By ALESIA FIDDLER - TRAVEL REPORTER
Crowds are heading to Christmas markets across the UK this festive season to sip on mulled wine and wander around the stalls.
But the AA has warned people could be hit with massive parking fees, and some cities have increased prices by 50 per cent.
New analysis by the breakdown company looked into the cost of parking near the top Christmas markets in the country.
It identified the 10 most expensive locations to park for a short festive visit from research covering 36 cities, as well as how much prices might have increased since last year.
AA approached local councils to find the closest car parks within one mile to each market. If a council-owned car park wasn't available, the research included the closest privately owned car park instead within one mile.
The experts also looked into the hourly car parking charges for December 2024 and the forecast hourly charges for December 2025.
Tariffs for a two-hour parking period and a four-hour ticket were considered to find the most expensive spots to park up.
Leicester Square Car Park proved to be the most expensive overall for two hour parking tickets, despite it being nearby one of the smaller markets in the UK.
Leicester Square Car Park proved to be the most expensive overall for two hour parking tickets, despite it being nearby one of the smaller markets in the UK
Those hoping to visit the market, which has around 25 alpine-style wooden chalet stalls, will have to pay £22 for two hours of parking or £44 for four between November 8 and January 5.
However, AA issued a warning to motorists heading to York St Nicholas Fair, which ranked fifth overall for the two-hour parking charge.
It costs £10.60 for two hours and £17.50 for four at Coppergate Centre Car Park.
The breakdown specialists warned that York Council have introduced an 'event day' parking charge at the car park for the markets.
This means prices have shot up by 50 per cent since 2024 for a two-hour ticket, accounting for a £3.80 increase, and 29 per cent rise for a four-hour stay.
After 6pm, drivers will be charged a flat rate of £4.80.
Liverpool Christmas Market also saw a 50 per cent increase of £1.50 for two hours of parking since 2024, according to AA, as well as a 25 per cent rise for a four-hour ticket.
Elsewhere, Q Park Marble Arch, which is the closest spot to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, London, ranked second for expensive two-hour rates, following Leicester Square.
However, AA issued a warning to motorists heading to York St Nicholas Fair, which ranked fifth overall for the two-hour parking charge
A two hour stint costs £21, while a four-hour stay comes to £40 between November 14 and January 1.
Winter Wonderland has already made headlines as an expensive festive place to visit, without parking considered.
Covent Garden Christmas Market proved to be the third most expensive place to park for two hours.
A parking ticket for Q Park Covent Garden comes to £16 for a two hour stay, and £30 for four from November 12 to early January.
Crowds often gather there to enjoy street performers, the 55ft Christmas tree and other impressive decorations.
Further north, Edinburgh's Christmas Market ranked fourth for two-hour parking charges.
Visitors are expected to cough up £14 for two hours in NCP Edinburgh Castle Terrace, and £38 for four hours between November 15 to January 4.
Liverpool Christmas Market also saw a 50 per cent increase of £1.50 for two hours of parking since 2024, according to AA, as well as a 25 per cent rise for a four-hour ticket
Shaun Jones, AA Patrol of the Year, commented: 'Christmas markets are a fantastic seasonal draw, but drivers should be aware that parking charges vary dramatically by city and by car park.'
He warned those heading to the markets to check prices beforehand.
Shaun added: 'If you're planning a short festive trip, check the latest local parking tariffs before you go and consider public transport or park-and-ride options in city centres where parking is most expensive.
'A small change in where you park can save you money and lots of stress when the market is busy.'
The most expensive Christmas markets to park for two hours
The cities with the biggest parking price hikes year-on-year per two-hour charge