Christmas market day trips by train: York, Bath, Edinburgh & more

York's Christmas Market is one of the UK's most popular festive destinations and for good reason. Known locally as the St Nicholas Fair, the market takes over the city centre from 13 November to 21 December 2025, bringing a festive buzz to this already charming historic city.

Rows of alpine chalets set up along Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square sell everything from handmade decorations to artisan food and seasonal drinks. With the medieval streets of York as the backdrop, it feels like stepping into a Christmas card.

Getting there is simple: York Railway Station is well-connected and just a 10 to 15-minute walk from the market. Local buses also run regularly into the city centre for those who prefer not to walk.

Major city routes

Getting to York Christmas Market by train is simple. Regular and speedy services depart from London King's Cross and nearby cities, making it perfect for a festive day trip.

London King's Cross to York

Trains from London Kings Cross to York are frequent and operated by LNER, Grand Central, and CrossCountry. Depart from London King's Cross, with the fastest journeys taking 1 hour 46 minutes. Trains run from as early as 06:15, with returns as late as 23:33. Advance tickets start at £43.50.

Manchester Piccadilly to York

Take a train from Manchester Piccadilly to York with TransPennine Express, LNER, or CrossCountry. The journey takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes, with trains running throughout the day. First departures are at 00:53, and the last is at 23:29. Tickets start from around £6.00 if booked in advance.

Leeds to York

Ideal for a quick trip, trains from Leeds to York run regularly with Northern, LNER, and CrossCountry. Travel time is 21 to 27 minutes, with departures from 00:35 until 23:45. Advance fares start from £4.60.

Market highlights

The St Nicholas Fair features over 75 alpine-style chalets selling local crafts, festive decorations, seasonal food and drink, and unique gifts. Expect handmade Yorkshire produce, artisan chocolate, and festive favourites like mince pies and mulled wine.

Choirs, street performers, and twinkling lights enhance the atmosphere across the old streets. Events at York's Chocolate Story, Fairfax House, and local craft fairs complement the main market. The Shambles Market also joins the festivities, making York feel like a city-wide celebration of Christmas.

Suggested day itinerary

• Morning: Arrive at York Station and walk into the city centre. Head to The Shambles, one of the UK's best-preserved medieval streets, before browsing the main market stalls on Parliament Street. Pick up a hot drink and some early gifts.
• Lunch: Grab a bite at one of the festive food stalls or warm up in a cosy local pub like The House of the Trembling Madness or Guy Fawkes Inn, both a short walk from the market.
• Afternoon: Visit York Minster for a peaceful break from the crowds, then stroll the city's historic walls or check out the Christmas-themed exhibits at Fairfax House. Enjoy the lights as they come on at dusk.
• Evening: Head back to the station for your return train, perhaps with a final mulled wine in hand or a festive snack for the journey home.

Few places do Christmas quite like Bath. From 27 November to 14 December 2025, the city's Georgian streets will be transformed into a festive wonderland for the 25th anniversary of the Bath Christmas Market.

Set around the Abbey and Roman Baths, over 170 chalets line the cobbled streets, selling everything from handcrafted gifts to seasonal food and drink.

With the market right in the heart of the city, and Bath Spa Station a short 10 to 15-minute walk away, it's the perfect destination for a winter day trip by train.

Major city routes

Travelling to Bath Christmas Market by train is straightforward. Bath Spa station has excellent connections from several major cities, making it easy and comfortable for festive day trips.

London Paddington to Bath Spa

Great Western Railway runs frequent direct trains from London Paddington to Bath Spa, with journey times as fast as 1 hour 14 minutes. Trains begin at 05:23, and the last service departs around 23:32. Tickets start at £29.40 when booked in advance, making it a straightforward day out from the capital.

Bristol Temple Meads to Bath Spa

This is one of the quickest and easiest routes, with Great Western Railway services connecting Bristol and Bath in as little as 11 minutes. Trains run from 05:01 to 23:45, and advance fares start from £10.20, perfect for a spontaneous festive outing close to home.

Cardiff Central to Bath Spa

Trains from Cardiff Central to Bath Spa are operated by Great Western Railway and CrossCountry, with average journey times around 1 hour 11 minutes. The earliest service departs at 05:07, and the last train leaves at 23:30. Tickets are available from £12.50, offering a lovely cross-border day trip into England's festive west.

