UK’s Best Christmas Markets

*Featured image credit: Bikeworldtravel / Shutterstock.com

With twinkly lights, holiday music, traditional Christmas foods and a hot mug of mulled wine, there is nothing quite like a Christmas market to get you in the festive mood. When it comes to the UK, there are so many different Christmas markets to choose from, as most major towns and cities each host their own, making it easy to stock up on unique gifts for all of your loved ones. No matter where you are in the country, you can be sure that there’s a festive market near you, so read on for OROGOLD’s list of the UK’s best Christmas markets.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London
Now that Winter Wonderland has popped up in London’s Hyde Park once again, Christmas has officially arrived in the city. Winter Wonderland just keeps getting bigger and better each year, and this year is no exception. From a beautiful ice rink that circles the Victorian bandstand to a huge Christmas market to both gentle and exhilarating fairground rides to an observation wheel that takes you 60 meters above London, giving you fantastic views of the city’s skyline. There are also two different circus tents, as well as a Magical Ice Kingdom. Of course, OROGOLD can’t forget to mention the food – from hot crepes to traditional German festive fare, the enticing smells make the night even better. Winter Wonderland is free to enter, with each of the rides priced separately.

Frankfurt Christmas Market and Craft Market, Birmingham
With over 180 different stalls, the Birmingham Christmas Market claims to be the largest one in the UK, and it is most certainly an impressive sight when you first see it. The city is transformed into a traditional German Christmas market, with plenty of German food to match. A visit to this market would not be complete without a bratwurst and a pretzel, as well a mug of mulled wine or hot chocolate to keep you warm. The Christmas Craft Market is a great place to find unique gifts, from wood carvings to organic cosmetics to musical instruments to ethnic handicrafts.

Edinburgh’s Christmas 2015, Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh’s Christmas takes over this historical city each year for six weeks, bringing festive entertainment to the heart of Edinburgh. In addition to the ice skating, rides, Big Wheel, Star Flyer and different shows, Edinburgh also hosts three different Christmas markets. The first is the European Christmas Market, which has been held here for the past twenty years. The second is the Scottish Market, which showcases the finest food, drink and crafts that Scotland has to offer. Finally, the kids will be enthralled by the Children’s Market, which is situated in Santa Land and features a variety of child-friendly experiences, as well as more stalls that the adults can browse.

Almost all major UK cities host their own Christmas market, so you can be sure that you will never be too far away from one. While they may not be as extravagant as the ones that OROGOLD has mentioned, you will still no doubt be able to find one-of-a-kind gifts and delicious foods, while supporting local businesses at the same time.