Top 10 UK Christmas markets to visit in your campervan or motorhome

Christmas is one of the most magical times of year and the lead up to the big day can be just as exciting as the main event itself. It can also be a great time to squeeze in one last campervan or motorhome trip before December 25^th. With so many amazing places to visit, up and down the country you won’t be short of festive markets, Christmas festivals and everything in-between to get you in the holiday spirit. Pack your camper, choose your route and you’ll be ready to go quicker than you can say Saint Nicholas.

Many Christmas markets are situated in towns and cities to draw in larger crowds, so this is always something to keep in mind when planning your trip. We recommend staying in campsites nearby and travelling into the busier areas using either public transport or a local taxi service. This will not only save you having to worry about  limited and often expensive parking spaces for your campervan, but will also ensure that you avoid Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ). Staying outside of the busier city centres also provides the perfect opportunity to get back to nature by enjoying wonderful winter walks, exploring woodland trails, or viewing the wildlife on your trip during the colder season. If you’re worried about staying warm, we have plenty of tips to ensure you can make the most of your motorhome or campervan all year round.

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market

First on our list of favourites is Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas market. Running from Thursday 4th November to Thursday 23rd December, this is the largest authentic German market outside of Germany, or Austria. At the Frankfurt Christmas Market you’ll be able to soak up the festive atmosphere, enjoy the traditional food and drink on offer and even pick up some unique Christmas gifts.

Lincoln Christmas Market

This free to visit market takes place between Thursday 2nd December and Sunday 5th December.

Lincoln is a fascinating city to visit, steeped in history and the Christmas market provides a great opportunity to get into the spirit of Christmas. In addition to the market, Lincoln boasts a historic Norman castle, a medieval square and an inspiring gothic cathedral. Lincoln is a great all year round place to visit in your campervan or motorhome. If you enjoy visiting historic buildings when on your travels, then this certainly isn’t one to be missed.

Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market

Boasting 400,000 visitors each year, Winchester Cathedral Market returns to the county of Hampshire from Friday 19^th November, right through the festive period and ends on Wednesday 22^nd December. Be prepared to grab your skates, the main attraction has to be the large ice rink right in the heart of the market which is ideal for both children and adults alike. If the unique location of the medieval cathedral isn’t enough to make you visit, the smell of roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and gingerbread certainly will. A visit to Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market can be combined with a campervan adventure to the New Forest or the spectacular beaches of the south coast.

Keswick Victorian Fayre

The Lake District is always a popular destination amongst motorhome and campervan owners and Christmas time is no different. This event takes place between 10.30am – 4pm on Sunday 5th December. If you’re planning on being in the Lakes, at this time, then this market is well worth a visit. With live performances throughout the day, from bands, choirs and dancers, a selection of charity and local business stalls, as well as a visit from Santa and his reindeer’s, there is something festive for the whole family to enjoy.

The Eden Project

Devon and Cornwall are staycation staples when it comes to finding somewhere to visit in your campervan with your family in the summer. During the winter months when the weather can be unpredictable the Eden Project provides a great place to visit whatever the west country weather decides to do. Whilst a trip to the tropical domes doesn’t sound like the most festive idea, the whole place is transformed with magical enchanting lighting, which turns the rainforest biome into an otherworldly winter wonderland. The atmosphere is also brought to life with a big band playing a selection of Christmas classics. There’s also mulled wine and mince pies on offer, together with ice skating to be enjoyed too. The Christmas event is available on selected dates from 3^rd – 30^th December. Ice skating can be enjoyed from 23^rd October right through until February 2022. A campervan visit to the Eden Project is sure to provide the perfect ingredient for a truly magical family Christmas.

Chatsworth House Christmas Market

The Peak District has many campsites and offers some of the most spectacular views in England, so it’s clear why so many motorhome and campervan owners head there every year.

