parts of the city - a craft one, a food one, a mediaeval one and an 'other' one. The craft and food ones are good but it doesn't quite have the feel of some of the european ones I have been to - not as much gluhwein or wooden ornaments. Europe wise I really recommend Krakow and Cologne.

Another vote for Manchester, especially if going after dark.

And if you fancy the real thing, I can recommend a long weekend in Cologne, with day-trips to nearby Bonn and Dusseldorf. Cologne has several markets, including two massive ones, one of which is right next to the gigantic Cathedral. The atmosphere is incredible on a clear night, with the cathedral bells ringing and the festive party atmosphere filling the air.

I went to Cologne Christmas markets a few years back, and it was fantastic. It was a weekend coach trip from DH's work. We even stopped at a chocolate factory in Belgium on the way back and spent loads in the factory shop!