Everyone looks forward to Christmas, but for students, it can be an expensive time. If you are trying to plan getting presents for your whole family whilst also wanting to get into the Christmas spirit, there might be no better way than paying a visit to a fantastic Christmas market. There are plenty around but some stand out from the crowd as being really worth your time.
Here we have compiled a list of some of the best Christmas markets for students, offering a range of unique craft gifts at great prices, as well as the chance to enjoy the atmosphere of Christmas.
Birmingham
Students from the Midlands and around the UK flock to Birmingham’s Christmas market. Free to enter, the market’s claim to fame is that it is the largest German Christmas Market anywhere outside of Germany and Austria. The Frankfurt Christmas Market is placed next to the Christmas Craft Market ensuring that there is a truly enormous selection of goods on offer.
There are more than 180 stalls sprawling across the city, and you can also take advantage of an amazing selection of German street food include pretzels, schnitzel and the world-famous bratwurst!
York
York is a city that looks impressive all year round, but perhaps never more than when it gets into the festive spirit. The St Nicholas Christmas Fair takes place every year through November and December across a range of locations in the city centre. Traditional Christmas goods and food are on offer alongside a number of fun attractions.
York Christmas market is popular amongst students in Yorkshire and beyond, attracting visitors from all around the UK. It’s definitely worth popping in for a visit to a traditional British Christmas market.
Bath
Are you a student in the West Country? Don’t miss out on the Bath Christmas Market. Set in a central location, the market stalls are set across more than 160 chalets, making them easy to visit and enjoy. This is a free market that runs late November through early December, so it’s a chance to get your Christmas shopping done early.
Bruges
If you are after something a little more extravagant, then a visit to Bruges could be the perfect option. Bruges is famous for having one of the most impressive Christmas markets anywhere in Europe – and the best thing is that it’s an easy day trip from the UK.
The festive atmosphere is something special with a huge selection of market stalls and shops open. And you can always count on Bruges for a truly impressive array of decorations on show with the entire town transformed. There might be nowhere better in Europe to experience Christmas cheer.
Winterville
Winterville is one of the London area’s largest Christmas markets. Running from mid-November through almost to Christmas Day itself, is as much an attraction as a market. Alongside the market stalls you’ll find an ice rink, a host of street food stalls, a roller disco and much more.
It’s based in Clapham so there is easy access for students from around the South East thanks to the excellent transport connections with Clapham Junction. There is a small entry fee depending on the day and the time you want to visit, so it pays to know that on Tuesdays entry is completely free!
Glasgow
Glasgow actually has a number of great Christmas markets to visit, making it Scotland’s favourite destination for student Christmas shopping. There the traditional George Square Christmas Market and St Enoch Square Christmas Market, as well as the Riverside Christmas Fair, and a number of other gift fairs and craft markets across the city. There will be something for you here no matter what you are looking for.
Winter Wonderland
London’s most famous Christmas market, based in the wonderfully central location of Hyde Park it is easy to get to for London students, as well as anyone travelling from around the country. Opening in late November, Winter Wonderland runs for a long time compared to many Christmas markets – still open in the first week of January.
There’s just about every kind of Christmas attraction you can imagine, from ice sculpting workshops and circus attractions to Christmas shows ideal for the whole family. Winter Wonderland is free to enter, but you will need a ticket to enjoy any of the attractions.
This article about “Best Christmas Markets for Students” was written for Housing Hand – the Award-Winning UK Rent Guarantor Service by Annie Button. For more information on how Housing Hand can help you secure your rented accommodation, visit housinghand.co.uk or call 02072052625.
