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 is only around the corner, then why not take a #RentalRoadTrip around some of the UK’s best Christmas markets.
Edinburgh
17th November 2018 – 5th January 2019
Be transported into a spectacular winter wonderland in the heart of Scotland’s capital city just below the Mound.
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.
While you’re there, don’t miss out on ‘Silent Light’, a 20-minute silent Christmas disco under 60,000 fairy lights at George Street.
With a pick-up and drop-off shuttle service from our Edinburgh Airport branch, it’s the perfect place to kick start the ultimate winter road trip.
Manchester
9th November 2018 – 22nd December 2018
Manchester’s Christmas markets are not to be missed. With several different markets spread across nine locations throughout the city, Manchester take Christmas very seriously.
From fairground rides in Cathedral Gardens, to speciality foods and leathers in Brazennose Street, 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, which is where you’ll find Manchester’s iconic six-tonne LED Santa. You might recognise this St. Nick as Zippy from the kids TC programme, Rainbow.
We have a branch at Manchester Airport, which is perfect if you’re travelling from slightly further afield and it’s an ideal place to start your Christmas road trip.
York
15th November 2018 – 23rd December 2018
Famous for its wide 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 have a magical day out 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 bah humbug Christmas Grinch in the festive spirit.
With complementary pick-up and drop-off at York train station, it’s super easy to start your Christmas market road trip in our York branch.
Birmingham
15th November 2018 – 23rd December 2018
Boasting the largest German Christmas market outside of mainland Europe, a trip to Birmingham during the festive period is not to be missed. Enjoy live music at Victoria Square before taking a wander around the 80 stalls this Christmas market has to 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 have a skate (fall) around the ice rink.
Our branches in Stafford and Burton upon Trent are both less than an hour’s drive from Birmingham, so, what are you waiting for?
Winchester
17th November 2018 – 20th December 2018
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 a real emphasis on home-grown products and gifting, and Winchester’s market even hosts 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.
Start your next Christmas #RentalRoadTrip in our Southampton branch which is only around 20 minutes’ drive from Winchester.
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