Christmas Markets & Events in the UK: Celebrate the Season with Malmaison
The festive season transforms cities across the UK into glittering wonderlands, filled with twinkling lights, artisan stalls, and the comforting scent of mulled wine. From Manchester’s iconic squares to Edinburgh’s historic gardens, there’s no shortage of festive charm to explore. Whether you’re browsing handmade gifts, skating beneath fairy lights, or sampling bratwurst and roasted chestnuts, the magic of Christmas is best enjoyed from the heart of the action.
At Malmaison, every stay feels like part of the celebration. Our boutique hotels sit just moments from the UK’s best Christmas markets and light displays, offering the perfect blend of comfort, style, and festive atmosphere. Step out into the buzz of the markets, then return to elegant interiors, indulgent seasonal dining, and warm hospitality.
This year, plan your Christmas getaway around the country’s most dazzling festive events, from the Liverpool Christmas Market to the iconic celebrations in Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, York, and London. Whether you’re joining friends for mulled wine at the market or toasting the season over a cocktail in one of our Bars & Grills or rooftop venues like Sora, Malmaison is where the magic of Christmas truly begins.
The best Christmas markets in the UK
Each city celebrates Christmas in its own way, from grand German-style markets and ice villages to riverside pop-ups and traditional crafts. Wherever you choose to wander, there’s a Malmaison nearby, ready to welcome you with seasonal dining, cosy interiors, and the perfect night’s sleep after a day of festivities.
Manchester Christmas Markets
Manchester’s Christmas Markets are among the UK’s most famous, sprawling across multiple city squares. Expect the scent of roasted chestnuts, the sound of carols, and stalls brimming with bratwurst, mulled wine, and handmade gifts. Cathedral Gardens hosts the family-friendly ice village, while Albert Square remains the hub of the celebration.
Just a short stroll away, Malmaison Manchester Deansgate offers a luxurious base in the heart of it all. When the markets wind down, head up to Sora for skyline views and winter cocktails, or get cosy in the Bar & Grill, where seasonal menus and festive drinks await. If you’re planning a celebration, explore the Festive Bad House Banquet, a vibrant dining experience that perfectly captures the spirit of the season.
Liverpool Christmas Market
Running from 15 November to 24 December, Liverpool’s Christmas Market fills St George’s Plateau and William Brown Street with festive cheer. Wooden chalets overflow with handmade crafts, decorations, and delicious street food, while the nearby big wheel and rides create a lively atmosphere.
At Malmaison Liverpool, set on the city’s waterfront, guests can enjoy mulled wine by the Mersey before returning to sleek interiors, warming cocktails, and seasonal dishes at the Bar & Grill, all just a short walk or quick taxi ride from the market.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Centred in East Princes Street Gardens, the Edinburgh Christmas Market blends Scottish charm with European style. Beneath the glow of Edinburgh Castle, you’ll find stalls selling local crafts, sweet treats, and warming drinks, alongside a Ferris wheel and festive ice rink.
Guests can choose between Malmaison Edinburgh City for a chic city break or Malmaison Edinburgh on the Leith waterfront for a more tranquil festive escape. Both offer elegant comfort and seasonal dining menus ideal for winding down after a day in the markets.
Birmingham Christmas Market
Known as Europe’s largest German market outside Germany and Austria, Birmingham’s Christmas Market brings an authentic Bavarian atmosphere to Victoria Square and New Street. Sip hot chocolate, share steins of beer, and enjoy oompah bands, pretzels, and schnitzels.
After soaking up the festive buzz, unwind at Malmaison Birmingham, where cocktails and a festive menu in the Bar & Grill make the perfect end to your evening.
York Christmas Market (St Nicholas Fair)
York’s medieval streets are transformed into a winter village lined with alpine chalets. Discover local artisan crafts, Yorkshire delicacies, and handmade decorations, all under the glow of York Minster.
Stay at Malmaison York, housed in a beautifully converted landmark building, for boutique comfort in the heart of the city, the ideal spot for exploring the fair and soaking in the festive atmosphere.
London Christmas Markets
From Southbank’s riverside Winter Market to the dazzling Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London’s festive season is a spectacle of lights, flavours, and performances.
Malmaison London in Clerkenwell provides easy access to the capital’s celebrations, with elegant interiors, festive cocktails, and seasonal dining to complete your city stay.
Christmas events worth travelling for
From world-famous winter attractions to open-air concerts and festive theatre, the UK offers a host of events that make December a magical month to explore. Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning a full weekend away, these experiences bring the spirit of Christmas to life.
Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park (London)
London’s Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is the UK’s largest festive attraction, combining Christmas markets, circus shows, and theme-park rides into one glittering destination. Wander through the Magical Ice Kingdom, enjoy the Bavarian Village with steins of beer and live music, or take a spin on the ice rink surrounded by fairy lights.
Hogmanay in Edinburgh
Few cities celebrate the festive season quite like Edinburgh. Hogmanay, Scotland’s world-famous New Year celebration, fills the city with torchlight processions, live concerts, and fireworks over Edinburgh Castle. It’s a lively, joyful way to extend the magic of Christmas through to the New Year.
