The aroma of gluhwein and the sound of sleigh bells in the air can only mean one thing. Christmas is on the way. Get in the festive spirit at the UK’s best Christmas Markets with Hertz. We’ve gone ahead and listed our favourite spots for seasonal shopping and yuletide fun. Find out where they are below.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London
Where better to welcome the festive season than London’s iconic Hyde Park? Each winter, Hyde Park is transformed into a Christmas paradise at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. Handcrafted goods, bowls of gluhwein and festive treats all jostle for your attention among the many German-themed stalls and cabins.
There are rides and games for little ones and the world’s largest ferris wheel, giving you impressive views over the capital that rival the more famous London Eye. Beyond the wheel, you’ll find Britain’s largest ice rink and an outdoor display of impressive ice sculptures.
Of course, the capital is magical this time of year and there’s plenty to see beyond the borders of Hyde Park. Why not catch a festive show or marvel at the illuminations along Oxford Street’s shopping mecca.
When? November to January 2024
Where to park? Q-Park Park Lane, W1K 7AN
Edinburgh Christmas market
Scotland’s atmospheric capital is the perfect place for a winter wonderland. Set in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street Gardens are transformed into a yuletide paradise.
Charming market stalls line the streets, selling warming glühwein, hog roast and handcrafted trinkets and goods. There’s rides and a funfair for younger visitors, including the 46m-high ferris-wheel for absorbing sky-high views of the sprawling city.
Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets run from 17 November to 6 January, from 10AM to 10PM each day. You could always explore surrounding Scotland in your Hertz car hire before heading into the city over the New Year period to join the revelries of Edinburgh’s world-famous Hogmanay celebration.
When? 17 November to 6 January
Where to park? NCP Edinburgh Castle Terrace, EH1 2EW
Manchester Christmas Market
Manchester’s Christmas Markets take over the city centre every close of year. Wooden cabin stalls, rides and food trucks pop-up all-over Manchester, circling out from the ski chalets of Piccadilly Gardens.
With over 300 stalls, Manchester Christmas Markets are among the nation’s busiest. Running from 10 November to 21 December, a stroll through the stalls makes for a great way to kick off the festive season. Pull on the skates and take to the ice at Skate Manchester’s covered ice rink in Cathedral Gardens.
If you can pull yourself away from the smell of candy floss and gingerbread, there’s Christmas shopping to be found in the Arndale Centre. Park up your Hertz hire car and head in for some festive retail.
When? 10 November to 21 December
Where to park? NCP Manchester Piccadilly Gardens, New York St, M1 4AJ
York Christmas Market
Warm yourself against the winter wind with a toasty tipple at York’s Christmas Markets. Spiralling out from Kings Square along York’s medieval streets, this traditionally German market is packed with tasty treats, mulled wine and plump bratwurst sausages.
Whizz round the Victorian-style Helter Skelter or pull up a pew fireside in the Scandinavian-style teepee tent.
York’s yuletide fair is headlined by the Made in Yorkshire Village, highlighting the best in local produce and Yorkshire-based businesses.
Afterwards, why not join the Festive Guided Walking Tour and journey through the history of festive traditions through the city streets. Park up and discover 2,000 years of yuletide celebrations on this 90-minute walking tour.
When? 18 November to 23 December
Where to park? Coppergate Car Park, Y01 9NX
Birmingham Christmas Market
The UK’s biggest and boldest Christmas Market, the ‘Second City’s’ winter wonderland sees in the festive season in style. Birmingham’s German yuletide market opens its doors earlier than most – perfect for those who want to start shopping early or make the most of the Christmas period. Traditional gifts, thrills and tasty treats abound among the 180+ chalets on show in Birmingham’s Victoria Gardens.
Festive carols and the scent of cinnamon and winter spice fills the air. Once you’ve explored the stalls, why not take a spin on the ice rink or see Birmingham from above aboard the Big Wheel Experience?
When? 3 November to 23 December
Where to park? 1 Victoria Square, B1 1BD
Bath Christmas Market
Short and sweet, you’ll need to be quick to catch Bath’s brief Christmas Market, but it’s worth the trip to the charming spa town.
There’s plenty of Christmas cheer to be found, as well as a glut of cute gifts from local artisans and Somerset favourites.
Warm up with a lap of the ice rink or tee-off on the festive-themed Glow Golf course, replete with fairy lights guiding you to each hole.
When? 23 November to 10 December
Where to park? Charlotte Street Car Park, BA1 2NE
Explore all the UK has to offer this festive season with car hire from Hertz.