Norwegian is encouraging Norway’s travelers to nip over to the UK as the weather turns to Christmas. Every year, Norwegians flock to Christmas markets all over Europe to get into the Christmas spirit. This year, Norwegian has collected the best Christmas markets the UK offers.
Norwegian flies to three cities in Great Britain: London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. At all three of these cities, travelers can look forward to unique dining experiences, exciting shopping opportunities, and, not least, Christmas markets full of a festive atmosphere.
UK Christmas Markets
London
Although the British capital is famous for its grand shopping streets, exciting restaurants, and vibrant city life, London also has several pleasant Christmas markets to visit.
Hyde Park becomes a “Winter Wonderland” with market stalls as far as the eye can see. Here, visitors can enjoy the UK’s largest ice rink, listen to live music, ride carousels, or enjoy good food and drink from the market stalls. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is open from 17 November – 1 January.
Leicester Square is located in the heart of London, specifically Soho. This Christmas market is traditional, with pleasant market stalls. It also offers spectacular shows and theater performances. Leicester Square Christmas Market is open from 8 November – 7 January.
Southbank Riverside turns into a wintry wonderland, where you can wander past market stalls covered in Christmas lights. This market is a perfect place to visit for those who want to enjoy a quieter market. This Christmas market is open from 2 November – 26 December.
Norwegian flies directly from Oslo to London daily, with 21 weekly departures. Norwegian also flies directly daily from Bergen and Stavanger and three weekly departures from Trondheim.
Manchester
This year marks exactly 25 years since Manchester opened its Christmas market. The market spans several areas, including St. Ann’s Square and Picadilly Gardens.
St. Ann’s Square is Manchester’s first Christmas market and opened in 1998. The market has many stalls and nearby pubs, where visitors can enjoy a well-deserved “pint” when they need a break from Christmas shopping. This Christmas market is open from 10 November – 21 December.
Piccadilly Gardens turns into a magical winter wonderland filled with market stalls, meters of string lights, and bonfires. Visitors can get everything from handmade Christmas gifts to a rich variety of food and drink. The Winter Gardens are open from 10 November – 21 December.
Norwegian flies directly to Manchester from Oslo, Stavanger, and Bergen. There are direct flights from Oslo every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and from Stavanger and Bergen every Monday and Friday.
Edinburgh
Charming Edinburgh in Scotland offers historic buildings and varied cultural life. In the run-up to Christmas, this is a wonderful place to soak up the Christmas spirit.
Princes Street Garden is Edinburgh’s most popular Christmas market and is naturally located next to the shopping street Princes Street. This traditional Christmas market has over 70 market stalls, where you can buy everything from handmade Christmas gifts, enjoy a warming mulled wine, or eat delicious Belgian waffles. The Christmas market is open from 18 November – 24 December and 26 December – 6 January.
St. Andrew Square Garden is just a stone’s throw away from Prince Street Garden. Here, the children can visit Santa Claus himself and his little helpers. The park also organizes a “Festival of Kindness,” where visitors can donate Christmas presents to those in need. This Christmas market is also open from 18 November – 24 December and 26 December – 6 January.
Norwegian flies directly to Edinburgh from Oslo seven days a week, with one departure daily.
Would-be Christmas market travelers can find flights available on Norwegian’s website.