Market highlights

Bath's Christmas Market stands out for its focus on local artisan products and its stunning historic setting. Over 80% of stallholders come from Bath and the surrounding region, selling handcrafted jewellery, homewares, woollens, soaps, and festive decorations.

Expect the return of the "Christmas Carts" in 2025, allowing independent makers to showcase their work. Food-wise, there's plenty to enjoy, from melted cheese toasties and raclette to apple crumble, hot chocolate, and mulled wine.

The market also offers a discount on hot drinks for those with reusable cups. Set around Bath Abbey, with festive lights strung across the cobbled streets, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Weekday mornings are quieter, and extra festive activities are nearby, including Bath on Ice and candlelit tours of No.1 Royal Crescent.

Suggested day itinerary

• Morning: Arrive at Bath Spa Station and walk to the Roman Baths for an early visit. Then, stop at Bath Abbey for a quick look around or some quiet reflection before the crowds.
• Midday: Head straight into the market for some leisurely browsing. Grab a warming mulled wine and something to eat, such as a raclette toastie or some local fudge. Enjoy performances from local choirs or brass bands dotted throughout the market.
• Afternoon: Take a walk across the Pulteney Bridge, then head towards the Royal Crescent for classic Georgian views and, if time allows, visit No.1 Royal Crescent for its candlelit Christmas experience.
• Evening: Make your way back to the station, maybe with a few bags of handmade gifts and festive snacks in tow, ready for a relaxing train ride home.

Edinburgh truly comes alive during the festive season. From 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, the city centre will be transformed into a festive wonderland, with traditional German-style chalets, funfair rides, and seasonal events taking place across Princes Street Gardens and surrounding streets.

The market is perfectly located, a 2 to 5-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station, making it an ideal destination for a festive day trip by train.

Major city routes

Getting to the Edinburgh Christmas Market by train is convenient, with regular services from key cities providing great options for visitors. 

London King's Cross to Edinburgh Waverley

LNER, CrossCountry, and Grand Central run frequent trains from London King's Cross to Edinburgh, with journey times ranging from 4 hours 19 minutes to around 5 hours. Services start early, around 05:48, with the last train departing at 23:33. Tickets start from approximately £53.90, making it possible to enjoy a full day of festive fun.

Glasgow Central to Edinburgh Waverley

For a quicker trip, ScotRail and CrossCountry offer trains from Glasgow Central to Edinburgh in as little as 1 hour, with the earliest train leaving at 05:45 and the last at 23:30. Advance fares start from £12.10.

Newcastle to Edinburgh Waverley

Services from Newcastle to Edinburgh, run by LNER, CrossCountry, and Lumo, take around 1 hour 24 minutes to 1.5 hours. The first train departs at 06:28, and the last at 21:56, with tickets starting from around £7.50 for an affordable Scottish day trip.

Market highlights

Edinburgh Christmas Market is famed for authentic German-style chalets that serve artisan gifts, seasonal treats, and warming drinks like mulled wine and hot chocolate. The market also features a big wheel, carousel, and ice rink in West Princes Street Gardens, making it perfect for families and festive fun seekers.

Nearby, Castle Street offers gourmet food stalls and whisky tastings, while George Street hosts luxury shopping and live pipe band performances. Additional attractions include Santa's grotto, storytelling sessions, and lively festive entertainment. The market's setting against Edinburgh Castle and the historic Royal Mile adds a uniquely magical backdrop.

Suggested day itinerary

• Morning: Arrive at Edinburgh Waverley Station and take a short walk to Princes Street Gardens to explore the market's stalls and festive rides.
• Midday: For lunch, choose from a variety of food stalls offering seasonal favourites like mulled wine, bratwurst, or traditional Scottish dishes.
• Afternoon: Spend time exploring the Royal Mile with its historic shops and street entertainment, or visit Edinburgh Castle for spectacular views across the city.
• Evening: Return on an evening train or stay overnight to soak up more of Edinburgh's festive spirit and cosy evening atmosphere.

Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market returns for its 25th year from Saturday 1 November to Wednesday 24 December 2025, spreading festive cheer across Victoria Square and New Street. As the largest authentic German Christmas market outside Germany and Austria, it draws millions of visitors every year.

