Soak into the festive vibe with 15 Best Christmas Markets in UK

Presenting to you this year’s 15 absolutely best Christmas Markets in the UK. Tis the season of jingle bells and mistletoes. 

Its that time of the year to get cosied up, watch unlimited Netflix series, binge eat your favourite delicacies and not worry about the extra fat it adds! Grab a bottle of mulled wine and immerse yourself into the festive vibe. 

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Whether it’s spending quality time in the tropical Canary Islands, or soaking up the festive vibe in one of the cities in UK, we love Christmas time.

Although we don’t celebrate Christmas, we look forward for the festive season to jump into the festive mood.  It brings so much of happiness and colourful atmosphere, no matter which part of the world we are.

We have seen Christmas Markets in dozen cities and towns in Europe, but nothing as special as the ones we celebrate in UK with our friends. 

Be it watching the Christmas lights switch on, capturing the vibrant colours, drinking gluhwein, munching the roasted chestnuts, shopping the hand crafted products in the wooden stalls, or taking on the scariest rides, our Christmas traditions has surely evolved over the years.  

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Suggested Reading: Guide to visiting 15 National Parks in the UK

In this post, we are bringing in the festive vibe at your door step to cheer your spirits. Here’s everything you want to know about 15 absolutely best Christmas Markets in UK.

Each one of them is handpicked and curated with plenty of information that will help you for your future travel.

15 Best Christmas Markets in UK

1. Bath Christmas Market

Dates: 28th November 2024 – 15th December 2024

Every year, Bath organises one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the UK. Bath is not only one of the most beautiful cities in the UK because of its gorgeous architecture,  but during the winter holidays it becomes even more charming and atmospheric.

The Christmas Market in Bath stretches all around the town centre, on the streets and the small squares around Bath Cathedral. There are many stalls where independent producers come to sell their goods.

You can find everything here, from beautiful handmade gifts and tree decorations to the most delicious food and mulled wine. The streets and most iconic buildings in the town are also decorated with lights. 

The main attraction of the market is the Victorian merry-go-round, which welcomes both children and adults to enjoy a ride on a horse or in one of the carriages.

During the evenings, there are Christmas carols concerts organised inside the Bath Cathedral, which get visitors more into the spirit of the winter holidays.

On the streets, different community choirs or independent entertainers spread the joy of the holidays through their singing on open air stages. 

Reaching Bath from London is very easy, with many direct trains leaving Paddington station each hour. The journey time is around one and a half hours and the train station in Bath is walking distance from the town centre. This makes it easy to visit the Christmas Market during a day trip to Bath, from London.

Explored by Joanna from The World In My Pocket 

CHECK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUT BATH’S CHRISTMAS MARKET

Stay in The Queensberry Hotel. Decorated elegantly and located centrally, it is a perfect choice of stay in Bath for all kind of travellers. Click here to search for best hotel deals in Bath. Check the hotel reviews in Tripadvisor.

2. Belfast Christmas Market

Dates: 18th November 2024 – 22nd December 2024

First off, Belfast as a destination is one of the most affordable cities in the UK to explore where it ranks as 3rd cheapest (of 69) when it comes to a night out with food, drinks, taxis, and entertainment.

It is also home to Northern Ireland’s main Christmas Market where it sets up right in the centre of the city at the civic buildings at Belfast City Hall.

It not only offers a fantastic backdrop for the occasion but in itself is a tourist attraction dotted with historic sculptures in the outer grounds. There are free daily tours of the buildings and exhibits inside.

The annual Belfast Christmas Market has everything you can expect from similar continental events and it’s centered around 2 large heated beer tents for revellers to keep warm with steins of beer, mulled wine, and all sorts of delicacies from the surrounding market stalls.

There is also more than enough to entertain the kids with Santa’s Grotto and various fairground rides. With its convenient location in Belfast City Centre it is also easy to reach on foot in mere minutes from the main stations and transit hubs.

