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Guide - Christmas markets
Which city in the UK has the best Christmas market?
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 04/06/2025
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 04/06/2025
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.
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.
Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland offers market stalls with food, drinks and presents plus an ice rink, rides and attractions.
Based in Bristol’s city centre, this market has 35 unique stalls, live entertainment and visits from Santa and his elves.
Set in the gardens of Rochester Castle, these festive markets are held over three consecutive weekends and are packed with inspiring gifts and treats.
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.
Three daily markets filled with handmade crafts and one-of-a-kind gifts. All lit up by hundreds of dazzling lights.
Cambridge’s historic Parker’s Piece is transformed into a magical Christmas village with food, drink and a big wheel.
Taking place over two consecutive weekends, Stratford’s market has stalls, Christmas lights and roaming entertainers.
Take in the festive atmosphere while you walk through the cobbled streets of Bath, browsing and shopping in over 200 stalls.
Shop for gifts and treats in over 50 gorgeous Christmas log cabins, offering gifts, crafts, clothing and so much more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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