For one UK city, Christmas has already begun as its markets open today (Friday, November 6). Manchester Christmas Markets is bringing festive shopping, food and drink to the streets of the city.
Wooden chalets line parts of Manchester, where visitors can shop for handmade gifts, artisan products, and international food and drink, as well as take part in family-friendly festive experiences.
Albert Square will be at the heart of the festivities, hosting the 50-metre-high Ferris wheel and a pop-up pub. Manchester’s Giant Santa will also make a comeback alongside a vintage Helter-Skelter.
This year marks the first for a new tree installation with a life-sized selfie sleigh. Over at Cathedral Gardens sits Skate MCR, an undercover ice-skating rink with additional stalls.
In a month’s time, the Manchester Christmas Parade will take place, with more details about the event to come on Sunday, December 6. Overall, the markets will be home to 210 stalls across 10 different city centre sites.
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Where is the Manchester Christmas Market?
The market is spread across the city centre as hundreds of stalls make up the festive atmosphere. This year, locations include Albert Square, Lincoln Square, King Street, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, Corn Exchange, Cathedral Gardens, and Market Street.
When does the market open?
Manchester Christmas Markets will open on Friday, November 6 and run until Tuesday, December 22. The festivities at Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens will remain open throughout the Christmas period until Sunday, January 3.
Meanwhile, Skate MCR ice rink will be open from Friday, November 6 to Sunday, January 3. The market is open seven days a week from 10am until 9pm.
How much is Manchester Christmas Market?
It is free to visit Manchester Christmas Market and you do not need a ticket to enter.
How to get to Manchester Christmas Market
Manchester Christmas Market is best accessed by public transport as Manchester city centre is served by trains, trams and buses. Manchester’s Victoria and Piccadilly Stations are an easy walk to the markets.
Trams and buses on the Bee Network run every 12 minutes, and are said to be the “easiest, cheapest and fastest” way to get to the markets.
Roads and car parks are said to be very busy, with the option of using Greater Manchester’s Park & Ride locations instead. There are multiple car parks within a walking distance of the markets, with Piccadilly Plaza and Chorlton Street being the closest.
With grotto visits selling out fast, it’s time to get your yuletide crackers in a row.
Christmas is coming which means you will need to book the popular festive events fastSource: Supplied
You don’t want to be left with the crumbs from the mince pie tray.
From train rides to cosy cottage stays, we’ve rounded up our pick of festive experiences and staycations to lock in right now.
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BLENHEIM PALACE
This grand Oxfordshire country pile puts on a magical sparkling light show.
This year’s highlights include a 10metre ‘butterfly tree’ to mark the start of the light trail, hot air balloons that release bursts of fire and a cheery festive choir.
The gardens will light up from November 13 to January 3. Tickets cost from £25 per adult, £19 per child and £1 for under twos – book here.
SANTA EXPRESS TRAIN
The Santa Steam Express is a really charming Christmas experience for all ages.
The 90-minute journey on a steam locomotive departs on a loop from London Victoria, with vintage carriages covered in decorations and a snack and activity box for each family and a very cute mock-version of a Lapland newspaper.
These days, it’s really exciting to see an old-fashioned steam train on Britain’s railways – even the jaded London commuters stop to take pictures as it waits to board passengers.
Once everyone is seated, Santa and his cheeky elves make their way through the train, handing out gifts, engaging in conversation and roping guests into games and songs.
What’s particularly lovely about this festive experience is that it’s not hard work on the legs, so there were plenty of grandparents who came along with their families.
Details are yet to be revealed but visitors can expect glittering installations and sparkling tunnels that make great photo backdrops.
There will also be a traditional fairground, festive street food and mulled wine and hot chocolate.
Tickets cost from £25.50pp and the experience runs from November 13 to January 3 – book here.
Kew Gardens’ light train is another popular event with sparkling tunnels and giant installationsSource: Times Newspapers LtdTickets cost from £25.50pp and the experience runs from November 13 to January 3Source: Alamy
SKATING AT SOMERSET HOUSE
Tickets go on sale this Friday and popular slots will likely be gone by Monday. For good reason, too.
The experience is not only in one of London’s grandest locations, but it is jam-packed with the finest seasonal fun.
A giant Christmas tree stands at the centre, while wooden chalets serving themed street food line the outside of the rink.
There’s an Aperol spritz van plus a cosy clubhouse with live music sponsored by Virgin Atlantic.
