Forget the internet and its online shops galore. Find a magical place for your Christmas shopping trip instead.
There are plenty of traditional towns for Christmas shopping trips in the UK. Or, to rediscover the magic of Christmas visit a destination on each side of the Atlantic. Capture a city’s Christmas lights on your camera. Then listen out for carols by candlelight with a warming drink in hand. You may get merry enough to sing along!
As Christmas approaches, we’ve found six magical places for shopping trips home to the spirit of Christmas.
1. Edinburgh
You can reach Edinburgh by bus, car, plane, or, for a unique experience “all aboard the Caledonian sleeper train!”. Embark from London to begin a Christmas trip like no other before. Awake to a traditional Scottish breakfast before you pull into Scotland’s capital. Do you start your Christmas gift shopping before mid-November? If so, explore Victoria Street to uncover unusual gifts from some quirky shops. Are you looking for something more luxurious? Head to Multrees Walk (an upmarket retail complex) or George Street – the grandest street in Edinburgh.
If you’re in Edinburgh in late November, visit Edinburgh’s St James Quarter. Here, you’ll enjoy a festive shopping experience and live entertainment in a winter wonderland. While listening to classical and modern music relax with a warm beverage. To see the twinkling of lights, stroll down from Edinburgh Castle and along the Royal Mile. You’ll discover the Nutcracker shop. Plus, the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe! Shop till you drop for a huge selection of authentic Christmas gifts and stocking fillers. Once your trip is complete roll down the tracks in comfort in a warm carriage to London.
2. Greenwich Market, London
What comes to mind when you think of Christmas shopping trips in London? Visions of golden lights adorning Harrods? Colourful light displays along Oxford Street? Joyful entertainers in Covent Garden always catch our attention. The truth is there’s so much to see in London at Christmas that it’s hard to know where to start!
A great place to consider is a Christmas shopping trip to Greenwich Market. Greenwich Market is in a Maritime World Heritage Site. So, spot the Old Royal Naval College (a Baroque masterpiece) and stroll through Greenwich Park, one of London’s eight Royal Parks. You can reach Greenwich via London Bridge Train Station or Jubilee Tube Line. For something more adventurous catch the Air Line Cable Car from the Royal Docks in Newham to Greenwich Peninsula. Look after your camera while capturing London’s skyline!
On arrival, have lunch while overlooking the water’s edge or tuck into traditional Christmas foods from the market. At Greenwich Market (GreenWitch Market for 2024), you’ll find a range of gifts. From authentic arts and antiques to creative crafts and collectibles discover a unique gift for everyone. Also, plenty of hotels are nearby so you can continue exploring Greenwich the next day. Or book into a hotel of your choice in central London, after boarding a city cruise back up the river.
3. York
On a shopping trip to York, set aside time to admire its mighty medieval walls. You can walk the 700-year-old walls, a trail that takes about two hours, with ample opportunities for refreshments. After a break, stroll down an authentic shopping street (The Shambles), which appeared in the Domesday Book.
As winter approaches, dive down decorated streets and snickelways (narrow roads). To support local businesses, stay in early November when York’s award-winning Christmas market kicks off through Parliament Street and into St Sampson’s Square. Look out for homegrown suppliers such as Tullivers, for specialty teas and local produce.
Known as one of the UK’s most festive cities, take a break from shopping to explore York Minister’s Christmas Tree Festival. The festival opens with a light switch on during a service for families. Throughout December everyone is welcome to follow the Christmas Tree Trail of 70 adorned trees up the cathedral’s Nave, onto the Chapter House and Lady Chapel until early January. Organised by local businesses each year, you’ll soon find some décor inspiration!
Another good time to visit is in mid-December for York’s biggest Christmas concert on Priory Street. On two Saturdays in December, welcome the songs of Christmas, from Slade to Silent Night, all played live by big brass bands and acoustic instruments! Remember your Christmas jumper to swing into Christmas.
