The scent of hot chocolate, mulled wine and mince pies, the melodic sound of carol singers and laughter from open-air ice rinks — Christmas markets bring much-needed festive cheer to our city centres as the dark nights set in. It’s not only the time to do some Christmas shopping, but the chance to try out all sorts of food stalls and join friends to glug glühwein and listen to live music.
All around the UK during November, December and January you’ll find squares, town halls and castles transformed into magical scenes as the markets begin. Here are the best ones to head to this winter.
Main photo: Sampling the glühwein in Edinburgh (Getty Images)
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1. Cardiff
When November 10-December 23
Best forindependent local sellers
For more than 20 years, Cardiff has been filling the pedestrian areas of the city centre with more than 200 stalls showcasing the original works of its craftspeople and artists. Wander round the Hayes, Trinity Street, St John Street and Working Street to find the perfect handmade stocking and come with an appetite — there’s plenty of seasonal food and drink to dive into while you’re there.
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2. Blenheim Palace
When November 18-January 2, 2023
Best forlavish settings
The splendid home of the Duke of Marlborough is transformed into a Christmas fantasy as dozens of wooden chalets spread around the Great Court. Once you’ve sampled the craft vodka, local cheeses and picked out a few gifts, take a stroll along the magical Illuminated Trail, which follows a path through the incredible palace gardens. While tickets to enter the Christmas market are free, you’ll have to book them in advance.
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3. Birmingham
When November 5-December 23
Best for bratwurst and glühwein
The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market in Victoria Square is the biggest German market outside Germany and Austria — and it’s just as buzzing. Enjoy glühwein, German beer, bratwurst and pretzels while listening to live bands and carol singers. One of the market’s unmissable sights — and sounds — is the singing Christmas Moose (called Chris Moose, naturally), who serenades passers-by from his usual spot in front of the Council House in the heart of the city.
- Discover the best hotels in Birmingham
4. York
When November 17-December 23
Best for Instagram-worthy photos
York’s venerable streets somehow manage to get even prettier when the St Nicholas Fair transforms Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square into a Christmas fairyland. Wooden chalets are draped in lights and the smell of chestnuts is everywhere. It’s just as festive in King’s Square, where there’s a vintage carousel, and the party continues in Shambles Market and Food Court — the perfect place to taste street food from around the world. If you want to rest your legs and need a bit of a break, look out for Thor’s Tipi where you can warm up with a hot drink in cosy surroundings.
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5. Chester
When November 18-December 22
Best forgothic splendour
In an enchanting setting in front of the Victorian gothic town hall and the medieval cathedral, Chester’s Christmas market brings together 60 wooden cabins piled high with festive treats. Look out for rib-sticking pies from Roberts Country Fayre and exquisite designs from Josh Johnson Ceramics.
6. Bath
When November 25-December 19
Best for the beautiful surrounds
Bath Christmas Market is both of one of the country’s biggest and most enchanting; 130 stalls are be squeezed into the cobbled streets around the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey. Traders are chosen for the calibre of their products, with the food stalls coming from the Bath and South West regions and local charities taking part. Grab some craft ale as you settle in for the street entertainment provided by brass bands and local choirs.
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7. Southampton
When November 17-December 23
Best forsustainable stocking fillers
Brits can’t seem to get enough of German Christmas markets, and Southampton obliges with its German-style festival that takes over the Above Bar pedestrian zone and Bargate Street. Bratwurst and waffles — along with German beer and mulled wine — make an agreeable accompaniment to the live music from open-air bars and a roving Bavarian musician. It’s the place for a green Christmas, with plenty of chance to pick up ornaments made from recycled materials and by eco-friendly methods.
8. Belfast
When November 19-December 22
Best for festive tipples
Belfast Christmas Market brings a glittering glow to City Hall when dozens of wooden chalets are set up in the grounds. Get a taste of international as well as local treats from the food court as you wander round the festively decorated stalls selling Christmas trinkets and gifts, and seek out the two buzzing bars — perfect for meeting up with friends over a glass of mulled wine or three.
9. Norwich
When November 25-28
Best for handmade presents
Local is the keyword at the annual Festive Fair at the Forum, where food and crafts made in Norfolk take centre stage. This lively festival in the huge glass building opposite Norwich’s oldest medieval church, St Peter Mancroft, features Norfolk goodies and plenty of homegrown ales along with handmade pottery, jewellery, artwork and other Christmas gifts.