It opens on November 11 and runs until January 10, with tickets from £11 – book here.
If you love ice skating, Somerset House is always a sell-out spotSource: Getty
AWAY STAYS ‘THE HOLIDAY’ COTTAGE, DEVON
This dainty, thatched-roofed cottage is the spitting image of the one in The Holiday although don’t expect Jude Law to come knocking on your door.
Set in rural Hartland, Devon, Philham Water Cottage sleeps up to four and is dog-friendly.
Hunker down in front of the roaring fire and work through the collection of board games.
Seven nights’ self-catering is from £595 (or £1,225 over Christmas). See coolstays.com.
There are some cosy staycations as well that sell out fastSource: SuppliedSo if there is somewhere specific you want to stay, make sure to book in advanceSource: Supplied
TEATIME AT TYLNEY, HAMPSHIRE
If Christmas for you is all about the sweet treats, you’ll love Tylney Hall Hotel near Hook, where the festive afternoon tea will ensure you’re as stuffed as a turkey.
Finger sandwiches have Crimbo-inspired fillings plus classics.
After the scones, come gingerbread choux buns, mince pies and a mousse reindeer.
The afternoon tea costs from £45pp (Mon-Thurs) and £58pp (Friday-Sat). Bookable from Nov 30.
A pre-Christmas overnight stay costs from £380 for a family of four sharing a Junior Suite and including breakfast – book here.
The three-day Thursford & Sandringham Festive Delight Tour gives travellers access to the Thursford Christmas Spectacular plus tickets to the Sandringham Estate Christmas Craft, Food & Gift Fair.
Included in the tour price is three nights at The Sandringham Estate Club Campsite and entry to Sandringham’s glittering light trail.
Tour is from £399pp departing on November 24 – book here.
Camping at Christmas sells out fast in places too, especially in spots with special events onSource: Experience Freedom
Thursford Christmas Spectacular
Known for being the largest Christmas show in Europe, Thursford Christmas Spectacular in Norfolk features a cast of 130 performers backed by a 30 piece live orchestra.
The three-hour show mixes carols, show tunes, comedy and variety acts.
Visitors can also separately book Santa’s Magical Journey, which is an interactive world for visitors to explore and the Enchanted Journey of Light with an illuminated outdoor light trail.
Christmas isn’t complete without Christmas carols and could they be even more special when performed at the Royal Albert Hall?
Across six days there are 15 carol performances in the Hall with festive favourites and more modern tunes.
Tickets cost as little as £22 per person and you can book here, but many of the favourable dates and times already have tickets for this price sold out.
You will also have to opt for a more expensive ticket if you wish to have a seat and not stand.
Tulleys Christmas Santa Experience
Tulleys Farm in Surrey is known for its ‘all out’ Halloween and Christmas events and this year there will be an outdoor ice rink, gingerbread decorating, circus performances and of course, a Santa’s Grotto.
Visitors can head on the North Pole Adventure as well, where they can step into Elf Town and meet the townsfolk before carrying out festive tasks.
Several dates already have low availability so you will need to book quick.
Kids tickets cost between £46.95 to £69.95 and adults tickets (age 14+) cost £29.95 to £39.95 – book here.
Chatsworth House decorates its interiors to a theme each yearSource: AFPIn Devon, you can hop on the train of lightsSource: Alamy
Chatsworth House at Christmas
Christmas at Chatsworth is an annual festive celebration at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire and this year takes place between November 7 and January 3, 2027.
Inside the house, the theme this year will be The 12 Days of Christmas with sculptures, large installations and a garden light and sound trail.
Admission also includes access to the Farmyard and Adventure Playground, where there will be decorated animal areas and festive kids’ craft sessions.
Adult tickets cost from £36.36 each and children’s tickets cost from £10.90 each – book here.
Train of Lights
What happens when you mix a light trail with a festive train journey? You get a steam train entirely covered in neon Christmas lights.
And that is exactly what the Train of Lights is in Dartmouth, Devon – where you go on a railway journey in the dark, with cosy interiors and the exterior completely covered in lights.
You can also add on a visit to Santa, but this comes at an extra cost.
Tickets cost from £31.50 per adult and £24 per child – book here.
NOTHING screams Christmas like the smell of roasted chestnuts, sizzling sausages, and hot mulled wine floating through the air.
Europe’s legendary Christmas markets are preparing for the festive season – and now is the best time to lock in a cheap getaway.