Explored by Allan from It’s Sometimes Sunny in Bangor

Stay in Ten Square Hotel that is located Decorated elegantly and located centrally, it is a perfect choice of stay in Bath for all kind of travellers. Click here to search for best hotel deals in Belfast. Check the hotel reviews in Tripadvisor.

3. Birmingham Christmas Market

Dates: TBC

Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham is the largest authentic German market outside of Austria or Germany and is home to over 80 alpine style stalls stretching across the city centre.

If you’re after some last minute Christmas gifts then you’ll find beautiful decorations, hand crafted goods and charming wooden toys for the kids. The food and drink however is the main reason to visit.

Stalls selling traditional German food and the sweet aroma fill Victoria Square with the most delicious scent of Christmas. When the temperatures start to drop you can warm up with a sweet hot chocolate or mug of strong glühwein.

The refreshment stalls really are the heart of the market and where most people congregate to soak up the festive ambience.

Being one of the best Christmas markets in UK, the Frankfurt market gets extremely busy during weekends and evenings when people from all over UK come here to experience the magic. For a less crowded experience arrive around lunchtime, just as the atmosphere is getting going. 

Birmingham’s Christmas market is held completely free to enter but you will need some spare cash for deposits for beer glasses and glühwein mugs.

Parking in the city centre during December can be a bit difficult so I recommend arriving by train, just get off at New Street Station and you can walk to the market in a couple of minutes.

Explored by Karen from Marvellous Middle England

The Grand Hotel Birmingham is a perfect choice of luxury stay in Birmingham, located so close to Cathedral Square. Click here to search for best hotel deals in Birmingham. Read the hotel reviews in Tripadvisor.

4. Bristol Christmas Market

Dates: 3rd December 2024 to 23rd December 2024

Bristol Christmas Market is the perfect place to visit if you want to get in the spirit without the stress of having to weave through big crowds.

Being a short train journey from Bath’s famous Christmas Market, Bristol’s offering tends to get put down but while it’s low key compared to it’s neighbour it’s much more relaxing.

Bristol is more about taking time to enjoy the atmosphere and giving yourself chance to relax or see friends during the busiest season.

Bristol Christmas Market happens in the city’s Shopping Quarter in Broadmead. It is small but perfectly formed market with a well-planned array of stalls that offer something different so you’re sure to find the perfect one-of-a-kind Christmas gift.

At the heart of the market is the bar – Christmas Market bars can often feel overwhelming or rowdy, but Bristol’s offering is much more wholesome.

The bar has a singing reindeer at the entrance which attracts families, and while they do serve alcoholic drinks you can also get a reasonably priced hot chocolate to keep you warm while you listen to your favourite festive tunes and watch the frantic last-minute shoppers running past.

Bristol Christmas Market is easy to get to as it’s right in the city centre. Most towns & suburbs around Bristol have direct busses into the city centre which stop about 5 minutes walk from the market.

If you’re coming from further afield you can get a train to Temple Meads Station then walk 15 minutes to the city centre or take a 5 minute bus (the numbers 8,9, 70, 72 and 73 all go from Temple Meads to the city centre so you won’t be waiting long).

Most major cities like Cardiff, London, Oxford, Birmingham and Manchester have direct high-speed rail links to Bristol Temple Meads, so it’s the perfect place to go if you fancy a festive day trip without the stress!

Explored by Becky from The Owlet 

Stay in Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa, a boutique hotel s a perfect choice of luxury stay in Birmingham, located so close to Cathedral Square. Click here to search for best hotel deals in Bristol. Read the hotel reviews in Tripadvisor.

5. Cambridge Christmas Market

Dates: Mid November – January, dates TBC

The Cambridge xmas market is a highlight of the year for the city’s residents and visitors alike. This is when the streets and squares of the city are decorated and festively adorned, bringing with it a joyful atmosphere.

At the centre of the Christmas cheer is the market that comprises over 60 stalls. They are a joy to wander through to pass the time or for a search for something to purchase.

Find everything from local arts and crafts and handmade jewellery to books, vinyl records and souvenirs.

