As the holiday season approaches, Christmas markets across the UK transform town centres into festive wonderlands. Our apartments in Derby mean you’re never too far from the magic of the season. From the scent of mulled wine to charming artisan gifts and sparkling lights, these markets offer a touch of magic for everyone. Whether you are already enjoying life in a Burghley Living luxury apartment or considering making the move, you are likely just a short trip away from some of the country’s best Christmas markets. Here’s a guide to must-visit markets near our luxury developments, perfect for a festive day out with friends or family.
Albany Lodge, Derby, and Nearby Christmas Markets
Our exclusive over-55s development, Albany Lodge, is located in the readymade community of Kingsway, Derby, giving you easy access to several beautiful Christmas markets nearby. These markets offer everything from handmade crafts to indulgent treats, with options to enjoy seasonal activities like ice skating, making winter days truly magical.
Derby Christmas Market
Dates: Early December
Location: Market Place, Derby
Each year, Derby’s Market Place hosts a bustling Christmas market filled with festive stalls, sparkling lights, and Christmas music. This market features a variety of local vendors selling unique gifts, including handmade jewellery, ceramics, and specialty foods. The market also offers fun activities for children, like Santa’s Grotto and live performances from local choirs. Perfect for an evening out, this cosy market is a great spot to find one-of-a-kind gifts.
Chatsworth Christmas Market
Dates: Mid-November to early December
Location: Chatsworth House, Bakewell (approx. 45-minute drive)
One of the region’s most celebrated Christmas markets, the Chatsworth Christmas Market is held against the stunning backdrop of Chatsworth House. This market offers over one hundred stalls with everything from artisanal crafts to gourmet food and festive drinks. Roam through rows of beautiful decorations, woollen goods, and locally made chocolates, or try a hot mulled wine as you enjoy live music. The picturesque setting makes this market a memorable holiday experience. While there, you can also explore Chatsworth House itself, decked out in dazzling seasonal décor.
Nottingham Winter Wonderland
Dates: Mid-November to early January
Location: Old Market Square, Nottingham (approx. 30-minute drive)
Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland is the largest Christmas market near Derby, with over 70 Bavarian-style wooden chalets, an ice rink, and a cosy winter bar. The market’s festive stalls offer something for everyone, from artisan gifts and hand-knitted scarves to holiday sweets and seasonal cocktails. Try a German bratwurst or freshly roasted chestnuts as you browse the stalls, and don’t miss the chance to skate under the stars at the outdoor ice rink.
Christmas Markets near Royles Lodge, Thornton-Cleveleys
Set within the tranquil coastal town of Thornton-Cleveleys, our exclusive over-55s development, Royles Lodge, offers luxurious apartments in Derby and a vibrant community, perfectly placed for exploring nearby Christmas markets. These markets are brimming with festive stalls, ideal for discovering unique gifts and seasonal decorations, adding joy to your Christmas shopping experience.
Blackpool Winter Gardens Christmas Market
Dates: Early December
Location: Winter Gardens, Blackpool (approx. 15-minute drive)
The Blackpool Winter Gardens hosts a spectacular Christmas market each year, bringing together local artisans, craft vendors, and food stalls in a festive setting. The grand Victorian architecture of the Winter Gardens adds a touch of elegance to the experience. Visitors can find everything from handmade decorations to gourmet treats and unique gifts. Santa’s Grotto and live entertainment add to the joyful atmosphere, making it an ideal market for families and friends to enjoy.
Preston Christmas Market
Dates: Early December to late December
Location: Flag Market, Preston (approx. 30-minute drive)
Preston’s Christmas market is a popular choice for its delightful mix of festive food, artisan crafts, and holiday activities. Located in Flag Market, this market features a variety of stalls with handcrafted goods, seasonal foods, and live entertainment. It’s a wonderful place to pick up holiday treats, whether it’s spiced cider or freshly baked gingerbread. There are also several local choirs and musicians who perform throughout the month, adding a festive soundtrack to your shopping experience.
Manchester Christmas Markets
Dates: Mid-November to late December
Location: City centre, Manchester (approx. 1-hour drive)
Image credit: @carlmountney Direct • Instagram
A bit farther afield, Manchester’s Christmas Markets are well worth the trip, as they are some of the largest and most famous in the UK. The markets are spread across several locations, with hundreds of stalls offering everything from German sausages and French cheeses to local handmade crafts and ornaments. Popular spots include Albert Square, Cathedral Gardens, and St. Ann’s Square. Manchester’s Christmas markets offer a variety of international foods, warm drinks, and seasonal entertainment, creating an immersive holiday experience for all ages.
Christmas Markets near Alderman Lodge, Brighouse
Nestled in West Yorkshire, Alderman Lodge is a stunning new development available exclusively to the over 55s. With easy access to some of the region’s most enchanting Christmas markets, you can delight in browsing local food stalls featuring holiday treats, perfect for savouring the rich flavours of the season.
Leeds Christkindelmarkt
Dates: Early November to late December
Location: Millennium Square, Leeds (approx. 25-minute drive)
The Leeds Christkindelmarkt is a German-inspired Christmas market held annually in Millennium Square, transforming the city centre into a bustling Bavarian village. With wooden chalets, traditional German foods, and twinkling lights, this market provides an authentic European Christmas experience. Enjoy bratwurst, pretzels, and mugs of hot mulled wine as you explore stalls filled with festive gifts, decorations, and more. There is also a cozy Bierkeller with live music, creating a wonderful holiday atmosphere.
Halifax Christmas Market
Dates: Early December
Location: Piece Hall, Halifax (approx. 15-minute drive)
Halifax’s Piece Hall Christmas market is set within the beautiful, historic Piece Hall and is a charming event not to be missed. With its unique architecture and festive stalls, this market has a magical feel. The market offers a fantastic range of locally crafted goods, handmade jewellery, and holiday foods. With live entertainment and a grand Christmas tree, it’s a wonderful place to soak in the holiday cheer and support local artisans.
York Christmas Festival
Dates: Mid-November to late December
Location: St. Nicholas Fair, York (approx. 1-hour drive)
For a truly enchanting experience, York’s St. Nicholas Fair is a top pick. This medieval city comes alive with festive spirit as vendors line the streets with unique gifts, delicious treats, and holiday lights. Wander through alpine chalets offering artisan products, seasonal foods, and festive drinks. York’s Christmas Festival also includes activities like ice skating, making it a fantastic destination for a day trip from Brighouse.
Embrace the Festive Spirit
With so many options nearby, our modern developments such as our apartments in Derby, are perfectly situated for experiencing the best of the region’s Christmas markets. Each market brings its own festive charm, offering a chance to pick up handcrafted gifts, enjoy seasonal treats, and simply bask in the holiday spirit. Whether you are looking for local treasures or a fun outing with family and friends, these markets have something special for everyone. This season, gather your loved ones and head out to explore the festive magic waiting just a short trip away.
Ready to learn more?
Reach out to the Burghley Living team today for further information!
Call us on our freephone number: 0800 999 1989
Or send an email to: info@burghleygroup.co.uk
