Enjoy festive fun at the UK's best Christmas markets with budget-friendly stays for less than £100

Christmas markets in the UK are a magical blend of twinkling lights, festive music and the warm scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. Bringing cheer to bustling city centres, these Christmas spectaculars transform everyday spaces into that most of us can't resist.

From handcrafted gifts to seasonal delicacies, they offer a treasure trove of unique finds perfect for spreading the joy. While local artisans display their wares in charming wooden chalets, visitors hop between food and drink stalls, soaking up the seasonal spirit.

Such festive frolics can often end up being an expensive stay, with most city centre accommodation only available for sky high prices in November and December. A true Christmas miracle, we've rounded up some affordable ways to stay and play at three of the UK's very best

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From flights and an overnighter in Edinburgh to affordable luxury in London, keep your cash in your pocket for more mulled wine.

Edinburgh Christmas Market

Held in East Princes Street Gardens and the historic streets that surround it, the combines traditional Scottish crafts and festive frolics with the magical backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. The stalls offer a seasonal mix of handcrafted gifts, selling everything from tartan scarves and jewellery to artisanal gins and unique decorations.

Visitors to 'Auld Reekie' wrap up and wander through the winter streets savouring the flavours of German bratwurst and mulled wine, or tuck into sweet treats like churros and Scottish shortbread.

This year the Scottish city will play host to the UK's largest illuminate Christmas Tree Maze, as well as a magnificent alpine ice rink on George Street. For the more adventurous visitor there will also be the iconic LNER Big Wheel in East Princes Street Gardens and the breathtaking the Around The World Starflyer ride.

Soaking in the seasonal atmosphere isn't only reserved for the markets stalls, with Edinburgh Castle featuring captivating light displays during the festive season. Then there is the uber-cool Polar Ice Bar with temperatures of -8 and tables, chairs and glasses sculpted entirely from ice, as well as a silent disco held underneath the historic castle.

For shoppers who would rather save their money for the markets, Wowcher is offering a including accommodation at the Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh West End, close to the centre of the action.

Dates are selling out fast, but there is still some availability with prices £99 to £299, based on two people sharing. The from Birmingham, Bristol, London Gatwick, London Luton and London Stansted Airport.

Alternatively, Groupon is offering a one-night stay at the with prices starting from £60 per room. Availability is limited though, so festive shoppers should act fast.

Other affordable places to stay close to the centre of the festive action include from £90 per room or the with deals from £80 per room.

Manchester Christmas Market

The have been a cherished tradition since 1998, making 2024 their 26th year with millions of visitors expected to soak up the seasonal sights.

As the city is transformed into a winter wonderland, festive fans come to wander through the enchanting markets in Albert Square and King Street, savouring mulled wine, Yorkshire pudding wraps and sweet treats along the way.

As well as the traditional food stalls and artisan gifts, this year there will also be ice skating at Spinningfields, fairground rides and Santa’s Grotto at Cathedral Gardens. Visitors also stop to admire the stunning decorations and boutique displays on Market and King Streets, making this a perfect seasonal escape with some gift shopping thrown in.

It's not all Santa and seasonal treats though, the city is also home to the Manchester Art Gallery, the Science and Industry Museum, and Manchester Cathedral. The trendy Northern Quarter is perfect for shopping and dining, while sports fans can visit iconic venues like Old Trafford and Etihad Stadium.

Like most city breaks in the UK, finding an affordable hotel can be tricky. Thankfully, Wowcher have smashed it with an incredible .

With the as your central base you'll be close to all the action, but dates are selling out fast.

With limited availability in November and December, guests who miss out of the £79 stay could pay anywhere between £109 and £189 depending on dates. If you want your stay to coincide with the Christmas Market festivities, they run from November, 8 until December, 22.

Alternatively, Groupon is offering an overnight stay with breakfast at the four-star . Prices may rise depending on day of the week and exact date of your stay.

The budget-friendly is another affordable option, with three-star rooms from as little as £45 per night.

London Hyde Park

is a sleigh-load of festive fun and one of the best attended Christmas events in the country. Visitors are greeted by twinkling lights and enchanting attractions that capture the holiday spirit all taking place with the backdrop of the Capital city.

This iconic market features over 100 Bavarian-style stalls, and is a massive celebration with food, drinks, and entertainment for all ages, running from Thursday November 21, 2024 to Sunday January 5, 2025.

This year, you can glide across the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, explore the Magical Ice Kingdom’s dazzling sculptures or take in panoramic views from the iconic Giant Wheel. There is also a fairground with exhilarating roller coasters for festive thrill-seekers and families can head to Santa Land, where kids can meet Santa in a whimsical village brimming with holiday cheer.

Foodies will also be happy with plenty of seasonal treats and mulled wine to be found on every corner too.

The city is not just for Christmas, it's a epic adventure all year round. Packed full of world-famous attractions, London is visited by millions of visitors every year.

An incredible place to spend the festive shopping season, staying in London is usually anything but cheap. Savvy shoppers will be delighted to hear that there are some bargains out there though, including a brilliant value for two people sharing.

Located just across the road from Winter Wonderland, to help raise your Christmas spirits. Availability is limited, with prices rising to £169 on some weekend dates.

Alternatively, Groupon is offering a from £89 per room.

For London lovers who want to experience the magic and are happy to stretch the budget there are still deals to be found at some of the city's most iconic hotels including from £186 per night and the from £145 per night.