10 Amazing Christmas Markets in the UK
Christmas markets originated in Germany but are now held in many UK towns and cities. Markets are usually held for about six weeks every year, closing around 23 December. Birmingham's Christmas Market is the largest authentic German Christmas market in the UK. Manchester's Christmas Market often has over 300 stalls in several city locations. Then there’s the beautiful locations of cities such as Edinburgh and Winchester, featuring backdrops of castles and cathedrals.
Honourable mentions not on the festive list include Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, London, Oxford Christmas Market, Newcastle Christmas Market, and Stratford-upon-Avon’s Victorian Christmas Market
Disclaimer: There’s links to the official sites of every Christmas market in the below list. We'd advice you to look at these websites for more detailed information. There's also many reviews on sites such as Tripadvisor, etc., which give first-hand experiences of things such as food and drink prices, etc. It’s a good idea to look at online reviews before visiting.
1. Bath's Christmas Market
Bath’s Christmas Market runs for 18 days, closing on Sunday
December 10. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over 200 festively lit chalets span a majority of the main shopping areas, between the famous Roman Baths and the magnificent Bath Abbey. Bath is transformed into a festive haven and is one of Europe’s most magical Christmas markets. Admission is completely free.
Opening Dates: 23rd November to 10th December 2023
2. Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market
Visit Victoria Square and New Street to take in the amazing atmosphere of Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market. This is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria. A treat for German foodies with a vast selection of different foods and drink on offer from Berliners (German jam doughnuts) to Gluhwein (German Mulled Wine). Pick up hand-crafted gifts from one of the many stalls.
Opening Dates: 2nd November to 24th December 2023
3. Edinburgh's Christmas Market
Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit in the winter months. The Scottish capital’s Christmas market transforms the city centre and is located in East Princess Street Gardens, with stunning views of the castle. There are many stalls featuring both local and international traders selling everything from arts and handcrafts to amazing food and mulled wine. There are fairground rides, stunning Christmas lights, Santa’s grotto and the The Forth 1 Big Wheel gives passengers spectacular views of the city.
Opening Dates: 17th November 2023 to 6th January 2024
4. Manchester Christmas Market
The Manchester’s Christmas Markets are spread across several city centre sites with Piccadilly Gardens at the heart of the festivities. Manchester promotes itself as the UK’s biggest Christmas Market. A place for foodies and lovers of both local and international crafts. Take in the Christmas atmosphere with over 200 stalls that flow into Market Street, Cathedral Gardens and other central locations.
Opening Dates: 10th November to 21st December 2023
5. Winchester Christmas Market
The Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is recognised for its unique location. Admission to the Christmas Market is free. Festive lighting creates a lovely Christmas atmosphere and the many wooden chalets are inspired by traditional German Christmas Markets. The backdrop of Winchester Cathedral is wonderful and the festive setting is perfect for those that are in search of an authentic Christmas experience.
Opening Dates: 17th November to 21st December, 2023
6. York Christmas Market
York's Christmas Market is known as St Nicholas Fair.
St Sampson’s Square and Parliament Street is transformed with alpine lit chalets selling local produce, from cheeses and wines to
artisan gifts and handmade crafts.
Wander along the cobbled historic streets to the Shambles Market and Food Court. In King’s square you’ll find a beautiful vintage carousel.
Opening Dates: November 16 to December 22, 2023
7. Nottingham Christmas Market
Nottingham Winter Wonderland Nottingham Winter Wonderland is open right up to New Year’s Eve and is free to enter without a ticket. There’s a 400 metre Sky Skate ice trail where you can skate above and around Market Square whilst looking down on the many Christmas stalls offering mulled wine, delicious food and hand-made crafts. There also a ground-level ice rink, ice bars, live entertainment, a toboggan slide, and an observation wheel.
Opening Dates: 7th November 7 to 31st December, 2023
8. Chester Christmas Market
Chester has one of the best Christmas markets in England with its Town Hall square transformed into a winter wonderland. Christmas is a special time to visit Chester. The city walls are the most complete in the country. Its many black and white buildings, its medieval buildings, and its historic streets are made even more special with festive lighting and decorations. The Christmas period is a wonderful time to visit.
Opening Dates: 17th November to 21st December, 2023
9. Blenheim Palace Christmas Market
The Christmas market takes place beneath the exquisite backdrop of Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, famous for being the birthplace and ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill. A festive village of wooden chalets offers everything from amazing food to crafts and gift ideas. 2023 showcases a new illuminated light trail and uniquely themed Palace interior. A special festive experience that requires pre-booking as capacity is limited.
Opening Dates: 17th November to 17th December, 2023
10. Cardiff Christmas Market
There’s been a Christmas Market in the Welsh capital every year for nearly 30 years. With many craft huts lining the pedestrianised streets, with retailers offering everything from artwork to jewellery. Browse whilst you sample the wide variety of foods on offer, including local Welsh produce. Celebrate the Christmas season in the amazing festive, Welsh atmosphere.
Opening Dates: 9th November to 23rd December 23, 2023