The market is a 10 to 15-minute walk from Birmingham New Street Station, perfectly placed for a convenient day trip by train.

Major city routes

Travelling to Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market by train is easy, with frequent services from nearby cities and beyond.

London Euston to Birmingham New Street

Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, and CrossCountry operate trains between London Euston and Birmingham New Street. Journey times average around 1 hour 20 minutes, with early trains from 00:39 and the last at 23:30. Tickets start from £9.00 booked in advance, making it a quick festive escape from the capital.

Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street

Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, and Northern run trains connecting Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The first train departs at 05:11, and the last at 23:55, with tickets from £19.00.

Nottingham to Birmingham New Street

Trains operated by CrossCountry and East Midlands Railway cover Nottingham to Birmingham New Street in around 1 hour 15 minutes. The first train departs at 05:49 and the last at 23:49, with tickets available from £11.30.

Market highlights

The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is famous for its traditional German-style wooden chalets, which offer a mix of handcrafted decorations, including wooden toys, glass baubles, and jewellery.

While the market's focus is increasingly on food and drink, it still features over 100 stalls selling classic German fare like bratwurst, pretzels, and mulled wine (Glühwein). Visitors can indulge in festive treats such as roasted almonds, gingerbread, and stollen.

Entertainment includes live music, traditional carols, and the quirky "singing Christmas moose" near the Council House. Festive lighting and seasonal rides like the Big Wheel and carousel enhance the market's lively atmosphere. Visit weekday mornings for a quieter shopping experience.

Suggested day itinerary

• Morning: Arrive at Birmingham New Street Station and head to Victoria Square to explore the heart of the market and the nearby Bullring shopping centre. Enjoy the festive stalls and soak in the lively atmosphere.
• Lunch: Sample traditional German food from market vendors; try bratwurst, pretzels, or a warming mug of mulled wine while browsing the festive gifts.
• Afternoon: Take a stroll to Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter for unique artisan shops, or explore the charming canal-side markets nearby for more local treats.
• Evening: Return to Birmingham New Street Station for your train home, or stay overnight to enjoy more festive lights and evening entertainment.

Manchester really knows how to get festive. From Friday, November 7, to Monday, December 22, 2025, the city centre will buzz with Christmas cheer as over 200 stalls spread across nine locations fill the streets with handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and joyful celebrations.

With Manchester Piccadilly Station a short walk from most market areas, visiting is simple and perfect for a festive day trip by train.

Major city routes

Travelling to Manchester Christmas Markets is easy thanks to excellent rail connections from nearby cities.

London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly

Frequent trains run from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly, operated by Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, and Northern. Journey times average 2 hours 12 minutes, with early trains starting at 00:39 and the last at 23:30. Advance tickets start at £21.00.

Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly

Northern, East Midlands Railway, and Transport for Wales operate regular trains from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly. The journey takes about 58 minutes, with services running from 00:18 to 23:36. Tickets start at £3.20 when booked in advance.

Leeds to Manchester Piccadilly

Trains run by CrossCountry, Northern, and TransPennine Express cover Leeds to Manchester Piccadilly in roughly 1 hour and 35 minutes. The first train departs at 00:05, with the last at 23:15. Ticket prices begin at around £14.40.

Market highlights

Manchester's Christmas Markets are spread across city locations such as Albert Square, Piccadilly Gardens, and Cathedral Gardens. The markets offer a festive mix of artisan crafts, unique gifts, and diverse food stalls featuring international flavours like German bratwurst, Spanish paella, and French crepes. 

Family-friendly attractions include an ice rink at Cathedral Gardens and funfair rides. The markets' vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by city-wide Christmas lights and decorations, creating an unforgettable seasonal experience.

Suggested itinerary

• Morning: Arrive at Manchester Piccadilly Station and start your day exploring the bustling stalls in Albert Square and the surrounding city centre markets.
• Lunch: Sample street food favourites from the market's numerous food chalets; try a bratwurst or a sweet crepe with hot chocolate.
• Afternoon: Wander through the trendy Northern Quarter or the Spinningfields district for more shopping and sightseeing.
• Evening: Head back to Manchester Piccadilly for your train home, or stay overnight to soak up the city's festive nightlife.