We’ve rounded up some of the best European Christmas markets this year from £84ppSource: Getty
Whether you want to eat gooey Raclette cheese under the Eiffel Tower, gorge on cheap chimney cakes in Prague, or visit a quiet, snowy Venice, we’ve found the very best package deals to get you there for less.
Here is our ultimate guide to Europe’s best festive city breaks, with flights and hotels from just £84pp.
Paris – from £124
Visit the Christmas markets of Paris for £124pp with WowcherSource: Getty
Paris is magical enough in winter, with the Eiffel Tower twinkling, cosy bakeries with warm bread and pastries, and plenty of chic cafes for a tasty hot chocolate.
But if you visit from November 12, you can go rooftop skating at Galeries Lafayette, or browse the near-350 Swiss-style chalet stalls at La Defense Christmas Market.
This is the largest Christmas market in the region, offering massive food tents packed with oozing Raclette cheese, mulled wine and chocolatey crepes, plus plenty of handmade souvenirs and even regular DJ sets.
This £124pp Wowcher offer puts you up in a stylish Parisian hotel for two nights, just a 15-minute walk from La Defense, and bundles in return flights from London, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester or Edinburgh.
Budapest – from £84
Visit the Advent Bazilika market for a 3D lights show, ice rink and moreSource: Getty
If you want a fairytale festive break, book in a trip to Budapest from mid-November onwards.
The Hungarian capital doesn’t just do one Christmas market – it practically turns the entire downtown area into a glowing winter wonderland.
The two heavy hitters you have to visit are Vorosmarty Square market, packed with around 100 stalls selling handmade Hungarian gifts, and the Advent Bazilika market, with a skating rink, 3D lights show and more right beneath the basilica.
This £84 Wowcher deal includes a stay at your pick of two four-star hotels (the Carlton Hotel Buda Castle or Gold Hotel Budapest) plus return flights from London, Birmingham, Newcastle, Manchester or Edinburgh.
Brussels – from £140
You can book a Christmas market break to Brussels with On the Beach from £140ppSource: Getty
On the Beach doesn’t only offer fly and flop hols – you can actually get cheap Christmas Market deals on there too, like this Brussels break.
The popular Winter Wonders event takes place in the city centre, with over 200 glowing wooden chalets serving melted chocolate and mulled wine, plus a massive Ferris wheel and ice rink.
Wrap up the chilly nights by thawing out in a cosy local tavern with a Trappist beer, local beers brewed under the supervision of monks.
On the Beach offer a two-night break at the Jam Hotel, a swanky spot that blends industrial decor with warm rugs and cosy fires, from £140pp with return flights.
Riga – from £129
Dome Square in Riga, Latvia, lights up with fascinating festive decorationsSource: Getty
Underrated Riga in Latvia sees a maze of cobbled Old Town streets light up at Christmas, overlooked by towering Gothic churches and pastel-coloured buildings that look magical under a thick blanket of snow.
The main event, Riga Christmas Market, takes place in the Dome Square under Riga Cathedral. To warm up, chow down on hot smoked sausages or sip on a steaming cup of hot cranberry juice.
Unlike the mass-produced, samey bits you find at some popular markets, the stalls here are packed with genuine Latvian crafts, like thick woollen mittens, carved wooden sculptures and beeswax candles.
This £129pp Loveholidays offer includes your return flights plus a two-night stay at the gorgeous Rixwell Old Riga Palace Hotel, a homely spot with cosy sloping ceilings, exposed brick and wooden beams.
Prague – from £114
You can visit Prague for £114pp with Wowcher for a cosy Christmas breakSource: Getty
With its towering, needle-like spires and busy market squares, the Czech capital is breathtaking in the winter.
Under the Prague Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square, you’ll find wooden huts selling pretty glass ornaments, handmade wooden toys and more, all surrounding a gigantic Christmas tree.
With food famously cheaper than spots in Western Europe, you can fill up on spit-roasted meats, sugary chimney cakes and dirt-cheap mugs of hot honey wine.
This £114pp Wowcher offer includes a two-night stay at the four-star Deminka Palace, plus return flights from London, Bristol, Manchester or Edinburgh.
Krakow – from £110
On the Beach offers breaks to Krakow from £110pp, where you can grab cheap festive food and drinksSource: Getty
Krakow is a popular winter city break for good reason, with magical horse-drawn carriages, medieval architecture and an epic Christmas market.
