20 must-visit Christmas markets

One of the great things about owning a motorhome is that it enables you to get out and about in comfort, even in the colder months. And there’s no better place to explore in winter than the bustling Christmas markets.

Taking place up and down the country, these markets allow you to soak up the festive atmosphere, sample some Christmas delicacies and pick up a few presents along the way.

Driving in winter obviously comes with its own challenges – rain, fog, ice and snow – but that’s no reason to stay indoors!

Just make sure you’re protected with motorhome insurance before you set off and you can enjoy your festive foray into this year’s Christmas markets, worry free!

We’ve rounded up some of the best Christmas markets happening around the UK this year to get you into the festive spirit.

 

Which one will you visit?

 

1. Bath Christmas Market

28^th November – 15^th December 2019

Arguably the most magical of all UK Christmas markets, the historic Roman city of Bath is the perfect place to park up and experience everything this wonderful season has to offer.

The Christmas market is held in the shadow of the grand Abbey, where around 150 chalets will fill the Georgian streets offering a vast selection of handmade jewellery, decorations, homewares, festive food and much, much more.

If you want to make a full weekend of it, pay a visit to the Bath on Ice Christmas ice rink, Glow in the Dark mini golf and sing carols at the Abbey, too.

2. Bristol Christmas Market

8^th November – 23^rd December 2019

Over 50 stalls, live music and even a visit from Santa – head to Broadmead in the city centre to see all the action.

 

3. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market

7^th November – 23^rd December 2019

This is the time of year when Birmingham’s Victoria Square gets transformed into the biggest German Christmas market this side of Austria!

Listen to live music on the bandstand while you wander around the 80 or so stalls, picking up personalized gifts and munching on bratwursts and schnitzels.

 

4. Harrogate Christmas Market

14^th November – 17^th November 2019

Stroll down to The Stray in the Montpellier Quarter to discover over 200 stalls selling high-quality, locally sourced gifts.

 

5. Oxford Christmas Market

5^th December – 21^st December 2019

Shop among the spires and head down to Broad Street to find fabulous gifts of the season.

6. York’s St Nicholas Fayre

14^th November – 22^nd December 2019

Wander amongst the wooden chalets and find homewares, crafts and locally sourced food in abundance.

 

7. Salisbury Christmas Fayre

30^th November – 24^th December 2019

Hit the cobbles in Guildhall Square and discover around 75 chalets packed with perfect pressies, as you listen to the live music and street performances.

 

8. Bournemouth Christmas Market

15^th November – 1^st January 2020

Sip mulled wine in the two-storey Alpine Bar, hunt for presents in the market and then experience the Christmas Tree Wonderland trail with over 100 twinkling trees and illuminations.

 

9. London Winter Wonderland

21^st November – 5^th January 2020

Hyde Park is transformed into a fabulous festive fairground – don’t miss Santa Land if you’re bringing the little ones along for the ride!

10. Leeds Christkindelmarkt

8^th November – 21^st December 2019

A real treat for fans of the traditional German-style Christmas markets, held in Millennium Square, with a daily programme of events.

11. Manchester Christmas Markets

8^th November – 22^st December 2019

With over 300 stalls spreading across the city, there’s so much to explore in Manchester this festive season.

Head to Albert Square to start your day where you have the choice of a French market, German market, a World market and an Arts & Crafts market – and that’s just for starters!

 

12. Portsmouth’s Victorian Christmas Festival

29^th November – 1 December 2019

The Portsmouth Historic Dockyard provides the backdrop to 120 stalls and some live Victorian street performers.

 

13. Winchester Christmas Market

21^st November – 22^nd December 2019

Marvel at the stunning Cathedral as you explore over 100 chalets stuffed with unique gifts before heading for the skating rink.

Don’t miss the Ginchester Christmas Market here, too, on 7^th December selling a selection of local gin, whisky and rum. Perfect stocking fillers!

14. Southbank Winter Festival

8^th November – 5^th January 2019

If you’re heading to the capital for Christmas, make sure you stop off at the banks of the River Thames for the popular winter market.

Grab a mug of hot chocolate and peruse the Christmas gifts on offer before exploring the host of other activities at the Southbank Centre throughout the season.

 

15. Winter Wonderland Nottingham

15^th November – 31^st December 2019

Get your skates on at Winter Wonderland Nottingham!

Apart from the ice rink, there’s also a toboggan slide and a rooftop bar where you can relax after a hard day’s Christmas shopping.

 

16. Blenheim Palace Christmas Market

22^nd November to 15^th Decemberm 2019

If you’ve never experienced Blenheim at Christmas, now is the time to go.

The market features a great mix of ceramics, textiles and toys while the illuminated light trail in the grounds of the palace is a definite must-see.

 

17. Glasgow St Enoch Square Christmas Market

9^th November – 23^rd December 2019

Stop off at St Enoch Square Christmas market for some yummy street food, gorgeous gifts and fairground rides.

18. Cardiff Christmas Markets

14^th November – 23^rd December 2019

Stretching down St John Street, Working Street, Hills Street, Trinity Street and the Hayes, there is lots to explore in Cardiff’s Christmas markets – from jewellery and leatherwork to glass and more.

 

19. Belfast Christmas Market

16^th November – 22^nd December 2019

Discover the delights of this continental Christmas market held in Belfast City Hall.

 

20. Edinburgh Christmas Market

16^th November – 4^th January 2020

Find local and bespoke gifts aplenty in East Princes Street Gardens.

 

Protect your motorhome this winter

No matter which Christmas market you explore this winter, make sure you’re protected while you’re out on the road with specialist motorhome insurance.

Motorhome Protect can help you find the right level of cover for you and your budget, protecting both your mobile home and the contents inside.

Benefits of motorhome insurance with us include:

• Unlimited mileage cover
• Cover for camping effects up to £3,000

Get a quote today