Chatsworth House in Derbyshire is once again hosting their Christmas market. With over 100 market stalls offering a range of decorations and gifts, Chatsworth is a great market to visit. The market is free to enter, but parking fees will apply. To celebrate 20 years of Christmas at the Chatsworth, visitors will have the opportunity to see displays and decorations throughout the house, as well as being able to enjoy festive music and an illumination walk. The Christmas celebrations start on 6^th  November 2021 and whilst the market itself closes on Christmas Eve, visitors to Chatsworth House can enjoy the other festive events up until 9^th January.

Edinburgh’s Christmas

Edinburgh is a spectacular historical city, popular with tourists all year around including motorhome and campervan owners alike. Not only is Edinburgh a great City to ‘bring in the New Year’ at Hogmanay but boasts an abundance of things to get you into a jolly mood when out and about as we build up to Christmas. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding what to do first.

Edinburgh’s Christmas is an amalgamation of festive events spread across the city centre to help with any overcrowding issues.  To further ease congestion, the event is scheduled to run for a longer period than normal – starting on November 19^th, right the way through until January 5^th. The Royal Mile provides perfect photo opportunities to capture memories with sparkling lights lining the streets. At East Princes Street Gardens Market, you’ll be able to pick up plenty of bespoke gifts from a variety of different stalls. There are fairground rides for younger campers to enjoy and a big wheel, ideal to take in the view of the city from up above.

York’s St Nicholas Christmas Fair

York is another city with a long and fascinating history which is popular with motorhome and campervaners. York’s St Nicholas Christmas Fair is a spectacular event with its decorated shop windows and abundance of Christmas trees throughout, making this a magical place to visit in the lead up to the big day. Running from 18^th November – 23^rd December, St Nicholas Christmas Fair is one of the most popular markets in York. With a chill in the air, strolling through streets full of alpine chalet style stalls you’ll be bound to pick up a few bargains. If mulled wine and boozy hot chocolate by the log fire sounds like your kind of evening, then be sure to head over to THOR’S tipi Alpine Wonderland. It won’t disappoint!

Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland

Like many events last year, Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland was forced to cancel. But after a year off, one of the city’s most beloved Christmas markets is back from 16th November 2021. Located next to Cardiff Castle, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy. Some of the highlights include an ice rink, a family funfair, an ice bar, not to mention the usual festive food and drinks you’d expect. Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland is recommended for campervaners looking for a livelier atmosphere, the event has plenty of bars to choose from including a Ski Lodge Bar, which is ideal to appreciate a glass of Glühwein.

London at Christmas

Whilst the capital isn’t top of the list of leisure vehicle friendly locations. London is however, a popular destination and there are plenty of options if you want to experience London at Christmas time. Motorhome and campervan owners tend to stay in campsites on the outskirts of the city, in areas such as Abbey Wood, Lee Valley and Crystal Palace. We recommend checking the TFL website to check out the low emission zones and congestion charges before visiting. You can spend the day sightseeing and checking out the Christmas lights on Oxford Street before heading off to the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, which has one of the largest festive markets in London. The Winter Wonderland’s Bavarian Village will be sure to hit the spot with Bratwurst sausages, mulled wine, and hot chocolate on offer. Other Christmas markets worth a mention can be found on London’s Southbank, Greenwich and Leicester Square.

Winter walks

If you’re still looking to get in the Christmas spirit, but don’t fancy visiting any markets, you can still have just as much fun experiencing some of the beautiful locations the country has to offer. Popular all year round destinations for campervan and motorhome owners include the Peak District and the Lake District. Spend your days out and about in the great outdoors walking and hiking. Then in the evening, why not create a playlist, or grab a CD full of your favourite festive tracks to get you in the festive mood? You could even make some homemade mulled wine to warm you up after a refreshing stroll in the great outdoors.

Get all year round cover for your campervan or motorhome

At Comfort Insurance, we’ve helped thousands of our customers find great value motorhome and campervan cover so that they can embrace and enjoy the outdoor lifestyle whatever the season and whatever the weather. We’re here to help you get behind the wheel with complete confidence in your insurance whatever the time of year that you travel. Why not get an online quote or give us a call on 0208 984 0666 to speak to our friendly team today?