There’s nothing quite like a Christmas market to bring out the festive spirit, the smell of mulled wine, the sound of carols, and stalls glowing under twinkling lights. But driving there? Between the traffic, parking, and pricey petrol, that’s enough to melt anyone’s holiday cheer.
Luckily, Britain’s rail network is tailor-made for festive adventures. From Manchester to Bath, Edinburgh to Cardiff, most of the UK’s biggest and best Christmas markets are just a train ride away. And with TrainSplit’s journey planner, finding the cheapest train tickets, including split fares and Railcard discounts, is as easy as sipping a hot chocolate under the fairy lights.
Image credit: Jay Alexander | Unsplash
So, grab your scarf, wrap up warm, and hop aboard. Here’s your guide to the best Christmas markets you can reach by train, and how to get there for less.
The TrainSplit app makes it easy to find cheaper alternative journeys through split ticketing.
The TrainSplit app helps you find better fares by splitting your tickets. Available on iOS and Android, just search for TrainSplit in your app store and start saving today!
Manchester Christmas Markets
One of the UK’s biggest and best-loved festive events, Manchester’s Christmas Markets fill the city with over 200 stalls across multiple squares. From Cathedral Gardens’ ice rink to Albert Square’s traditional market huts, it’s a northern Christmas wonderland.
Closest station: Manchester Piccadilly (with easy connections to Victoria and Oxford Road).
Market dates: 7 November – 22 December 2025
💡 Travel Tip: Trains run late into the evening, so you can make the most of the markets, and maybe a mulled wine or two, before heading home.
Bath Christmas Market
Few places do festive charm quite like Bath. Picture Georgian streets lined with twinkling chalets, the scent of spiced cider drifting through the air, and the Abbey glowing above it all. The Bath Christmas Market is small but perfectly formed, packed with artisan gifts and local treats.
Image credit: Vladimir Sam Headland | Unsplash
Closest station: Bath Spa – just a five-minute stroll from the Abbey.
Market dates: 27 November – 14 December 2025
💡 Travel Tip: Visit midweek if you can. You’ll dodge the weekend crowds and enjoy cheaper off-peak train tickets.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Princes Street Gardens turns into a winter fantasy every December. The Edinburgh Christmas Market is famous for its mix of traditional German stalls, fairground rides, and panoramic views of the castle. There’s also an ice rink and the smell of freshly baked waffles in the air, irresistible.
Image credit: Ross Sneddon | Unsplash
Closest station: Edinburgh Waverley – right in the heart of the action.
Market dates: 15 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
💡 Travel Tip: Book early! December trains to Edinburgh fill up fast, especially weekends. You can find lower fares using our journey planner.
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
The UK’s biggest authentic German market outside Germany, Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market brings bratwurst, pretzels, and steins of beer to Victoria Square. You’ll also find live music, festive stalls, and that famous glühwein aroma.
Closest station: Birmingham New Street – a two-minute walk from the markets.
Market dates: 1 November – 24 December 2025
💡 Travel Tip: Use our journey planner to find the cheapest route. Many journeys to Birmingham are cheaper when split automatically via Crewe or Derby.
York Christmas Market (St Nicholas Fair)
The St Nicholas Fair in York is pure magic. Wooden chalets line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, selling handmade gifts, local food, and festive decorations — all with the city’s historic skyline as a backdrop.
Image credit: Nate Holland | Unsplash
Closest station: York – just 10 minutes’ walk from the market.
Market dates: 13 November – 21 December 2025
💡 Travel Tip: Stay overnight if you can. York’s cobbled streets and twinkling lights make for a perfect festive weekend.
Cardiff Christmas Market
Set in the heart of the Welsh capital, the Cardiff Christmas Market focuses on independent makers and local food. Think handmade crafts, Welsh cheeses, and warm churros as you wander the city centre.
Closest station: Cardiff Central – only a short stroll to the markets on St John Street.
Market dates: 13 November – 23 December 2025
💡 Travel Tip: Coming from Bristol, Bath, or Gloucester? Advance fares can be fantastic value, especially off-peak.
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
If you’re after postcard-perfect festive charm, Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market delivers. With its traditional wooden chalets and open-air ice rink set against the stunning cathedral, it’s one of Britain’s most beautiful holiday destinations.
Closest station: Winchester – around a 10-minute walk to the cathedral grounds.
Market dates: 21 November – 22 December 2025
💡 Travel Tip: Combine your trip with a visit to one of Winchester’s cosy pubs or tea rooms — the perfect way to warm up after a spin on the ice.
Image credit: Mia Truong | Unsplash
Save on Your Festive Journey
The best part? You don’t need to spend all your Christmas money getting there.
- 🎟️ Use TrainSplit’s journey planner - it automatically finds split tickets, compares fares, and shows you the cheapest options in one search.
- 🕰️ Travel off-peak - midweek journeys are often quieter and cheaper.
- 👨👩👧 Get a Railcard - save 1/3 on adult fares or 60% on kids’ tickets with a Family & Friends Railcard.
- 📅 Book early - the earlier you plan, the more you save.
Ready for a festive rail adventure?
Our journey planner finds the cheapest fares automatically, split tickets, Railcard discounts, and off-peak savings, all in one search.
Wrap-Up: Your Ticket to Festive Fun
From the Bavarian vibes of Birmingham to the historic glow of York, the UK’s Christmas markets are magical by rail. You’ll skip the queues, avoid the car parks, and arrive right in the heart of the festive action, ready to eat, drink, and be merry.
So this year, leave the car keys at home and make the journey part of the celebration.
Take your journeys with you
Got Questions?
Train plans tangled like fairy lights? Wondering which route gets you there fastest (or cheapest)? We’re here to help.
👉 Contact us here and we’ll get you back on track in time for the mulled wine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which UK Christmas markets are easiest to reach by train?
Many of the UK’s top Christmas markets are right by main railway stations — including Manchester, Birmingham, Bath, York, Edinburgh, and Cardiff. Our journey planner can help you find the best route and the cheapest fares to each destination.
When is the best time to book Christmas market train tickets?
We recommend booking as early as possible — festive journeys are popular, and prices usually rise closer to December. Use our journey planner to compare fares and automatically find split-ticket savings.
Can I use a Railcard for Christmas market travel?
Yes! Railcards offer 1/3 off adult fares and 60% off kids’ tickets, even during the festive season. Perfect for families and friends heading to the markets together.
Are trains running over the Christmas period?
Most Christmas markets run until late December, but train services may change around Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Always check your journey before travelling — our planner updates live timetables for you.
How can I find cheap train tickets to Christmas markets?
Use TrainSplit’s journey planner to automatically find the cheapest fares, including split-ticketing options. You’ll get the best possible price without any extra effort.