With the festive season fast approaching, there’s no better time to start making plans for Christmas. Christmas is a magical time of year for kids and adults alike, and a visit to a Christmas market is one annual tradition that can’t be beaten. At Parkdean Resorts, we aren’t strangers to a bit of Christmas cheer, with lots of exciting festive activities and holidays available over the Christmas period. If you’re not up for venturing into the city for your winter break this year, then fear not because we’ve got our very own amazing Festive Winter Wonderland right on park!
Where in the UK has the best Christmas markets?
There are wonderful Christmas markets popping up all over the UK during the festive period, all filled with excitement and seasonal fun. You can expect similar festive themes at whichever UK Christmas market you choose to visit, but they all have their own unique characteristics which attract thousands of visitors year after year. You’ll find the best Christmas markets in all of the biggest cities, which can make it hard to decide on just one to visit, so we’ve selected some of our favourites to tell you about.
1. Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, London
Located in the heart of London, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a truly enchanting day out for all the family. There are fairground rides, food, drinks, spectacular shows and, of course, the amazing Santaland. Whoosh down the real ice slide before boarding the famous Munich Looping rollercoaster. Marvel at the Christmas lights glistening in the winter moonlight as you enjoy a delicious bite to eat from one of the many street food market stalls. Enjoy a winter skate around the iconic Victorian bandstand or take in the view of London’s skyline from the Giant Wheel.
The kids will love visiting Santa’s Grotto where they can meet, greet and get their very own present. During off-peak periods you can often enter for free, with a small charge at peak times – once you’re in, you can stay as long as you like!
2. York Christmas Markets
Already one of Britain’s most spectacular cities, bursting with history and stunning architecture, when the York Christmas Market rolls into town, the place is transformed into an even more wonderful place to visit. Enjoy delicious street food in Thor’s Tipi or a traditional winter warmer like mulled wine or a luxury hot chocolate in front of a real log fire. Take a stroll through the festive market stalls, admiring the twinkling lights and soaking up the seasonal smells of food that fill the air.
Don’t miss Santa’s Grotto – it’s a magical experience the kids will love. You’ll find plenty of food stalls selling cheeses, chutneys and festive treats. In Kings Square, there’s a vintage funfair with a helter-skelter and other fun rides. Entry is free and you can stay for as long as you like.
3. Edinburgh Christmas Markets
Head to the Scottish capital for some festive fun where you’ll find markets in several locations. East Princes Street Gardens is lined with beautiful wooden stalls and twinkling lights, as well as West Princes Street Gardens and The George Street market. The Edinburgh Christmas Market is one of the few places where you can enjoy a mulled Irn Bru while waiting to meet Santa at his Grotto on Castle Street. Take a ride on the Christmas wheel to enjoy great views of the city before visiting Santa Land and the ice rink.
Get lost in the Christmas tree maze, ride the bumper cars or try the Star Flyer. As you stroll through the streets, you’ll hear carols and festive music. The markets are free to enter, though attractions such as ice skating usually have an entry fee.
4. Manchester Christmas Markets
Voted one of the best Christmas markets in the UK, the Manchester Christmas Markets are a must-visit. With over 100 market stalls packed full of Christmas cheer, there’s something for everyone. You can look forward to festive food stalls and bars, as well as markets offering unique gifts. The giant Santa, Christmas Light Trail and ice rink in Cathedral Gardens are favourites with families.
Stalls are spread across several locations in the city including Piccadilly Gardens, Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street, St Ann’s Square and Market Street. The kids can meet Santa and enjoy a hot chocolate under the Christmas lights – you can even keep the souvenir mug!
Christmas at Parkdean Resorts
If you fancy something a little different this year, a Christmas break with Parkdean Resorts is guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit. We’ve got everything from ice skating to breakfast with Santa to make your Christmas holiday magical from start to finish.
Which Parkdean Resorts have Christmas Markets?
In 2025, our Festive Winter Wonderland will be returning to seven parks, each featuring beautiful pop-up Christmas Markets. You’ll find traditional treats like hot chocolate, melted marshmallows, crepes and mulled wine. Browse stalls filled with local goods, glide around the ice rink and finish your day meeting Santa’s reindeer. You can experience it all at:
- Camber Sands Holiday Park
- Cayton Bay Holiday Park
- Cherry Tree Holiday Park
- Trecco Bay Holiday Park
- Ty Mawr Holiday Park
- Warmwell Holiday Park
- Wemyss Bay Holiday Park
When can I visit Parkdean Resorts during the Christmas period?
You can visit selected parks throughout December to enjoy festive family fun. We’ve got plenty of Christmas breaks, New Year breaks and midweek stays between Christmas and New Year. There are festive shows, markets, concerts, pantomimes, live music and more. New Year’s Eve breaks with the family are always a night to remember, with dining packages, family parties and live entertainment.
What’s on at Parkdean Resorts this Christmas?
We’ve got even more festive activities lined up this year. Wake up in your cosy lodge, exchange gifts and enjoy a Christmas dinner in The Boathouse restaurant. Visit the Christmas Movie Theatre, meet Santa’s reindeer, skate, or join the Elf Academy where kids can make toys and have indoor snowball fights.
Enjoy extra festive arts and crafts activities, create Christmas pottery or teddy bears and don’t miss our classic pantomimes for the whole family. Later, get down to the Showbar for evening entertainment and bingo – you could win an extra special Christmas treat!
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