There's no better way to soak up the Christmas magic and indulge yourself in the festive atmosphere than with a visit to the North’s fantastic Winter Wonderlands and most extensive Christmas markets. With sparkling ice rinks, hot drinks and food, and festive stalls galore, the whole family is sure to have an enchanting day out.
Plus, all of those included in our list are within a 20-minute walk of a Northern train station, so you won’t have to miss out on the mulled wine. Dive in to learn more.
Nottingham Winter Wonderland
When: Wednesday 12 November - Wednesday 31 December
Nearest station: Nottingham
Dive into the glitz and glam of Christmas in Nottingham's Old Market Square this winter as it's transformed into a world-class Winter Wonderland. Featuring a gigantic ice rink, two-story ice bar, and stunning grottos brimming with unique festive gifts and foods. You can't miss this one! Visit with friends and enjoy the evening with a warming cup of mulled wine, or visit with family and enjoy the rides. There's something for everyone and it's only around a 12-minute walk from Nottingham train station.
Manchester's Winter Wonderlands at Piccadilly & Albert Square
When: Friday 7 November - Monday 22 December
Nearest Station: Manchester Piccadilly
Manchester boasts one of the UK's largest Christmas markets! An incredible winter wonderland spread across multiple city squares, one of which is right on the doorstep of Piccadilly train station. Browse hundreds of stalls at Piccadilly and indulge in tasty festive treats - from cheeses and crepes to hot chocolates and Bratwursts - all while you shop for the perfect gifts. Plus, kids and parents are both sure to enjoy the extensive ice rink and funfair rides just a 13-minute walk away at Albert Square. The 50-metre high festive wheel offers excellent views of the city's Christmas lights and is sure to delight.
York Christmas Festival & St. Nicholas Fair
When: Thursday 13 November - Friday 21 December
Nearest Station: York
If York wasn't already enchanting with its Medieval and fairytale-like charms, it becomes even more so as it's bedazzled for Christmas. Head on over and immerse yourself in a world of festive cheer at York's Christmas Festival and St. Nicholas Fair. Both Parliament Street and St. Sampson's Square will be lined with chalet's selling festive goods and warming treats. Plus, don't forget to visit the heart of the action at The Shambles, a sight to behold as the historic area's dressed in festive flare to celebrate the cheeriest time of year. Searching for Santa? You'll find him at the York Chocolate Factory, ready to welcome you for a tour (booking required).
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eeds Winter Wonderland & Christmas Market
When: Friday 21 November - Sunday 21 December
Nearest Station: Leeds
Leeds is full of festive cheer this winter with attractions spread between City Square and Millennium Square. For those looking for the ideal gift, City Square will be lined with an array of stalls offering handmade goods, trinkets, food and more. Meanwhile, those looking for fun can find the incredible Ice Cube ice rink at Millennium Square, alongside an array of other rides like the colourful Wheel of Light. Perfect for helping little ones to burn off their energy over the winter holidays.
Newcastle's Christmas Village
When: Saturday 15 November - Wednesday 24 December
Nearest Station: Newcastle Central
Newcastle's Christmas Village is right in its heart, just a 13-minute walk from Newcastle Central train station. Perfect for families, you'll find an array of festive foods from chocolate-covered waffles to warming beverages. The Village even has its own bookable Marshmallow land where you can enjoy roasting them over a fire. Plus, you won't want to miss the Village's carousel and heartwarming events such as Santa Stories and Mrs Claus' Bakery. Of course, you'll also find plenty of festive stalls within the village where you can pick up a trinket or two!
Blackpool Christmas By The Sea
When: Friday 21 November - Sunday 4 January
Nearest Station: Blackpool North
Enjoy one of England's biggest tourist attractions this winter with a festive twist at Christmas By The Sea! The seasonal event sees the area transformed into a vast Winter Wonderland. Featuring a large ice rink, funfair rides, chalets, and the incredible Blackpool Tower. The larger-than-life light installations also provide a spectacular festive twist, adding to the atmosphere. It's a great day out for families with plenty to eat, see, do and enjoy. You can even take an illuminated tram tour!
Discover The North's Winter Wonderlands
Discover some of the best Winter Wonderlands in the North with this list spanning Nottingham to Blackpool! No matter where you are there are plenty of ways to get into the festive spirit this winter and Northern can take you there. With a Northern station within a 20-minute walk of each of the Winter Wonderlands featured, you can spend less time in the cold and more time enjoying. Travelling with younger children? Don't forget that children under 5 travel free on Northern trains!
Northern App
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Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.