Christmas markets continue to dominate coach tour operators’ brochures over the festive period. Here’s our brief guide to some of the best in the UK for groups
Christmas shopping is one of the most magical – not to mention lucrative – retail experiences out there, and coach tour operators are very good at seizing the opportunities presented by Christmas markets.
The market for markets has grown and grown in the last two decades or so, and now almost every major city in the UK livens up its centre during the winter months with European-style shopping stalls, ice skating rinks and family entertainment.
The most popular for punters include Lincoln, Bath and Edinburgh. Having a beautiful historical setting certainly helps the atmosphere, but what counts here is what’s on offer for group bookings.
Here are a few of our favourites for coach groups.
10 November-20 December: Manchester Christmas Markets
Free, accessible event across Manchester city centre, with its hub in cobbled Albert Square. There are 300 traders offering international food, drinks and gifts, with a family-friendly site on Cathedral Gardens including an ice rink. Email specialist@manchestermarkets.com for discounts for midweek groups. Visit goo.gl/KSBoFS
16 November-22 December: York St Nicholas Fair
York’s famous Christmas market takes place on weekends and selected days through most of late November and December. Its events include Festive First Night, Brass Band Weekend, Choir Weekend and the Shambles Party. Coach parking is £60 +VAT and must be booked in advance. Visit goo.gl/SjH7Y7
17 November-7 January 2018: Edinburgh’s Christmas
Edinburgh’s city-wide celebration always includes a great show, and this year in the Spiegeltent it’s La Clique Noel, a themed mix of cabaret, burlesque, circus and vaudeville theatre. Don’t miss either Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, the three-day festival opening on 30 December, which is celebrating its 25th year. Visit edinburghschristmas.com
23-26 November: Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre
Bury St Edmunds promises “outstanding assistance” for groups at its Christmas Fayre, which has over 300 stalls. Coach parking is £30, and all pre-booked coaches receive an information pack with special offer vouchers. The driver gets a free taxi to and from the Fayre, and all coaches are meet-and-greeted. Visit goo.gl/rbKJmG
23 November-10 December: Bath Christmas Market
Bath promises the smell of mulled wine and mince pies and the sound of carols being sung at its event this year. With 170 chalets surrounding the Roman Baths, the market is very popular and pre-booking is essential. Coaches are charged £1 per seat on the vehicle. Visit goo.gl/ef884a
23 November-22 December: Salisbury Christmas Market
New for this year, Salisbury Christmas Market is introducing Artisan Row, 26 German-style kiosks solely dedicated to handmade products. Entertainment includes a lantern parade, street performers, live music and school choirs. The market offers a good service for groups, including detailed arrival instructions and meet-and-greet. Visit goo.gl/9siAxS
25 November: Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre
Ludlow Castle hosts over 100 stalls selling gifts and treats, plus a beer tent and live music, theatre, comedy and sword fights at the popular Medieval Christmas Fayre. The festival is open until 2100hrs on the Saturday, offering a different experience for groups. Visit goo.gl/v6ZJUq
25 November-23 December: St Albans Christmas Market
St Albans Christmas Market has extended from 25 to 29 days this year, due to popular demand. Now in its fifth year, it has a “best-dressed chalet” competition and a Nutcracker sculpture travel, and dedicated Christmas and history tours are available for groups. Coach parking is free (must be pre-booked). Visit goo.gl/TQGDzc
30 November-3 December: Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre
A popular one for groups, Worcester’s Christmas market is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and the organisers are planning activities and surprises accordingly. Favourites will return, including traditional Victorian carousel, juggling stilt walkers, Victorian characters and local choirs, with 180 market stalls. Parking costs £50-85 per coach. Visit goo.gl/QY2yhm
1-3 December: Durham Christmas Festival
Durham City’s Christmas Festival is based around the Cathedral and Castle as well as other city centre locations – from the Craft and Gift Marquee on Palace Green, to food and drink stalls in the cathedral cloisters, plus outdoor markets, and the 50 traders in Durham’s fine Market Hall. Visit goo.gl/YDiYXz
7-10 December: Lincoln Christmas Market
Lincoln’s huge one-weekend Christmas event sees cultural entertainment among 200 stalls in and around the ancient medieval square. Until the end of September, early-bird coach parking charges are between £48-106; thereafter it’s up to £109 a day until 24 November, then up to £218. Visit goo.gl/dFpDro
10 December: Beverley Festival of Christmas
Beverley’s is one of the fastest-growing Christmas events for coach tour operators. It provides welcome packs, maps, lunch vouchers and more for group bookings, with free city-centre coach parking. It also prides itself on its local stall holders – over 80% of whom are from Beverley and the East Riding. Visit goo.gl/apC4s1
