While Glasgow Winterfest does not normally top the charts of the best, it received well-deserved recognition this year – as the second most affordable Christmas market in the UK. As people around the country love budget-friendly outings, Glasgow is the place to be when it comes to affordable overnight stays and good vibes.
Credit card brand Aqua has researched the most affordable Christmas markets throughout the UK, looking into hotel costs, reviews which mention pricing, entry costs, and the overall popularity on social media.
Glasgow Winterfest Christmas market is officially the second most affordable Christmas market in the UK, with an average hotel price of £158.58, only 13% of negative reviews that mention price and just 5,254 hashtags on Instagram.
Manchester Christmas market was named the most affordable this year, with an average hotel price of £312.31, 27% of negative reviews mentioning costs and a whopping 62,900 hashtags.
The most affordable Christmas markets in the UK 2024
- Manchester Christmas market
- Glasgow Winterfest
- Holkham Hall, North Norfolk
- Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham
- Leeds Christmas Market
- East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh
- Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market
- St Nicholas Fair, York
- Chester Christmas Market
- Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
Sharvan Selvam, Commercial Director at Aqua, said: “Christmas can become a challenging time for those trying to save money, but there are ways to enjoy the festive season without overspending. For instance, agreeing on a set budget for gifts with family and friends is a great way to ease financial pressures. You could also opt for giving homemade gifts or organising a Secret Santa exchange, which can reduce costs.
Additionally, planning the events and activities you want to do with friends and family ahead of time will help you work these costs into your monthly budget, and can help you set some money aside in advance.
Finally, remember that not all Christmas activities need to be expensive. Watching a Christmas movie with friends and family, or going for a walk to see a festive light display, are great ways to feel festive—and they’re usually free!”