Best Christmas markets in the UK | #RentalRoadTrip
The festive season is officially upon us. Michael Bublé has awoken from his summer hibernation and small talk with strangers has transitioned from conversations about the colder weather to ‘I can’t believe it’s nearly that time of year again’.
If you’re ready to accept that the C word really is only around the corner, why not take a #RentalRoadTrip around some of the UK’s best Christmas markets?
Edinburgh
16th November 2019 – 4th January 2020
Nestled in the heart of the city, Edinburgh Christmas is a spectacular, six-week season of festive entertainment.
The markets offer something for everyone to enjoy, and with its own dedicated children’s market, Edinburgh is the perfect place to take the entire family.
From gift shops and arts and crafts, to Scottish and European food stalls, there’s plenty to see and do for a full day of festive fun.
With a pick-up and drop-off shuttle service from our Edinburgh Airport branch, it’s a great way to kick-start the ultimate winter road trip.
Manchester
8th November 2019 – 21st December 2019
Manchester’s Christmas markets are not to be missed. With several different markets spread across a number of locations throughout the city, Manchester take Christmas very seriously.
From ice skating on New Cathedral Street to speciality foods on Exchange Square, just make sure there’s enough time to fit everything in – you might need more than a day to explore all that the Manchester Christmas markets have to offer.
The main market hub is in Albert Square, where you’ll find a combination of food and drink, along with fairground rides for the little ones.
Our Manchester Airport branch is perfect if you’re travelling from slightly further afield and it’s an ideal place to start your Christmas road trip this festive season.
York
14th November 2019 – 22nd December 2019
Famous for its selection of mulled wine, the iconic market stalls of St. Nicholas Fair are truly charming and the epitome of a festive fairy tale.
You’ll be sure to have a magical day shopping for local crafts and gifts in this quintessentially British town while listening to traditional carol singers.
A road trip to York will put even the biggest Christmas Grinch in the festive spirit as the markets won ‘Best Large Speciality Market’ at the Great British Market Awards in 2019. York was also voted the ‘UK’s Most Festive City’ in 2017.
And with complimentary pick-up and drop-off at York train station, it’s super easy to start your Christmas market road trip at our York branch.
Birmingham
15th November 2019 – 23rd December 2019
Boasting the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of mainland Europe, a trip to Birmingham during the festive period is a must-do festive activity.
Enjoy live music at Victoria Square before taking a wander around the 80 seasonal stalls on offer. Make sure there’s a designated driver, or organise an overnight stay, as the German delicacies and Bavarian beers are hard to resist!
If shopping’s not your thing, visit Centenary Square and experience the view of Birmingham’s skyline from the big wheel, or take a glide (or tumble!) around the ice rink.
Our branches in Stafford and Burton upon Trent are both less than an hour’s drive from Birmingham, so you’re never far from some festive fun!
Winchester
21st November 2019 – 22nd December 2019
The wooden chalets of Winchester’s Christmas market are unique because they’re situated in the heart of the city’s historic cathedral. The medieval architecture is surrounded by an open-air ice rink, offering a real blend of traditional Christmas offerings with a modern twist. There’s an emphasis on home-grown products and gifting, and Winchester’s market even accommodates its own British Crafts Village.
At the far end of the Crafts Village, you’ll find the famous Winchester Christmas nativity scene, which you won’t want to miss either.
Start your next Christmas #RentalRoadTrip in our Southampton branch, which is just 20 minutes’ drive from Winchester.
Book your car hire online to start the ultimate Christmas #RentalRoadTrip, or give us a call on 0141 237 4374.
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