4. New York
If your favourite pastime is shopping, shopping trips to New York are no doubt right up your street. What better time than over the Christmas period? Take an empty suitcase and return with gifts for everyone! During your trip, stop in well-known department stores. These include Macy’s (home of the latest fashion) and Saks Fifth Avenue for designer fashion. For one-of-a-kind gifts, venture to Bryant Park’s Winter Village, near Times Square.
Want to stay longer than a long weekend? Take time to admire New York’s twinkling lights during a river cruise over dinner. Visit after Thanksgiving (end of November) when the ice rinks are open. The most beloved ones are outside the Rockefeller Centre, Bryant Park, or Central Park, Manhattan. Don’t forget to reserve your time slot! After whizzing around the rink, stop for a drink to admire the splendid Christmas trees and lights.
For an even bigger visual feast, leave early to reach Rolf’s. Rolf’s is New York’s most festive (and popular) Christmas-themed German restaurant. It has over 200,000 decorations, lights, and a platter of German dishes, such as Wiener Schnitzel to try. This magical place is where to get into the festive spirit! Don’t want to head back to your hotel? When night falls visit a festive residential neighborhood called Dyker Heights in Brooklyn and join a Christmas lights guided tour. Gaze in awe at large houses decked in colourful lights and capture the New York skyline on camera.
The photo below was taken by our Customer Service Manager who recently visited Dyker Heights for Christmas cheer!
5. Calais, France
Visit Calais by coach during a Christmas break. Or take your car and board the train in Folkestone via Le Shuttle. You’ll find yourself in France in just 35 minutes. You could also embrace slow travel by sailing by ferry 90 minutes from Dover. Enjoy sea views with a warm meal or drink. Then as you approach look out for Calais’s 19th-century lighthouse (Phare de Calais).
Whatever way you travel, there’s more to Calais than being one of the busiest passenger ports in central Europe. It’s also a great escape for foodies! During a long weekend, sample France’s flavours in top restaurants or during a food tour. Then explore a hypermarket. This is a novel experience where gourmet gifts can be sourced, such as Dauphin cheese that originates from Nord-Pas de Calais. Also, you’ll be spoilt for a choice of fine wines to bring back for the Christmas dinner table. Wine lovers can find new tipples at Calais Vins shop five minutes from the port too.
During your shopping trip stroll around one of five colourful open-air markets. For instance, on a Wednesday or Saturday rub shoulders with the locals, while sampling their favourite produce at the historic Place d’Armes Square. You’ll find a fine selection of charcuterie, cheeses, and cider, as well as the Christmas Village! Then have the option to spin around an ice rink or wave at people from a carousel. Plan your break to be in time to watch a Christmas concert or the big Christmas parade (in mid-December) that rolls throughout Calais streets.
6. Christmas Shopping Trips along the Amalfi Coast, Italy
If you’d prefer a bit more winter sun with your Christmas shopping experience, head to the Amalfi Coast. In December, temperatures reach 15° C. Although you won’t see many Christmas markets, you’ll discover many designer boutiques. There are some beautiful hilltop viewpoints to find along the coast too when you need a break from hitting the shops!
To view a light show, the port of Salerno hosts the Luci d’Artista in November. This annual event is full of shimmering installations throughout the streets and squares. Sorrento is another town that adorns itself with fairy lights. Its centrepiece is a colourful Christmas tree that you’ll find in the central square – Piazza Tasso from the 1st of December. Visit Piazza Tasso at weekends to enjoy seasonal concerts, with various performers for variety.
As you shop, it may be hard to resist the comforting and mouth-watering aroma of zeppoles (fried doughnut balls) and struffolis (dough balls covered in honey). However, take home the colours of the Mediterranean by picking up a hand-painted ceramic plate from the town of Vietri sul Mare. This is where you can indulge in fine Mediterranean cuisine by following tile-lined streets to top seafood restaurants.
Travel Insurance For Christmas Shopping Trips
Where will you be booking your Christmas shopping trips this winter? If you find yourself in York, New York, or book a last-minute trip to Calais for some wine we hope you have a great time!
Wherever you choose to go shopping, embrace the magic of Christmas with Free Spirit Travel Insurance and travel with confidence this winter.
