A taste of Europe’s Christmas markets without leaving the UK

Disappointed you can’t visit one of Europe’s top Christmas Markets this year? If the credit crunch means you won’t be flying abroad for a taste of the festive season, do not worry - Hotels.com has come up with the best Christmas Markets around the UK, which offer a continental theme and an authentic experience of the great markets of Europe.

Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland (22 Nov – 4 Jan)
Royal Lancaster Hotel, London (4 stars)
Hotels.com prices from £166 per room per night

This grand hotel is superbly situated opposite Hyde Park for those who wish to join in the festivities of Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. It is also a short walk from the main shopping district, offering spectacular Christmas displays, and the boutiques of Knightsbridge.

The Winter Wonderland is a German style Christmas Market with around 50 wooden chalets situated around the bandstand on Serpentine Road. Visitors can enjoy the ice rink, festive goods and culinary specialities including a glass of “Glühwein” or German mulled wine, the typical German sausage “Bratwurst” and gingerbread hearts.

Bournemouth Traditional Christmas Market (28 Nov – 21 Dec)
Norfolk Rotale Classic Hotel, Bournemouth (4 stars)
Hotels.com prices from £89 per room per night

This four-star Georgian hotel has the luxury of being both by the sea but equally close to Bournemouth’s shopping district. Featuring a heated indoor swimming pool the hotel also offers a beautiful spa.

The traditional Christmas market takes place in The Square, which is right in the centre of Bournemouth. It has a German theme but visitors will find numerous traders from all over Europe. The typical German Sausage “Bratwurst” will be available as well as gingerbread hearts, roasted almonds and crepes. Parents can relax with a glass of “Glühwein” while listening to traditional Christmas music.

Chester Italian Christmas Market (20-21 Nov)
Best Western Mollington Banastre Hotel and Spa (3 stars)
Hotels.com prices from £90 per room per night

The charming Mollington Banastre Hotel and Spa is surrounded by spectacular scenery and is the ideal retreat after a long day shopping and enjoying the festive vibe of the city.

This market will offer an array of festive treats with a distinct Italian theme. It is the only Italian themed market in the UK and only lasts for two days so don’t miss out.

Canterbury Traditional Christmas Market (28 Nov - 21 Dec)
ABode Canterbury (3 stars)
Hotels.com prices from £108 per room per night

This four-star hotel is housed in a 16th century listed Tudor building and maintains a traditional exterior. Located on Canterbury’s High Street it is perfect for those who wish to explore the various boutiques, market and cafés.

The medieval city of Canterbury will be transformed into a traditional German Christmas Market this year. Visitors will be able to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the yule-tide market, whilst relaxing with a glass of “Glühwein” and listening to traditional Christmas music. The typical German foods will be available to buy alongside silver jewellery, hand-crafted toys and candles in all shapes and sizes.

Buckingham French Christmas Market (29 Nov)
The Bell Hotel, Buckingham (3 stars)
Hotels.com prices from £95 per room per night

This modern hotel has a comfortable pub-style feel to it, and is situated just off Market Square. Centrally located the hotel is perfect for those wanting to explore the city, browse the continental markets or enjoy a spot of Christmas shopping.

This market will appeal to all who enjoy French delicacies and want an authentic experience. There will be many stalls selling a wide variety of items such as sausage, cheese, olives, chocolate, leather bags, cashmere scarves and pottery.

Leeds Christkindelmarkt Traditional German Christmas Market (16th Nov – 20th Dec)
Quebecs, The Leeds Boutique (4 stars)
Hotels.com prices from £69 per room per night

Once Leeds and Country Liberal Club, this four-star boutique hotel retains many of its original features. The hotel is within walking distance of the Millennium Square market enabling guests to enjoy a spot of Christmas shopping.

This is one of the largest German markets in the UK. With 30 traditional wooden stalls providing a wide range of seasonal gifts, traditional German delicacies, festive greenery and twinkling colourful lights. The popular 'Frankfurter Scheune' provides an authentic bier-keller experience with real German bier, specialist food menu and regular evening musical entertainment including the ‘Herr Jens Bavarian Oompah Band’.

Glasgow Traditional Christmas Market (14 Nov – 21 Dec)
Marriot Glasgow (4 stars)
Hotels.com prices from £120 per room per night

This four-star modern hotel is close to the city centre with access to the hustle and bustle of city life and Glasgow’s key shopping areas, restaurants and cultural attractions.

This year the market will be in either Argyle Street or St Enoch’s Square. The typical German Sausage ‘bratwurst’ will be available as well as the traditional gingerbread hearts, roasted almonds and delicious sweet crepes. The carousel in the centre of the Christmas Market offers younger visitors an enjoyable attraction while parents can relax with a glass of ‘Glühwein’ while listening to traditional Christmas music.

For more information and bookings, log on to Hotels.co.uk.