Accessible Christmas markets in the UK

With the abundance of markets and Christmas events taking place this month on the lead up to the big day, here’s some of the more accessible events you can visit this Christmas season.

If you know of any other accessible markets or events, make sure to let us know by visiting us on Facebook or Twitter.
 

Birmingham Christmas Market 2022

Victoria Square, Birmingham

Running from 3^rd November until 23^rd December, Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is a firm favourite and is the largest authentic German Christmas Market outside of the continent. Full of stalls and traditional German Christmas treats including glühwein and bratwurst. There’s also traditional entertainment and a programme of live music throughout. Victoria Square is fully accessible for wheelchair users and there are routes that are level throughout. The shop mobility Centre located in the Bullring nearby provides electric scooters and manual wheelchairs for hire and there are accessible toilet facilities are available on Victoria Square.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park, London

Starting on 18^th November and going all the way through to 2^nd January, Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park is one of the best known Christmas celebrations in the UK. Hyde Park is transformed into a festive wonderland with the world’s tallest transportable observation wheel, a host of fairground rides, the UK’s largest open air ice rink, circus acts and over 100 chalets to explore.
Please be aware, the site does include flashing lights and loud music throughout so may not be suitable for those with sensory issues, though there are quit spaces near the family entrance. There is step free and accessible entrances, for those of you travelling by tube, Blue Gate and Green Gate have step free access and are located closest to Green Park Station. In peak times, it is best to avoid the entrances closer to Hyde Park Corner station and Marble Arch station, as these are known to get busy. Rides offer a Personal Assistant scheme and there are accessible toilets available at all the toilet blocks – an access map and guide are available on their website, assistance dogs are also welcome.

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

Winchester Cathedral, Winchester

Running from 18^th November until 22^nd December, Winchester Cathedral’s annual market is often described as being one of the best of its kind in Europe. The wooden chalets are inspired by traditional German markets and you can enjoy carols and Christmas services, so it’s a great way to get into the spirit.

The cathedral itself is wheelchair accessible and has an accessible toilet and an induction loop system. The market features level access and ramps, but can get very busy so please keep this in mind.
 

Lincoln Christmas Market

Cathedral Quarter, Lincoln
Taking place at the top of Steep Hill, which can be difficult to access, the market runs from 1^st – 4^th December and will showcase hundreds of stalls as well as a family funfair packed with rides and attractions. This year’s event will be the 40^th anniversary of the market being in Lincoln so there will be some extra surprises on hand!

As we said, Steep Hill can be daunting, at its steepest, it has a 1:7 gradient, however there are temporary walkways and ramps throughout to create level access and more wheelchair friendly areas. Assistant dogs are welcome and there is a Walk and Ride service offering bus rides up to the market. You can find accessible toilet facilities throughout the city, including a temporary Changing Places facility at the Christmas Market and a permanent facility at the cathedral.

Bath Christmas Market

Bath city centre

Lincoln isn’t the only market celebrating a birthday, Bath Christmas Market will be marking their 20^th anniversary at this year’s event, which takes place between 24^th November and 11^th December. There are over 150 stalls dotted thoughout the streets and around the legendary abbey.

Bath has designated Blue Badge parking in all its car parks and there are blue badge spaces on the street which are available throughout the market too. Assistance dogs are welcome and Bath library is offering Quiet Spaces which can be booked for anyone who wants a break.

York Christmas Festival

Parliament Street, York

York’s Christmas Market returns from 17^th November until 23^rd December and marks the 30^th Anniversary of St Nicholas Fair, which has been a staple in the area every year. York City Centre is full accessible to residents and visitors and the market has worked to make sure that all stalls and concessions are accessible. There are accessible public toilets that can be accessed via a RADAR key throughout the city.