Get Into the Christmas Spirit – Magical Market Breaks with Grand UK Holidays!

There’s something truly special about wandering under twinkling fairy lights, inhaling the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, and browsing beautifully crafted gifts in a cosy market square. A Christmas market break - whether in the heart of an old European city or in a charming UK town - is one of the best ways to get into the festive mood. 

At Grand UK Holidays, we combine the charm of Christmas markets with the ease and comfort of escorted coach or coach and ferry breaks, with everything taken care of so you can simply relax, enjoy, and celebrate. Here we spotlight a few of our favourite Christmas market breaks (UK and abroad), and explain why a festive escape is such a wonderful Christmas treat - with a few reminders of what sets Grand UK Holidays apart.

Featured Christmas Market Breaks

Below are example tours, some from our own UK portfolio, plus a taste of what’s possible abroad to help inspire your next festive escape.

1. Manchester Christmas Market + VIVA Blackpool’s Spirit of Christmas (UK coach break)

One of our standout domestic Christmas market tours is this 5‑day coach holiday. Highlights include visits to Liverpool’s market, Manchester’s Christmas stalls, and the Spirit of Christmas show in Blackpool.

• Price: Typically in our festive range (e.g. under £400 for many of our UK festive breaks) 
• What’s included: Coach travel (with reserved seats), tour manager, half‑board accommodation, show tickets, and excursions.
• Why it’s special: You experience multiple English Christmas markets, live theatre, and festive entertainment-all without the stress of flight bookings, transfers, or itinerary planning.

2. Turkey & Tinsel: Bournemouth / Llandudno / Torquay Festive Fun

If you prefer to stay in the UK and soak up festive charm by the coast or in a quaint town, our Turkey & Tinsel breaks are ideal. These are 5‑day half‑board holidays combining relaxing hotel stays, nightly entertainment, and included excursions (some of which take you to local markets or scenic Christmas towns).

• Example: Festive Fun break in Torquay with four nights, dinner & B&B, and visits to Exeter, Plymouth, Totnes. 
• Benefits: No flying, shorter travel time, easily accessible

3. German Christmas markets of the Rhine River Cruise  

Immerse yourself in the fabulous Christmas markets of the Rhine, together with amazing river cruising and on-board hospitality with CroisiEurope. This wonderful five-day break includes the best of the Rhine’s famous Christmas markets in the old town of Koblenz and in ever-popular Rudesheim. 

Then to the romantic city of Heidelberg, where the traditional market is in full throng beneath the shadows of the iconic castle. And there is no better way to explore the Rhine than by gently cruising while enjoying unlimited complimentary drinks, fine dining and first-class comfort.

What's Included:

• Door-to-door service*
• Coach travel with reserved seating
• Return Channel crossings
• CroisiEurope onboard hosts
• Four nights full board on the MS Mona Lisa
• Unlimited complimentary drinks on-board†
• Visits to the Christmas markets in Koblenz, Heidelberg, and Rudesheim
• Cruising through the Rhine Gorge

Why a Christmas Market Break Is the Perfect Festive Getaway! 

Getting away to a Christmas market break offers a host of delights:

1. Instant immersion in festive magic
The sights, smells, and sounds (twinkling lights, glühwein, carol singers, crafts) bring the Christmas spirit alive in a way that wandering a shopping mall rarely can
2. Less hustle, more joy
With an escorted break, all the planning is handled for you - coaches or ferry transfers, hotel, excursions- you can focus on enjoying rather than coordinating.
3. Great value for memorable gifts
Locally made crafts, artisan foods, seasonal keepsakes - many market stalls offer gifts you won’t find on the high street.
4. Good for social connection
Whether travelling with a partner, a group, or solo, festive breaks tend to attract like-minded people. Shared experiences create memories, and maybe new friends.
5. Stretch your Christmas feeling with a festive run-up in November! 
Visiting markets or joining our Turkey and Tinsel holidays before or during December adds a glow to the entire season - not just a one‑day rush to shop at home.

What Makes Grand UK Holidays Different?

When you book a festive break with us, you’re getting more than just transport + hotel. 

Here are our standout advantages:

• Full Escorted Tours with Tour Managers
  • Every coach holiday is accompanied by a dedicated Tour Manager, on hand to make your holiday run smoothly, offer local insight, and help with logistics.
• Door‑to‑Door / Local Pickups
  • We arrange local joining points (and door‑to‑door service from selected postcodes) so you don’t have to travel to distant coach depots. 
• Reserved Seating & Free Local Join Points
  • You get guaranteed seating on the coach and don’t need to worry about travel to and from remote departure points. 
• Half‑Board or All Meals (where stated)
  • Many festive tours include breakfast and evening meals, with festive meals and entertainment built in. 
• Excursions & Included Attractions
  • We often include visits, admission fees, and guided excursions (e.g. market towns, scenic drives) 
• Financial Protection and Accreditation
  • Our holidays are ABTA‑bonded / financially protected, giving peace of mind.
• No Single Room Supplements (on many UK coach holidays)
  • On many of our UK mainland coach breaks, we don’t charge extra for single rooms—great news for solo travellers. 

Tips & Considerations for Festive Market Travel

• Book early – Hotels and flights tend to sell out fast in Christmas market periods, especially weekends, so book early.
• Dress warmly & in layers – Bring gloves, scarves, and sturdy footwear - market walking and outdoor evenings can be chilly.
• Bring a lightweight day bag – For your purchases, snacks, and beverage cups.
• Cash & cards – Many stalls accept cards, but some are cash-only, especially smaller artisan ones.

Ready to Book Your Christmas Escape?

Don’t wait until the festive period is fully booked - markets, hotels, and transport fill fast. 

Browse our Festive & Christmas Market Breaks page now at and start dreaming (and planning).

Or call us on 01603 886767 to talk through your options with one of our holiday experts.


Make this Christmas festive season extra magical - book your market break today, and let us do the legwork, and you simply savour every sparkle, sip, and festive moment!

---