Browse stalls with amber jewellery and hand-painted ornaments, and enjoy mulled wine poured straight from giant wooden barrels.
As for food, go for some sizzling-hot dumplings and some crispy oscypek, which is smoked cheese with cranberry formed into a diamond that looks more like a pretty bauble than something you can eat.
This £110 On the Beach deal includes your flights plus a two-night stay at modern hotel and bar Metropolo By Golden Tulip.
Venice – from £84
Visit Venice in the winter for far less crowds and unique stalls selling masks and ornamentsSource: Getty
Christmas may just be one of the best times to visit Venice, with peaceful gondola rides and smaller Christmas markets where you won’t get caught up in crowds.
St Mark’s Square glows with twinkling lights, while the main Christmas market in Campo Santo Stefano sells unique Carnival masks, jewellery, ceramics and more.
Of course, you cant’ leave without gorging on a tall slice of fluffy Panettone – make sure to wash it down with a rich Italian hot chocolate.
This £84pp Wowcher deal includes a two-night stay at Hotel Al Vivit, plus return flights from London, Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh.
Christmas Market Mystery Holiday – from £94
You could end up in Amsterdam, Budapest, Iceland, New York or Chicago with a mystery holidaySource: Getty
If you just can’t pick where to go, try a Christmas Market Mystery Holiday. For £94, you could land anywhere from Vienna all the way to New York.
Some stays even come with special experiences, like Santa Village visits in Lapland, glass igloo stays in Finland and a Northern Lights-themed stay in Iceland.
Other destinations you could land include Helsinki, Toronto, Nice, Amsterdam and Chicago.
The Christmas Market Mystery Holiday ticket currently costs £94, saving £5 on full price.
The new route gives Brits the chance to visit two Christmas markets this historic city which run from November to January and boast free entry, featuring classic winter scenes of chalets, Christmas trees, and an open-air ice rink
The first flight comes after Ryanair unveiled its newly expanded winter schedule last month, with 22 new routes from UK airports(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
Ryanair has announced a brand new route in time for cheap getaways this winter and this Christmas.
The budget airline has revealed its new winter 2026 route from Manchester to Warsaw Modlin in Poland. Ryanair bosses shared yesterday (October 27) how the first of the Manchester-Warsaw Modlin flights took of this week.
Ryanair says it will operate six weekly flights on this “exciting new winter 2026 route, providing UK customers with even more choice at Europe’s lowest fares”. Ryanair’s full winter 2026 schedule is available to book now via the Ryanair app and website in time for cheap winter and Christmas breaks.
The new route gives Brits the chance to enjoy Warsaw’s two Christmas markets, including the huge Jarmark Warszawski at Plac Defilad, by the Palace of Culture and Science, and the traditional, historic market in the Old Town along the city walls.
Both markets run from November to January and boast free entry, featuring classic winter scenes of chalets, Christmas trees, and an open-air ice rink.
The first flight comes after Ryanair unveiled its newly expanded winter schedule last month, with 22 new routes from UK airports with Birmingham, Edinburgh, Liverpool, and London airports benefiting the most. Ryanair also announced that it was adding nineteenth-based aircraft at Manchester Airport this winter, helping it to run one extra route from the North West hub.
Ryanair is increasing its flight frequencies on another 26 routes from Manchester, including holiday hotspots like Malaga, Palma de Mallorca and Madrid, as well as city break destinations like Barcelona, Belfast, Venice, Porto, Prague and Krakow.
Eye-catching flights among the list included the new winter sunshine route from Birmingham to Marrakech, which regularly enjoys mild winter temperatures. The bulk of the other routes are to northern and western European destinations where more festive pleasures are on the itinerary.
The new route announcement followed the boss of Ryanair warning that air fares would “no doubt” rise next year for summer holidaymakers amid the surging price of oil and the Iran war.
Earlier this month, oil prices rose above 100 dollars a barrel for the first time since July after the latest round of strikes in the conflict.
Ryanair’s Director of Communications, Jade Kirwan, said: “ It was great to see the first flight of our new winter 2026 route from Manchester to Warsaw Modlin take off this week, bringing the first of many happy Ryanair passengers on their winter 2026 getaways.
“Our Manchester to Warsaw Modlin route will operate six times per week, offering our UK customers even more choice at the lowest fares in Europe. Ryanair’s full winter 2026 schedule is available to book now on the Ryanair app/website.”
