It could cost you hundreds of pounds to visit a European Christmas market and just £19 to stay at home. Travelodge is offering family rooms in festive cities and towns for £19 a night. They’ve come up with their top UK markets to help you choose:
Bath – November 22-December 9: The area between stunning Bath Abbey and the renowned visitor attraction the Roman Baths is transformed into a Christmas shopper’s haven. More than 140 traditional wooden chalets adorn the streets, each one offering unique, handmade and unusual gifts, decorations and food. The ideal event to help you get into the festive spirit, with choirs singing carols in the Abbey drifting through the market. www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk
Lincoln – December 6-9: A contemporary cathedral city with over 2,000 years of history. Take a trip back through time and stroll along the cobbles of the cultural quarter of the city. The medieval square between the impressive Norman castle and magnificent gothic cathedral is the perfect backdrop for the fabulous market (above) with more than 250 stalls. www.lincoln-christmasmarket.co.uk
York – November 29-December 2: The four-day St Nicholas Fayre offers a range of markets specialising in gifts, crafts, and the very best in local farm produce. The magnificent medieval townhouse, Barley Hall, presents a special medieval market with live crafting, mulled wine and costumed traders and St William’s College houses an arts and crafts market for fine hand-made items not to be found in the shops. Carol singers and buskers flock to the city to perform. www.yorkfestivals.com/
Norwich – November 22-January: This wonderful medieval city hosts the ‘NORWICHRISTMAS’ festive fayre every year, kicking off on the night of the Christmas lights switch-on. The whole city is transformed into a winter wonderland as shoppers enjoy browsing the market stalls while costumed entertainers and choir singers sprinkle Christmas magic. www.visitnorwich.co.uk/norwich-christmas.aspx
Cirencester – November 30-December 16: The capital of the Cotswolds has been famous for its markets since Roman times and this Christmas, the heart of Cirencester will be transformed with 35 beautiful wooden chalets decorated with festive swags and white pea lights, selling clothes, gifts, toys, festive food and drink. www.christmasincirencester.org.uk/christmas_market.html
Leeds – November 9-December 16: Christkindelmarkt is one of the largest and most established German Christmas Markets in the UK, with traditional wooden stalls, festive greenery, carousel rides and colourful lights all creating a unique continental style festive atmosphere in the city centre. Set in the award-winning Millennium Square, Christkindelmarkt attracts thousands of visitors each year. www.leeds.gov.uk/christmasmarket
Glasgow – November 16-December 23: The fabulous setting of St Enoch’s Square in front of the St Enoch’s Shopping Centre is again the venue for this year’s market. As well as a gourmet’s delight, customers can enjoy Gluhwein House, operated by Markus Kochems from the Mosel valley. Kochems are in the top 100 wine producers in the world. Also sample some favourite beers at the Bavarian bar. www.merchantcityglasgow.com/event/id/2024
Birmingham – November 15-December 22: The Frankfurt Christmas Market continues to celebrate Birmingham’s link with the city Frankfurt. The largest authentic German market outside Germany and Austria returns this year. Adjacent to the Frankfurt Christmas Market, the Christmas Craft Fair extends into Chamberlain Square where Birmingham’s own traders offer hand-crafted items. www.visitbirmingham.com/christmas/birmingham-frankfurt-christmas-market-craft-fair/
Bristol – November 9-December 29: This year sees the return of the German Christmas market on the city centre streets with stalls offering authentic arts, crafts, gifts and mouthwatering food and drink. Thirty-five decorated chalets sell traditional German decorations, lights, nativity scenes and gifts, including wooden toys, baskets, soaps, lamps and amber jewellery. www.visitbristol.co.uk/things-to-do/christmas-in-bristol
To book a Travelodge room, visit www.travelodge.co.uk
