The compact medieval city of Bruges, famous for its network of canals, is host to two Christmas markets in picturesque settings offering all the traditional Christmas fare plus local specialities and crafts, as well as a light experience trail and ice skating. The Bruges Christmas markets are open from 22nd November 2024 until 5th January 2025.
One of the biggest Christmas events in the UK, Winter Wonderland in London's Hyde Park offers more than 150 Attractions, including fairground rides, entertainment, activities, food and drink.
York makes a great city break destination at any time of the year, but the period leading up to Christmas really brings the historic city centre to life. The popular York Christmas Market is open from November 14th to December 22nd with more than 75 stalls offering local crafts, artisan products and seasonal delicacies. A vintage carousel and brightly decorated shops all add to the atmosphere.
This year’s spectacular lantern trail is a historical wonderland just waiting to be explored from 9 November 2024 to 5 January 2025. Become a time traveller and capture family memories with kings and queens, a giant 12 metre clock, the spectacular colours of The Arabian Nights or with the impressive House light show in celebration of Longleat opening its doors 75 years ago.
The city's stunning Georgian architecture makes the perfect backdrop to the Bath Christmas Market, open from 28th November to 15th December. More than 160 pop-up chalets mingle with Bath's many independent shops and restaurants, making the city a great late Autumn short break destination.
Inspired by traditional German Christmas markets and held in the grounds of Winchester Cathedral, this Christmas Market is known for its stunning location, quality of exhibitors and a great seasonal atmosphere, aided by the sound of carol-singers and the aroma of mulled wine. 2024 dates are 22nd November to 22nd December, open daily.
Discover a festive atmosphere like no other at Blenheim Palace between 15th November 2024 and 1st January 2025. The historic Palace and Gardens will once again come alive with thousands of twinkling lights, seasonal scents, sparkling baubles and the warmth of the festive season.
From 15th November 2024 to 4th January 2025, Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens are filled with traditional Christmas market stalls, fun fair rides and regular live entertainment, making this a great time to visit Edinburgh and its many attractions.
Easily reached by Eurostar, the Lille Christmas market offers an ideal opportunity to stock up on French specialities, with around 90 stalls offering regional delicacies, local arts and crafts, all dominated by a giant Ferris wheel. The Lille Christmas market is open daily from 20th November to 29th December.
With a wide selection of hotels offering good rates at this time of the year, Manchester makes a great pre-Christmas short break destination, enhanced by a Christmas market celebrating its 26th anniversary with over 200 stalls spread over nine city centre sites. Together with an ice rink and Christmas Light Trail, the market is open from 8th November to 22nd December.
Steam Illuminations, running between 29th November 2024 and 4th January 2025, is an incredible sound and light show on and in a steam train, consisting of thousands of coloured LED lights and LED wristbands, creating a kaleidoscope of different colours and flashing patterns. This makes the steam train look magical both inside and out!
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