This lesser known traditional Christmas market has been crowned the world’s best Christmas market for 2026 with up to 180 stalls
The market is one the cheapest(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
With Christmas fast approaching, a trip to a traditional Christmas market abroad tops many people’s festive wish lists, and there’s one that truly stands out from the rest.
Plenty of people choose a weekend break to soak up the seasonal atmosphere, and this particular destination has just ranked highly in new research carried out by Christmas Tree World, which assessed various markets based on key criteria.
They examined Google searches, December hotel costs, admission charges, number of stalls and access to public transport to ultimately crown the world’s finest Christmas markets for 2026.
Their findings revealed that Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland is ideal for budget-conscious travellers, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is perfect for families, and Winter Wonders in Brussels serves up the most affordable mulled wine.
Yet, there could only be one overall champion, and that honour went to the hidden treasure that is Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany.
If any location could stake a convincing claim to wearing the crown as the ultimate Christmas market destination, it would be Nuremberg.
It’s nestled within a picturesque and historic city and provides the ideal traditional escape with reasonable prices, accommodation and excellent value for money.
It achieved an impressive 8.2/10 in the study, as a market that has been running for 398 years and still attracts huge crowds today.
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Thanks to its fascinating history and delightful setting, it represents the quintessential traditional German Christmas market many people fantasise about, and with its enormous range of stalls, it certainly delivers. It’s thought to feature around 180 stalls, offering glühwein, bratwurst and the market’s own distinctive Zwetschgenmännle, which are small and adorable decorative figures traditionally crafted using dried prunes.
After paying a visit, one traveller left a review, writing: “The Nuremberg Christmas Market is absolutely magical. The atmosphere is festive and authentic, with beautiful lights, traditional wooden stalls, and a wonderful holiday spirit.
“There is a great variety of local food, mulled wine, and handmade crafts. It can be busy, but it’s well organised and definitely worth the visit. A must-see Christmas market in Germany.”
Another shared their experience, saying: “Visited here after seeing multiple reviews, stating that Newberg market is one of the best in Germany and it truly lived up to the expectation.
“The number of stalls, different handicrafts, and gift items – and obviously the gluhwein was one of the experiences. There are multiple parking spots around the market and easily reachable by train and bus.”
In comparison to other markets throughout Europe and beyond, a December hotel stay costs an average of £144 per night, making it considerably more affordable than other destinations. Most significantly, admission to the market is entirely free, and mulled wine comes at a relatively modest price.
The market runs from Friday 27 November until Thursday 24 December this year, situated in the heart of Hauptmarkt, Nuremberg.
CHRISTMAS will soon be upon us, so it’s time to get those festive dates lined up in your calendar.
You don’t need to shell out a fortune for lifetime memories though – we’ve rounded up plenty of activities full of festive cheer that won’t break the bank. From free ice skating to festive illuminations – here are the top memory-making days out for you and your family…
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – the UK’s largest open-air ice rink is built around Hyde Park’s Victoria bandstandCredit: Alamy
Ice skating
Nothing says winter and Christmas quite like a festive ice skating rink.
Blackpool has a synthetic ice rink that stretches 20m long and is FREE to use, including free skate hire – all you have to do is show up and hand over your shoes for some boots.
Meanwhile, Caerphilly On Ice at Caerphilly Castle is selling early bird skate tickets from just £9.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – the UK’s largest open-air ice rink is built around Hyde Park’s Victoria bandstand and has tickets from £9.35 for kids and £12.95 for adults, off-peak.
Stockeld Park in North Yorkshire has a festive ice rink set within its adventure park from November to February, with tickets from £14.
Boxpark Liverpool is bringing back its popular ice rink, with adult tickets from £10 and kids tickets from £8.
Dalkeith Country park has a Winterfest Skating Rink, with £11 tickets for adults and £9 tickets for children.
Aviemore Ice Rink at Macdonald Highland Resort has adult ice skating tickets for £14 and kids tickets for £12.
Ice Skate Birmingham at Centenary Square has early bird adult tickets from £9.50 and kids from £8.50, rising to £14 for adults in peak times and £12 for kids.
Bath on Ice has tickets from £16.50 for adults and £14 for kids, with an outdoor rink beneath the Christmas lights in Royal Victoria Park.
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland – York’s original and largest open-air ice rink – returns for its 21st year, with adults tickets from £18.09 and kids from £16.99.
Skate Manchester in the city’s Cathedral Gardens has adult tickets from £16.80 and kids tickets from £15.40.
