7 Amazing Christmas Markets Near Me: Exploring the Festive Season by Campervan
It’s coming to that time of year again – Christmas! The air is crisp, the lights are twinkling, and festive markets are springing up all over the UK.
What could be better than hitting the road in your Free Spirit campervan, discovering the very best Christmas markets near me, wherever you may be? The beauty of travelling in a campervan is the freedom to roam from one city to the next, stopping at different festive markets and enjoying the seasonal magic all over the country.
Whether you’re after local treats, unique Christmas gifts, or simply soaking in the holiday spirit, there’s a Christmas market waiting for you.
Here we explore some of the best Christmas markets UK. So, fill your campervan with lights and decorations and celebrate the festive season on the road!
1. Manchester Christmas Markets – A Northern Festive Favourite
“Where are the Christmas markets near me in Manchester?”
Start your campervan journey by heading to one of the best Christmas markets UK has to offer – the Manchester Christmas Markets. Spanning across the heart of the city, this market is renowned for its size, boasting over 300 stalls. Here, you can sip on mulled wine, munch on bratwurst, and browse stalls selling everything from artisanal crafts to festive decorations.
The markets spread across Albert Square, Exchange Square, and other key areas of the city, offering visitors a delightful German Christmas market feel. Plus, don’t miss out on the ice rink, perfect for a fun, festive activity, especially if you have the kids with you!
After a day of fun, you have your campervan to retreat to for a comfortable journey home or to relax in after all the Christmas activities!
Dates: 8th November – 22nd December.
What to buy: Handmade crafts, gourmet chocolates, and traditional Christmas decorations.
2. Winchester Christmas Market – A Magical Cathedral Setting
“I’m planning on visiting Winchester with my campervan, are there any Christmas markets near me?”
If you’re travelling to the Winchester Christmas Market in your campervan, there are plenty of campsites nearby, and Winchester is small enough to explore on foot once you’ve parked up.
Located in the south of England, the Winchester Christmas Market is a must-visit, set against the stunning backdrop of Winchester Cathedral. This market is charming, offering a traditional German Christmas market feel. The alpine-style chalets are filled with festive treasures, from handmade gifts to local delicacies.
What makes this market even more special is its ice rink, right in the heart of the market, adding to the Christmas spirit.
Dates: 22nd November to 22nd December 2024
What to buy: Local crafts, Christmas gifts, and gourmet food.
3. York Christmas Market – Medieval Magic
“Where is a good medieval Christmas market in the UK?”
Park your campervan in one of York’s many nearby sites, ready to explore the city’s Christmas market at your leisure.
The historic city of York transforms into a winter wonderland during the York Christmas Market. Wander through the medieval streets, which are filled with traditional wooden chalets offering festive treats and Christmas gifts. This market has a particularly cosy feel, perfect for those looking for an intimate festive experience.
After a day of shopping, enjoy a warm mince pie and mulled wine amongst the stunning Christmas lights. Why not enjoy more mulled wine back at the van as you have your bed for the night?
Dates: 14th November to 22nd December 2024
What to buy: Handcrafted Yorkshire goods, mulled wine, and festive treats.
4. Bath Christmas Market – A Georgian Delight
“I’m looking for Christmas markets near me when I visit Bath!”
Bath is the perfect stop for a Christmas market campervan adventure, with several camping options just outside the city.
Nestled in the historic centre of Bath, the Bath Christmas Market is one of the most picturesque in the country. Set among the stunning Georgian architecture, this market boasts over 150 market stalls, offering an array of festive goods. From luxury bath products to hand-crafted decorations, there’s something for everyone here.
Take in the sights, relax in the city’s famous hot springs, and let the market’s twinkling lights guide you through its festive stalls.
Dates: 28th November to 15th December 2024
What to buy: Luxury gifts, local artisanal crafts, and festive decorations.
5. Chester Christmas Market – Quaint and Cosy
“What are the best Christmas markets near me in Chester?”
With plenty of nearby campsites, Chester is a great campervan stop for a day or two of Christmas shopping and sightseeing.
The charming Chester Christmas Market is located next to the city’s beautiful cathedral. This market is filled with festive chalets selling everything Christmassy! It’s the perfect spot to enjoy some hot chocolate and freshly baked treats and enjoy the rich history of Chester.
Dates: 15th November to 22nd December 2024
What to buy: Festive decorations, handmade crafts, and local produce.
6. Edinburgh Christmas Market – Scottish Christmas Spirit
“I’d love to visit the Christmas markets near me when I’m in Edinburgh”
As Edinburgh has campervan-friendly sites, it makes perfect sense to stay in your campervan meaning you are never far from your cosy home on wheels!
The Edinburgh Christmas Market, or ‘Ed Winter Fest’ is in East Princes Street Gardens, with Edinburgh Castle as a breathtaking backdrop. The market is filled with a mix of local and European stalls selling festive foods, drinks, and Christmas gifts.
For a full festive experience, enjoy a cup of mulled wine, glide across the ice rink or ride on the big wheel to view the city centre from up high.
Dates: 15th November 2024 to 4th January 2025
What to buy: Scottish woollens, Christmas decorations, and festive foods.
7. Chatsworth Christmas Market – A Countryside Escape
“Are there any Christmas markets near me in Derbyshire?”
For a more peaceful, countryside Christmas experience, visit the Chatsworth Christmas Market. With scenic campervan sites nearby, travelling by campervan is the perfect way to enjoy Chatsworth for the perfect magical Christmas experience!
Located in the beautiful Derbyshire Dales, this market is set on the grounds of the stunning Chatsworth House. Over 100 market stalls offer a variety of goods, from luxury gifts to gourmet foods. You can also warm up with some mulled wine as you listen to live music and soak in the festive atmosphere.
Dates: 9th November 2024 to 5th January 2025
What to buy: Bespoke Christmas decorations, handmade gifts, and gourmet treats.
The Freedom of Christmas Market Hopping in a Free Spirit Campervan and finding ‘Christmas markets near me’!
One of the greatest joys of exploring the best Christmas markets UK by campervan is the freedom it offers. With your campervan as your home on wheels, you can easily travel from one festive destination to the next without worrying about hotels or schedules.
Whether it’s the grand spectacle of the Manchester Christmas Markets or the quaint charm of the Chester Christmas Market, you have the flexibility to explore the best Christmas markets UK has to offer.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the festive season as you roam from town to town, discovering the best Christmas markets UK, indulging in festive foods, and sipping on warm drinks.
So, fill your campervan with twinkly lights and tinsel, add a small Christmas tree, and embark on the ultimate campervan Christmas road trip, where every stop is filled with festive spirit!
