Christmas 2022 on a budget: free UK events, markets and things to do
Wallet-friendly days out and attractions to enjoy this festive season
- 1. Carnaby Celebrates, London
- 2. Christmas in Covent Garden, London
- 3. Tunnel of Light, Norwich
- 4. Bath Christmas Market
- 5. Blenheim Palace Christmas Market
- 6. Belfast Continental Christmas Market
- 7. Manchester Christmas Market
- 8. Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market
- 9. Cardiff Christmas Market
- 10. Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market
- 11. St Nicholas Fair, York
- 12. Edinburgh Christmas Markets
- 13. Southbank Centre Winter Festival, London
1. Carnaby Celebrates, London
Attractions
London’s famous Carnaby Street is once again shining bright for the festive season. “Carnaby Celebrates” is a medley of iconic lights from the past 25 years with themes including an underwater seascape, colourful rainbows, oversized fairy lights, giant snowmen, 60s inflatables, a kaleidoscope of butterflies, and collaborations with two of the world’s most famous bands – the Rolling Stones and Queen.
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2. Christmas in Covent Garden, London
Attractions
Covent Garden will dazzle with a magical programme of Christmas activities. The famous London neighbourhood has welcomed back its much-loved Christmas tree and iconic decorations, and the Insta-famous daily snowfall will also return alongside a programme of must-visit events, attractions and the newest photo moment, Santa’s Sleigh. Covent Garden’s festive lights will sparkle daily from 11am to midnight.
Until 3 January; coventgarden.london
3. Tunnel of Light, Norwich
Attractions
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Norwich’s iconic Tunnel of Light will be on display again this year. The beautiful installation is 45 metres long with more than 57,000 LEDs making it the perfect selfie spot. Get ready to feel festive and wander through the tunnel gazing at the dancing sequences of pretty lights. Also, don’t miss a visit to Norwich Castle after dark to see the 70ft festive projections on the walls of the castle. The historic façade will be lit up with a celebration of Christmas magic adding a cheery atmosphere to the city centre.
Until 5 January; visitnorwich.co.uk
4. Bath Christmas Market
Markets
Historic ambience meets winter style at Bath Christmas Market, where more than 150 pop-up chalets set up on the city’s pretty Georgian streets. Marking its 20th anniversary year in 2022, you can expect a real treasure trove of gifts to take home.
Until 11 December; bathchristmasmarket.co.uk
5. Blenheim Palace Christmas Market
Markets
Blenheim Palace’s Great Court will once again be transformed into a spectacular Christmas market. Taking place against the beautiful backdrop of the baroque Oxfordshire palace, the seasonal market is the perfect way to savour the yuletide atmosphere. Open from 10.30am each day, entry to the market is free, but parking for Blenheim Palace must be booked in advance.
Until 18 December; blenheimpalace.com
6. Belfast Continental Christmas Market
Markets
The streets surrounding Belfast’s City Hall will once again be lined with the festive Belfast Continental Christmas Market. As well as local traders, the market will also feature food, drink and gifts from all over the world, including crêpes from France, Dutch pancakes, Belgian chocolates, Spanish paella, sweets from Italy, and an exotic selection of ostrich, wild boar and crocodile burgers, giant bratwurst from the iconic Schwenkegrill.
Until 22 December; visitbelfast.com
7. Manchester Christmas Market
Markets
The Manchester Christmas Markets take over several locations, so you won’t be far from festive gifts and delicious food and drink stalls selling bratwurst, hog roast and paella. More than 300 accessible stalls and chalets will be put up across nine sites in the city, with jewellery, toys, plants, bags, homeware and quirky gifts to be found.
Until 22 December; visitmanchester.com
8. Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market
Markets
With its unique location in the shadow of the great cathedral, Winchester’s Christmas market is widely regarded as one of Europe’s best. Numerous chalets are home to hand-picked exhibitors offering exclusive gifts that you won’t find on the high street – from hand-crafted decorations and festive treats to craft beer and mulled wine.
Until 22 December; winchester-cathedral.org.uk
9. Cardiff Christmas Market
Markets
There has been a Christmas market held in the Welsh capital for 30 years and in 2022 it’s back with an eclectic mix of both new and returning exhibitors. Stalls are located in St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street and the Hayes, with opening hours Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm, and Sundays from 10am to 5pm.
Until 23 December; cardiffchristmasmarket.com
10. Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market
Markets
As the largest authentic German market outside of Germany and Austria, it is the focus of festivities in Birmingham each year and stands as a firm favourite on the city’s calendar. While carollers sing and whirl you away with traditional festive songs and jazz music, relish in the deliciousness on offer like the German bratwurst and brezel, chocolatey crepes to sweeten your palette, and mulled wine or German beer to complete the night. Open daily from 10am to 9pm.
Until 23 December; thebfcm.co.uk
11. St Nicholas Fair, York
Markets
York’s St Nicholas Fair is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The festive wonderland, with charming alpine chalets offering produce from local vendors, will line the streets of Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square.
Until 23 December; visityork.org
12. Edinburgh Christmas Markets
Markets
Christmas time in Scotland’s capital is a truly magical affair with events being held across the historic city. Located at East Princes Street Gardens, access into the Edinburgh Christmas Markets is free and unticketed, but organisers have warned that the market areas can be very busy at peak times and queueing will be in place during these periods for safety.
Until 3 January; showcatcher.com
13. Southbank Centre Winter Festival, London
Markets
The banks of the River Thames are transformed into a winter wonderland at London’s Southbank Centre. Wander along the South Bank to discover illuminated wooden cabins selling Christmas gifts, from the quirky to the traditional, as well as mince pies, spiced cider and steaming mugs of mulled wine and hot chocolate.
Mike Starling is the former digital features editor at The Week. He started his career in 2001 in Gloucestershire as a sports reporter and sub-editor and has held various roles as a writer and editor at news, travel and B2B publications. He has spoken at a number of sports business conferences and also worked as a consultant creating sports travel content for tourism boards. International experience includes spells living and working in Dubai, UAE; Brisbane, Australia; and Beirut, Lebanon.