Christmas markets bring magic to winter trips—mulled wine steaming, handmade gifts displayed, festive music playing. Here's where to find the best markets near our Brighton, Watford, and Leicester properties.
The best Christmas markets create atmosphere money can't buy: cold hands wrapped around warm drinks, discovering perfect gifts in wooden chalets, carol singers providing soundtrack, lights reflecting in children's eyes. Britain hosts excellent markets, and our properties position you perfectly for festive exploration.
Brighton Christmas
Brighton's festive offerings spread across the city:
Brighton's main market typically occupies Valley Gardens:
- Chalets selling gifts, crafts, and decorations
- Food stalls with international options
- Bar areas serving mulled wine and beer
- Carousel and entertainment
- Extended opening hours through December
Timing: Usually late November through Christmas Eve. Evenings particularly atmospheric.
Not technically a market, but essential festive Brighton:
- Ice skating beside the exotic palace
- Café with warming drinks
- The palace illuminated at night
- Sessions bookable online (recommended)
Timing: November through January. Book popular dates early.
Brighton's independent shops excel at Christmas:
- Unique gifts unavailable on high streets
- Local makers and creators
- Late-night shopping events
- Festive atmosphere without manufactured "markets"
All central Brighton properties place markets and festive attractions within walking distance. Clarence Yard positions you closest to the Valley Gardens area; Brighton City Hub connects easily to North Laine independents.
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Leicester Christmas
Leicester's Christmas celebration ranks among the Midlands' best:
Authentic German market with:
- Traditional wooden chalets
- German food and drink specialties
- Nutcrackers, ornaments, and gifts
- Live entertainment programme
- Extended evening hours
Timing: Mid-November through late December. Weekday lunchtimes quietest.
The city centre illuminations include:
- Major shopping streets decorated
- Diwali lights often overlapping early in period
- Clock Tower particularly photogenic
- Combined shopping and atmosphere
Leicester's historic area offers:
- Independent shops with distinctive gifts
- Cosy pubs for festive drinks
- Richard III connection for history-minded visitors
- Less crowded than market areas
Our Leicester property sits walking distance from all Christmas offerings. The central location means evening market visits without transport concerns.
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Watford and Surrounding
The town centre provides:
- Intu Watford shopping centre (major retailers)
- High street shopping with festive decorations
- Local markets and pop-up events
- Convenient for practical gift shopping
Just 15 minutes from Watford, St Albans hosts one of Hertfordshire's best markets:
- Traditional setting around the cathedral
- High-quality craft and food offerings
- Atmospheric historic streets
- Excellent pubs for warming drinks
Timing: Usually December weekends. Check dates annually.
From Watford, London's markets are easily accessible:
- Southbank Winter Market (20 mins to Euston, then tube)
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (rides, food, entertainment)
- Borough Market (year-round but festive in December)
- Christmas by the River (Tower Bridge area)
Warner Bros. Studio Tour typically runs Christmas programming:
- The Great Hall decorated for Christmas
- Hogwarts in the Snow
- Special food and drink offerings
Booking: Even more essential than usual. Book well in advance.
Both Watford Escape and Watford Flat 5 provide easy access to local and London festive offerings, with free parking eliminating typical December driving stress.
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Making the Most of Christmas Markets
- Weekday daytime for practical shopping
- Weekend evenings for atmosphere
- Late November for quieter visits
- Early December for full selection
- Week before Christmas for maximum festive energy (and crowds)
- Cash useful at smaller stalls
- Queues for popular food items
- Cold temperatures (dress warmly)
- Higher prices than regular shops (you're paying for atmosphere)
Set spending limits before arrival. Market atmosphere encourages purchases. Enjoyment shouldn't require regret.
Accommodation for Festive Trips
Christmas accommodation books early. Our properties offer:
- Self-catering for festive cooking
- Space for purchased gifts
- Comfortable bases for market-tired feet
- Locations walking distance from festivities
December availability tightens progressively. Early booking ensures choice.
The Festive Spirit
Christmas markets work because they create shared experience. Strangers become momentary community, united by cold fingers, mulled wine warmth, and the particular magic of December darkness lit by a thousand bulbs.
That's worth travelling for.
Book your festive escape and make Christmas markets part of your December.
