The festive season is upon us, and while we all have our favourite Christmas events, visiting the same ones every year can start to feel a bit repetitive. Why not make this Christmas extra special by exploring some of the UK’s best Christmas markets and festive attractions? This guide highlights our favourite festive markets and attractions that are perfect for a winter road trip.
Best Christmas attractions in the UK
- Manchester Christmas Market
- Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
- York Christmas Market and Christmas Festival
- Winchester Christmas Market
- Glasgow Winterfest
- Christmas at Blenheim Palace
- Christmas at Dunham Massey
- Christmas at Paultons Park
Where are the best Christmas markets in the UK?
The UK is home to some truly magical Christmas markets. With lots on offer, we’ve listed our top five picks to drive to, offering festive cheer, delicious treats, and unique gifts.
Manchester
Manchester’s Christmas Markets are spread across the city centre, with key locations including Market Street, Piccadilly Gardens, St Ann’s Square and more. These markets are a must-visit, offering six weeks of festive fun and shopping. The markets boast over 220 stalls, offering everything from mulled wine to handcrafted gifts.
Opening times: 8th November – 22nd December 2024
Parking: several NCP car parks are available throughout the city centre, and on quieter days street parking might be an option.
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♬ I Can Feel It (Christmas Instrumental) – Nick Sena and Danny Echevarria
Birmingham
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is a must-visit and offers a large range of traditional food and gifts. As the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria, the bratwurst, glühwein, and handmade decorations aren’t to be missed!
Opening times: 1st November – 24th December 2024
Parking: parking is available at Bullring, Mailbox and other city-centre car parks. Details of city centre car parks can be found here.
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York
York’s Christmas Market transforms Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square into a winter wonderland. With 75 alpine chalets lining the streets, the market offers a magical array of local crafts, artisan product, and delicious seasonal treats. Part of the larger York Christmas Festival, it’s a great spot for shopping and enjoying traditional festive fare.
Opening times: 14th November – 22nd December 2024
Parking: there are multiple car parks available throughout the city, details can be found here, as well as a park and ride system making it easy to get into the city centre.
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Winchester
Set against the stunning backdrop of Winchester Cathedral, this Christmas market is one of the most picturesque in the country. It features over 100 chalets selling crafts, food, and festive goods.
Opening times: 22nd November – 22nd December 2024
Parking: the best option for driving to these markets is to use the park and ride system which offers car parks around the outskirts of the city, with drop-off points located 2-3 minutes walk from the Cathedral.
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Glasgow
Glasgow Winterfest is held in George Square and St Enoch Square, promising entertainment and family-friendly fun each year. It features thrilling attractions, shopping stalls and festive lights. It’s famous for raising money for local charities, making it a feel-good destination.
Opening times: 9th November – 6th January 2024
Parking: there are multiple NCP car parks available throughout the city centre.
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What other Christmas events and attractions are worth visiting in the UK?
If markets aren’t your thing, don’t worry – there are lots of other festive attractions to visit across the country. These unique Christmas attractions might be perfect for you.
Christmas at Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire offers an unforgettable festive experience, complete with a magical light trail that winds through the gardens, a skating rink in the Great Court, Christmas markets and Neverland in the Palace. This is a very popular festive attraction so it’s worth prebooking tickets for the event. You can find ticket and event information here.
Opening times: 15th November – 1st January
Parking: parking is available at the event but should be pre-booked through the event website.
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Christmas at Dunham Massey
Located in Greater Manchester, Dunham Massey is famous for its mile-long illuminated trail through its historic gardens. Additional attractions including fairground rides and various food and drink stalls. This festive family event is perfect for making memories with loved ones.
Opening times: 15th November – 1st January
Parking: parking is available at the event. It is free for National Trust members, but charges apply for all other visitors.
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Christmas at Paultons Park
Described as the ‘friendliest, most magical Christmas theme park in the UK’, this family-favourite amusement park in Hampshire becomes a winter wonderland during the festive season. There’s fun for all the family, with attractions including Santa’s Christmas Grotto, live stage shows, amazing rides, Christmas shopping and food stalls.
Opening times: 6th – 23rd December 2024
Parking: Paultons has two large tarmac car parks for guest vehicles onsite.
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Struggling for car space this festive season?
Taking the whole family on a road trip can be tricky if your car is a little cramped. Consider borrowing a larger vehicle to ensure everyone has enough space. Temporary car insurance can make this an option, giving you the flexibility to drive another car even for just the day.
Get temporary car insurance from Dayinsure
For a hassle-free festive adventure, take out temporary car insurance to get you to your chosen event. With cover available from just one hour up to 30 days, there’s flexible options to suit your needs.
Find out more about our temporary car insurance here, and get a quote today to cover you for your upcoming Christmassy road trip.
