Posted by 
What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than a stroll around the best Christmas markets in the UK? From November onwards, whole streets, city centres and even stately homes are transformed.
Charming wooden chalets. The scent of chestnuts roasting. The sound of Christmas carols. These scenes would fit perfectly in a Charles Dickens novel! They’re also what you can expect to experience at a Christmas market.
The best Christmas markets in the UK
The UK has no shortage of excellent options too, from the bustling London Christmas markets to smaller affairs in historic settings. Ready to get into the festive spirit? Let’s take a look my top picks to visit in 2024.
- Manchester Christmas Market
- Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
- Covent Garden Christmas Market
- Southbank Christmas Market
- Blenheim Christmas Market
- Bath Christmas Market
- Chester Christmas Market
- Winchester Christmas Market
- Canterbury Christmas Market
- Cambridge Christmas Market
- Burghley House
- Edinburgh Christmas Market
- Hopetoun House
- Glasgow Christmas Market
- Cardiff Christmas Market
- Belfast Christmas Market
Christmas markets in England
England has some of the best and biggest Christmas markets in the UK. The choice is varied and ranges from cities with multiple markets to charming country fairs within the most beautiful places in the UK. Here are my favourites:
1. Manchester Christmas Market
- 2024 dates: TBC
- Where: Various venues, including Albert Square, Manchester M2 6LW
- Must try: Pick up a Christmas mug from one of the bars to fill with spiced mulled wine
Manchester is home to one of the UK’s oldest and best Christmas markets. The first modern Christmas market in the UK started here in 1999. Now, the market gets over nine million visitors every year.
Manchester Christmas Market is right in the city centre, with a Victorian Town Hall standing guard, and features 300+ stalls selling anything and everything Christmas-related. There is also usually a designated family area with rides and entertainment, with a backdrop of Manchester Cathedral for added ambiance.
To experience the markets properly, start your visit at Albert Square and walk along King Street (the best place for authentic European Christmas treats). Then, venture towards Exchange Square and Cathedral Gardens before heading back towards Piccadilly Gardens.
2. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
- 2024 dates: 1st November to 24th December
- Where: Victoria Square and New Street, Birmingham, Midlands B1 1BD
- Must try: Sample the authentic Bratwurst from the Frankfurt Christmas Market area
You would never guess that the largest and most authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria is found in Birmingham. Yep, this northern metropolis with very humble beginnings receives over 5.5 million visitors a year.
If you’re fond of German festive food, head for the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market which is usually spread across New Street, Victoria Square and Centenary Square. It’s the best place to purchase your Christmas gifts while getting into the spirit of the season.
Over 180 stalls sell crafts made by local artisans, including handmade soaps and candles. There are also joyful Christmas carols to listen to courtesy of the Christmas Moose, fondly nicknamed Chris Moose.
3. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
- 2024 dates: 21st November 2024 to 5th January 2025
- Where: Hyde Park, London W1K 7AN
- Must try: Venture into the market’s Magical Ice Kingdom to admire various ice sculptures and tunnels
London doesn’t do things by halves – and it doesn’t hold back when it comes to Christmas markets. Winter Wonderland has over 100 rides and attractions and is home to one of the largest open-air ice rinks in town. Located across Hyde Park, there are over 200 chalets to browse too, plus countless dining, drinking and entertainment venues.
Don’t miss the Angels Market section: a row of stalls exhibiting the most unusual handmade gifts, including ceramics and jewellery. It’s the best place to go if you want a hand-crafted nativity scene.
4. Covent Garden Christmas Market
- 2024 dates: TBC
- Where: Covent Garden Market, London W2C 7QH
- Must try: Dine and drink in your very own wintery igloo
For a magical foodie experience in London, visit the picture-perfect Covent Garden Christmas Market. This is as Dickensian as you can get but with a modern twist.
The Victorian market is usually decked out with garlands by a top designer, while a giant Christmas tree with over 300,000 lights adorns the centre of the square. You’ll find plenty of places to buy Christmas gifts, as well as gourmet food stalls.
5. Southbank Christmas Market
- 2024 dates: 2024 information TBD
- Where: Southbank Market, The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 8XX
- Must try: Go after dark to see the Thames lit up like a Christmas tree
The Thames never looks as enchanting as it does at Christmas. From late November, the twinkling lights of the Southbank Winter Festival markets add to the sparkling effect on the river’s surface. You’ll find them spread between the Southbank Centre and the London Eye. They offer plenty of Christmas cheer and heaps of tasty food. Look forward to tucking into gourmet cheese toasties, truffle burgers, fondue, and an eggnog (or two).
6. Blenheim Christmas Market
- 2024 dates: 15th November 2024 to 1st January 2025
- Where: Blenheim Park, Woodstock OX20 1PP
- Must try: In 2024, Blenheim will host a magical light trail for visitors to follow featuring over 20,000 sparkling LED lights
This quaint corner of Oxfordshire is not only home to the Duke of Marlborough’s lavish home (and Sir Winston Churchill’s former playground). It’s also the setting of the Blenheim Christmas Market. One of the highlights in the UK calendar, the Great Court transforms into a fairy tale scene with dozens of wooden chalets selling craft vodka, cheeses and lots of other goodies.
