11 Christmas Markets in the UK

The festive season is officially here, as the town and cities around the UK get ready for the opening of world-famous Christmas markets. There are many festive hotspots in the UK that come to life once a year, sparkling with everything from cosy grottoes and charming gift shops to your favourite Christmas carols. Here are the top Christmas Markets in UK worth visiting.

 

1Winter Wonderland Nottingham

Nottingham Winter Wonderland

Photos: © Winter Wonderland Nottingham

Address: Old Market Square, Nottingham, NG1 2DT

Dates: From 7th November to 31st December 2023

Nottingham is one of the best cities to experience Christmas Market in UK and aptly named as Winter Wonderland Nottingham for its magical, winter vibes. Spread across Old Market Square and Trinity Square, Winter Wonderland has a myriad of offerings. Nottingham Christmas Market is at home in Old Market Square and features around 70 Bavarian-style wooden stalls placed around a huge sparkling Christmas tree. On offer are an abundance of delicious food vendors, quaint craft stalls and independent traders with incredible gift options.

The Old Market Square also hosts an observation wheel, Helter Skelter and numerous children’s rides. Meanwhile, Trinity Square offers Winter Village with a festive bar and alpine igloos to enjoy refreshments with friends whilst an ice rink and Ice Bar can also be found.

Discover: Hotels in Nottingham Near Winter Wonderland 

 

 

2Manchester Christmas Markets 

christmas markets in uk manchester

Photos: © Mark Waugh

Address: Piccadilly Gardens , Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 1AF

Dates: From 10th November to 21st December 2023

As one of the popular Christmas markets in UK, Manchester Christmas Market has a reputation to live up to with Manchester dubbed the ‘capital of Christmas’. The renowned Christmas Market doesn’t disappoint and the markets change location on a yearly basis offering a fresh take every festive season.

With over 220 stalls across nine sites throughout the city centre, this year’s Christmas Markets are certian to bring some festive joy to the city. This year, Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Square, The Corn Exchange, and King Street will all be home to the famous ski chalet market stalls. Piccadilly Gardens, which will once again be transformed into the Winter Gardens.

Grab one of the famous Manchester Christmas Market festive mugs to enjoy a tipple or hot chocolate as you explore the countless yuletide bars, festive eateries and gift stalls whilst live music and DJs entertain the crowds. For some festive fun, Skate Manchester pops up in Cathedral Gardens, an exhilarating ice rink surrounded by numerous food and drink stalls for a little après skate.

Discover: Hotels in Manchester Near Christmas Markets

 

 

3Edinburgh Christmas Market 

best christmas markets uk edinburgh

best christmas markets uk edinburgh

Address: East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh EH2 2EJ Scotland

Dates: From 17th November 2023 to 6th January 2024

Scotland’s capital undoubtedly hosts one of the biggest and best Christmas markets in the UK. Located in East Princes Street Gardens and overlooked by Edinburgh Castle, the Edinburgh Christmas Market takes festivity to another level.

East Princes Street Garden will be filled with traditional chalets showing the best in artisanal festive items and goods from local traders. These chalets will be loaded full of homemade decorations and present, everything you might possibly need to get into the holiday mood is available, from street food vendors delivering a selection of the best Scottish and Bavarian fare to pubs selling mugs of hot cocoa and specialty brews.

In addition to the wealth of incredible food vendors and gift stalls, Edinburgh Christmas Market offers a myriad of exciting attractions. Like other Christmas markets, you will find ice skating, a carousel and a big wheel but Edinburgh Christmas Market also has more unique attractions such as the Christmas Tree Maze, Santa’s Grotto and a Nativity Carol Concert. the Forth 1 Big Wheel will be back with breathtaking views of Edinburgh’s holiday skyline and the markets below.