10. Lincoln
When December 1-4
Best for Christmas spirit
The 11th-century Lincoln Cathedral is the majestic backdrop to the annual Christmas market, where about 280 stalls take over the cobbled streets of the Cathedral Quarter and around the Norman castle. Take a ride on the Big Wheel for an incredible view of the market — nearly as striking as the one from the top of Lincoln Castle. When you’re not shopping or drinking mulled cider, pop into Lincoln Cathedral and enjoy the daily choir concerts. Head over to Norwich Castle, where throughout the festive season this sprawling Norman battlement lights up the evening sky with vivid light projections.
11. Winchester
When November 19-December 22
Best for filling up with festive food
Step into Winchester Cathedral’s Inner Close to be cocooned by twinkling lights and traditional wooden chalets selling gifts and fresh-out-the-oven mince pies. When you’re not checking out the stalls within the British Crafts Village, hire skates and whizz around the covered ice rink. If that all sounds like too much movement, try some of the amazing food on offer, including gooey French raclette cheese and hefty German sausages — and listen out for the soothing sounds of the cathedral’s choir services throughout December.
12. Edinburgh
When November 13-January 3
Best for high-flying rides
Ancient Edinburgh is tempting enough as it is for a long weekend, but it gets even better at Christmas when it majors on festive fun. Markets are spread all around the city centre — the European Market in the Mound Precinct, the Children’s Market in the Princes Street Gardens, the Scottish Market in George Street. You’ll get your thrills from a ride on the Star Flyer or the Big Wheel and will be tempted to stay for the Hogmanay celebrations that take over Princes Street.
13. London
When November 13-January 2, 2023
Best forsheer scale
London never does anything by halves and its enormous Winter Wonderland, which sprawls across Hyde Park, is a prime example. Everything here is on a huge scale, from the outdoor ice-skating rink — the biggest in the UK — to the giant observation wheel and circus shows. Colourful lights fill the park, where 100 stalls offer temptation in the form of Christmas presents and festive food and drink.
- Discover the best things to do in London
14. Manchester
When November 8-December 19
Best for a party atmosphere
Manchester Christmas Markets are always guaranteed to put on a show. For a start, there are eight of them spread across the city centre, bringing together more than 300 stalls for one giant party. Start in Albert Square and make your way along King Street up to the stalls at Exchange Square and Cathedral Gardens before meandering back to Piccadilly Gardens. In all, you’ll find a pan-European flavour among the food stalls, along with a string of wooden chalets selling gifts from around the continent.
- Discover the best things to do in Manchester
15. Stratford-upon-Avon
When December 8-11
Best for a blast from the past
Dig out your stovepipe hats and petticoats to get into the spirit as the annual Victorian-themed Christmas market comes to Stratford-upon-Avon. All around Waterside, Bridge Street, Henley Street, Meer Street, Wood Street and the High Street, stall holders will be decked out in Victorian costumes to serve festive food, drink and crafts. Wrap up warm to watch live entertainment on Henley Street, or go for a ride on the carousel in the old-fashioned fun fair.
16. Nottingham
When November 15-December 31
Best for traditional family fun
Gather around the giant Christmas tree in Nottingham’s Old Market Square for a bird’s-eye view of the festivities from the giant observation wheel while the kids ride the carousel. Pop-up bars and traditional wooden chalets line Long Row and Smithy Row, selling rib-sticking hot food and gifts, with more stalls and food and drink offerings filling the Christmas Village in Trinity Square.
17. Leeds
When November 5-December 18
Best for Bavarian buffets
Bring a big appetite to Millennium Square and the Christkindelmarkt, where hefty German schnitzel and bratwurst are on offer in the cosy Alp Chalet, Ski Hutte Bar and Kuh Stall. You can wander around the traditional wooden chalets selling seasonal gifts and toys while kids have a go on the rides. There’s entertainment laid on every evening as well as a generous Santa’s Breakfast every weekend morning and children’s shows and singalongs on Sundays.
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Inspired to visit the UK but yet to book your trip? Here are the best hotels from Mr & Mrs Smith* and Hotels.com*.
