Discover One of the magical Christmas markets across the UK with Bookingabus

What better way to get into the festive season than by visiting one of the Christmas markets? With hundreds of stalls filled with Christmas gems, mulled wine, live carols, twinkling lights and sparkling tinsel what more can we ask for? The perfect place to find those special Christmas gifts for the loved ones or to just spend an evening wandering around and enjoying the Christmas bliss. Wherever you are in the UK, there's a Christmas market for you. Here at Bookingabus we can take of organizing your transport to and from the Christmas market no matter where you are or how big your group is.

Have a look at our list below, whether you’re looking for some fun Christmas shopping, or a city break, we have shortlisted the best markets that the UK has to offer to help you decide which one to visit.

1. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London

With more than 200 of stalls, more than 100 fairground rides, an ice sculpture exhibition, an ice-skating ring and even Santa himself, this Christmas wonderland is truly one of the best across the UK. With so many activities and attractions to choose from there is something for everybody. After you have seen all there is to see and finished your Christmas shopping you can cosy-up in Thor’s Tipi bar, enjoy some winter foods and some mulled wine. Opening its doors on the 22nd of November, the marke will be open every day from 10 am to 10 pm.

2. Manchester Christmas markets

Manchester’s award-winning Christmas Markets, return this year offering delicious international food, drinks and an array of beautiful gifts in the heart of this vibrant city. With various locations around the city, the doors open on the 9th of November all the way to the 22nd of December. Here is a list of all the Christmas markets locations in Manchester but keep in mind that they are all linked together, and you could easily follow the route and visit them all:

1. Christmas Market - Cathedral Gardens

2. Christmas Market - Market Street

3. Christmas Market - Exchange Square

4. Christmas Market - Corn Exchange

5. Arts and Crafts Market - Exchange Street

6. Christmas Market - New Cathedral Street

7. French Christmas Market - King Street

8. German Christmas Market - St Ann's Square

9. World Christmas Market - Brazennose Street

3. Castle Howard Christmas Market, Leeds

Boasting a magical setting and overlooking the 12th-century Leeds Castle in Kent, here you can discover a splendid array of gifts, toys, decorations, festive food and drinks. Visitors can enjoy fairground rides on the Victorian carousel or take a trip on the big wheel for a breathtaking view of the Castle. If you want to truly get in the Christmas spirit, you can meet Rudolf and his friends. Days open: 24th and 25th of November, 1st and 2nd of December, 8th and 9th of December, 15th and 16th of December.

4. Southbank Winter Market, London

Set beneath the London Eye, along the banks of the Thames, with impressive views of Big Ben and the House of Parliament this market is more on the cosy side but does feature a cocktails and cheese- themed bar so we had to add it to our list. The best about this market is its festive family shows and performances, perfect to cheer up any Grinch in your group. The market opens its doors on the 9th of November and runs until the 27th of December.

5. German Christmas Market, Birmingham

Welcome to the largest German market outside of Germany or Austria. Pretzels, schnitzels, bratwursts, and roasted almonds will surely tempt you, and can then be washed down with gluhwein, weissbeer (wheat beer), or tasty hot chocolate. A great place to meet up with family and friends and enjoy some Chrismas live music programme but also where to find some unique presents for your family and friends with everything from hand carved wooden decorations and hand-crafted leatherwork, toys, jewellery and much more. Open daily from November 15th to December 23rd.

6. Bath Christmas Market

With over 160 sparkling chalets spread out across Bath’s charming Georgian streets, this is the perfect place for a day of Christmas fun. This year’s Market will take place from Thursday 22nd November—Sunday 9th December and is going green, so make sure to buy yourself some decorations made using recycled plastic bags. Throughout the Market, you’ll find tasty food to please any craving; enjoy a delicious burger or hog roast, caramelised nuts and aromatic mulled wine to keep you snug while you wander around this magical market.

7. Christmas Market - East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh

This traditional and dreamy Christmas Market in the heart of the City of Edinburgh is returning and offers a unique shopping experience for every visitor with its fair of crafters, artists, gift shops and gastronomic surprises. Please note that the markets are open from 10am - 10pm from the 17th of November to the 5th of January.

8. Lincoln Christmas Market

In 1982 the city established an annual Christmas market in early December and has remained on of the most extensive such markets in the United Kingdom. It has developed dramatically since its inception when it showed off just 11 stalls. Visitors will now be able to search for their perfect Christmas gift amongst more than 300 stalls. The event attracts more than 100,000 visitors over its four days and its setting in the medieval square between the impressive Norman castle and magnificent gothic cathedral is the perfect backdrop for the occasion. This year the market will be held between Thursday the 6th December to Sunday the 9th December 2018.

9. Gloucester Quays Victorian Market

If you believe all Christmas markets are all the same, you haven’t been to the Victorian Market in Gloucester. Take a trip back in time at this get in the Christmas spirit while enjoying a delicious variety of cheese, chutneys and oils that can all be sampled. Characters in traditional dress, live blacksmith demonstrations and a retro carousel and helter-skelter will make this a truly traditional Christmas experience. The little ones can visit Santa in his cabin and then have some fun on the ice ring why the grownups warm up with some mulled wine.

10. Nottingham’s Festive Market

This year the market has expanded and is welcoming new traders to the city. With 70 stalls in total, here you will be able to buy locally produced food and to also support regional businesses and designers who try to create something special for this occasion. The perfect destination if you are looking for a more laid-back Christmas experience but still want to enjoy everything a Christmas market has to offer. This market opens its doors Thursday 15th November to Monday 24th December.

Book your bus today

Contact us today at info@bookingabus.com or on 01483 319133 and let us take you to any of the Chrismas markets. We have hundreds of partners across the UK so we can get you anywhere you would like to go, no matter how big or small your group is. You enjoy the mulled wine while we take care of the driving.