Here you will also find a good choice of food and drink stalls, sampling cuisine from around the world. The market is open every day from the second week in December to the first week in January.

There is no entrance fee and can be found conveniently located right next to the St. Mary’s Church. The North Pole Cambridge festival, taking place at the same time, also features a pop-up ice rink, an alpine bar and fairground rides.

There is no better way to get into the festive spirit and a cheerful smile than a visit to the market and should not be missed. 

Explored by Rai from A Rai of Light

Stay in The Varsity Hotel & Spa with urban decor, riverside setting and great views. Click here to find best hotel deals in Cambridge. Read the hotel reviews in Tripadvisor.

6. Cardiff Christmas Market

Dates: 14th November 2024 – 23rd December 2024

One of the best Christmas Markets in Wales, Cardiff Christmas Market is nothing short of magic.  From traditional wooden chalets to mulled wine, the German styled Christmas Markets jazz up the festive season in the city with their own Welsh touch.

You can find Christmas Stalls in Cardiff City Centre – in St.John Street, Working Street, Hills Street, Trinity Street and Hayes.  Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland stands right outside Cardiff City Hall.

Make sure to head to the Gingerbreadmun House outside Cardiff Central Library for a sweet treat. Santa’s Grotto is set in the 13th century Black tower of Cardiff Castle, creating an absolute magic experience.

There are also an array of Pantomimes that run across Cardiff. The stalls sell authentic gifts, homemade products, ceramic stuffs, authentic welsh chocolates and cakes. 

There are frequent bus and train services to Cardiff from London, and other major cities. If you are driving, you can park the car in one of the many Park & Ride locations. Alternatively, there are many paid parking and NCP car parks around the city. 

Stay in Park Plaza Cardiff, located in the city centre and close by to many attractions. Click here to search for best hotel deals in Cardiff. Read the hotel reviews in Tripadvisor.

7. Edinburgh Christmas Market

Dates: TBC

Edinburgh, being known as the city of festivals, does know exactly how to create the magical vibe in the city during christmas. Needless to say Edinburgh Christmas Markets are one of the most popular and best Christmas markets in UK.

Edinburgh Christmas Market happen in East Princes Street Gardens with the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, which is the epicentre of many activities.

With myriad stalls offering hand made crafts, home produce, food and drink stalls, Santa’s grotto, rides and attractions (that include ice rink, star flyer, ferris wheel and more). You can also find some stalls in Royal Mile, near St.Giles Cathedral, St.Andrew Square.

A temporary installation of more than 60,000 lights illuminate what is called as Street of Light, happens in either Royal Mile or George Street. You can walk under the canopy of colourful light extravaganza sipping your Gluhwein and savouring warm roasted chestnuts.  

Also during the festive season, Royal Botanic Gardens run Christmas light and laser trails, where you can explore the mile long light and sound that happens after the day light. A general tip to people who visit Edinburgh during Christmas is to use public transport as much as possible, because it is difficult find parking spaces in the city centre. 

Stay in Hotel Du Vin Edinburgh is located at closer proximity to main tourist attractions, festival venues and railway station. Click here to find the best accommodation in Edinburgh. Read the hotel reviews in Tripadvisor.

8. Leeds Christkindelmarkt

Dates: TBC

Leeds Chrsistkindelmarkt is one of the most established German Christmas market in the entire UK. Every year Millennium Square in Leeds is transformed into a magical wonderland.

Authentic wooden stalls peppered across the square that sells gorgeous toys, jewellery, crafts and decorations.   Colourful lights creating bokeh and jingling carousel rides with laughter fill the entire Christmas village with a festive vibe. 

Leeds Christmas Market is known for it’s kids focussed rides, and the famous Breakfast with Santa experience. This is a ticketed event that happens on Saturday and Sunday.

Families and kids get chance to have traditional German breakfast with Santa in Alp Chalet, a Bavarian style restaurant located in the centre of Millennium Square during Christmas.  