Winter lights festival in Canary Wharf London England, Christmas lights and New year celebrationCredit: Alamy
Light trails
Light trails such as RHS Glow Light Trails at Wisley cost as little as £7.50 per adult and £6 per child when booked for an off peak session in advance.
RHS Bridgewater’s celebration of light in Salford runs from 26 November to 30 December new Super Off Peak tickets starting at £9.25 for adults or £6 for RHS members, and £5.50 for kids.
Gulliver’s Theme Parks has their annual Land Of Lights running from October 24 to January 30, with early bird tickets from £12.50 for both adults and kids.
The Bay of Lights Illumination Trail returns from 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with its biggest and brightest trail yet, on Torquay’s seafront.
The Winter light Trail through Trentham Gardens at Trentham Estate near Stoke On Trent is very affordable, with adult tickets from £17 and kids tickets from £12.50.
Lightwaves Salford is running from 23 November to 13 December 2026 and is free to enter, with illuminated artworks along a 2km trail around MediaCity and Salford Quays.
Alnwick Garden light trail in Northumberland runs from 20 November to 3 January and has off-peak tickets from £18.15 for adults and £11 for kids.
For a rainproof option, try Noel – a Christmas light show at Liverpool Cathedral from 27 November to 5 December, priced from £10.50 for adults and £8.50 for kids.
The Bristol Light Festival will return for its seventh edition from 18 February to 27 February 2027. It is free to attend, with no booking or ticket required.
The ‘Burning the Clocks’ parade of lanterns moves through Brighton in East Sussex as part of celebration of the Winter Solstice.Credit: Alamy
Lantern parades
For the ultimate wholesome activity, why not take part in a local lantern trail with the kids.
For example, Burning the Clocks in Brighton will return this year with thousands of people making paper lanterns and carrying them through the city before burning them on the beach.
This years theme will be ‘Magicada’ which represents a symbolic rest followed by a noisy awakening – though a date for when it will take place is yet to be revealed.
In Devon, Totnes launches its late night Christmas shopping nights on December 8 with a free Carnival Lantern Parade through the town.
There will be handcrafted lanterns with live music and street performers alongside 70 stalls and 125 independent shops remaining open into the night.
In South London, a light procession takes place through Maritime Greenwich on November 18, ahead of the annual Christmas lights switch-on that evening.
Winchester Cathedral Lantern Parade takes place on 23 November, with participants carrying recycled or homemade lanterns through the city streets – the theme this year is ‘Angel’s Message.’
Leamington Lantern Parade in Leamington Spa takes place on December 6, with participants carrying homemade lanterns to a backdrop of stilt walkers and carol singers.
Corn Exchange’s Festival of Light in Newbury town centre takes place on December 13, with lantern-making workshops available to the public in the run-up.
People eating and drinking at Birmingham’s German MarketCredit: Alamy
Christmas markets
The UK is home to some fabulous Christmas markets and most are free to visit.
Most towns have their own, and here are some of the biggest, oldest and quirkiest around the country.
Manchester’s Christmas Marketsfeature 200 wooden chalets across ten city centre locations, with a fairground and a huge Ferris wheel, craft stalls, a pop-up pub and an undercover ice skating rink.
Edinburgh’s Christmas market in Princes Street Gardens are easily some of the prettiest, with wooden chalets, fairground rides and a Ferris Wheel alongside a background of Edinburgh Castle.
York’s St Nicholas Fair looks like something from a Hallmark Christmas movie, with plenty of local traders selling local produce and crafts in wooden chalets.
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market was named one of the best in Europe in 2024 – is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Austria and Germany, with traditional arts and crafts plus German food and drink.
Oxford Victorian Christmas Market takes place from November 12 – 15, with costumed traders and Victorian-style street performers, alongside 50 stalls selling decorations, food and drink.
Portmeirion Welsh Christmas Market runs from 4-6 December in Portmeirion Village, Gwynedd, North Wales, featuring 120 stalls and live performances around along the village’s unique streets.
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park has a load of tickets for just £1 this yearCredit: Getty
The attraction returns to London’s Hyde Park on November 19 and will run until January 3, 2027.
Yes, there are plenty of activities and food stands that cost a fortune, but there are also ways to keep costs down and have a fantastic day out.
This year there are tonnes of £1 entry tickets, which are typically for weekday sessions.
Free activities once you’re inside include:
Visiting Santa’s Grotto in Santa Land is free and comes with a small gift.
