The Best Christmas Markets To Visit In South East England

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In just a couple of weeks, many of the region’s magical Christmas markets will be open for business. From twinkling lights and mulled wine to artisan crafts and live music, they are a great opportunity to shop for presents and get into that festive spirit. 

Travelling by coach or minibus hire makes the experience easy, comfortable, and stress-free, especially for groups, families, or office outings. Here are some of the most enchanting Christmas markets to explore in the South East this year.

 

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London

Few festive events compare to Winter Wonderland in London’s Hyde Park, which opens from 14 November 2025 to 1 January 2026. With ice skating, circus shows, live music, and hundreds of market stalls, it’s the ultimate Christmas day out for all ages.

Avoid the hassle of trains, parking, and busy Tube stations by travelling together in a private minibus or coach. Group drop-off points near the park make it simple for everyone to arrive and leave together: perfect for office parties, schools, or community trips.

Early booking is advised, because Winter Wonderland gets extremely busy in late November and throughout December.

 

Windsor Christmas Market, Berkshire

Windsor Christmas Market in the heart of the town offers a quintessentially British Christmas experience on the weekend of 6 and 7 December 2025. Enjoy festive food, handmade crafts, and live entertainment, all within walking distance of the historic town centre.

A coach trip to Windsor also gives your group time to explore local highlights, such as Windsor Great Park or Eton High Street, before indulging in a warm mince pie and hot chocolate. It’s perfect for family days out and private group tours.

 

Blenheim Palace Christmas Market, Oxfordshire

Blenheim Palace transforms into a winter wonderland every year, complete with a light trail through the gardens and a stunning themed exhibition inside the palace. The market itself, set within wooden chalets in the Great Court, features local crafts, decorations, and gourmet treats. 

The Christmas market takes place in the Great Court from 14 November to 21 December 2025. By booking a minibus or coach from Oxfordshire or Buckinghamshire, your group can relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere without worrying about parking or long walks from offsite car parks.

 

Waddesdon Manor Christmas Fair, Buckinghamshire

Just outside Aylesbury, Waddesdon Manor hosts one of the most elegant Christmas fairs in the region from Wednesday to Sunday between 22 November and 14 December 2025. Against the backdrop of the Rothschild family’s grand manor house, you’ll find beautifully lit trees, handmade gifts, and seasonal food stalls.

The grounds are large, so arriving together by private hire coach saves everyone from long queues and full car parks. For groups, it’s also easy to pair your visit with lunch at a nearby pub or a scenic winter drive through the Chiltern Hills. It’s ideal for garden lovers and those who prefer a quieter, more traditional festive market.

 

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market, Hampshire

A little further afield but worth every mile, Winchester’s Christmas Market is one of the most famous in Europe. Set around the stunning cathedral, it features an ice rink, over 100 chalets, and a magical atmosphere. The cathedral hosts an exciting events programme in the run up to Christmas, so if you’ve time it’s well worth including in your itinerary. 

For larger groups, a comfortable coach journey turns the trip into a social event, whether it’s colleagues celebrating the end of the year or friends planning a festive weekend. The markets open on 21 November and run until 22 December 2025. Plan your visit on a weekday if you can to avoid the weekend crowds.

 

Why travel by coach or minibus to Christmas markets?

Travelling together makes festive trips more enjoyable, as no one needs to drive, navigate, or worry about parking. With a private coach or minibus, your group can:

  • Travel directly to and from your chosen market
  • Stay warm and relaxed in a modern, comfortable vehicle
  • Split costs between passengers for an affordable day out
  • Enjoy flexibility with pickup points across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and London

Whether you’re planning a family outing, school trip, team celebration, or community group day, travelling together takes the stress out of festive travel.

 

Make it a festive tradition

The South East’s festive fairs offer something for everyone. This winter, skip the parking chaos and train strikes and book your coach or minibus for a fun and memorable Christmas market visit.