FAQs
Which Christmas market in the UK is the best? ›
- Bath Christmas Market. ...
- Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market. ...
- Christmas at Blenheim Palace. ...
- Winter Wonderland Nottingham. ...
- York's St Nicholas Fair. ...
- Cardiff Christmas Market. ...
- Winchester Cathedral's Christmas Market. ...
- Edinburgh Christmas Market. The Scottish capital is magical all year round, but a Yuletide visit is a must.
| Rank | Town/City | Annual searches for Christmas trees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manchester | 37,180 |
| 2 | Glasgow | 53,400 |
| 3 | Leeds | 34,630 |
| 4 | Edinburgh | 30,250 |
It beat competition from the likes of Birmingham, Nottingham and Edinburgh to be ranked top. According to the new research, Manchester Christmas Markets was the most-searched for festive event on Google - with over 60,000 searches a month and 8,000 mentions on Instagram.
Which city has the biggest Christmas market? ›The largest Christmas market and one of the most well known is the Vienna Christmas World on Rathausplatz, near the Rathaus, Vienna's historic city hall.
Which Christmas Market is best in London? ›- Southbank Centre's Winter Market and Wintertime Events. ...
- Christmas in Leicester Square. ...
- Christmas by the River. ...
- Greenwich Market. ...
- Country Living Christmas Fair. ...
- Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre.
| Ranking | UK town or city | 'Christmas Rating' (max 100) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Birmingham | 64 |
| 2 | Glasgow | 64 |
| 3 | London | 58 |
| 4 | Leeds | 53 |
- Sussex: Christmas at Cowdray. ...
- London: Lightopia. ...
- Windsor: Windsor Great Park Illuminated. ...
- Oxford: Illuminated Light Trail, Blenheim Palace. ...
- Edinburgh: Christmas at the Botanics, Edinburgh Botanical Gardens. ...
- Cotswolds: Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum.
- Bethlehem, West Bank. ...
- Lapland, Finland. ...
- New York City, USA. ...
- The Vatican, Italy. ...
- Bondi Beach, Australia. ...
- Munich, Germany. ...
- Dublin, Ireland. ...
- Vienna, Austria.
It means that York's Christmas market is one well worth exploring (and we're sure you'll find a bratwurst or two along the way). Festive accommodation in York fills up faster than the Christmas markets! So don't miss out — book your stay with us today!
Which is the best Xmas market in Manchester? ›Albert Square
This is the big one! Watched over by a giant illuminated Santa Claus, the market in Albert Square is the main place to eat, drink and be merry, with the largest bars and two rows of stalls.
Does Liverpool have a Christmas market? ›
Liverpool's Christmas markets will be at St George's Plateau and the top of William Brown Street.
Which is the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe? ›Vienna, Austria
Vienna Christmas Market – As one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Vienna's Christmas markets are stunning and include the famous Schoenbrunn Palace market, the popular Town Hall Market and many smaller markets in the city's different districts.
Strasbourg Christmas market is one of the oldest and the most visited Christmas markets around the world. It is held every year in the mesmerizing French city at the majestic cathedral center and never fails to impress any visitor.
What is the best city for shopping UK? ›- London. Shopping in London doesn't need too much introduction. ...
- Manchester. With a plethora of fantastic shops, boutiques and markets, shopping in Manchester will keep you shopping until you're dropping. ...
- Birmingham. ...
- Leeds. ...
- Edinburgh. ...
- Brighton. ...
- Glasgow.
CHOOSE YOUR ENTRY TIME
Entry is free during off-peak periods and costs £5 or £7.50 for peak hours.
Winter Wonderland tickets
Entry to Winter Wonderland is free during off-peak times, but entry at peak times and access to some activities require a paid-for ticket.
Yes! For starters, it's important to note that "Happy Christmas" hasn't faded completely—it's still widely used in England. This is believed to be because "happy" took on a higher class connotation than "merry," which was associated with the rowdiness of the lower classes.
Is there a Christmas village in the UK? ›This year, we have scoured the country for the prettiest winter villages. We have chosen 10 picturesque villages in the Peak District, North Yorkshire, Dorset and the Cotswolds, all with one thing in common; they are the perfect places to visit this Christmas.
