Christmas Markets Reviews – true student | true

The Best Christmas Markets for Students: Reviews

Posted 16 Nov 2023

Wondering which Christmas market to pay a visit to this year? We sent general managers from our student accommodation sites across the UK to their city’s Christmas markets. Read on to find out the best Christmas markets for students, according to their reviews.

1. Liverpool Christmas Market

This year, Liverpool Christmas Market is running from Saturday 18th November to Sunday, December 24th. The event appears against the twinkling backdrop of St George's Plateau and William Brown Street. Evelyn Cavendish, general manager of our Liverpool student accommodation said: “I love this market as there’s such a diverse range of handmade crafts and local treats. When you’re not shopping, you can soak up the live music and entertainment or jump on the ferris wheel. Although there’s plenty of bars to choose from, I’d recommend the Barrel Bar for the nicest hot mulled wine you will ever taste!” Learn more: Liverpool Christmas Market

Traditional German gingerbread heart decorations

2. Glasgow Christmas Market

Glasgow Christmas Market, or ‘Winterfest’ has transformed George Square. This market runs from the 25th of November to the 7th of January, so there is plenty of time to visit. General manager of our Glasgow student accommodation, Lauren Baird said: “If you’re looking for a beautifully decorated, activity-packed Christmas market, Glasgow is the place to be. There’s an ice rink and tons of festive carnival rides to get your adrenaline fix – there’s even a silent disco if you’re looking to try something different. I also always try and sample as much as I can from the food stalls, as there’s just so much there! The chocolate kisses are my favourite.” Learn more about Glasgow Christmas Market: Winterfest

Christmas market stall selling German waffles and crepes

3. Manchester Christmas Market

Manchester’s famous Christmas markets are taking place between the 10th of November and 21st of December. Celebrating its 25th year of markets, there are over 225 stalls to browse across the city, from Piccadilly Gardens to St Ann’s Square. Martyn O’Neill, general manager of true student Salford told us: “With so many stalls, there’s so much to explore here - but unique gifts and international cuisines are the main draws. If you have a sweet tooth, the Flat Baker is well worth the queue for their legendary pistachio croissants. The mini Dutch pancakes are also to die for!” Here’s everything you need to know about the Manchester Christmas Markets: Manchester Christmas Markets

Paper star decorations lit up

4. Birmingham Christmas Market

Did you know Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest authentic Christmas market outside Germany? This runs from the 2nd of November to the 24th of December every year. General manager of our Birmingham student accommodation Sid Saxena said, “In my opinion, this is the best Christmas market in the UK because you truly feel like you’re celebrating the festivities in Germany. There’s so much traditional food and drink to try, from bratwursts and schnitzels to authentic wheat beer. I always make sure to visit the Glühwein stall – there’s nothing better than warm wine in a cup you can keep.” Visit the Birmingham Christmas Market website: Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market

Christmas market mulled wine stall at night

5. Newcastle Christmas Market

Support local businesses at Newcastle Christmas Market. Located near Grey’s Monument, Grainger Street and Old Eldon Square, the market is on from the 18th of November to the 23rd of December. We sent Sam Lowerson, general manager of true student Newcastle to review the market. They said, “I absolutely love the amount of independent business stalls at Newcastle Christmas Market. I’d recommend browsing Elemental Photography and Crafty BU Glass for any keepsake portraits and crafts to decorate your uni room. For food, try Parm-O-Rama for their iconic fries then visit the Alpine Moosenwirt Bar for a drink and some live music.” Find out more: Newcastle’s Christmas Markets

Carousel lit up at night

6. Swansea Christmas Market

Wrap up warm and head to Swansea’s Waterfront Winterland, running from the 15th November to the 2nd of January. With student offers on Wednesdays and discounted tickets, there’s tons of reasons to go. Leah Francis, general manager of our Swansea student accommodation paid a visit and commented, “There’s literally something for everyone at this Christmas event. Ice skate by the waterfront and relax on the big wheel, the daring among you might want a go on some of the scarier fairground rides like the Moondancer! For snacks, I really enjoyed the fresh donuts and marshmallows that you toast yourself over a fire.” Book your student ticket now: Swansea Waterfront Wonderland


There you have it – our festive round-up and reviews of the best Christmas markets for students. Each of our true student accommodation sites will be organising a trip to the Christmas markets in 2023. Find out more by contacting your student hub today.

Posted 16 Nov 2023