‘Magical’ UK Christmas market named best for over 65s — full list

The iconic Christmas market runs from November 5 to December 24.

By Andrea Blazquez, Editor of Spare Time

05:36, Fri, Nov 13, 2026

christmas market birmingham

Best Christmas market for over 65s named (Image: Getty)

A new study by mobility experts Muick Sandy revealed Europe’s most accessible Christmas markets. They took into consideration the distance to accessible toilets, parking and step-free public transport, surrounding ground conditions, and the accessibility facilities available to visitors.

Birmingham was crowned the UK’s most accessible Christmas market, achieving 10 out of 10 for accessibility facilities. Visitors are 110 metres from an accessible toilet, 158 metres from accessible parking and 133 metres from step-free public transport, making it ideal for older people visiting the iconic Christmas market this winter.

The Express visits Manchester's Christmas markets

Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market (England, UK)

The Birmingham Christmas Market runs from November 5 to December 24, 2026. (Image: Getty)

The experts explained: “Just 5.7% of the surrounding ground assessed was rough or uneven, contributing to Birmingham finishing comfortably ahead of the remaining markets.”

DiscoverBritain recently named Birmingham Christmas Market one of "Britain’s most magical" - an "authentic German Christmas market with handcrafted wooden decorations and plenty of indulgent food and drink options".

Birmingham Christmas Market runs from November 5 to December 24, 2026.

Ben Kenny, director at Muick Sandy, said: “Christmas markets are a huge part of the festive season for millions of people, but something as simple as uneven ground, a long journey from accessible parking or a lack of suitable facilities can make visiting much more difficult for somebody with limited mobility.

“Anyone with mobility needs planning a Christmas market trip should check the accessibility information available before travelling, particularly the location of parking, toilets and step-free transport."

According to the study, the most accessible Christmas market in Europe is Strasbourg, in France. Visitors were found to be just 23 metres from step-free public transport, the shortest distance of any market analysed.

Strasbourg is actually known as the "capital of Christmas", and its Christmas market is one of the oldest and most magical in Europe, dating back to 1570.

It is also considered one of the most beautiful in the world, taking place around the city's impressive cathedral. Strasbourg recently made it to TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Top 10 French destinations. With its timber-framed houses and charming canals, the picturesque city is the perfect winter getaway.

Strasbourg Christmas Market runs from November 27 to December 24, 2026.

See more of the stories you love from Daily Express and find us easily in Google by making us a Preferred Source. Free and easy-to-do, just click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.