Christmas is coming and to prepare for the big day, you might intend on visiting some of the UK’s finest festive markets.
Whether you’re going to a local one or somewhere further afield, you should factor in the travel times and parking when visiting a market. One way to make things easier if you have a little way to travel is temporary car insurance.
Before we move on to how short-term car insurance can make your Christmas shopping that little bit more manageable, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular festive markets Britain has to offer.
What are the best Christmas markets in the UK?
Leeds Christmas Market
Bigger than ever, the Leeds Christmas markets take over two locations in the heart of the city centre and offer unique gifts, crafts and treats from all around the world.
Where: City Square, Leeds,LS1 2AL and Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 3AD.
When: Friday 22 November to Saturday 22 December 2024.
Where can I park: Q-Park Albion Street car park (LS1 5JS) is only 3 minutes walk away from the market
Website: https://www.visitleeds.co.uk/winter-season/christmas-markets
Nottingham Christmas Market
Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland offers market stalls with food, drinks and presents plus an ice rink, rides and attractions.
Where: Old Market Square, Nottingham, NG1 2DT.
When: Wednesday 13 November to Tuesday 31 December 2024.
Where can I park: The closest public car parks are Lace Market (NG1 1QE), Trinity Square (NG1 4AF) and Broad Marsh (NG1 7EJ). There are also 6,500 free parking spaces available at nine park and ride sites across the city.
Website: https://nottinghamwinterwonderland.co.uk/
Bristol Christmas Market
Based in Bristol’s city centre, this market has 35 unique stalls, live entertainment and visits from Santa and his elves.
Where: Bristol Shopping Quarter, Bristol, BS1 1UX.
When: 1 November to 22 December 2024.
Where can I park: There are a number of car parks in Bristol city centre. The 24-hour Cabot Circus car park (BS2 9AB) has over 2,500 spaces.
Website: https://bristolchristmasmarket.com/
Rochester Christmas Market
Set in the gardens of Rochester Castle, these festive markets are held over three consecutive weekends and are packed with inspiring gifts and treats.
Where: Rochester Castle Gardens, Castle Hill, Rochester ME1 1SW.
When: 29 November to 15 December 2024.
Where can I park: There are a number of pay and display car parks within walking distance of the Rochester Christmas Market including the short-stay Cathedral Rochester (ME1 1LX), Blue Boar Lane (ME1 1PD) and Rochester Riverside (ME1 1PZ).
Website: https://www.visitmedway.org/events/rochester-christmas-market-2024-96680/
Birmingham Christmas Market
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest authentic German market outside of Germany or Austria. You’ll be able to enjoy pretzels, bratwurst, gluhwein and so much more.
Where: Victoria Square, Birmingham, B1 1BD and New Street, Birmingham, B2 4HQ.
When: Friday 1 November to Tuesday 24 December.
Where can I park: There are many car parks in Birmingham city centre including the High Street (B4 7LN), the Bullring (B5 4RQ) and the Town Hall (B1 1TA – please note there isn’t a lift at this car park).
Website: https://www.thebfcm.co.uk/
Covent Garden Christmas Market
Three daily markets filled with handmade crafts and one-of-a-kind gifts. All lit up by hundreds of dazzling lights.
Where: Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8RF.
When: Throughout November and December 2024.
Where can I park: Parking is very restricted around Covent Garden but there is pay and display parking on Henrietta Street (WC2E 8NL), Southampton Street (WC2E 7HE) and Tavistock Street (WC2E 7NY). There are also NCP (WC2B 5NT) and Q-Park car parks (WC2H 7PU) nearby. Remember to pay the Congestion Charge and check if your vehicle is ULEZ compliant.
Website: https://www.coventgarden.london/experience/christmas-in-covent-garden/
Cambridge Christmas Market
Cambridge’s historic Parker’s Piece is transformed into a magical Christmas village with food, drink and a big wheel.
Where: Parker’s Piece, Cambridge, CB1 1NA.
When: 14 November 2024 to 5 January 2025.
Where can I park: Parker’s Piece is located within 200m (approx) from Queen Anne Terrace (CB1 1ND). There are also 6,500 free parking spaces at nine park and ride sites across the city.
Website: https://www.christmasincambridge.co.uk/
Stratford Christmas Market
Taking place over two consecutive weekends, Stratford’s market has stalls, Christmas lights and roaming entertainers.
