As we enter the colder months, thoughts are turning towards upcoming festivities. No doubt some people are already preparing their decorations. Others will be planning days out to experience all that Christmastime has to offer. To help you think ahead and get into the Yuletide spirit, we’ve picked out five of the top Christmas Markets for 2022.
1. Winter Wonderland – Hyde Park, London
18th November – 2nd January
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is perhaps the most well known Christmas market in the UK. It’s free to enter, and there is something to be found for everyone in the family. With over 100 rides and attractions on offer, it is sure to provide great entertainment in the lead up to Christmas. Among the attractions, you’ll find the UK’s largest open air ice rink and tallest transportable observation wheel. It also has plenty of bars and food stalls available for the non-thrill seekers in the family who would prefer to spectate with a mug of hot cocoa. If you’re going this year, be sure to check out Zippos Christmas Circus or view the stunning ice sculptures in the Magical Ice Kingdom.
2. Southbank Winter Festival – Southbank Centre London
3rd November – 8th January
Also in London is the Southbank Winter Festival, so if you don’t fancy Winter Wonderland, this is another great option. This is a highly popular Winter Market with a great range of family friendly shows and seasonal winter fun to be had along the River Thames. You will find unique and quirky items for sale in the sparkly wooden chalets, as well as spiced wine, cider, and baked goods to warm up on a cold winter day.
3. Bath Christmas Market – Abbey Churchyard, Bath
24th November – 11th December
Set in the picturesque Georgian Streets surrounding Bath’s World Heritage Site, this market is perhaps the most romantic and magical of the markets. Bath’s Christmas Market is the perfect place to do a spot of shopping with gorgeous handmade gifts, jewellery, candles and decorations on offer. It is proudly eco-friendly, keeping plastic to a minimum and with many products either locally handmade in Britain or abroad with Fairtrade certification. Be sure to visit the Royal Victoria Park nearby to enjoy their famous ice rink.
4. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Markets – Victoria Square, Birmingham
3rd November – 23rd December
If you’re looking for an authentic German Christmas Market, then Birmingham is the place to be. Birmingham is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria. Think waffles, mulled wine, bratwurst, schnitzels and weissbeer, and you’re there. It’s still early days, so the full programme of events has not yet been announced, but you can expect live music and more decorations than you can buy. This adds to the festive German spirit.
5. York’s St Nicholas Christmas Fair – Parliament Street, York
17th November – 23rd December
York puts on an award-winning festive market with medieval charm. 2022 marks thirty years of the St Nicholas Christmas Fair. There is plenty of festive fun to be had at the fair, including an old fashioned helter-skelter, and delicious wintry treats like roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate. The fair also offers traditional carved wooden decorations for those looking for something a bit special.
These are just five of our top picks, but there will be stunning Christmas Markets all over the country. Be sure to have a look and see if there’s a festive event in your local area. Some may require you to book tickets, and booking now guarantees you won’t miss out. It’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!
