The Best and Most Affordable UK Christmas Market Getaways

Planning a festive getaway this December? To help you out, we’ve calculated the costs of a one-night stay at six of the UK’s most popular Christmas markets.

As the festive season kicks in, thousands across the UK get in the Christmas spirit by visiting Christmas markets located all around the country. From tasty German bites to festive fun and international booze, the Christmas markets have something for everyone.

Luckily, we’ve done all the hard yards and found you the best value Christmas Markets to visit this winter. Whether it be savings on Hotel rooms, delicious Yorkshire pudding wraps or a nice warm cuppa, we’ve put our money-saving hats on to help you have a merry time at the markets on a budget this Christmas!

Walking in a London Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland is a great place to add some magic to your festivities. Located at Hyde Park in London, Winter Wonderland has fun for all ages.

If you’re looking to stay in the centre of the action, to make the most of the fairytale-like setting, you can look to pay between £300 and £2000 for a hotel stay for 2. And that’s before you step foot through the festive gates!

For adults & teens, entry prices will set you back £7.50 each for weekend dates. However, it’s good to know, that entry to the Winter Wonderland Christmas Market is free during off-peak periods, with time-slot bookings available online! So if you’re eager to get in on the festivities, weeknights might be more affordable for big families!

If you’re looking for some family fun, each ride at the market is priced at around £5, with ice skates also available for up to £46 for a family during peak hours.

There’s more to Winter Wonderland than entertainment and festive family fun. Grab a tasty treat from International Market Stalls and take a sip of seasonal favourites such as mulled wine, hot chocolate and German beer with prices starting from £4 when you visit Hyde Park this Christmas.

Top Tip: If you’re looking to stretch your budget this Christmas it’s important to keep a tally of your spendings whilst you visit Hyde Park, as it’s really easy to overspend on top attractions.

We also recommend making sure you plan your travel well in advance and keep your eyes peeled for upcoming train strikes. Remember to take advantage of railcard savings on trains into London too, as prices can be pretty high during the festive season.

Merry Manchester Markets

The heart of Manchester comes alive during the festive season, with the city packed with festive family-fun, delicious food stalls from across the world which includes their famous Yorkshire Pudding wraps!

If you’re based up north, Manchester is the perfect hotspot for some festive fun and is a slightly cheaper alternative to London’s Winter Wonderland.

Stays in the centre of Manchester start from around £200 during the middle of December on Booking.com. However, the Manchester Christmas Markets are completely free to enter, with stalls scattered all over the city streets with the main event taking place in Picadilly Gardens.

But while the event itself is free, price increases this season mean if you’re after a festive tipple such as a mulled wine or boozy hot chocolate, a reusable mug will cost you £10, plus £5 for the drink inside. But don’t fret, you do have the option to return the mug and receive your £10 back, or keep it as a festive souvenir.

And for Yorkshire Pudding wrap lovers, you’ll want to cover your eyes as their price has been increased to £10 a wrap from £8 last year. And if you have your eyes set on this British delicacy, be prepared to wait in line!

Top Tip: The Manchester markets can be notoriously busy during the Weekends as many people combine their market visit with their Christmas shopping due to many of the stalls being located next to Arndale shopping centre. If you’re looking for a market experience which involves less queues, off-peak times are the perfect time for you.

Tis the Season to visit Scotland

Looking for a change of scenery this Christmas? The Edinburgh Christmas Markets are the perfect choice.

With Booking.com, prices start from £300 for a hotel stay in the centre of the magic. Whether you’re taking a ride on the big wheel, visiting Santa Land with the kids or you fancy a skate on the ice rink for just £13, there’s an attraction for everyone in Edinburgh!

Discover festive stalls in every corner of Edinburgh this winter, with arts and crafts, and international food and drink stalls nestled in the iconic city centre. Soak in the festive spirit and enjoy stunning views of Edinburgh Castle when you visit Edinburgh this Christmas.

Edinburgh Live estimates that an average family day out at the Edinburgh Christmas Markets will cost £187 on average.

Top Tip: If you’re planning a romantic retreat or a family adventure to Edinburgh Christmas Markets this season, we recommend eating and drinking elsewhere to save on costs! Food & drink prices at the stalls can be extortionate. A sweet treet might be on the cards, but if you want to cut down on costs, opt for a cheaper alternative. And in the centre of Edinburgh, that won’t be too difficult.

York Christmas Festival

Embrace the Christmas cheer when you visit the York Christmas Festival this Winter. Soak up the festive atmosphere and enjoy the beautifully decorated shops, stalls and restaurants located in the heart of York’s city centre.

Visit more than 75 alpine chalets and enjoy twinkling Christmas lights, Santa experiences, afternoon teas and so much more!

If you’re looking to get in the festive spirit, the average cost of a one-night stay in the centre of York starts upwards of £300 this December, and that’s before you’ve got transport, do your Christmas shopping and money to spend at the stalls!

Festive Bliss in Bristol

Take part in the annual seasonal celebration this Winter when you visit the Bristol Christmas markets. Bristol is a fantastic alternative to the Manchester Christmas Markets this winter thanks to their affordable prices at stalls.

Pick up famous Yorkshire Pudding wraps for just £8 and enjoy Baileys Hot Chocolate from just £4.50!

What’s more, overnight stays in the city centre are available online at Booking.com for just £150, so you can soak in the celebrations long into the winter night and enjoy Christmas shopping in Bristol whatever your budget.

From Germany to the Heart of Birmingham

As the Christmas decorations come out and Santa’s little helpers get to work, the biggest authentic German market outside of Germany and Austria comes to Birmingham for the ultimate Christmas market experience.

Take in the German Christmas traditions, enjoy live music, discover handcrafted gifts and ornaments and whet your appetite with sizzling bratwursts and pretzels in the heart of Birmingham’s city centre.

Looking to stay overnight? Get a one-night stay in the city centre for just £170 in the middle of December. Birmingham’s markets are the ultimate place to soak in the festivities on a budget this Christmas, there’s a whole host of family-friendly fun too!

Our Top UK Christmas Market Picks

Our research shows that Christmas markets can be an expensive treat, but if you’re looking to greet the festive season in style it’s important to know which Christmas markets across the UK are fantastic value for money.

If you’re looking for top festive attractions in the South of England and aren’t put off by the hectic travelling, the Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park is the perfect place for you. Just remember to keep an eye on your spending though! Yorkshire pudding wraps are hard to come by this year, so if you’re looking for a wrap that doesn’t break the bank, Bristol is the ultimate Winter Wonderland for you.

Our pick of the bunch is the Birmingham Frankfurt Markets though, this is thanks to their authentic German vibe combined with their overnight hotel prices which are a bargain compared to the likes of York, Manchester and Edinburgh.