Discover: Hotels in Edinburgh Near The Christmas Markets

 

4Bath Christmas Markets 

Bath Christmas Markets 

Photos: © Bath Christmas Markets 

Address: Queen Square, Bath BA1 2HA

Dates: From 23rd November to 10th December 2023

Step back in time and discover the wonderful world of Christmas in Bath as the picturesque streets of Bath are transformed into a magical, festive experience. Consistently ranked as one of the best Christmas Markets in UK, Bath Christmas Markets feature at least 150 twinkling chalets. Meander through the streets of Bath and discover some of the best crafters that the South West and beyond has to offer. With stylish homeware, handmade jewellery, personalised presents and more, bathe in the sights and smells of Christmas whilst ticking everything off your shopping list.

As you browse the market’s offerings, pick up your favourite winter warmers to enjoy. Grab your Christmas market favourites or a comforting hot drink to keep you toasty whilst you wander around the Market. Also Sustainability is at the heart of Bath Christmas Market. Each year the organisers try to make a positive impact on the city.

Discover: Hotels in Bath Near The Christmas Markets 

 

5Hyde Park Winter Wonderland London

Winter Wonderland London

hyde park wintet wonderlandPhotos: © Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 

Address: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London W2 2UH

Dates: From 17th November 2023 to 1st January 2024

When it comes to festive fun and holiday cheer, nowhere does a Christmas market quite like London’s Winter Wonderland. This world famous Christmas market that annually takes over Hyde Park is unlike any other and is without a doubt the best Christmas market in the UK. There is a seemingly endless number of gift and food stalls as well as Bavarian Village offering the traditional German Christmas market vibe with delicious eateries, cosy chalets and live entertainment.

When it comes to attractions, Winter Wonderland has them in abundance with The Giant Wheel, ice skating and an extensive list of fairground rides. In addition, you can whizz down a real ice slide, meet the man himself in Santaland and stroll through the Magical Ice Kingdom. To top it off, Winter Wonderland also has an incredible calendar of live entertainment including circus performances, live music and children’s shows.

Discover: Hotels near Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

 

 

6Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market

winchester cathedral christmas markets .jpg

Photos: © Winchester Cathedral

Address: Winchester Cathedral Inner Close, 9 The Cl, Winchester SO23 9LS

Dates: From 17th November to 21st December 2023

Regarded as one of the greatest Christmas markets in UK and in Europe, Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Markets are well worth a visit.

popular for its lively atmosphere, picturesque setting, and hand-selected high-quality exhibitors. Every year, shoppers from all over the world come to the market to peruse the pretty wooden chalets located within the historic grounds. The wooden chalets are inspired by the traditional German Christmas Markets, along with the festive lighting, the sound of Christmas carols, and the scent of mulled wine and cinnamon filled the air, will transport you into a joyous setting as you shop for Christmas presents. The Cathedral is at the heart of the City’s celebration, with its many Christmas services, carol concerts, events.

Discover: Hotels in Winchester Near The Cathedral

 

 

7Belfast Christmas Market 

christmas market belfast

Address: Belfast City Hall BT1 5GS Belfast

Dates: From 18th November to 23rd December 2023

Belfast plays host to the largest Christmas market in Northern Ireland with the event taking place in the grounds of the 19th century Belfast City Hall. With over 100 chalets offering international and local products, the Christmas market is bursting with local flavour showcasing favourite Belfast eateries from St George’s Market that serve up festive treats and dishes.

In addition, nationalities from across the world also flock to the Belfast Christmas market with food stalls offering everything from Dutch pancakes to German bratwurst. Gift ideas can be found in droves with local and specialist stalls offering handmade items and unique finds. To top it all off, Belfast Christmas Market has a number of exciting attractions including the classic carousel and a vintage Helter Skelter that provides incredible views overlooking the market.

Discover: Hotels in Belfast Near The Christmas Market

 

8Christmas at Blenheim Palace 

Christmas at Blenheim Palace 

Blenheim Palace ChristmasPhotos: © Blenheim Palace

Address: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1UL

Dates: From 17th November 2023 to 1st January 2024

Sitting at the edge of the picturesque town of Woodstock in Oxfordshire, only 20 minutes journey from the city of Oxford is Blenheim Palace – home to one of the best Christmas markets in the UK and more.

