The Best Christmas Markets to Visit this Year

Wrap Your Hands Around A Mug of Spiced Cider and Enjoy These Delightful Festive Spots

While all eyes might be on Germany’s hottest Christmas markets, it’s the UK’s traditional festive wonderlands that are worth making a fuss about. They might not get the white Christmas everyone is dreaming of, but visit any market this year and you’ll be filled with all things merry and bright. Layer cosy sweaters and scarves and enjoy the magic. These are the best Christmas markets to visit this year.

 

Edinburgh Christmas Market

It’s the season to sparkle, so why not plan a family trip to Scotland and visit Edinburgh’s famous Christmas market for some festive cheer? You can expect to feel merry and bright here with an ice skating rink, nativity carol concert, a brilliantly fun silent light disco, Christmas tree maze, bumper cars and a balloon ride that is so good you won’t want it to end. The spectacular six-week festive market will have every visitor feeling the magic of the season. From kids to the grandparents, everyone will love it here.

For more information visit their website here. 

Bath Christmas Market

Discover the magic of Bath this season by taking a trip to their award-winning Christmas market. With over 180 twinkling chalets, glistening lights and local craftsmen showcasing gifts, this is one of the best Christmas markets to visit. Grab a good burger on your way round, or refuel with piping hot chocolate. Turn any corner and you will find another food pop-up for you to try (you certainly won’t leave hungry that’s for sure). We’ll be getting our hands on the Churros and Chocolate Company’s delicious chocolate-covered treats, well because, it is Christmas after all.

For more information visit their website here. 

Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park

Have yourself a merry little Christmas by visiting London’s show-stopper festive extravaganza — the city’s most popular place for guaranteed festive cheer. With the UK’s largest ice rink, The Snowman experience show, ice sculpting workshops, circus shows, an ice bar, and much more added for this year, there really is no reason not to pay a visit. Whether you are in the mood to slip into your skating shoes, or you would prefer to watch the crowds over a mug of hot spiced cider, every day here truly is merry and bright.

For more information visit their website here. 

Leeds Castle Festive Market and Christmas decorations in the Castle. Picture by: www.matthewwalkerphotography.com

Christkindlemarkt, Leeds

Bratwurst! Glühwein! Stollen! German Christmas markets are by far the best in the world, so it’s no wonder Leeds will open its doors again this year for a traditional festive wonderland. Here, you can expect a Bavarian-style eatery (grilled sausages so good that you have to try them to believe), as well as 40 wooden chalets selling homemade decorations, authentic German delicacies, jewelry and toys. For kids, book in for breakfast with Santa at the Alp Chalet, running every Saturday and Sunday morning up until Christmas.

For more information visit their website here. 

Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

Idyllic meadows, castles and ridiculously beautiful rolling hills make the Oxfordshire countryside one of the best hideaways for city-dwellers to escape to. This Christmas, head to Blenheim Palace for a festive treat, holiday cheer and otherworldly views you won’t get at any other market. Just an hour and a half from London, it’s the perfect not-too-far-away daytime trip for the whole family. Wooden chalets offer delightful little Christmas goodies for visitors to get their hands on: jewelry stands, ceramics, home items, toys, stationery and wool hats are among the beautiful array of treats.

For more information on tickets, visit their website here.

Phone Box Tree Decoration| Post Box Tree Decoration | Big Ben Tree Decoration

Not able to plan a trip to a European holiday market? Bring a bit of the UK to your own home with our British inspired ornaments and holiday decor from our Holiday Shop. From a traditional phone box to the ever so stunning Big Ben, these are fun and festive additions your tree needs! After decorating the tree, all that’s left is cosying up with a Christmas Pudding Mug full of warm cocoa with your family.

What market would you love to venture to this Christmas? Tweet us or tag us in your Instagram pictures @LauraAshleyUSA to let us know.