10 of the Best Campsites for the Christmas Markets in the UK
The festive season is upon us and one of the best ways to embrace the holiday spirit is by visiting Christmas markets across the UK. From the twinkling lights to the smell of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, these markets offer a magical experience for the whole family. And what better way to enjoy the festive fun than from the comfort of your campervan, or motorhome, which can be your cosy home-on-wheels as you explore the best Christmas markets the UK has to offer? Just make sure you are well-prepared for winter camping - pack extra blankets, check your heating system, ensuring your van is ready for those chilly nights!
Before you hit the road, don’t forget to get your campervan into the festive spirit too! Add some twinkling lights, tinsel, or a mini Christmas tree to really make your home-on-wheels merry and bright. For more ideas on how to deck out your van, check out our blog post: Campervan Christmas: Ideas for Making Your Home-on-Wheels Merry and Bright.
Here are 10 of the best campsites that stay open all year, perfect for visiting some of the top Christmas markets in the UK:
Every year, Edinburgh transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive season. In 2024, the Edinburgh Christmas Market will run from Friday, November 17th, until Saturday, January 6th, 2025. Located in the City Centre at East Princes Street Gardens, the market will feature festive stalls, exhilarating rides, and the iconic Forth 1 Big Wheel, creating a magical experience for all ages.
Situated near the heart of the city, this campsite is perfect for exploring Edinburgh's bustling Christmas Market. Open all year, it offers EHU and hardstanding pitches.
Winchester is often called 'England's Christmas Capital' and for good reason. First the Christmas lights switch-on on 14th November, then the whole Winchester district buzzes with festive activities well into the New Year. Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market, known as one of Europe’s best, will be running from Friday, 22 November, until Sunday, 22 December 2024. Click here for more Christmas activities happening in Winchester.
Open all year and located just a short drive from Winchester’s stunning Christmas Market. Enjoy the festive stalls and seasonal cheer before returning to your campervan haven.
Birmingham’s Christmas Market is one of the largest in the UK, attracting visitors from all over the country. The city hosts several festive markets, but the most famous by far is the Frankfurt Christmas Market, known as the largest and most authentic German Christmas market outside of Central Europe. Starting from 1st November, this German-themed market is packed with authentic food stalls, offering bratwurst, pretzels and mulled wine.
Situated about an hour’s drive from Birmingham, Hopleys offers a peaceful base after a day spent exploring the festive attractions. Open all year round, this family-friendly campsite provides hardstanding pitches with electric hook-ups, making it perfect for campervans and motorhomes in winter.
Exeter Christmas Market is a festive highlight in the southwest, set against the stunning backdrop of Exeter Cathedral. For 2024, the market will run from Friday, November 15th to Sunday, December 17th, filling the Cathedral Green with an array of festive stalls. The market features a mix of local crafts, unique gifts and delicious food from around the world.
Cofton Holidays, located just a short 20-minute drive from Exeter. Open all year round, offering fully serviced pitches for campervans and motorhomes. After a day of exploring Exeter’s Christmas Market, you can return to Cofton and relax in the indoor pool, or take advantage of the on-site restaurant and bar.
Cardiff’s festive season is set to shine with two major attractions: Cardiff Christmas Market and Cardiff Winter Wonderland. In 2024, the Christmas Market will run from Thursday, November 14th to Monday, December 23rd, offering a wonderful selection of local crafts, handmade gifts and festive food. Cardiff Winter Wonderland, a must-visit for families, will be open from 14th November 2024. Both the Christmas Market and Winter Wonderland offer a magical experience, with twinkling lights, festive treats and fun activities, making Cardiff a perfect winter destination.
Located right in the city, this campsite provides easy access to Cardiff’s Christmas Market, where you can enjoy festive shopping and ice skating. Open all year, it's perfect for a winter city break.
York's award-winning Christmas Market returns from 14th November to 22nd December 2024, filling the heart of the city with festive cheer. With 75 charming alpine chalets stretching across Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, visitors can explore a delightful selection of local crafts, artisan goods and mouthwatering seasonal treats, all adding to the magic of the holiday season in York.
Located near York’s city centre, this campsite offers an ideal base for visiting the enchanting York Christmas Market. Open all year, it’s a family-friendly spot perfect for a winter escape.
The Chatsworth Christmas Market will take place from 9th November to 1st December 2024 in the grounds of the beautiful Chatsworth House in Derbyshire. This festive market is one of the most popular in the UK, offering visitors a magical experience with over 100 stalls featuring unique gifts, artisan crafts and delicious food and drink. The market is set against the stunning backdrop of Chatsworth House, providing a truly festive atmosphere with twinkling lights, seasonal entertainment, and live music.
Stay just a short distance from the market and enjoy the festive atmosphere at Chatsworth House, known for its gorgeous Christmas decorations. The campsite is open all year and offers easy access to the market.
Bath Christmas Market returns from Thursday 28th November to Sunday 15th December, transforming the heritage city centre into a festive wonderland. Stroll through Bath’s charming cobbled streets, immerse yourself in the holiday atmosphere and explore a range of unique, independent makers from the South West and beyond. This free, open-air market is the perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit while enjoying the beautiful, historic surroundings of Bath.
Beside the River Avon, this campsite is just two miles from the city centre and is open all year. It offers a peaceful spot to unwind after a day of festive shopping.
Nottingham Winter Wonderland’s Christmas Market is recognized as one of the best in Europe, offering a fun-filled festive day out for the whole family. Situated in the heart of Nottingham. The market is packed with a diverse range of stalls from around the globe, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Running from November 9th, 2024, to December 31st, 2024, it is the perfect way to experience the magic of the holiday season.
Not far from Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland, this campsite is perfect for a family Christmas adventure. The site is open year-round and surrounded by nature, offering EHU and hardstanding pitches.
London’s Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is one of the UK's most famous festive attractions, and it's back for 2024! Running from November 21st, 2024, to January 5th, 2025, it offers an array of exciting activities for visitors of all ages. Expect dazzling Christmas lights, thrilling fairground rides, ice skating, live entertainment and plenty of festive food and drink stalls. There’s also the magical Christmas market, perfect for browsing unique gifts.
Located in South East London, this site is well-connected to central London via the train. It’s open year-round and offers a peaceful retreat with electric hook-ups, showers and easy access to London’s main attractions, including Winter Wonderland.
With so many wonderful Christmas markets to explore across the UK, your campervan or motorhome gives you the flexibility to stay nearby and soak up the festive atmosphere. So, pack your holiday decorations, find the perfect campsite and get ready to enjoy a magical, vanlife Christmas! For more inspiration, don’t forget to check out 5 Magical Campervan Getaways for Christmas and New Year and plan your perfect winter camping adventure!
