Christmas Markets & Events in the UK: Celebrate the Season with Hotel du Vin
Across the UK, cities come alive at Christmas, filled with twinkling lights, the scent of mulled wine, and the joyful bustle of markets that capture the season’s magic. From historic streets lined with chalet stalls to candlelit concerts and festive light switch-ons, each destination offers its own take on a timeless tradition.
A stay with Hotel du Vin adds an extra touch of indulgence to the experience. Blending heritage architecture with modern comfort, each boutique hotel offers a warm retreat from the winter chill, complete with festive dining, fine wines, and intimate spaces perfect for celebrating the season. Whether you’re exploring markets in York, toasting Hogmanay in Edinburgh, or admiring the cathedral lights in Winchester, Hotel du Vin turns every festive escape into a memory worth savouring.
The best Christmas markets in the UK
From Edinburgh’s historic streets to Brighton’s seaside squares, each city offers its own take on the festive season. Explore the country’s most charming Christmas markets and discover how a stay at Hotel du Vin brings you closer to the heart of every celebration.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the market in Princes Street Gardens is one of the UK’s most iconic. Wander between traditional stalls, enjoy fairground rides, and sample festive treats before retreating to Hotel du Vin Edinburgh, a boutique hideaway in the city’s Old Town, where heritage architecture meets modern comfort.
Newcastle Christmas Market
Located around Grey Street and Grainger Market, Newcastle’s Christmas Market is a showcase of local crafts, delicious street food, and warm Geordie hospitality. After a day exploring the festive stalls, unwind at Hotel du Vin Newcastle on the banks of the Tyne, perfectly placed for a seasonal city escape.
York Christmas Market (St Nicholas Fair)
York’s medieval streets come alive each winter with chalet-lined stalls, twinkling lights, and the scent of mulled wine. The St Nicholas Fair is the city’s festive highlight, offering artisanal gifts and local delicacies. Hotel du Vin York, a beautifully converted former orphanage, captures the spirit of the season with cosy interiors and warm hospitality.
Glasgow Christmas Markets
Split between George Square and St Enoch Square, Glasgow’s markets bring festive cheer to Scotland’s largest city. Expect hearty food, handmade gifts, and live entertainment under a canopy of twinkling lights. Hotel du Vin Glasgow at One Devonshire Gardens offers elegant surroundings and exceptional dining, just a short distance from the festivities.
Winchester Christmas Market
Framed by the magnificent Winchester Cathedral, this market is known for its traditional wooden chalets and handpicked artisan stalls. It’s one of the most atmospheric settings in the country, and Hotel du Vin Winchester is only minutes away, the perfect retreat for guests to enjoy festive shopping and cathedral carol concerts.
Christmas events worth travelling for
Beyond the Christmas markets, the season brings a calendar full of magical events across the UK. From torchlight processions to ice trails and winter festivals, each offers another reason to turn a December weekend into a festive escape, and many are just moments from a Hotel du Vin.
Edinburgh Hogmanay: Scotland’s legendary New Year celebration keeps the Christmas spirit alive into January, with torchlight parades, street concerts, and spectacular fireworks. Stay close to the heart of the festivities at Hotel du Vin Edinburgh, a charming retreat in the Old Town.
York Ice Trail: Each February, York’s streets become a gallery of frozen art as sculptors carve intricate creations throughout the city. Combined with the St Nicholas Fair in December, it makes York a destination that shines long after Christmas.
Brighton’s Burning the Clocks Festival: Brighton’s unique seaside celebration lights up the winter solstice with handmade lanterns and a procession that ends in a spectacular bonfire and fireworks on the beach. Hotel du Vin Brighton, on the seafront, offers the perfect spot to soak up the city’s creative, festive energy.
Winchester Cathedral Carol Concerts: A highlight of Winchester’s festive season, the cathedral’s candlelit carol concerts fill the air with music and tradition. After the performance, enjoy a glass of wine and a relaxed evening at Hotel du Vin Winchester, just minutes from the cathedral’s grounds.
Exeter Cathedral Festive Fairs: For those visiting the South West, Exeter’s cathedral grounds host Christmas markets, craft fairs, and seasonal events throughout December. With its heritage charm and central location, Hotel du Vin Exeter offers a boutique base for exploring the festivities.
Christmas lights switch-ons across the UK
The moment the Christmas lights are switched on marks the true beginning of the festive season. Across the UK, cities host dazzling ceremonies that fill their streets with sparkle, music, and cheer, and many of the most beautiful displays can be found just a short walk from Hotel du Vin.
Edinburgh: George Street Lights: Edinburgh’s George Street becomes a glowing corridor of light each winter, its historic architecture illuminated against the night sky. Guests staying at Hotel du Vin Edinburgh are perfectly placed to enjoy the spectacle, followed by a glass of wine or a festive meal in the brasserie.