Free live music at the Market Square and the Explorer’s Rest.
There’s a free Elves’ Workshop too, with interactive experiences and games for little visitors to enjoy.
Christmas day out at the National Railway Museum
In York, you can visit the National Railway Museum for free and its upcoming Christmas event is also free.
Free Christmas activities include writing a letter to Father Christmas, exploring winter science activities and designing a 2027 calendar.
You can upgrade your experience to meet Father Christmas aboard the Guard’s compartment on a train for £15 per child.
The event runs from December 2 to 23 and each child will get a small gift as well as a hot chocolate.
From your traditional Santa Grottos to storytelling sessions with Mrs Claus check out the National Trust sites nearest to you to find out what’s onCredit: Getty
National Trust Santa Visits
The National Trust is an excellent location for the annual family festive day out.
The buildings are already beautiful and look great spruced up with some decorations, they often have winter trails through the large gardens and many of them feature their own Santa’s grotto.
When booking an activity, you actually get a lot of festive fun for the price of your ticket.
For example, Father Christmas at the Farm, at Tatton Park in Cheshire, features a nativity scene, live music, festive entertainers, a grotto, make-your-own reindeer food and a Christmas pop-up cafe. Adult tickets are £12.50 and kids tickets are £14. Runs from November 21 to December 24.
Father Christmas at Sunnycroft in Telford, Shropshire lets visitors step into the world of The Wind in the Willows with a 20-minute journey through the homes of Mole, Ratty, Badger and Mr Toad, that ends with a visit to Father Christmas.
One child and one accompanying adult costs £25. Runs from December 4-13.
Storytelling with Santa at Kingston Lacy in Wimborne Minster, Dorset, lets kids enjoy a story read by by Father Christmas, plus a gift and a photo opportunity. Tickets cost £15.50 per child and includes one accompanying adult. November 28 – December 23.
Visit Father Christmas at Gibside Stables in Gateshead lets visitors join playful forest elf Happy Holly Berry and Father Christmas for a festive story, then receive a small gift and a photo opportunity. Kids tickets tickets cost £18 and the adult is included in the price. Runs from November 29 to December 23.
Find out more about the National Trust Santa visits here.
It is also worth keeping your eye out for the Coca-Cola Christmas truck datesCredit: Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola Christmas Truck
The Coca-Cola Christmas Truck tours each festive season, offering free drinks, festive photo opportunities and interactive games.
Admission is free and you don’t need to buy tickets or book in advance.
Coca-Cola usually reveals the tour schedule around mid-November, featuring around 15 stops across the UK.
The stops usually run from around midday to 8pm, between late November and Christmas.
Day Out With The Kids has their own trucktracker, which they’ll update when the 2026 dates come through.
Christmas light switch-ons and parades
Across the UK there are also a number of Christmas light switch-ons and parades that don’t cost a penny to watch.
For example, you could head to Carnaby Street’s Christmas lights switch-on in central London, which will take place on November 4, with the theme ‘Press Play on Christmas’ and neon lights inspired by 1990s nostalgia.
Neighbouring Covent Garden has its Christmas lights switch-on on November 12, featuring more than 300,000 lights and free festive entertainment around the piazza.
Also in the area is Regent Street’s Festive Spirits switch-on on November 5, with a traffic-free event, family entertainment and in-store experiences.
Darlington Town Centre Christmas switch-on takes place on November 15, hosted by radio DJs and starring pantomime characters, plus a fireworks display after the switch-on.
Rochdale Town Hall hosts Ignite Fire Festival – with a magical trail of fire, lights and sound from November 20-22 that ends with the town’s Christmas light switch-on.
Preston’s Christmas Lights Switch-On returns to the Flag Market on November 21, with East 17 headlining an evening of live music, entertainment, magic, football, pantomime and plenty of festive fun.
The Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On took place on September 4 and the lights will run nightly until january 3 – six miles of illuminations along the Promenade from Starr Gate to Red Bank Road.
And we have 10,000 FREE tickets up for grabs for Sun Club members, so you can enjoy the 150 rides and attractions inside.
The tickets, on a first come, first service basis, even include entry Magical Ice Kingdom presents Neverland in Partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity – a world made up of500 tonnes of ice and snow.
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But how should you spend your time there?
Here’s a full rundown of what you MUST see from free things to do, to all of the new additions for 2026.
Last year, the attraction launched a free Santa’s Grotto experience, which is the largest free grotto in London.
