TIS the season to sip a beer at a Christmas Market – and we reveal where you can get the cheapest and most expensive pint in the UK.
The UK is home to some of the best festive markets in Europe, with thousands flocking to stalls in cities like Edinburgh and Manchester.
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They offer families and friends the chance to try festive food and drink, browse stalls and enjoy live music and entertainment.
But research by The Sun has revealed that the price of a pint at these destinations can range from a fiver to a whopping £7.75.
Martyn James, consumer rights expert, said: “So much for the Christmas cheer at the festive markets around the UK this year.
“As you fight your way past the buggies and revellers through the mazes of wooden sheds, you might be looking forward to a cheeky drink to toast the season.
“But the price of a pint would make Scrooge blush.
“Vote with your wallets and pack a thermos of mulled wine – so the markets know they are on the naughty list. “
Below, we reveal the price of pints at Christmas markets across the country so you can check how much beer is at your nearest event.
Manchester
Manchester’s Christmas market is one of the biggest in the UK.
The market returned on November 8 and will run until December 22 and is situated in Piccadilly Gardens.
The most expensive pint at the market is a craft beer above 4.5% ABV, or a pint of Shindigger lager for £7.
Meanwhile, the cheapest comes in at £6 for a German lager, mulled cider or a pint of Krombacher,
Nottingham Winter Wonderland
Nottingham’s Christmas Market opened on November 7 and will rum until 31 December.
The Winter Wonderland runs across Old Market Square, with dozens of stalls selling souvenirs and snacks.
There are even rides, including a Ferris wheel, ice rink, and toboggan slide.
There are lots of themed bars too, including the Ice Bar, Ski Bar and Helter Skelter bar, as well as a rooftop bar.
A pint of Inches cider or Cruzcampo £6.95 are cheapest offerings, coming in at £6.95.
The most expensive pint is a Birra Moretti, coming in at £7.25.
Birmingham
Also one of the biggest Christmas markets in the UK is Birmingham.
Running until December 24, it is the largest German Christmas market outside of Germany.
This means you can enjoy classics such as schnitzels, bratwursts and steins of beer.
A pint of beer or a shandy pint will set you back £7 at this event, according to Birmingham Live.
Bath
Bath’s Christmas Market will return from November 28, running until December 15.
The event features more than 100 chalets selling food, gifts and drinks across the city centre.
There is only one bar at the Christmas market, and punters will be able to get a pint of lager or Guinness for £7.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market has returned this year and will run until Saturday, January 4.
The stalls, selling gifts as well as food and drink, are open across Princes Street Gardens and The Mound.
A pint of Innis and Gunn larger will set you back £7, according to Edinburgh Live.
Winter Wonderland, London
Winter Wonderland in London‘s Hyde Park will run for six weeks and will include various attractions, activities, entertainment, and food.
The Sun visited the attraction and checked the price of booze in its various bars.
We found the most expensive pint in the beer hall, which cost 50p more than last year, coming in at £7.75.
The cheapest was a pint of Pravha at £6.85.
This is the most expensive pint we found during our research.
How to save money at Christmas markets
CHRISTMAS markets can be a costly day out, especially for a family with children.
Senior Consumer Reporter Olivia Marshall shares five ways you can enjoy these events without breaking the bank.
Set a Budget
Determine how much you can afford to spend before you go and stick to it. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and keep your spending in check.
Compare Prices
Take a walk around the market to compare prices before making any purchases. Different stalls may offer similar items at varying prices.
Bring Your Own Snacks
Instead of buying food and drinks at the market, which can be expensive, bring your own snacks and a thermos of hot drink. This way, you can still enjoy the festive atmosphere without overspending on refreshments.
Visit During Off-Peak Times
If possible, visit the market during weekdays or non-peak hours. Some vendors may offer discounts or special deals during quieter times to attract customers.
Look for Free Activities
Many Christmas markets offer free entertainment, such as live music, carol singing, and festive displays. Focus on enjoying these free activities rather than spending money on paid attractions.
Glasgow
Glasgow‘s Christmas market is packed with delicious food, Christmas trinkets and fairground rides.
It is located in two places – George Square and St Enoch Square – and will close on January 5.
Event organisers told The Sun that prices for a pint vary from £5 to £7.50.
A £5 pint is the cheapest we came across during our research.
We have asked which beers you can get at this price, and we will update this story once we hear back.
Blenheim Palace
At Christmas, the grounds of Blenheim Palace are illuminated by thousands of lights, transforming the historic building and grounds into a winter wonderland.
If you want to enjoy the lights with a drink, you’ll have to fork out £7.
The Sun has asked which pints are on offer at the market and we will update this story once we hear back.
Exeter Cathedral
The Exeter Cathedral Christmas market is the biggest in Devon and features over a hundred twinkling festive chalets, local gifts and produce and bars bars.
All pints at the event are priced at £6, which a spokesperson for the market said “is in line with local pub prices”.
The bar operators, Bar Nova, sell only draught beers from Devon-based Salcombe Brewery.
These include: lager (Salcombe Breeze), IPA (Salcombe IPA) and cask (Salcombe Island Street Porter and Salcombe Reindeer Fuel).
Bristol
Bristol Christmas market is home to over 35 unique stalls, as well as entertainment and visits from Santa and his elves.
Visitors can enjoy delicious drinks and live music, but at a price.
The least expensive pint at the market is Bavo Pilsner at £6.
If you don’t mind forking out a bit more, the Paulaner (premium german lager) is £6.50 per pint.
Liverpool
The Liverpool Christmas Market will be open until December 24 and features an array of festive treats, crafts, and winter fairground rides.
All pints at the market cost £6.50, according to the Liverpool Echo.
This includes big brands such as: Warsteiner, Erdinger, Krombacher, Birra Moretti, Estrella, Coors and Strongbow Dark Fruits.
Southampton
The 2024 Southampton Christmas Market opened on November 15 and will run until January 5.
The event has two bars – the Moose Bar and the Alpine Bar.
Organisers told The Sun that the cheapest pint is £6.50, while the most expensive is £7.50.
Newcastle
Newcastle‘s Christmas market is based in the heart of the city and will run until December 22.
Prices for pints at the event vary from £6 for D’Moose to £7 for Camden Eazy IPA, according to the Newcastle Chronicle.
Brighton
Brighton Winter Fayre will run for three weeks in December, start on December 5.
Caters Orange Beach Bars will be serving booze at the event, with pints starts at £5.50 and going up to £6.50.
A spokesman for the company said: “We want to make it affordable for everyone and not frustrate our customers by expensive prices.
“You will also see a lot of local suppliers on our menu too across all drinks so we can showcase what Brighton and Sussex has to offer.”
The Sun also asked Durham, York and Cardiff Christmas markets for their prices, but they do not serve beer.
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