21 Nov 2013
Recognised as one of the best cities in the UK to spend Christmas, Edinburgh sparkles in the winter with six weeks of festive celebration. Bursting into life with fireworks, lights, funfairs – and Santa himself! - Edinburgh’s Christmas draws thousands every year. Central to the city’s celebrations are theEuropean Christmas Market, big wheel and ice rink, all set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Highlights this year include the incredibly popular Hot Dub Time Machine and the breathtaking new Star Flyer ride. Festivities begin on 24 November, with a spectacular Light Night ceremony, and run until 5 January 2014.
To make the most of the city at this time of year, stay a night or two at one of the many hotels, B&Bs or apartments in the centre. There are some great deals currently available for early bird bookings, including The Point Hotel, which overlooks the Castle, where guests will receive 10% off the best available rate when booking two nights or more.
In the heart of the action, Princes Street Suites is also offering up to 10% off standard rates for its stylish one, two and three bedroom apartments.
· www.princesstreetsuites.co.uk
· www.pointhoteledinburgh.co.uk
The Belfast Continental Christmas Market guarantees to add some world-famous Irish ‘craic’ to the festivities. Every December, the City Hall gardens are transformed into a bustling Continental village offering a wide range of traditional handmade arts, crafts and culinary specialities, along with music and entertainment to get visitors into the Christmas spirit. The market is set against the city’s iconic architecture, with its Gothic buildings and cobbled streets, and runs from 16 November–22 December.
Enjoy some real Irish hospitality and stay a few nights at one of the nearby hotels and guesthouses. For a city break on a budget, the Ramada Encore Belfast is offering room only in the centre from just £39 per night for two people or £59 per night for bed and breakfast.
In the Midlands, Birmingham has a number of big events set for this Christmas. The Frankfurt Market and Craft Fair is the largest authentic German market in the country, featuring more than 180 individual stalls. Now in its 12th year, the event is set in the city’s Victoria Square between 14 November and 22 December. Visitors can enjoy perusing the array of handcrafted jewellery, wooden toys, candles and dolls, while a live band strikes-up every lunchtime and evening to complete the festive atmosphere.
The Ramada Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield is currently offering 20% off their best available rate when booking two nights or 30% off a three night stay.
· www.birmingham.gov.uk/frankfurtmarket
On the south coast, the Victorian Festival of Christmas in Portsmouth takes visitors back in time for a traditional market experience from the days of Oliver Twist. The historic dockyards provide the perfect setting for the Dickensian-style events, which include Victorian dancing and appearances from some of history’s most colourful characters. Running from 29 November to 2 December, the Festival also comprises the largest Christmas market on the south coast, full of unique gifts and festive foods.
Visitors can extend their day trip to the coast with an overnight break at the Langstone Hotel on Hayling Island, which overlooks the harbour. The hotel offers a stay and dine package, which includes accommodation, dinner in their AA Rosette restaurant and a full English breakfast, for just £159 per night.
All deals are subject to availability.
-Ends-
For further information please contact: Devan Labrash devan.labrash@porternovelli.co.uk