The market stage runs many shows focussed for children that includes face painting, sing-song appearances, balloon modelling. There are also organised treasure hunts, and live entertainment that happens throughout the season. 

Millennium Square is only 10 minutes walk from Leeds Train Station. There are parking spaces in many streets around Millennium Square, although they get filled up really quickly.

Stay in Radisson Blu Hotel, Leeds City Centre offers spacious comfortable rooms, located only 5 minutes away from train station. Click here to find the best hotel deals in Leeds . Read the hotel reviews in Tripadvisor.

9. London Leicester Square Market

Dates: November 2024 – January 2025

Christmas is a special time for Londoners and while Winter Wonderland is all the rage, Leicester Square Market offers a great experience in the heart of London without the long queues. 

Leicester Square market is located right next to Leicester Square tube station or you can also walk from Piccadilly Circus for 5 minutes. What’s makes it so special is it’s location, imagine a Christmas market in the middle of the giant MnM’s store as Legoland!

It literally is everything you want from Christmas especially if you love the colours of festivities.

The market is fully decorated with lights, colours and with a proper Christmas tree. There are plenty of food stalls that offer a variety of food from all over the world.  

It won’t be Christmas without a bit of sweetness and the waffles, churros and cakes more than make up for the lack of sweet flavour so far.

If you’re a kid (inside even) you will love this place.  There are also rides for kids and adults both to complete a magical Christmas experience you expect from a Christmas market. Leicester Square market is spectacular and definitely one of the best Christmas Markets in UK.  If you happen to be in London around this special period of the year, a visit to Leicester Square is a must. 

Explored by Ucman from Brown Boy Travels

Stay in Opulence Boutique Hotel has unique and cosy rooms, offers spa and is located in the heart of London’s shopping district. Click here to search for best hotel deals in London. Read the hotel reviews in Tripadvisor.

10. London South Bank

Dates: TBC

If you’re searching for the best Christmas markets in the UK, then you have to add Southbank Christmas Market to your list. Visiting Southbank Christmas Market is one of my favourite things to do in London at Christmas. 

Southbank is located right by the London Eye. The easiest way to get there is to take the tube or train to Waterloo Station, from there it’s a short 5-10 minute walk. It usually runs from the start of November to the start of January, and is open 10AM to 10PM daily.

Here you will find a huge variety of food and shopping stalls. Southbank is also home to the Rekorderlig Cider Lodge. This huge food and drinks stall comes with a big seating area, where you can sit and drink with your friends.

I love that you can get food from different stalls, then all sit together and enjoy different dishes. There are also lots of shopping stalls that sell souvenirs and trinkets of every kind, perfect for some Christmas gift shopping.

However, the biggest selling point of Southbank Christmas is without a doubt the location. Located along the banks of the River Thames, you can sip on your mulled wine with the London Eye and Westminster as a backdrop. With its wide food and shopping choice, and iconic London location, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the best Christmas markets in the UK.

Explored by Greta from London Dreaming

Stay in ibis London Blackfriars offers standard budget spacious rooms located only 5 minutes away from Waterloo Station. Check for best up-to-date hotel prices in London. Read the hotel reviews in Tripadvisor.

11. London Winter Wonderland

Dates: TBC

Christmas in London is a magical time of year and the most famous market to visit in the run up to Christmas is inside Winter Wonderland, located in Hyde Park.

This free to enter large open-air festival has heaps of attractions and the large traditional German style market is one of the highlights.

There are over 100 fairy lit Bavarian style wooden chalets selling handmade crafts and gifts, treats and Christmas decorations. You can also enjoy traditional German street food and mulled wine (glühwein).

As well as the market there are other festive things to do in the grounds including fairground rides, ice skating, Santa’s grotto, a ferris wheel, shows/circuses and themed bars with live music (many of these need to be paid for and booked in advance online). There are also many adventure rides for adults and kids friendly rides. 

Winter Wonderland is open 10am – 10pm every day from around mid November to the beginning of January. The best way to visit is by public transport and there are several nearby tube stations and bus stops.