Is there a Christmas town in UK? ›Chipping Campden. Best for: A quaint Christmas break. If you do one thing: Explore the local landscape with a picturesque Christmas stroll. One of the Cotswolds' most charming spots, Chipping Campden is well known for its elegant terraced High Street and traditional honey-coloured stone cottages.
Where does it snow at Christmas in UK? ›In the United Kingdom the most likely place to see snowfall on a Christmas Day is in North and North Eastern Scotland, in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire or the Highlands.
What is the best Christmas light show? ›
- Night of Lights, St. ...
- Christmas Town at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, VA.
- Austin Trail of Lights, Austin, TX.
- The River of Lights, Albuquerque, NM.
- Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, NYC.
- An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City, Branson, MO.
- Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, Orlando, FL.
- Christmas at Kew. Christmas at Kew © RBG Kew. ...
- Carnaby Christmas lights. ...
- South Bank Christmas lights. ...
- Covent Garden Christmas lights. ...
- Mayfair and Belgravia Christmas lights. ...
- Regent Street Christmas lights. ...
- St James's and Piccadilly Christmas lights. ...
- Bond Street Christmas lights.
Leadenhall Market Christmas lights - 17 November
As is tradition, the Lord Mayor does the honours, lighting up the large central Christmas tree, colour changing LED lights, and fir tree garlands throughout the Market. The switch-on, at 6pm, is accompanied by firework fountains.
Santa Claus, Indiana - The town that celebrates Christmas all year round.
What is the best city to visit at Christmas? ›- Copenhagen is one of the easiest Christmas destinations. Pick Copenhagen for Christmas. ...
- Dublin, Ireland. Find Christmas craic in Dublin during December. ...
- Salzburg, Austria. Experience the festive and very Austrian city of Salzburg . ...
- Nuremberg, Germany. ...
- New York, USA. ...
- Berlin, Germany. ...
- Rome, Italy. ...
- Lapland, Finland.
When is Harrogate's Christmas Market? The Harrogate Christmas Fayre will take place between 2 and 11 December 2022, and will be open daily.
How many stalls does York Christmas market have? ›70 alpine chalets will line the streets of Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square from 17th November to 23rd December, creating a festive wonderland with an array of local produce and artisan gifts on offer from local traders.
How far is York Christmas market from train station? ›Getting there: York station is the city's principal railway station and LNER's super-fast Azuma train from London Kings Cross can get you there in under two hours. Once you arrive, the Christmas market is a just 13-minute walk from the station.
Do you need to book Manchester Christmas markets? ›Summary. If you want to trade on Street Food the market at Piccadilly, our arts and crafts markets, or our Christmas Markets, you need to register on our Specialist Markets database. Traders will be invited in advance to trade on markets where the trade type fits with the type and location of the market.
What dates are the Christmas Markets in Liverpool? ›Things are about to get festive as Liverpool's Christmas market prepares to reopen for the 2022 season. It's official: Liverpool Christmas Market will return this year from November 19 and we can't wait to get in the festive spirit!
How many stalls does Manchester Christmas Markets have? ›
Those who decide to visit can expect to see more than 200 stalls which will be spread across nine sites in Manchester. #MCRChristmas returns for 2022.
How much are the rides at Liverpool Christmas market? ›Rides start from £2.00 per person, there's no need to book your rides in advance, have a look and decide on the day!
How far is Manchester Christmas market from train station? ›By Train. The closest stations to the main market hub in Albert Square are Oxford Road and Salford Central, which are both half a mile and a 10 minute walk away. Deansgate and Victoria stations are also close by and should take no longer than 15 minutes to walk from.
What days are the markets on in Liverpool? ›Saturday 4am to 9am. 9am to 5pm (9am to 5.30pm on Saturday) (11am to 5pm on Sundays in December only).
Where is the oldest Christmas market in Europe? ›Striezelmarkt Christmas Market in Dresden is not only one of the most beautiful and biggest Christmas markets in Germany (and perhaps Europe) but it is almost certainly the oldest in the world. In a document dating back to 1434, traces of the Striezelmarkt Christmas Market's existence were found.
How long do Christmas markets last in Europe? ›Expect several markets to continue through the Christmas public holiday period. One or two may stay open until late December or early January, possibly in the form of a New Year market.
