The Best Christmas Markets of 2024

The big day isn't far away now!  People are thinking about decorations, christmas shopping sprees have already begun and advent calendars have been on the shelves for weeks!

But one of the things that really gets the festive spirit flowing is when the Christmas markets open. Friends and family decend on their local towns and cities to soak up the atmosphere, celebrate with drinks, indulge in nice food, and perhaps buy a gift or two from one of the unique market stalls that you only see at this time of year!

With Caledonian Travel, you can visit some of the best Christmas markets around as part of a festive break. Here we look at some of the best Christmas markets in the UK and Europe, each offering its own Christmas magic and offering the perfect way to kick off the holiday season...

Edinburgh Lights Up for Christmas

Edinburgh at Christmas time is hard to beat. Scotland’s capital is alive with festive cheer, making it an ideal spot to get into the holiday spirit. Here’s what’s happening around the city:

• The Castle of Light - Edinburgh Castle puts on a brilliant light show, a favourite for visitors of all ages.
• East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market - Over 70 stalls, filled with festive treats and gifts, are ready to explore in the city centre.
• The Big Wheel - Get a view across the city from Scotland’s largest Ferris wheel, standing 46 metres high.
• St Andrew Square Winter Garden - Santa and his elves are back, adding a bit of magic for younger visitors.
• George Street Ice Rink - No Christmas in Edinburgh is complete without a spin on the ice!

It’s the perfect setting to grab a warm drink, wander through the stalls, and feel the holiday season begin. Edinburgh at Christmas really is a special place to be.

Manchester’s Big Christmas Buzz

One of England's most famous and popular Christmas markets, Manchester’s festive delights cover nine spots around the city.

You'll find all the action in the main hub at Piccadilly’s Winter Gardens. Delicious food, incredible atmosphere, all the cheeses, the gifts, and plenty of German style bars in which to enjoy a mulled wine or two.

Take a walk further around the city, to enjoy even more - such as...

• Market Street - Pick up unique gifts and local crafts to kick off your holiday shopping.
• Cathedral Gardens - A family favourite, with an ice rink covered for all-weather skating.
• St Ann’s Square and King Street - Handmade jewellery, crafts, and other special finds.

Running from 8th November to 22nd December, there are plenty of chances to take in Manchester’s festive atmosphere this year.

York’s Classic Christmas Charm

York’s Christmas Market adds a cosy, festive feel to this historic medieval city. Wander along Parliament Street and St. Sampson’s Square, where around 75 alpine-style chalets are set up with everything from gifts to holiday treats.

People return year after year to the York Christmas Market, where they enjoy:

• Local crafts - Handmade items by independent makers offer something unique.
• Artisan products - Great for finding a special gift or two.
• Seasonal treats - Mince pies, mulled wine, and more to warm you up as you browse.

It's got plenty of charm, and a relaxed Yorkshire vibe. York’s Christmas Market is a perfect way to welcome in the festive season.

Birmingham’s Festive Favourite

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market, one of the biggest outside of Germany, is a must-see. A fantastic market, spread across Victoria Square, New Street, and Centenary Square, it has over 180 stalls with a mix of gifts and festive food.

Being in the Midlands, people flock from all over the UK to sample what the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market has to offer.  You can enjoy...

• Handmade gifts and jewellery - Thoughtful presents for everyone on your list.
• Traditional wooden toys - Reminiscent of classic Christmas films.
• German food and drink - Enjoy bratwursts, gluhwein, and more festive flavours.

Awash with Christmas lights and the smell of warm treats, Birmingham’s market is a must-visit and packed with Christmas cheer.

Bruges’ Festive Glow

It has to be seen to be believed, but Bruges truly goes all out for the holidays, with its Winter Glow lighting up the historic city.

With lights, holograms, special effects as well as wooden stalls and a lovely atmosphere, the 15th-century Belfry and historic buildings.

• Market Square - A great spot for holiday shopping, with gifts, crafts, and Belgian treats.
• Simon Stevinplein - Just a short walk from the main square, with more stalls and family-friendly games.
• Minnewater Ice Rink - Take to the ice on a floating rink, a highlight of Bruges’ festive season.

Bruges’ festive setting is like something out of a storybook. It's more than just a festive getaway, it's a perfect, magical holiday escape.

Join Caledonian Travel for a Christmas market break this season! With travel and accommodation taken care of, you’re free to enjoy the best of the holidays. Book now and make this Christmas one to remember.