The Christmas Markets at Blenheim Palace feature many designer/maker craft traders who will be housed in wooden chalets in the Great Court. Their distinctive range of artisan products will make perfect treats and gifts this Christmas.

Blenheim Palace offers so much more than just Christmas markets, this year at Blenheim Palace there will be a new trail and a new exquisitely themed Palace interior.  Wander the Palace’s picture-perfect gardens filled with Christmas cheer as over a million lights and seasonal sounds fill the air. Inside, explore the Palace rooms, each one exquisitely transformed into a glistening Land of Snowflakes filled with a silvery frost-covered forest and wintery Kingdom of Ice.

Discover: Hotels Near Blenheim Palace

 

 

9Newcastle Christmas Market 

Newcastle Christmas Market 

Photos: © Newcaste Gateshead

Address: Grey’s Monument, Grainger Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Dates: From 18th November 2022 to 23rd December 2023

Newcastle’s Christmas Market returns to Newcastle city centre bringing with it plenty of festive cheer! Nestled at the base of Grey’s Monument in the city centre, Newcastle Christmas Market truly honours the spirit of the city with its eclectic stalls and vibrant atmosphere, This year, the market will be extended to include an avenue of stalls along Grainger Street, the streets lining Grainger Market, the top of Grey Street, Old Eldon Square along with Quayside. 

In contrast to a lot of Christmas markets that take on a European vibe, Newcastle Christmas Market celebrates the local culture and community showcasing the talented businesses, artisans and creators of the region. Grab a mulled wine and festive bratwurst before browsing the stalls to shop for Christmas gifts for your loved ones. In addition to the buzz of the Christmas market, the night sky of Newcastle is lit up by a dramatic laser light show by the Quayside.

Discover: Hotels in Newcastle Near The Christmas Markets

 

 

10Chester & Cheshire Christmas Market 

chester christmas market

Photos: © Visit Cheshire

Address: Town Hall, Northgate St, Chester CH1 2HQ

Dates: From 17th November to 21st December 2023

Held in the heart of Chester just outside the Town Hall, Chester Christmas Market offers an exhaustive selection of stalls set around the beautiful Christmas tree that is the city’s seasonal centrepiece. Get the festive feeling this winter at Chester Christmas Market. With 70 vendors set up in the square surrounding the town hall, the new arcade, and the forum surrounding the famed glittering tree in the centre of the city, you can expect a handcrafted, historical, and magical experience.

In addition to the classic food and gift stalls found at a Christmas market, for an extra touch of magic, Chester Christmas Market is bursting with creativity and hosts a number of unique events and workshops including lantern-making, open-air storytime and a walkabout theatre.

 

 

11Kingston Christmas Market 

Kingston Christmas Market

Address: Kingston Ancient Market Place, Kingston-Upon-Thames, London KT1 1JS

Dates: From 16th November to 31st December 2023

A traditional European Christmas market set in the heart of Britain, Kingston Christmas Market is one of magic and nostalgia. Located in the Ancient Market Place in the centre of the town between Clarence Street and High Street, this Christmas market offers over 40 wooden chalets with a wide selection of unique gifts and handmade items to discover. Wander around under twinkling fairy lights, enjoy a mug of mulled wine and choose from an assortment of delicious food to get you in the Christmas spirit.

After exploring the stalls, a visit to the Alpine Village allows you to warm up by the fire pit whilst sipping a winter warmer or indulging in some delicious food. Relax under the twinkling Christmas lights whilst enjoying some roast chestnuts and watching exceptional live entertainment as the little ones have fun on Kingston Christmas Market’s vintage carousel.

Discover: Hotels in Kinsgton-Upon-Thames

 

Related: 11 Christmas Markets in Europe 

 

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