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10 best Christmas markets

Colder weather may be on the way, but so are some of England’s best Christmas markets. MET coaches can’t wait to share them with you.

While the arrival of colder weather can be a bit of a downer, it also means the arrival of the festive season. Frosty mornings, cosy evenings and warming winter drinks all begin to make an appearance. With Christmas quickly approaching, many areas of England are opening their Christmas markets for the public to enjoy. Whether it’s for a family day out or a team social event, Christmas markets and fairs are perfect because of the relaxed and cheerful atmosphere. Furthermore, with MET Coaches as your transport, you know you’ll get there together and on time.

With so many great options to choose from, it can be hard to decide which best fits your desires. Here’s a list of 10 of our most recommended Christmas markets for this holiday season.

1. Redbourn Christmas Market (1 December, Hertfordshire)

Historic Redbourn Village (it’s listed in William the Conqueror’s 1086 Domesday Book) is host to the not-for-profit Redbourn Christmas Market, featuring local crafts, food and music. While it has all the “typical” makings of a Christmas market, it also features a Yule raffle for market-goers, with prizes including afternoon tea, rounds of golf and spa treatments. In 2017 it even featured tickets for a bread-making experience. Over 100 stalls make an appearance each year selling a variety of delightful stocking fillers and gifts. Further details of the market can be found on the official website.

2. Hoddesdon Loves Christmas (30 November, Hertfordshire)

Complete with an animal nativity scene, a visit from Paradise Wildlife Park’s reindeer, a Father Christmas Parade and end of the day fireworks, Hoddesdon Loves Christmas is the perfect event for those looking for a market that truly brings Christmas to life. Rides, shopping, and the annual tree lighting cap off this festive event, marking the beginning of the holiday season. It’s definitely a can’t miss for your next team or family outing.

With Hoddesdon being just a 40-minute ride from our Watford home, we can easily get you to and from the above Christmas market on our comfortable minibuses or coaches. With options ranging from between 16 and 70 seats, you’re sure to find an option that suits you. This ensures you have a relaxing ride home with your only worry being where you’re going to put all of the gifts you’ve just purchased!

3. Oxford Christmas Market (5 December – 21 December, Oxford)

Arguably one of the most well-known Christmas markets, Oxford Christmas Market is back in the city of dreaming spires. A “truly magical” Christmas event, it boasts choirs singing Christmas carols, heavenly decorations and a festive filled atmosphere. Over 60 stalls promise unique gifts, delicious food and a great bonding experience for your group, from the likes of Oxford Candle makers, la Eva, and Georg’s Winterzauber.

Located on historic Broad Street near the Sheldonian Theatre and Oxford University’s campus, the market’s location and decorations add to the Christmas spirit. With coach parking on-site, our drivers will be more than happy to meet and transport you and your family or corporate clients to this Christmas wonderland.

4. Waddesdon Manor Christmas Fair and Carnival (Fair: 16 November – 22 December, Wed-Sun)

40 minutes down the road via the A41, this fair and carnival features 86 exhibitors, homemade treats, a variety of drinks, a gorgeous backdrop of the light-covered Waddesdon Manor and 20-foot Christmas tree display. The fun continues inside the manor with tours of the light-filled and ornament-clad hallways. Finally, the tunnel of light animations courtesy of the Guildhall School and light trails outside offer a night of unforgettable scenery. Upon the timely arrival in one of our coaches, a Waddesdon Manor staff member will come and greet your party and lead the way to the Manor before letting you experience the festivities.

5. Bedfordshire Christmas Fair (23 November, Bedfordshire)

This particular Christmas fair is run by the British Red Cross and serves as one of the many ways to get involved with the organisation. This year’s fair will be housed in the Bedford School’s Grand Hall with a £4 entrance fee, if over the age of ten. Homemade mince pies and cakes can be enjoyed while enjoying the local choirs perform, watching the chocolate making and flower demonstrations, or while browsing the selection of vendors for some unusual gifts.

With our minibus and coach hire services, you won’t have to worry about navigating public transport or following a map while driving. Just pick and date and time, and we’ll get you to the Christmas fair together and on time.

6. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (21 November – 5 January 2020, Central London)

Winter Wonderland has something for everyone in your party, be it adults, children or corporate delegates. Between Peter Pan On Ice at the Winter Palace Theatre, The Secret Forest of ice and snow sculptures, and Bar Ice’s cocktails and mocktails, everyone is sure to have a memorable time. The German Christmas Market also provides festive goods for purchase, be it gifts or food and best of all, entry to the whole wonderland is free. Don’t forget to grab a German sausage and piping hot mug of mulled wine!

7. Christmas at Kew (20 November – 5 January 2020, West London)

For a truly enchanting and unexpected Christmas experience, Christmas at Kew Gardens should be atop your list. Hosted at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew in Richmond, this Christmas experience consists of over one million twinkling lights and thousands of laser beams rolling over the grounds. It’s a bit farther out, but the light trail, toasted marshmallows, children’s rides, and cute little shops for browsing make the trek worth it.

Being a 45-minute drive from Watford, let us worry about your transportation for the day while you focus on the lights. After an exhausting night of fun, your group will appreciate a comfortable journey home.

8. London Bridge Christmas By the River (29 November – 2 January 2020, Central London)

Much like Waddesdon Manor, Christmas By the River offers incomparable scenery to go with your shopping. With views of Tower Bridge and The Tower of London to accompany the German-style chalets, this is a market that is hard to beat any time of year. Offering an array of food, drink and gift shopping, visitors can peruse to their heart’s content. Free workshops are also available for patrons to participate in, so you can leave with some new knowledge, purchases and creations.

9. Winterville (15 November – 23 December, Clapham Common, South London)

This market/fair offers the complete winter and Christmas experience for all visitors. With mini-golf, an ice rink, a roller disco, the Solo Craft Fair and the Spiegeltent hosting shows and entertainment, the fun never stops at Clapham Common. The Backyard Cinema’s Christmas Maze will also have a pop-up in Winterville offering showings.

10. Bath Christmas Market 8 November –15 December 2019

18 days of wonderful merriment await you at this award-winning Christmas extravaganza. As light falls, Bath’s Georgian streets begin to twinkle with lights from 150 stalls, selling everything from unique homeware to stocking fillers. Aromatic wafts of cinnamon fill the air as revellers feast on artisan mince pies and mugs of piping hot ‘gluhwein’. Don’t miss the choirs singing traditional carols or the chance to support the many small British businesses.

Hire a MET minibus or coach today

Our fleet of minibuses and coaches range from 16 to 70 seats and feature comfortable leather seats, AC and heating systems and more than enough legroom for the occasional stretch. Head to our fleet page to find out more.

Whatever Christmas market you decide to attend this holiday season, let us be part of your plan. Our drivers will get you and your group to the destination together and on time. Call us on 01923 247765 today to discuss your transport options.

Book now for a chance to win a festive hamper!

This Christmas season, we’re giving away a festive hamper to one lucky customer. To enter, book your MET Coaches minibus or coach before 20 December, and you’ll automatically be entered to win. The winner will be picked on 21 December and notified via email.

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