The manor house’s picture-perfect gardens transform into a twinkling nirvana, while the lakeside is lit up with colourful cascades. You can also enter Blenheim Palace itself to explore its fairytale rooms, including the stunning Great Hall with its huge Christmas tree.
7. Bath Christmas Market
- 2024 dates: 28th November to 15th December
- Where: Various venues, including York and Milsom Streets Bath, BA1 1DS
- Must try: Tuck into heaps of tasty homemade treats, including festive mince pies
Bath is perhaps the most romantic of settings and the home to one of the best Christmas Markets in the UK. It’s set among the city’s cobbled Georgian streets and close to its world-famous Roman baths.
Bath Christmas Market is easily one of the biggest markets in the Southwest of England and is often voted the best event in the UK. It typically hosts up to 170 twinkling wooden chalets, with high-quality products from exhibitors from across the region. It’s a fabulous place to grab authentic, locally made and produced products.
8. Chester Christmas Market
- 2024 dates: 15th November to 22nd December
- Where: Northgate Street, Chester CH1 2HQ
- Must try: Head into Chester Cathedral next door to the market to view its amazing Christmas trees display
For a festive journey back in time, head to Chester Christmas Market. This authentic Christmas market hasn’t been bitten by the commercial bug yet, so it really is a bit of a hidden gem. There, you’ll find about 70 wooden chalets wrapped around a large Christmas tree in front of Chester‘s Victorian Town Hall.
Almost everything sold at Chester Christmas Market is handmade or locally produced. This includes everything from jewellery to clothing and scented candles. It’s the perfect place to get your stocking fillers! Once you’ve exhausted your shopping, grab a festive cocktail or pint of regional cask ale from one of the cosy bars. Chester Market (a permanent fixture in the city) is also just a stone’s throw away if you fancy a bite to eat indoors.
9. Winchester Christmas Market
- 2024 dates: 22nd November to 22nd December
- Where: Winchester Cathedral, 9 The Cl, Winchester SO23 9LS
- Must try: Visit the ice rink where you can test your skating skills before grabbing a hot chocolate
Down in Jane Austen country, in the heart of Hampshire, is perhaps one of the best Christmas markets in the UK. As far as settings go, Winchester Christmas Market is pretty special. The market is held in the inner close of Winchester Cathedral, once part of Winchester Castle. The landmark venue features a Round Table that’s believed to be where the legendary King Arthur held court with his knights.
Inspired by German markets, Winchester’s was started in 2006 with only 40 stalls. Today, it’s home to over 112 chalets showcasing hand-crafted wares and food to keep you sated for your shopping spree. The market has won several accolades for its festive atmosphere, so you’re almost guaranteed a good time.
10. Canterbury Christmas Market
- 2024 dates: 15th November to 24th December
- Where: Various venues, including the Whitefriars Shopping Centre, 14 Gravel Walk, CT1 2TF
- Must try: Stop off at one of the market bars to sample some local Kentish ale or gin
With some of the finest medieval architecture in England and a UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral, Canterbury is a stunning setting for a UK Christmas market. It’s set within its award-winning shopping centre, the Whitefriars, and spreads out onto St George Street.
Expect to see colourful wooden huts displaying a range of gifts and food. There’s also live music to keep you entertained and lots of Christmassy distractions to keep the little ones occupied, including a Santa’s grotto.
11. Cambridge Christmas Markets
- 2024 dates: 14th November 2024 to 5th January 2025
- Where: Various venues, including Parker’s Place, Parkside, Cambridge CB2 1AA
- Must try: Head to the Ice Bar for a festive tipple, including warming mulled wine
Bursting with history, tradition and the world’s most prestigious university, Cambridge is worth visiting at any time of year. Adding to its awesome history are the Christmas markets and fairs dotted around Cambridgeshire from mid-November to December.
In Cambridge, Christmas cheer comes in the form of a charming (and ever-growing) market on historic Parker’s Piece. This large open green space in the city centre transforms into a large ice rink with different types of festive rides for the young and old alike. There are speciality food nights too, plus a Big Wheel offering spectacular views over Cambridge.
12. Burghley House
- 2024 dates: 28th November to 1st December
- Where: Burghley House, Stamford, Lincolnshire P39 3JY
- Must try: Take a ride on the Victorian carousel (it lights up at night!)
The idyllic surroundings of Burghley House, one of the grandest surviving houses of the 16th century in England, is Lincolnshire’s best Christmas fair. The venue near Peterborough is incredibly enticing, with heated marques and pagodas set within grand gardens.
If you’re searching for luxury goods, you’re bound to find them among Burghley Christmas Fair‘s 150 stalls. Browse goods from Christmas decorations and winter clothing to artisan food and drink. With Christmas carols playing in the background, it really is a brilliant place to begin the festive season.