Ice rinks and trails
Nothing captures the magic of winter quite like skating under the stars or wandering through a glowing light trail. Iconic seasonal ice rinks such as those at the Natural History Museum in London and Cathedral Gardens in Manchester set the scene for festive fun, while the illuminated paths at Kew Gardens and Edinburgh’s Botanic Lights offer a more tranquil, enchanting experience. Malmaison hotels offer warm, stylish bases for a winter break built around these events.
Seasonal theatre & concerts
December’s entertainment calendar is filled with pantomimes, ballets, and concerts that bring the festive season to life. From classic productions of The Nutcracker to carol concerts in historic cathedrals, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate through music and performance. Cities like York, Edinburgh, and Birmingham all host special seasonal shows, and Malmaison hotels are centrally located, ideal for a culture-led festive break.
Christmas lights switch-ons across the UK
The sparkle of Christmas officially begins when cities across the UK light up their streets and landmarks. These switch-on events mark the start of the festive season, drawing crowds for live entertainment, fireworks, and an unmistakable sense of joy.
London’s Oxford Street & Regent Street lights
The world-famous Oxford Street and Regent Street lights are a highlight of London’s festive calendar. Traditionally switched on in early November, they bathe the city in glittering displays that signal the start of Christmas shopping season. Combine an evening beneath the lights with a day exploring the capital’s markets and seasonal attractions.
Manchester lights switch-on
Manchester’s annual light switch-on transforms the city centre into a glowing winter spectacle. With live performances, fireworks, and family-friendly entertainment, it’s one of the biggest festive events in the region. Malmaison Manchester Deansgate is within walking distance, offering guests an elegant base close to the celebrations.
Edinburgh’s George Street lights
Edinburgh’s George Street becomes a festive boulevard of twinkling lights throughout the season, running alongside the Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens. The display adds even more magic to evening strolls through the city, perfectly paired with a stay at Malmaison Edinburgh City.
Glasgow, Leeds, Newcastle highlight
Each northern city shines in its own way. Glasgow’s George Square is transformed with a skating rink and vibrant décor, Leeds’s Millennium Square hosts light displays alongside entertainment and stalls, and Newcastle’s Grey Street and Grainger Market glow with warm seasonal charm. Malmaison hotels in these cities provide central access to the festivities, making it easy to experience each celebration in style.
Reception Options for Every Celebration
Whether you’re planning a cosy gathering or a lively festive party, Malmaison offers event spaces that set the scene for memorable Christmas celebrations. From intimate dinners to grand seasonal events, each venue combines elegant design with exceptional service.
Intimate Gatherings
Malmaison’s private dining rooms are ideal for smaller groups, whether it’s a festive dinner with family, a team celebration, or a relaxed evening with friends. Menus can be tailored to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, and the stylish interiors make even the most intimate occasions feel special.
Larger Weddings by the Coast
For those looking to celebrate on a bigger scale, Malmaison’s event spaces can host everything from end-of-year parties to winter weddings. Each venue can be dressed with festive décor, entertainment, and themed dining to suit the occasion, making it the perfect choice for office Christmas parties or large family gatherings.
Flexible Event Spaces
Malmaison’s rooms can be configured to suit any festive event, from cocktail receptions to formal sit-down dinners and weddings. With AV equipment, staging, and event planning support available, each space can be tailored to deliver a bespoke experience. The flexibility also makes it easy to blend work celebrations with dining, dancing, or an overnight stay — all under one roof.
Planning your festive city break with Malmaison
From Christmas markets to light displays, Malmaison hotels offer the perfect base for exploring the UK’s most festive destinations. Each stay combines boutique comfort with warm hospitality, helping you make the most of the season.
Stay close to the action
Every Malmaison hotel is located in the heart of its city, often just moments from Christmas markets, ice rinks, and festive attractions. With no long commutes or complicated travel plans, you can step straight into the celebrations and enjoy the magic right on your doorstep.
Seasonal dining & cocktails
Malmaison’s brasseries and bars embrace the season with festive menus crafted from seasonal ingredients. Guests can enjoy Christmas cocktails, mulled wine, and celebratory fizz in sophisticated surroundings, while private dining rooms and group options make it easy to host parties or gatherings with a touch of style.
Stylish boutique comfort
After a day exploring winter markets or attending a festive event, Malmaison’s chic interiors and indulgent touches offer a welcoming retreat. Each room combines modern comfort with a sense of luxury, creating the perfect environment to relax and recharge.
Extend your celebration
For those wishing to turn a night out into a full festive escape, many hotels offer seasonal packages that include overnight stays with dining. Guests can take advantage of the Autumn Offer and Christmas Packages, ideal for combining markets, dinners, or spa treatments into a longer winter break.
FAQs
What are the best Christmas markets in the UK?
Some of the most popular include Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, York, and London, each offering its own festive charm and local specialities.
When do Christmas lights switch-ons happen?
Most UK cities switch on their lights in November, marking the start of the festive season and drawing crowds for live entertainment and fireworks.
Can I stay near the Christmas markets?
Yes, Malmaison hotels are centrally located, placing you just moments from the main markets and city festivities.
Do Malmaison hotels offer festive dining during the markets?
Yes, Malmaison brasseries and bars feature seasonal menus, Christmas cocktails, and party packages perfect for festive celebrations.
Are Malmaison hotels suitable for Christmas group bookings?
Absolutely. Most locations offer private dining, party packages, and overnight stays, making them ideal for group gatherings or corporate celebrations.