Glasgow: George Square Lights: In Glasgow, George Square is transformed into a winter wonderland with bright lights, a skating rink, and Christmas entertainment. The city’s switch-on event is one of the most anticipated of the year, easily enjoyed from Hotel du Vin Glasgow at One Devonshire Gardens.
York: St Helen’s Square Switch-On: York’s charming St Helen’s Square glows with traditional Christmas lights that set the tone for the city’s festive season. The switch-on is the perfect prelude to a wander through the St Nicholas Fair, before returning to the comfort of Hotel du Vin York.
Birmingham City Centre Displays: Birmingham’s city centre shines each winter with thousands of sparkling bulbs, transforming its streets and markets into a festive showcase. After enjoying the displays, guests can retreat to Hotel du Vin Birmingham, where seasonal dining and warm hospitality complete the evening.
Winchester & Cambridge: Traditional Ceremonies: Both Winchester and Cambridge celebrate with traditional switch-on ceremonies that combine local choirs, market stalls, and plenty of festive charm. From the carol-filled atmosphere in Winchester’s cathedral quarter to Cambridge’s historic streets, guests at Hotel du Vin can experience the magic of these moments up close.
Reception Options for Every Celebration
Whether you’re planning a festive dinner with loved ones, a coastal wedding, or a seasonal party with colleagues, Hotel du Vin offers venues that combine heritage charm with contemporary elegance. Each space captures the essence of the season — intimate, inviting, and effortlessly stylish, ensuring your celebration feels special from the first toast to the final glass of wine.
Intimate Gatherings
Hotel du Vin’s smaller spaces are designed for close family celebrations and festive dinners. Each venue carries its own character, from cosy cellars and candlelit private rooms to elegant lounges perfect for seasonal toasts. With fine wines and tailored menus, every gathering feels personal and memorable.
Larger Weddings by the Coast
For those planning a grander festive event, Hotel du Vin’s coastal locations offer elegant reception rooms that blend historic charm with modern comfort. These spaces are ideal for weddings, anniversary parties, or large family gatherings, each enhanced by exceptional service and carefully curated dining.
Flexible Event Spaces
Every Hotel du Vin venue can be tailored to suit your celebration, from intimate receptions to larger seasonal parties. Rooms can be styled with festive décor, arranged for formal dining or relaxed mingling, and paired with bespoke menus and wine selections to match the mood. Explore one of our stunning spaces, such as the Brighton private event room, to see how your celebration could come to life.
Why choose Hotel du Vin for your festive break
Each Hotel du Vin offers more than a place to stay; it’s an invitation to experience the season in style. Combining boutique heritage with exceptional dining and central locations, our hotels capture the warmth and wonder of Christmas from the moment you arrive.
Boutique heritage venues
Each Hotel du Vin property blends classic architecture with contemporary style, offering a distinctive atmosphere that’s both elegant and inviting. From grand Georgian townhouses to restored warehouses, every hotel provides a warm and characterful setting, ideal for unwinding during the festive season.
Festive dining & wine
Celebrate Christmas through exceptional food and wine. Hotel du Vin’s bistros serve seasonal menus crafted from locally sourced ingredients, paired with wines curated by in-house sommeliers. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner or a private celebration, discover more about private dining at Hotel du Vin and experience festive dining done with flair.
Central locations across the UK
With hotels situated in the heart of the UK’s most historic and vibrant cities, you’re never far from the action. Many Hotel du Vin locations are just minutes from Christmas markets, light switch-ons, and winter events, making them the perfect base for exploring each city’s seasonal highlights.
Make it a full festive break
Turn your Christmas outing into a complete winter escape. Combine market visits with overnight stays, spa treatments, or group celebrations for a truly indulgent experience. Whether you’re planning a weekend away or a few days of festive relaxation, Hotel du Vin offers everything you need to make the season memorable.
FAQS:
Do Hotel du Vin hotels have private dining options at Christmas?
Yes, each hotel features intimate private dining rooms and wine cellars, perfect for festive group meals and celebrations.
Are Hotel du Vin hotels close to Christmas markets?
Yes, many of our hotels are just a short walk from the city’s main market or festive event, making them ideal bases for a Christmas break.
Can I book wine pairings with my Christmas meal at Hotel du Vin?
Absolutely. Hotel du Vin is known for its curated wine lists, and many festive menus can be paired with expert recommendations from the in-house sommeliers.
Do Hotel du Vin hotels host seasonal events themselves?
Yes, several locations host festive afternoon teas, special Christmas Day dining, and New Year’s Eve celebrations, check individual hotel pages for details.