We recommend visiting the venue outside of peak hours (evenings and weekends) as Winter Wonderland is extremely popular with both locals and visitors and can get very crowded at times.

Explored by Caroline from CK Travels

Stay in DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London – Marble Arch is close to Marble Arch tube station, and close by to Hyde Park. Check for best up-to-date hotel prices in London. Read the hotel reviews in Tripadvisor.

12. Manchester Christmas Market

Dates: TBC

Manchester is home to some of the best Christmas markets in the UK! Unlike Edinburgh that has one big Christmas market, Manchester hosts no less than 9 of them!

A true paradise for Christmas lovers! They are scattered all around the city centre, making Manchester a lifesize winter wonderland! 

Each one of them has a bit of a different atmosphere and offers a unique experience. The best (and biggest one) is the market on Albert Square. It’s a must-see for everyone visiting Manchester in winter.

You will find there the german village and many food and drink stands. It’s the ideal place to grab a bite. Locals love it and spend a lot of time there in november and december. It’s also ideally located by the beautiful Town Hall, one of Manchester’s most iconic landmarks.

If you’d like to see more Christmas lights, head to Piccadilly Gardens. Manchester city centre is actually pretty small. You can easily walk to every market. If you are taking public transport, you will arrive in Piccadilly station. From there, you only need to walk 5 minutes to get to the first market. 

If you are driving, park your car in Ancoats. It’s less busy and way cheaper than anywhere else in town. It’s only a 10 minutes walk to the Christmas markets. Make sure to withdraw money before getting into the markets. The queue at the ATM is insane and most stands don’t take cards.

Explored by Pauline from Bee Loved City

Stay in The Edwardian Manchester, part of Radisson Collection Hotel, offers spa. Check for best hotel deals in Manchester. Read the hotel reviews in Tripadvisor.

13. Nottingham Christmas Market

Dates: 15th November 2024 – 31st December 2024

Nottingham Christmas Market is ideal for a day trip or a Christmas getaway in the UK. Just off the Old Market Square in the centre of Nottingham, it has a fantastic traditional European vibe with over 70 Bavarian style market stalls featuring traditional handcrafted Christmas gifts, decorations and treats from different sellers. Making it the ideal shopping destination to pick up any last-minute Christmas presents.

The Christmas market with the twinkling Christmas lights enormous Christmas tree and beautiful decorations overhead is just one part of Nottingham Winter Wonderland.

Nottingham Winter Wonderland is the largest Christmas event in the East Midlands also features an outdoor ice skating rink, Santa’s grotto, various traditional fairground rides, live music on certain nights and a magical Alpine Ice Bar, where fur coats and gloves are provided and the drinks are served in glasses made from ice.

Around the outside of the Old Market square are many cosy cafes and pubs to sit and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Nottingham is easily accessible from the M1 at junction 25 if visiting by car and there are many secure multistorey carparks around the city centre. Nottingham also has a central train station, two bus stations and a tram network making it very easy to get around on public transport. 

This year, Nottingham Christmas Market have decided not to cancel, but downsize the stalls and have more safety measures to the stalls and attractions. Check out their website for more updated information. 

Explored by Steph & Lewis from Book It Let’s Go

Stay in Crowne Plaza Nottingham, an IHG Hotel is located centrally, close to the Royal Centre. Check here for best hotel prices in Nottingham. Read the hotel reviews in Tripadvisor.

14. Winchester Christmas Market

Dates: 22nd November 2024 – 22nd December 2024

Winchester Christmas Market is voted in 2018 as second best Christmas market in the UK by booking.com and one of the top eight Christmas markets in Europe by New York Post.

Winchester Christmas Markets are lively and bustling attracting visitors all over the world. Traders from near and far flood to sell their unique products in Winchester’s 100 attractive wooden chalets. 

One of the unique thing about Winchester Christmas Market is that it is set within the grounds  of Winchester Cathedral, which provides a perfect backdrop to the season.

