Here’s a continuation of our guide to some of the UK’s best Christmas markets to visit this year, if you missed the first article, you can find it here! Some more great news, all of the markets mentioned are within reach of Hertz car hire branches.
So grab your friends, wrap up warm, hop in a car rental, and take a trip down to a local Christmas Market…
1. Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
What: Set in Winchester Cathedral’s historic Inner Close surrounding an open-air ice rink, it’s easy to see why the Winchester Christmas Market is such a hit with locals and tourists alike.
Expect a German Christmas market theme with over 100 pretty wooden chalets selling gifts, decorations and festive foods such as stollen and bratwurst, an enchanting nativity scene, plus a merry, bustling atmosphere.
Where: Winchester Cathedral, Inner Close, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9LS
When: 17th November – 20th December 2018
Sunday – Wednesday: 10am-6pm
Thursday – Saturday: 10am-8pm
Entry: Free
Closest Hertz branch: For car hire Southampton:
Southampton Central Railway Station
0843 309 3070*
Southampton International Airport
0843 309 3069*
West Quay Industrial Estate
0843 309 3070*
2. Birmingham Christmas Market
What: It’s easy to see why people love getting into the festive spirit in Birmingham.
Inspired by its twin town of Frankfurt, the city comes alive every winter in true German fashion. This year there will be over 80 wooden chalets selling festive gifts and Bavarian treats aplenty, from pretzels and schnitzels to bratwursts.
When you need a break from shopping, why not take a short walk to the bandstand in Victoria Square and enjoy the live music programme?
Where: Victoria Square, New Street, Birmingham, B1 1BD
When: 15th November – 23rd December 2018
Open between 10am – 9pm
Entry: Free
Closest Hertz branch: For car hire Birmingham:
Birmingham International Airport
0843 309 3005*
Birmingham City - 40 Upper Gough Street
0121 285 0310
Birmingham New Street Railway Station
0121 285 0310
What: If you’re looking for magical events, shopping and festive fun in the heart of the City, head to Glasgow Christmas market.
Taking place in George Square and St Enoch Square, you’ll find stocking fillers and unique festive gifts, delicious street food, and a stunning 15 metre Christmas tree.
Once you’ve finished browsing the stalls, why not take a slide down the vintage Helter Skelter, take a ride on the vintage carousel or meet Santa at Edinburgh’s much-loved advent calendar?
Where: St Enoch Square / George Square, Glasgow, G2 1AL
When:
St Enoch Square:
9th November - 23rd December 2018
Monday – Wednesday: 10am - 9pm; Thursday – Sunday: 10am - 10pm from.
George Square:
25th November - 31st December 2018
Monday –Wednesday: 10am - 9pm
Thursday – Sunday: 10am - 10pm
Entry: Free
Closest Hertz branch: For car hire Glasgow:
Glasgow Central Railway Station
0141 229 6120
Glasgow International Airport
0843 309 3031*
Glasgow City
0141 229 6120
4. Southbank Centre Winter Festival, London
What? This Nordic-inspired market offers Christmas cheer in the bucket load. Enjoy browsing a plethora of quirky Christmas gifts in little market stalls along the river bank, set against panoramic views of the London Eye, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
Foodies are most certainly catered for too, and can pick from a huge variety of seasonal treats and produce. Once you’ve bought all your stocking fillers and stuffed your tummies, round off the day with a Christmas concert, a merry choir performance or a community show at the Southbank Centre.
Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
When: 9th November – 6th January 2019
Open 10am – 10pm every day until 6th January, with exception of Christmas Day when it will be closed
Entry: Free
Closest Hertz branch: For car hire London, you have a large range of options. Find your closest branch at https://www.hertz.co.uk/p/car-hire/uk/london
*Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company's access charge.
