It may be January, but this is the time to start preparing for Christmas markets. As someone who has visited 2 now, I have some amateur knowledge which I’d be happy to share.
Christmas Markets
These are very accessible ways to get unique gifts (unless you have the skill of making or finding unique gifts locally). They really can get you in the mood for Christmas, with food and drinks to match the season. They are also money draining machines. Honestly, I have never experienced something so naturally expensive as a Christmas market. The good thing is your money normally goes to small local business, so its worth every penny. But geez when that price tag hits you when you’re bot prepared, it can be a shock.
Here is my experience and learning tips that I implement on future visits.
Finances
These places are expensive, but they are also so worth it. The cute gifts, the food and the ambience make it so worth it, but you have to be financially smart. I’m writing this in January, about 10 months from when markets open again. I am telling you now, set up a small savings pot for your Christmas market trip.
My first market was Manchester. When I went, they held 12 different markets in different locations. I had not prepared for it, I had only started my first full time job 3 months prior. That was my biggest financial traumatic experience. After that 1-day trip I was left in a credit card debt that took me 6 months to pay off. I felt pressured to spend money, and it ruined my relationship with money.
So I repeat, save money, I’d say about £200 minimum is enough to spend on the market alone. This is not including your travel or accommodation, this is just money to spend whilst you are at the markets. But the food is so worth it.
Accommodation
Lots of people attend the Christmas markets. For big city ones, you better book that accommodation as soon as you know where you are going. Hotels inflate those prices knowing it’s Christmas market weekends, and those prices are insane.
I find if hotels are too much, air bnb seems to have good options for reasonable prices (not sponsored). It’s best to do thorough checks before paying, read those recommendations.
Travel
As your planning accommodation, it’s best to also consider your travel options too. If you’re staying in the city centre, then accessing trains might be easy. But what if trains are on strike, are you able to drive there? Would you be able to park? These are important points to consider when you prepare to go to Christmas Markets.
I live in one of the most isolated places in the UK, so I tend to drive. Also, then I have the flexibility to travel whenever, as long as I have fuel and good music, I’m sorted. If you’re driving to a city don’t forget to check for clean air zones.
I went to Birmingham Christmas Market in 2022, and had prepared myself months in advanced. Yet as I was driving into Birmingham I was informed of the clean air zone, which I a) hadn’t budgeted for and b) had no idea about. Thankfully I was with someone who had Waze (not sponsored post) and that got me out of the pickle. However, I was glad I still drove, because the price to fill up my tank was cheaper than train tickets.
Time
Now depending on the size of the market it can take a minimum of 3 hours to do a market and up to the whole day. Definitely on busy days like weekends that adds to the delay. The idea of a Christmas market is to not rush, but to savour and enjoy everything that you saturate.
I’ll admit, I never finished all 12 of Manchester’s markets. I think I only saw about 2 or 3 in the 1 day I was there. However, the next year when I did Birmingham I was there for about 5 hours, and did the whole market, plus explored the rest of the city.
What to expect
Food there is not really less than £5 an item. So, if you get a hot dog, then a couple of burgers, some churros and a hot drink, then you will already have spent a minimum of £25 on food. That food won’t last you all day, so you might buy some more. Try a luxury hot chocolate, or get the beer which will have a deposit on the glasses. There are doughnuts and pick’ n’ mix which vary from £5 – £12. And the thing is you will spend this money because you want the experience, and its so worth it. The food is good quality too. Embrace the Christmas Market experience, and cry at your bank account when you get back from the trip.
However, if you prepare with the tips I suggested then the experience will sting less. If you want the added challenge, you could schedule the Christmas market before payday, so then when that new balance comes in, it wipes the negative balance from the trip. This meant I had December payday to buy last minute Christmas presents, and January payday wasn’t too painful.
Moral of my story
- These things are not cheap– Christmas markets support small businesses so help them
- Prepare financially– Start saving your money in the spring/summer time so you can be ready to live that boujie life even for 1 day
- Prepare accommodation– book early because those dates get inflated very quickly
- Prepare travel– decide what your comfortable with
- And enjoy
