This is a continuation of our previous guide to some of the UK’s best Christmas markets to visit this year. If you missed the first article, check our guide to the six Christmas markets you need to visit before reading on.
The good news is, all the markets mentioned here are within reach of a nearby Hertz car hire branch.
So, call your friends, wrap up warm, and take a trip down to one of the UK’s best Christmas markets this year.
1. Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
The Close Winchester SO23 9LS
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. There’s also an enchanting nativity scene that lets visitors take in a classic Christmas scene.
Overall, Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market offers a merry, bustling atmosphere, set among beautiful surroundings.
Where: Winchester Cathedral, Inner Close, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9LS
When: 18th November – 22th December 2018
Sunday – Wednesday: 10am-6pm
Thursday – Saturday: 10am-8pm
Entry: Free
Closest Hertz branch: For car hire Southampton:
Southampton West Quay Industrial Estate
W Quay Road
Southampton
SO15 1GZ
2. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
Victoria Square, New Street, Birmingham, B1 1BD
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. The largest authentic German market outside Germany and Austria buzzes with 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: 3rd November – 23rd December 2018
Open daily between 10am – 9pm
Entry: Free
Closest Hertz branch: For car hire Birmingham:
Birmingham City - Upper Gough Street
40 Upper Gough Street
Birmingham
B1 1JL
3. Glasgow Christmas Market
St Enoch Square / George Square, Glasgow, G2 1AL
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 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:
18th November – 3rd January
Monday – Friday: 12 pm – 9pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10 am – 9 pm
George Square:
1st December to Sunday 8th January
Monday: 10 am – 10 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am – 10pm
Entry: Free
Closest Hertz branch: For car hire Glasgow:
Hertz - Glasgow COSTCO
15 Cobden Road
Glasgow
G21 1YX
4. Southbank Centre Winter Festival, London
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
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 South 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: 3 Nov 2022 – 8 Jan
Open Sun – Thurs 11am – 10pm and Fri & Sat 11am
Entry: Free
Closest Hertz branch: For car hire in London, you have a large range of options. Find your closest branch here.
Start planning your festive fun with a hire car from Hertz and explore the very best these Christmas markets have to offer.