Christmas Markets – Kingfisher Visitor Guides

By Kingfisher Visitor Guides

Winter is coming. And that can only mean one thing – Christmas is fast approaching! To help you decide where to get your festive fix we have listed a collection of our favourite Yuletide markets. So, whether you are looking to complete your Christmas shopping list, or just about to get started, the following might go a little way to helping you out!

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market

4 November–23 December

Frohe Weihnachten! That’s German for Merry Christmas. If you want to learn more, head to Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market – the largest authentic one outside of Germany and Austria and one of the city’s great annual events. The stalls, set up in Victoria Square and along into New Street, offer everything from pretzel to schnitzel, and lebkuchen to roasted almonds, all accompanied with a glass of gluhwein or wheat beer.

: Visit Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market

: You’ll always get service with a smile at Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market

Glasgow Christmas Markets

6th November–23 December

For a truly bright Christmas full of cheer visit Glasgow’s Christmas Market and experience each day’s advent calendar event. Witness the lighting of the 15-metre-tall Christmas tree in the centre of the market and slide down the vintage helter-skelter ride as you take in the view of over 50 diverse traders from across the world selling handmade crafts that could provide a unique gift for that special someone.

Manchester Christmas Markets

12 November–22 December

Spread across six city centre squares, the world-famous Manchester Christmas Markets will have a giant Santa and a trail of light sculptures illuminating the streets of the city. Each location offers up different Christmas delights: Skate Manchester’s ice rink will be in situ at Cathedral Gardens; French-themed stalls will line King Street; Bar No3 will be serving smoking cocktails and gins on New Cathedral Street; and feast yourself on Pork Pig’s Christmas Yorkshire pudding wraps at Exchange Square. All we can say to that, is Merry Christmas!

There are lots of opportunities to buy festive decorations at the Manchester Christmas Market

Galway Christmas Market

12 November–22 December

The city of Galway begins this year’s celebration early. Mid-November early… the 12th, to be exact. There are a wide range of attractions to appeal to all age groups, from a 32ft ferris wheel and live music to puppet shows and of course Santa’s Grotto and Express Train. Picturesque light gardens throughout the market make the perfect setting for a family Christmas photo, and to add to the spirit of the occasion you will be enjoying yourself in the full knowledge that this year’s event is supporting local charities.

Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets

19 November-2 January

Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets can make a credible claim of putting the wonder into winter wonderland with its festive lights display, children’s market, and much more. Dare to take a turn on the 60-metre-high Star Flyer, explore the Christmas tree maze in search of the Elves Workshop, or skate along the ice rink looping around Melville Monument. There’s no shortage of things to do.

Enjoy Christmas shopping at Edinburgh’s traditional Christmas Market

Winterval at Waterford

19 November–23 December

Ireland’s oldest city is going all out this year to bring Christmas to life. Not only can you take a spin on the 112ft Waterford Eye Ferris Wheel, you can also take that Christmas card photo in a magic snow globe setting. Santa’s travelling first class with his helicopter sleigh and offering the flight of your life to those lucky enough to have booked a slot. And if that’s not enough, you can get involved judging the Windows of Winterval contest, where you help pick a winner for the best Christmas-inspired window display.