Adorable decorations, plenty of food choices, artistically hand-crafted products, Winchester Christmas Market is certainly one of the best Christmas Market in UK. 

The easiest way to reach Winchester is by train ride from London. There are more than 75 daily services that run between London and Winchester during the weekdays.

And the journey takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.  If you are driving, the best option is to use one of the two main park and ride facilities located on the east side – Barfield Park & Ride and St.Catherines Park & Ride.

Stay in Wykeham Arms is a quirky hotel located only 5 minutes from Winchester Cathedral. Check here for best hotel deals in Winchester. Read the hotel reviews in Tripadvisor.

15. York Christmas Market

Dates: 14th November 2024 – 22nd December 2024

York Christmas Market is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in UK. York Christmas Market forms part of a larger, city wide Christmas festival, the St. Nicholas Fair, that runs for six weeks before Christmas. York at Christmas is magical!

York’s pedestrianised city streets are lined with wooden, alpine style chalets selling locally made crafts, art, food and drink. Shoppers will discover plenty of tempting free samples to taste and unique gifts to purchase.

A vibrant festive atmosphere is created with a giant, decorated Christmas tree, entertaining buskers and sparkling night time illuminations.

The centerpiece of the Christmas market is Thor’s Tipi, an enormous canvas tipi specially erected for the Christmas season.

Foot sore shoppers can enjoy a mulled wine or creamy hot chocolate sitting on warm rugs in front of a warming log fire. A visit to convivial Thor’s Tipi is a festive highlight for many York families.

York is a small, compact city so the market locations are easily covered on foot and useful maps are provided free of charge. Fee paying car parking is available nearby or alternatively, the market is a short ten minute walk from York railway station.

The market lies in the heart of the historic city surrounded by multiple food and drink oppotunities but for fantastic pop up food, head into The Shambles Market to savour freshly cooked food from around the world. 

This year, York is bringing the Christmas Markets to you through their virtual Christmas Markets and online Christmas shopping to support local businesses. Check their website below for what’s on! 

Explored by Sinead from Best in York Guide

Stay in The Grand, York in the city centre offers stylish rooms and luxury spa. Click here to find best hotel deals in York. Read the hotel reviews in Tripadvisor.

Tips for visiting Christmas Markets in UK

TAKE CASH: Most of the Christmas Markets Stalls are run by small traders and businessmen. It is best to withdraw some cash well in advance so that you can purchase food or souvenirs, or go on rides without having to run in search of ATMs.

LEAVE YOUR CAR IN HOME: Christmas Markets in UK are predominantly located in the city centres, or in the epicentre of a famous tourist attraction, where it is easier to take bus or train.  Taking car is a lot of hassle, because car parks usually overflow and you have to endless drive in search of an appropriate car parking. Plus, you can drink as many beers and mulled wine, since you don’t have to drive. 

WEAR WARM CLOTHES: This may seem like a no brainer, but a lot of times, I rushed back home because I felt too cold to stand outside for too long! Its December, and you are going to be outdoors. No amount of Gluhwein and sweet crepes are going to keep you warm. Dress for winter weather and wear layers. A warm coat, thick fleece jumper, scarf, winter hat, gloves, comfortable socks and shoes / boots. 

CARRY A RUCKSACK: Carry a bag or rucksack to carry all the souvenirs and gifts that you purchase in the Christmas Markets. 

CARRY SOME SNACKS AND WATER: If you are visiting a Christmas Market over the weekend, it gets super crowded. It is a good idea to carry minimal amount of snacks and water bottle. 

PRE-BOOK ANY RIDES: Christmas Markets are synonymous with rides and Ferris wheels. Most of the markets have the online option to pre-book the ride in advance, to avoid standing in a long queue. 

DO NOT TAKE A DOUBLE BUGGY: If you have twins, take a single stroller or baby carriers, but never take a double buggy, especially if you are planning to visit the Christmas markets during the weekend. It gets super crowded, and often too difficult to manoeuvre through the crowds. TRUE STORY! 

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