Biggest Christmas Markets in the UK

Biggest Christmas Markets in the UK – Christmas is almost upon us and with it comes the excitement of exploring the town centres that are decked out in lights, huddling under blankets to watch carol performances and perusing the endless array of Christmas gift ideas. The festive season brings out the best in everyone, and this is especially true for the nation’s towns and cities. Towns across the country prepare themselves for a massive influx of people from all walks of life. While some places may struggle with overcrowding, others experience a spurt of activity as locals and visitors alike come together to celebrate. Here we take a look at some of the biggest Christmas markets in the UK:

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast is renowned for its Northern Ireland traditions, and Christmas is no exception. The capital of Northern Ireland is a great place to celebrate the festive season. The large city is home to several traditional and themed Christmas markets.  There are also many other things to do if you’re in a big group such as Private Group Dining in Ireland, with Square Meal IE you can find somewhere to host you and your loved ones privately and really impress them. Perfect in the Christmas season for parties and celebrations!

London, UK

With its iconic Christmas markets, vibrant city life and a host of other attractions, London is one of the most popular destinations in the UK for Christmas. It’s one of the top three most visited cities in the world. You’ll find a host of traditional markets, although most of the action is centred around the London Bridge area. And don’t forget to check out the capital’s other Christmas markets, such as Borough Market and Camden Market. At Christmas, central London doesn’t just turn into a sea of red Christmas lights. People rejoice in the spirit of the season and decorate their homes and the city with tinsel, mistletoe, Christmas trees and Santa hats. Christmas in London is an experience not to be missed.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is a beautiful city during the summer and autumn months, but it shines like a beacon at Christmastime. The Scottish capital is home to a host of traditional Christmas markets, as well as many newer additions. Several of the city’s most popular markets are centred on Princes Street, the shopping area that runs parallel to it and Leith docks, which is surrounded by the city’s port. There are also several themed markets, such as the Edinburgh International Christmas Market, which has been described as ‘the Edinburgh version of the Alton Towers Christmas tree. You’ll also find a traditional market at the Edinburgh Eastern Market.

Oxford Christmas Market

The city of dreaming spires is one of the most stunning places in the country to celebrate Christmas. Oxford’s Christmas market is a traditional event, with an array of stalls lining the High Street and the Corn market. The main event, however, takes place on the corner of St Aldate’s and St Giles’, where the Oxford Christmas lights switch on. The lights are a famous part of Christmas in Oxford. They form a huge display and can be seen for miles around, as well as lighting up the city for the festive season. The lights are free to view, making Oxford a great choice for families who want to visit a traditional, yet modern, Christmas event.

Birmingham

The Christmas spirit is alive and well in the UK’s third-largest city. Birmingham’s Christmas is a multicultural affair, with a mix of the city’s rich history and vibrant present-day lifestyle. The city’s most popular market is the Birmingham New Year’s Fair. This is a traditional market that originated in the city’s centre, with the New Year’s Fair being added to the mix relatively recently. The market, which is located in the city’s Swanscombe district, features a mix of stalls selling crafts, food and clothes.

Manchester

Manchester, with its incredible history, vibrant nightlife and cool modern vibe, is a great place to spend Christmas. You’ll find a festive atmosphere in most of the city’s popular areas, although the city’s bohemian heartland is one of the best spots to soak up the festive spirit. The Manchester Christmas Market is the largest in the city, and it is an exceptionally popular event. Like Oxford’s lights, it is free to visit, making it the perfect city break if you are on a tight budget. You’ll also find that Manchester’s Christmas is home to a great mix of traditional and modern Christmas traditions, making it one of the most multicultural events in the UK.

Conclusion

The festive season is a time to spend time with loved ones, give and receive presents and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. This is a time when many people choose to travel, either on their own or with family, to visit towns and cities that are decked out in lights, huddling under blankets to watch carol performances and peruse the endless array of Christmas gift ideas. The festive season brings out the best in everyone and this is especially true for the nation’s towns and cities. Towns across the country prepare themselves for a massive influx of people from all walks of life. While some places may struggle with overcrowding, others experience a spurt of activity as locals and visitors alike come together to celebrate.