Christmas Markets: Our Festive Five

The Loft

Sleigh bells will soon be ringing!

Christmas is fast approaching but don’t panic, you can find the perfect gifts for friends and family, enjoy the beautiful lights, mulled wine, festive treats and exciting atmosphere at one of the UK’s Christmas Markets. We’ve selected just a few with great nearby accommodation to turn your shopping trip into a yuletide getaway this festive season.

Elmbank Hotel

Visit the St Nicholas Fair in York this holiday season for the event’s 30th anniversary. Streets lined with alpine chalets, filled with artisan and local traders offer a unique and enjoyable shopping experience. The Fair runs from the 18th of November through to the 23rd of December, giving you ample opportunity to find a date that suits you.

Apart from the St Nicholas Fair, the city also has a range of family-friendly activities and events, including Santa Sightings and pantomimes.

If you’re wanting to experience what York has to offer and extend your stay, the Elmbank hotel is located just minutes from the city centre. This 19th Century hotel is beautifully decorated with stained-glass, murals and Art Nouveau collections.

Flickr: Matt Cornock

Charlecote Pheasant Hotel

Set in the iconic birthplace of William Shakespeare, the Victorian Christmas Market in Stratford-upon-Avon takes place over four days, from Thursday 8th to Sunday the 11th of December.

With stallholders in Victorian outfits, stage entertainment and a traditional funfair, you can immerse yourself in the period atmosphere. Their 2021 event boasted over 300 stalls and was so successful that it was awarded the Best Large Specialty Market for that year.

A hotel with as much charm as the town, the Charleocote Pheasant Hotel is the ideal place to stay while you visit Stratford-upon-Avon’s Victorian Christmas Market, with each guest room designed to match the character of the property.

Flickr: Donald Judge

Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington

Of course we had to include Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, London, one of the most well-known Christmas Markets in the country. With humble beginnings as an open-air Christmas Market, Winter Wonderland has evolved over the years into a festive extravaganza with plenty of activities, food and stalls. It makes a great winter day out for families with fairground rides, the largest outdoor ice-rink in the UK, a magical ice kingdom and fun house.

Within walking distance of Hyde Park, the Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington is perfect. Their family rooms feature a twin room, interconnected to a double, each with its own bathroom and providing plenty of space. Besides family rooms, the hotel offers a range of room types to suite all budgets and requirements, each room features Hypnos comfort beds, city views, Wifi and tea and coffee making facilities.

Flickr: Ben Sutherland

Flickr: Herry Lawford

Running Horse Inn

Attracting visitors from around the world, the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is one of the best in Europe.

Opening on the 18th of November until the 22nd December with traditional German Christmas market inspired wooden chalets, filled with high-quality exhibitors. Combine the twinkling lights, festive aromas of mulled wine and cinnamon, the stalls and the historic setting of the Cathedral and you’re guaranteed an enchanting Christmas Market experience.

For your visit to Winchester, stay at The Running Horse Inn, a beautifully restored and renovated village pub, offering a cosy atmosphere, delicious food and a comfortable night’s sleep. Really step into the Christmas spirit and enjoy their indulgent three-course festive menu with your loved ones at their on-site restaurant.

The Beverley By Innkeepers Collection

The well-established Cardiff Christmas Market will be returning from the 10th November to the 23rd of December, supporting local artists and crafts people.

Here they can showcase their talents with ‘in-action’ demonstrations. There’s also a selection of independent food and drink producers offering new, exciting and delicious treats and snacks.

In the heart of Cardiff, The Beverly by Innkeepers Collection makes a fantastic base for exploring all that Cardiff has to offer. With high-quality furnishings, sophisticated colour palettes, and a stylish design, you’re sure to enjoy a memorable stay here. The on-site bar and restaurant offers great pub food and a wide selection of spirits, soft drinks and wine.