What is the largest German Christmas market? ›The largest Christmas market in the world is located in Dresden, with over 250 stalls. The Dresden market is also one of the oldest, dating back to 1434. The first Christmas markets are thought to have originated in Germany in the late Middle Ages.
What date do Christmas markets start in Europe? ›European Christmas market dates 2022: Most markets begin at the beginning of December and run through until Christmas Eve or Boxing Day. However, some Christmas markets begin in November and end around the 10th of January.
Does Oxford have a Christmas market? ›1- 18 December 2022
The city of dreaming spires will again be filled with festive joy as the Oxford Christmas Market returns to the heart of the city on beautiful and historic Broad Street in 2022.
The stalls on Victoria Square and along New Street offer something for everyone. The largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market offers a large range of traditional good and gifts and a selection of tempting food and drink.
Is York Christmas market worth it? ›
It means that York's Christmas market is one well worth exploring (and we're sure you'll find a bratwurst or two along the way). Festive accommodation in York fills up faster than the Christmas markets! So don't miss out — book your stay with us today!
Which cities have Christmas markets UK? ›- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 2022. Hyde Park, London. ...
- Birmingham Christmas Market 2022. ...
- Southbank Winter Festival 2022. ...
- Leeds' Winter Favourites 2022. ...
- Manchester Christmas Markets 2022. ...
- Winchester Christmas Market 2022. ...
- Lincoln Christmas Market 2022. ...
- York Christmas Market 2022.
Birmingham's 2022 Christmas market is one of the biggest and best in the UK. The markets are an annual event in the city's calendar usually launching six to seven weeks prior to Christmas.
Is Winchester Christmas Market big? ›Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
A fixture in the city since 2006, this market sees over 400,000 visitors attend every year. This year there will be over 100 chalet huts selling everything from Christmas decorations to candles to handmade jewellery.
When is Harrogate's Christmas Market? The Harrogate Christmas Fayre will take place between 2 and 11 December 2022, and will be open daily.
How many stalls does York Christmas market have? ›70 alpine chalets will line the streets of Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square from 17th November to 23rd December, creating a festive wonderland with an array of local produce and artisan gifts on offer from local traders.
How far is York Christmas market from train station? ›Getting there: York station is the city's principal railway station and LNER's super-fast Azuma train from London Kings Cross can get you there in under two hours. Once you arrive, the Christmas market is a just 13-minute walk from the station.
How big is Birmingham Christmas market? ›From 3rd November to 23rd December 2022
Birmingham has the largest authentic German market in Europe outside of Germany and Austria, with 5.5 million visitors.
1- 18 December 2022
The city of dreaming spires will again be filled with festive joy as the Oxford Christmas Market returns to the heart of the city on beautiful and historic Broad Street in 2022.
Things are about to get festive as Liverpool's Christmas market prepares to reopen for the 2022 season. It's official: Liverpool Christmas Market will return this year from November 19 and we can't wait to get in the festive spirit!
Do you need a ticket for Birmingham Christmas market? ›
Do I need a ticket for the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market? Good news – you won't need a ticket to enter the market, but you will need some ID if you want to purchase alcohol at the event. Acceptable forms of ID are deemed to be either a photographic driving licence or a passport.
How many stalls does Birmingham Christmas market have? ›How many stalls does Birmingham Christmas Market have? There are more than 80 stalls at Birmingham Christmas Market. When do the Christmas lights go on in Birmingham? 3rd November 2022.
Is Leeds having a Christmas market 2022? ›From 4th November to 17th December 2022
Now in its 20th year, the annual festive event will feature a mix of traditionally decorated wooden chalet stalls selling seasonal gifts, ornaments, toy decorations and German delicacies including gluhwein, bratwurst sausages, schnitzels and much more.
There is no entry fee for Winchester Christmas Market and you can exit the market and reenter with no difficulty. There is also no timed entry, so queuing may be necessary at busy times.
Do you need a ticket for Winchester Christmas market? ›Friday – Saturday 10.00am – 8.00pm. Admission to the Christmas Market is free.
What stalls at Winchester Christmas market? ›Visitors will get to explore stalls to purchase and sell seasonal gifts. These stalls often sell arts and crafts, homeware, clothing, Christmas decorations, food and drink and jewellery – among other products.