Christmas Markets in Scotland
Whisky, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, hearty food, castles and the elusive Loch Ness monster are just some of Scotland’s claims to fame. It’s also home to some of the best Christmas markets in the UK where you’ll have no trouble getting in the festive spirit.
13. Edinburgh Christmas Market
- 2024 dates: TBC
- Where: Various venues, including George Street, Edinburgh EH2 3BV
- Must try: Soak up sweeping vistas of the city from the market’s Big Wheel
Spread out across one of Edinburgh‘s famous gardens is where you’ll find one of the best UK Christmas markets. It’s Scotland’s answer to London’s Winter Wonderland and can be found at East Princess Street Gardens (also known as the First New Town).
The market comes complete with rides for all ages and a Santa’s grotto. You’ll even find some charming Harry Potter-themed gifts, plus vegan pigs in blankets for non-meat eaters craving some festive food. Since opening in 2003, it’s become part and parcel of Edinburgh, attracting people from all over. Why not sample the market’s unique mulled IrnBru (Scotland’s answer to mulled wine)?
14. Hopetoun House
- 2024 dates: 29th November, 30th November, and 1st December
- Where: Hopetoun House, Edinburgh, EH30 9RW
- Must try: Grab a bite to eat in the Stables Kitchen once you’re done shopping
The 17th-century Hopetoun House, one of Scotland’s finest stately homes, plays host to the Hopetoun House Christmas Fair every year. The event (which takes place just outside Edinburgh) is much loved by locals.
The best part about it is the huge range of independent Scottish exhibitors. Every stall is totally unique, making the atmosphere less competitive and absolutely magical. It’s a great pick for those after a more intimate UK Christmas market.
15. Glasgow Christmas Market
- 2024 dates: 1st December 2024 to 7th January 2025
- Where: George Square, Glasgow G2 1DH
- Must try: Check out Santa’s Snow Globe for some festive photo ops
The second-largest Christmas market in Scotland is the perfect place to finish off your shopping. Glasgow‘s market in George Square offers lovely live music, heaps of hand-crafted gifts and an authentic German bar serving Glühwein.
The stalls host food and gifts from over 30 different nationalities, so there’s lots to choose between. Kids will love the market’s giant advent calendar that’s opened daily to reveal special treats. George Square is also ideally located next door to Queen Street Station for easy access.
Christmas markets in Wales and Northern Ireland
Not all the best Christmas Markets in the UK are found in England and Scotland. For a seasonal treat filled with festive food, idyllic ice skating and atmospheric Santa’s grottos, head to one of the following events in Wales or Northern Ireland:
16. Cardiff Christmas Market
- 2024 dates: 14th November to 23rd December
- Where: Various venues, including St John Street, Working Street, Hills Street and Trinity Street
- Must try: Have a chilling (yet festive) drink at the market’s Ice Bar
The Welsh capital is no stranger to hosting a brilliant Christmas market. In late November, Cardiff‘s best-known streets become a festive playground filled with tempting food stalls, beer tents and other seasonal allures. A major highlight of Cardiff Christmas Market is the collection of traditional craft stalls where you can pick up all sorts of homemade gifts and original artwork for the family.
17. Belfast Christmas Market
- 2024 dates: 16th November to 22nd December
- Where: Belfast City Hall, Donegall Square, Belfast BT1 5GS
- Must try: Take the kids to meet Father Christmas at Santa’s grotto (all proceeds go to charity)
Heading across the water to Northern Ireland this Christmas? Check out Belfast‘s beautiful winter market. It takes place within the lovely grounds of Belfast City Hall, with food stalls, craft workshops and cosy pop-up bars galore.
Belfast Christmas Market is one of the longest-running markets in the country, with the first event hosted in 2004. As 2024 marks its 20th anniversary, the market will have a special Dickensian theme complete with performances of some of his most iconic tales.
You’ll also find over 100 vendors selling their wares at the market, from those serving seasonal treats to others selling arts and crafts. There are often some great activities for kids too – think snow slides, a helter-skelter and classic carousels.
Christmas Market FAQs
What is the best Christmas market to go to in England?
England is home to some of the very best UK Christmas markets. You’ll find outstanding options scattered all over the country, from the brilliant Birmingham Christmas Market to the quaint Winchester Christmas Market. For extreme festiveness though, head to one of the London Christmas markets such as the world-famous Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.
Which is the most romantic Christmas market in the UK?
With their twinkling lights and festive atmospheres, pretty much every Christmas market has an aura of romance about it. Choosing one of the UK’s smaller, more intimate markets is a great shout if you’re hoping to surprise your other half. Chester and Bath Christmas markets are both set in enchanting historic cities and have lots of romantic appeal.
Feeling inspired to visit one of the UK’s best Christmas markets? Check out KAYAK’s guide to London’s top festive markets or book a mini break this December to visit Copenhagen’s best Christmas markets.
The post Seasons greetings: the best Christmas markets in the UK appeared first on KAYAK Blog UK.