Where: Waterside, Bridge Street, Henley Street, High Street and Meer Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6AB.
When: Saturday 7 and Sunday 8/Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December.
Where can I park: There is parking available at Arden Street (CV37 6NW), Bridgeway (CV37 6YX) and Church St (CV37 6HB) plus a park and ride service at Bishopton Ln (CV37 0RJ).
Website: https://www.stratford.gov.uk/markets/stratford-upon-avon-victorian-christmas-market.cfm
Bath Christmas Market
Take in the festive atmosphere while you walk through the cobbled streets of Bath, browsing and shopping in over 200 stalls.
Where: Across the city centre, Bath, BA2.
When: Tuesday 28 November to Sunday 15 December.
Where can I park: Charlotte Street (BA1 2NE), Avon Street (BA1 1UF) and Podium Shopping Centre (BA1 5BJ). Bath is also served by three park and ride services: Odd Down (South of Bath, BA2 8PA), Newbridge (West of Bath, BA1 3NB), and Lansdown (North of Bath, BA1 9BJ).
Website: https://bathchristmasmarket.co.uk/
Plymouth Christmas Market
Shop for gifts and treats in over 50 gorgeous Christmas log cabins, offering gifts, crafts, clothing and so much more.
Where: Plymouth Piazza, Plymouth, PL1 1HH.
When: Thursday 28 November to Sunday 15 December.
Where can I park: There are over 50 car parks in and around Plymouth, many within walking distance of the Christmas market including Plymouth City Market (PL1 1PS), Regent Street (PL4 8BA) and the Guildhall (PL1 2AD). There are also park and ride services at Milehouse (PL2 3DA), Coypool (PL7 4TB) and George (PL6 7HB).
Website: https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/whats-on/major-events/plymouth-christmas-market/event-information
Tempcover It! This Christmas
Take some stress out of shopping in the build-up to Christmas by borrowing a car or sharing the drive to your favourite market. Tempcover’s temporary car insurance is fully comprehensive and flexible to your needs. Just having a quick visit? Get insured on a vehicle an hour or a day.
Planning on a longer trip as you tour the country’s Christmas markets? Get cover for any time up to 28 days. With no impact on existing no claims policies, you can have peace of mind and even drink more gluhwein if your shopping partner is happy to take the wheel on the journey home.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Christmas markets in the UK typically start and end?
Opening times for the UK’s Christmas markets vary between locations but typically take place between November and December. Some (e.g. Stratford) take place on consecutive weekends in December while others are on every day throughout the festive period.
What are the top tips for visiting Christmas markets in the UK?
We’d suggest getting to the markets early as some of the gifts on offer may be in high demand. You’re also more likely to avoid queues and find parking easier. If you’re meeting friends at the market, you could consider sharing the driving with temporary car insurance. This saves you both travelling and gives another driver fully comprehensive cover – with no impact on your no claims discount.
Do Christmas markets in the UK have entry fees?
This will depend on the market you are travelling to. It’s best to check on their website or with their organisers before setting off. Many Christmas markets offer free entry with paid-for attractions and rides etc.
What are the best travel options for visiting Christmas markets?
This depends on the individual. Many markets are in town or city centres so are easily accessible via road, train and other public transport. Some may be in pedestrianised sections which will require a park and ride service. Plan out your method of transport before heading off on your journey.
Is it possible to buy temporary car insurance for a Christmas market trip?
Yes, you can Tempcover It! When you head to a Christmas market. Our temporary car insurance is perfect if you’re heading further afield and want to share a long drive or if you’re borrowing a car to get where you need to go.
Can temporary insurance cover me if I borrow a friend’s car for a Christmas market visit?
Yes, you can add temporary car insurance cover when borrowing a friend’s car, wherever you’re visiting in the UK. Get a quote from Tempcover in under 2 minutes and head off on your festive journey asap.
What are some safety tips for driving to Christmas markets in winter weather?
As the weather starts to turn colder, you should consider following our winter driving tips before heading off. Christmas markets tend to be very busy so you should remain calm and patient while travelling to and from them. Some do not offer parking and encourage people to arrive via public transport or a park and ride scheme. Plan your route before setting off.
Can I find parking easily at popular Christmas market locations?
This depends on where you’re heading. Check the market’s website and Google Maps ahead of your journey to make a plan of action of where you plan to park.
