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One thing we love at this time of year is getting to smell fresh mulled wine and baked treats as we explore our local Christmas Markets.
They’re a popular way to get into the swing of the festive season and a great way to keep the whole family entertained, but they can get very busy which can limit their enjoyability for those with additional needs. Here’s our guide to some of this year’s most accessible Christmas Market so everyone can get involved in the festivities.
Edinburgh’s Christmas
Running from 17th November through to the 6th January, Edinburgh’s city centre will transform into a Christmas wonderland with multiple Christmas markets, funfair rides, entertainment and more.
The organisers have made the walkways throughout the event as even as possible with ramps. Depending on what parts of the event you want to attend, there will be different levels of accessibility, for instance, there will be a variety of assisted performances and service dogs will be allowed throughout. For events that are ticketed, essential companion tickets will be available, however, admittance to fairground rides will be at the discretion of the operator, as they will have to take the weather and the types of rides into consideration.
For events taking place at East Princes Street Gardens, there will be fully accessible entrance points from both Princes Streets and Waverley Bridge. Accessible toilets are available near the Big Wheel, which also has viewing pods which are suitable for manual wheelchairs.
Sensory backpacks are also available from the information point at East Princes Street Gardens.
For events at West Princes Street Gardens, there is ramped access from Princes Street and King Stables Road. There is a Changing Places facility here, as well as accessible facilities at both West Princes Street Gardens and Ross Fountain. There is free parking for Blue Badge holders with no time limit at Frederick Street, George Street, Hanover Street and Kings Stable Road.
For events at George Street, it is fully accessible from the pavement level and there are accessible toilets next to the rink at George Street. The ice rink is suitable for wheelchairs, just speak to a member of staff and they will assist you. Free parking is available for Blue Badge holders at George Street, Frederick Street, Hanover Street and Charlotte Street.
For events at St Andrew Square, you’ll find accessible entrances at the Ivy and at Harvey Nichols. Public toilets are available in Harvey Nichols or at St James Centre, the square itself is wheelchair accessible and the performance spaces also has space for 2 wheelchair users per performance.
Find full details of accessibility and accessibility maps here.
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
Running from 2nd November to 24th December at Victoria Square and New Street in Birmingham City Centre, the whole market square can be accessed by wheelchair and there are step free routes around the market.
The Christmas Market gets very busy at weekends, so please be aware of this and plan your visit accordingly if you are overwhelmed by crowds and noise. Service dogs are welcome to visit and there are accessible toilet facilities for disabled people in Victoria Square.
If you are planning to travel to the market via the rail network, there is industrial action scheduled during the market, which will affect some train lines, so please check the latest travel advice. If you are coming by car, please be aware that the market is located within the Clean Air Zone which may incur charges depending on your vehicle. There is ample parking in the vicinity.
For those of you who may require a wheelchair or scooter, you can hire them from the Shopmobility Centre located in the Bullring.
You can find full details here.
Manchester Christmas Market
Running from 10th November through to the 21st December, it’s the UK’s biggest Christmas Market with over 225 stalls across nine sites! Piccadilly Gardens will be at the heart of the markets, which will also be along Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Square, the Corn Exchange and King Street.
Accessible changing facilities, including adult weighted change bed, shower, toilet and adult weighted track hoist are available.
