Christmas Markets in UK - where and accommodation

[sonoonetoldyoulifewasgonnabethisway]

I am wanting to do a Christmas Market for a weekend in late November. I have never done one before. I don't really want to pay more than £200 for accommodation as we will need travel and expenses for when we are there and its a lot to spend just before Christmas. It's just for me and DH, so want to visit markets, grab some food and have a good drink.

I have looked at Edinburgh & York and v expensive for hotel accommodation. Can anyone recommend good, reasonable priced accommodation in this area - or another Christmas market anywhere north kind of past Manchester?

Bump

I think they have a Christmas Market in Manchester, although I don't know what it's like. As Manchester is not so touristy I would imagine accommodation won't be as expensive as York or Edinburgh.

Thanks, I've had a look, there is not much different.

I did have a look at Krakow (completely different to my OP I know), it may be cheaper to go abroad, I just don't know where to start. I've looked an can get flights and hotel for the same as a hotel only in some of the bigger UK cities

Depends a little on what you're looking for.

Probably the best choice for a traditional German-style market is Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market. Manchester is thought to be one of the largest with nearly 200 stalls. Last year I went to Bath's Christmas Market which was so crowded and the crafts were expensive (I didn’t buy anything), but it was lovely to walk around. I didn’t stay here (as I live near Bath).

This year I am going to Dublin!

We are just looking for somewhere not too busy, some stalls, atomsphere and some good pubs

Both Bristol and Bath are "50 sheds of shite". Basically stuff you wouldn't buy in a normal shop and overpriced too.

St Albans?

I think they are all pretty rubbish tbh. I avoid them now.

Manchester used to be decent but it's shite now. Really wouldn't recommend it. Couple of family members love Salzburg Christmas market

It's shit. It used to be good but the last few years it has just been a load of stalls all flogging the same mass produced tat and very expensive sausages.

Don’t go to Manchester. The Christmas market is really sad and accommodation is expensive year round. Before I get pounced on by Mancunians, I love Manchester, went to uni there, but the market is not good.

Markets I have enjoyed recently that might not be on your radar

Lille
Luxembourg

Both very doable by train as well if you want to be carbon conscious.

Hamburg is also nice - I think there’s 3 or 4 markets there.

In my experience, every Christmas market is the same, everywhere you go but I’m not a massive fan of them.

Do not go to Worcester unless you want to shuffle round in horrendous crowds looking at plastic tat. (Though Worcester itself is great!)

Thanks all, I think I will give the Christmas markets a miss and just look for somewhere nice to go for the weekend, its the weekend between our birthdays and we will have no children so really want somewhere to go out get food and drink lots and be irresponsible adults for a few nights

Ooo I’ve just thought of another one - Tallinn. Flights are so cheap there and it’s A lovely city. The Christmas Market is very highly rated. I went in summer so no CM but it’s a really great place to visit.

The Manchester Christmas Market sounds like the Birmingham German Christmas Market. It's awful - half a dozen different stalls: sausage, donuts, Christmas bauble, tin toys, plus a few others repeated ad infinitum along New Street. Everything is overpriced.

DH and I went to Worcester Christmas Market and it was so crowded it was difficult to stop and look at anything. The cafes and restaurants were packed out so getting a table was near impossible.

I remember York Christmas Market from 25 years ago. Going there when we lived in West Yorkshire was a Christmas treat; it used to be lovely. I think it's changed a lot since then, although that's only what I've read, not personal experience.

Edinburgh Christmas market is truly awful, particularly at weekends when it's packed and folk queue to get in.

They have a really nice one at Chatsworth in November. Loads of good stalls. Not just the usual Christmas tatt you get at a lot of markets but stuff you might really want to buy. I often do quite a bit of my Christmas shopping there.

You have to book your parking in advance, though if you are going round the house as well it is included in the price. But this means it does not get hideously crowded. Busy enough for a buzz but still pleasant.

We go every year. You should be able to find somewhere in the area within your budget. In fact I know a lovely AirBnB not far away for less than £50

Another vote for Chatsworth. Stay in the Peaks for good pubs and good walks and do a day at Chatsworth for the decorations and the market.

The Birmingham Christmas Market is ridiculously crowded. There is a one way system in place - up up street and down another and no backtracking. It's vile!

I agree Talinn is beautiful. We went first a few days and one day we went to the folk museum, it's like St Fagans in Cardiff. The guy operating the forge gave us some home made smoked vodka and Santa gave chocolate to the children

Durham is lovely

Birmingham was good for a uk one. If you can stretch to Europe then I’d recommend Aachen in Germany.

Munich? BA flights midweek in December are about £120 return, and you’ll easily find a hotel for under £200 for 2 people for 2 nights (as long as you don’t mind being slightly out of town - the tube is very efficient).

The christmas market is gorgeous! There are also art galleries/museums, the cathedral, and just wandering about.

I agree that every market is the same. So perhaps somewhere you’d like to visit that will feel Christmassy and has a nice look and feel. Bath would get my vote.

Winchester has a good reputation but I can't comment as when we went last year, for Longleat and Winchester Christmas market both closed due to the big storm that arrived that weekend. To be honest it's put me off booking anything that time of year again as we just seem to be getting more and more extreme weather.

The Leeds and Durham stand out as the budget-friendly options for Christmas market weekends north of Manchester. Both of them has nice little festive markets, an inviting ambiance, and are often cheaper than York or Edinburgh.

For booking accommodation under £200 for two nights in advance; Premier Inn, Travelodge, or local B&Bs are always good options.

The Leeds German Christmas Market is well-known for its food, drinks, and festive stalls. Durham has a small-market charm to it alongside some beautiful historic scenery.

A Cheaper travel options may be found through Trainline or Split My Fare!