12 of the Best Christmas Markets in the UK
December is here, which can only mean one thing: it’s perfectly fine for an overweight man dressed in red to descend your chimney in the middle of the night. There’s absolutely no need to call the police. And that’s because the holidays are upon us!
As it’s the season to be jolly, everyone at mashroom is in a festive mood. Spectacular Christmas trees, presents, baubles and sleighs have us pining for the big day when we’ll all be wearing appropriate Xmas cracker party hats.
But do you know what really excites us about the holidays? The Christmas markets. From mulled wine to Xmas ornaments, Christmas markets embody the twinkling festive atmosphere like no other. That’s why we’re bringing you the 12 best Christmas markets, in homage to the 12 days of Christmas.
Enjoy
1) Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London
A section of London’s most famous park is transformed into a festive paradise during December. Santa would be proud of the world’s tallest transportable observation wheel, the magical ice kingdom, and the UK’s largest open-air ice rink. Whether you’re looking for a party atmosphere or want to browse Christmas delights, Winter Wonderland has something for people of all ages.
When: 21st November 2019 to 5th January 2020
Average London monthly rent
One-bedroom home: £2,190
Two-bedroom home: £3,220
2) Oxford
Oxford’s historic Broad Street plays host to the annual Christmas Market, where the city of dreaming spires becomes a magical wonderland of its own. There will be choirs singing Christmas carols, market stalls selling everything Christmassy, and so much mulled wine that you’ll be able to smell it in the air.
When: 5th to 21st December
Average Oxford monthly rent
One-bedroom home: £1,385
Two-bedroom home: £1,640
3) Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market, Winchester
If you’re looking for a touch of German inspiration when it comes to Xmas markets, then look no further than the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market. Located in Winchester Cathedral’s Inner Close, traders bring the festive cheer with mulled wine, delicate glass works and painted textiles. A visit here will get you in the mood for Christmas in no time.
When: 21st November to 22nd December
Average Winchester monthly rent:
One-bedroom home: £850
Two-bedroom home: £1,125
4) Manchester Christmas Market, Manchester
Since its inception in 1999, the Manchester Christmas Market has gone from strength to strength. It’s officially the longest-serving UK Christmas market and attracts nine million visitors each year. Browse the 300 stalls, enjoying international Xmas food and drink, and find the perfect yuletide gift for family and friends.
When: 9th November – 22nd December
Average Manchester monthly rent
One-bedroom home: £775
Two-bedroom home: 940
5) Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham
The Germans really do know how to do Xmas, so much so that Birmingham has joined Winchester in paying homage to the excellent Xmas markets you find in Deutschland. Victoria Square is the location for the largest German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria. 80 stalls will get you in the festive spirit, not to mention traditional German food and drink such as schnitzels, bratwursts, gluhwein and weissbier.
When: 7th Nov – 23rd December
Average Birmingham monthly rent:
One-bedroom home: £670
Two-bedroom home: £875
6) The Leeds Christkindelmarkt, Leeds
Did someone say more German Christmas markets, please? Well, you’re in luck – the Leeds Christkindelmarkt market, situated on Millennium Square, transforms into an idyllic winter village where you can enjoy wood chalet stalls, a traditional carousel, cosy indoor areas, and a daily programme of entertainment.
When: Nov 8th to 21st December
Average Leeds monthly rent
One-bedroom home: £625
Two-bedroom home: £800
7) George Square Christmas Market, Glasgow
The George Square Christmas market in Glasgow takes its inspiration from around the globe, as far and wide as Kenya and Ecuador. Find authentic stocking fillers with an international flavour amongst the 50 stalls, and expect to see painted Russian dolls, woollen jumpers straight from Lapland and Italian nougat as you wander this winter extravaganza.
When: 9th to 31st December
Average Glasgow monthly rent
One-bedroom home: £620
Two-bedroom home: £775
8) East Princes Street Garden Christmas Market, Edinburgh
The Scottish city of Edinburgh is world-renowned for its exceptional Christmas festivities, and this year is no different. The celebrations illuminate the city with cheer, Scottish Christmas style. That means festive Irn Bru, vegan pigs in blankets, and a Santa Land – which has fun rides. Make sure to head to Santa’s Grotto and give him your pressie list for the year.
When: November 16th 2019 – 4th January 2020
Average Edinburgh monthly rent
One-bedroom home: £1,130
Two-bedroom home: £1,340
9) Bath’s World Heritage Site Christmas Market, Bath
Often voted as one of the most popular UK events, the Bath Christmas market is 18 days on fun-filled winter bliss. There are more than 170 wooden chalets with all sorts of Xmassy treats that include jewellery, homeware and decorations. 99% of all products are handmade and created by local British Businesses. Santa might just enjoy a cup of tea and some Xmas fish and chips at Bath’s Christmas market.
When: 28th November – 15th December
Average Bath monthly rent:
One-bedroom apartment: £835
Two-bedroom apartment: £1,260
10) Nottingham Winter Wonderland, Nottingham
The largest Christmas market in the East Midlands features fun Xmas rides, bars and shopping spots. Browse the 70 traditional, Bavarian-style stalls before stopping to sample homemade artisan cheeses, chocolates and chutneys (not necessarily in that order). There are plenty of Christmas treats to discover, including more stalls that sell jewellery, local stews, plants, Eco-art and Lego art.
When: 15th November to 31st December
Average Nottingham monthly rent
One-bedroom home: £650
Two-bedroom home: £860
11) Southbank Winter Festival, London
Winter Wonderland isn’t the only Xmas gig in London – Southbank plays host to a creative winter festival of its own. The banks of the River Thames act as the perfect Xmas backdrop to family shows and festive fun. Explore wooden cabins that sell everything from Christmas gifts to spiced cider and huge mugs of mulled wine.
When: 8th November 2019 – 5th January 2020
Average London monthly rent
One-bedroom home: £2,190
Two-bedroom home: £3,220
12) The Cardiff Christmas Market, Cardiff
Lastly, we’re heading over to Wales, where they certainly know how to get their Xmas on. The Cardiff Christmas Market is well known for its handmade gifts, which makes it the perfect place to pick up last-minute presents to load onto Santa’s sleigh. It’s located in the middle of the city’s main shopping area, so you can continue your gift shopping at the local stores once you’ve finished at the market.
When: 14th November to 23rd December
Average Cardiff monthly rent:
One-bedroom home: £660
Two-bedroom home: £810
12 days of Christmas
So, there you have it: our pick of the 12 best Christmas markets in the UK, along with average rental prices – just in case you love the markets so much [that] you want to find your next home.
We hope you get the chance to explore one or two of these markets. And, from everyone at mashroom, we wish you the happiest of happy holidays and an awesome new year!