Visitors will head on a journey through the new Elves’ Workshop and visit Mrs Claus before meeting the big man himself.
Of course, you can browse the German-style Christmas markets for free too, where there are dozens of chalets selling handmade crafts, ornaments, food and gifts.
In the Bavarian Village, make sure to head to The Bavarian Village Hall where there are often live bands, acoustic performers and Oktoberfest-style singalongs.
The atmosphere of the park in general is brilliant as well, with twinkling festive light installations, giant illuminated Christmas trees and themed areas.
Stepping into Bar Ice is as close as you will most likely get to experiencing an igloo.
The chilly cocktail lounge is kept at -10C and made entirely of giant blocks of carved ice.
Everything – I mean everything including the tables and chairs – is made out of ice.
And when you grab a drink, that will even be served in a glass made out of ice.
When you enter, staff will give you a coat and gloves to keep you warm too.
Inside, there are also a number of ice sculptures and neon lights illuminating the icy mythical creatures.
Each session lasts 20 minutes and includes one drink per person.
Tickets cost between £17 and £20 per person.
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Best family activity
Magical Ice Kingdom presents Neverland, in Partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity is great for families and allows visitors to literally chill out.
Kept at -10C, this magical kingdom is made entirely out of ice and is a walk-though indoor exhibition.
This year the theme is the very exciting ‘Neverland’.
For the first time ever, visitors will step through the Jolly Roger and into a Magical Ice Kingdom inspired by the Neverland, with Peter Pan and Wendy.
All the sculptures inside will be hand-carved by ice sculptors from 500 tonnes of ice.
Many of the ice features are interactive too, making it the ideal place to snap some photos of the family.
You can explore the exhibition at your own pace, but I’d recommend no more than 30 minutes.
My visit last year I spent about half an hour in the exhibition before getting a little too chilly and heading back outside.
Last year, Jingle Bell Bistro also launched and it is a great food spot.
Not as busy as the other food areas, the Jingle Bell Bistro is designed to be more child-friendly with options including simple burgers and chicken nuggets.
Adults can get food from here as well, but don’t expect fussy food with all the bells and whistles – more comfort food that pleases everyone.
You can even get Buddy the Elf’s famous spaghetti for £8.50. Prices vary, including £8 per child-sized pasta dish or £12 for an adult portion.
How to save your cash
There’s a whole host of new pre-bookable packages too for this year.
There’s the Explorer Pass for example, which includes the Real Ice Slide, Haunted Mansion, Snow Jet, Pirate Ship and Après Ski Party Funhouse.
It also includes free entry to the event.
There’s also Ride & Game Credit pass, which allows you to buy credit for the rides and attractions online in advance.
You can select from £20, £30 or £50 of pre-paid credit.
Of course, this year there are more £1 tickets than ever before as well.
Ig you want to save your money on entry make sure to book online in advance for an off-peak entry time.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland will run between November 19, 2026 and January 3, 2027.
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How to get your free tickets to Winter Wonderland
To claim your tickets, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Join thesun.co.uk/club for just £1.99 a month or £12 for the first year, then £19.99 thereafter.
Step 2: Go to the Offers Hub and select the Winter Wonderland page. You do not need to collect Sun Savers codes.
Step 3: Your unique booking code will appear on this page. Redeeming a code does not guarantee tickets. Click the ‘Copy’ button and then hit ‘Book’. You will be directed to the Winter Wonderland website.
Step 4: Select your preferred date and time, then choose ‘The Sun Winter Wonderland Entry & Magical Ice Kingdom Offer’. Two tickets will be added automatically to your basket.
Step 5: Continue to checkout to complete your booking. You must book your tickets by Sunday, November 1.
Our tickets are available for visits between Thursday, November 19 to Sunday, December 6.
18+ UK only (exc. NI, IoM & CI). Sun Savers multiple code collect 10/10/26-14/10/26 or digital subscription required. Online access required. 5,000 pairs of tickets available (7,000 off-peak, 2,000 standard & 1,000 peak) on a first come, first served basis. Subject to availability, daily allocation limits apply. Tickets available between 19/11/26 – 06/12/26. 2 tickets per person only. Non-transferable and non-refundable. T&Cs apply, see sunsavers.co.uk or club.thesun.co.uk/sun-club. New customer offer: £1.99 per month or £12 for the first year, then £19.99 thereafter unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. Full T&Cs apply, visit thesun.co.uk/terms-and-conditions.
