Most UK cities have Christmas markets or Winter Wonderlands, from London’s many markets to those in smaller towns. Some events last a weekend, others continue into the New Year. For dates and inspiration, read on for details.
Best Christmas Markets in the UK
This guide features the best Christmas markets in the UK, starting with the top 10 and then a list of all markets split by country.
I did a major update this year based on visitor feedback from comments and messages. We have a few new additions to the best-of list.
2024 Dates – Partially Confirmed
UK Christmas market dates: 1st November 2024 to 6th January 2025 (specific dates vary by market – see below).
Expected Update: Dates will be updated here as they are finalised. Want to know when they are confirmed? Sign up for our newsletter to get notified as soon as they become available.
Quick Guide to the Top 10 Markets
To skip the top 10, jump to the list of markets by country:
1. Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s winter festivals span from November to January, merging the celebrations of Christmas and Hogmanay.
Edinburgh dates: 15th November 2024 to 6th January 2025 (unconfirmed).
Check out the Scottish Market on George Street or the traditional European Market in the Mound Precinct.
Take a ride on the Big Wheel, Star Flyer, or a classic carousel. Ice skating is located at St Andrew Square, and skate rentals are available if you don’t have your own.
Read the Edinburgh Christmas Market Guide.
2. Birmingham
Unlike any other in the UK, Birmingham is linked with the Frankfurt Christmas Market in Germany, meaning if you want a traditional German-style market, this is the one for you.
Birmingham dates: 1st November to 24th December 2024 (confirmed).
The event starts at the earliest of all markets and lasts seven weeks. It’s popular with locals, but many international visitors also make a special trip.
Read the Birmingham Christmas Market Guide.
3. Manchester
Located in the city centre around Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester has one of the largest and most popular group of winter markets, each with a slightly different focus.
Manchester dates: 9th November to 21st December 2024 (unconfirmed).
With over 300 stalls, it blends traditional German and Austrian gifts and food with locally produced specialties from regional producers and restaurants.
Don’t miss the chance to check out the Giant Santa at St Peter’s Square, the gin bar featuring 100 different types of gin, and the Skate Manchester ice rink at Cathedral Square.
Read the Manchester Christmas Market Guide.
4. Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is a new addition to the top 10. It hasn’t been around long but is getting excellent feedback from visitors.
Stratford dates: 7th and 8th and 14th and 15th December 2024 (confirmed).
Although it takes place over four days and two weekends in December, it’s not a small event. There will be 200 market stalls participating, and dedicated stages for live performances add to the atmosphere.
5. Bath
The picturesque city of Bath is renowned for its rich history, stunning Roman baths, Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge and the market, which draws in crowds from far and wide.
Bath dates: 28th November to 15th December 2024 (confirmed).
With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder Bath is one of the most sought-after winter getaways. If you need somewhere to stay, you’ll need to book well in advance.
Read the Bath Christmas Market Guide.
6. Covent Garden
It seems many people weren’t too happy with the Southbank festival last year, so I’ve replaced it with Covent Garden as London’s best event.
Covent Garden dates: 6th November 2024 to 3rd January 2025 (unconfirmed).
This is a great spot for high-end market shopping and some of the best street food in the capital. It can get pretty hectic, but as it’s one of the longest-opening markets, you’ll have plenty of chances to visit.
Read the Covent Garden Christmas Market Guide.
7. York
The Shambles might be York’s most iconic street with its charming half-timbered houses, but it has more to offer. From mid-November, market stalls fill the area, lining the streets.
York dates: 14th November to 22nd December 2024 (confirmed).
Decorations along The Shambles lead you towards Parliament Street, where the market begins. Wander through the stalls as you make your way towards St Sampson’s Square, lined with alpine-style chalets.
Read the York Christmas Market Guide.
8. Nottingham
Nottingham Winter Wonderland is hugely popular for its ice skating on the main square and many attractions, such as the observation wheel, toboggan slide, and several themed bars.
Nottingham dates: 12th November to 31st December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Another of the German-style markets, the traditional feel keeps visitors returning each year.
It’s a good choice if you want to try German classics like bratwurst, gingerbread and mulled wine. Other international foods are available too, like crepes, poffertjes and raclette.
Read the Nottingham Christmas Market Guide.
9. Winchester
Widely regarded as one of the best in the country, Winchester has over 100 chalets lining the streets and a popular ice rink.
Winchester dates: 22nd November to 22nd December 2024 (confirmed).
The focus on locally produced, artisanal gifts and decorations sets it apart, making it great for gift shopping and stocking fillers.
An increasing number of items for sale are produced sustainably, which will hopefully continue over time.
Read the Winchester Christmas Market Guide.
10. Cardiff
Cardiff is the final new addition to the list this year. A few people messaged me on social media saying they liked it more than some of the bigger markets that can get overcrowded. Let me know in the comments if that was your experience.
Cardiff dates: 14th November to 23rd December 2024 (confirmed).
Winter Wonderland is the main event this winter. The Ice Walk and Ice Rink are popular attractions on the castle’s picturesque grounds. The iconic Giant Wheel and funfair attractions are at City Hall Lawn.
Read the Cardiff Christmas Market Guide.
Before you continue reading, check out our list of the Best Christmas Markets in Europe for further travel ideas.
England
- Bakewell Christmas Market Guide – Over one weekend in November with about 100 chalets.
- Bath Christmas Market Guide – A beautiful spa town known for Roman baths, Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge.
- Beverley Christmas Market Guide – Events include Made in East Yorkshire and the Christmas Parade.
- Birmingham Christmas Market Guide – Aligned with the Frankfurt Christmas Market in Germany.
- Bournemouth Christmas Market Guide – Located in the Victorian gardens, it runs through December and January with a variety of stalls.
- Brighton Christmas Market Guide – The city comes alive with lights and entertainment, including live music and street performers.
- Bristol Christmas Market Guide – Held in Broadmead, with cosy igloos, a Bavarian bar, and a decorated tree.
- Canterbury Christmas Market Guide – Over 70 wooden chalets at Whitefriars Canterbury selling crafts and seasonal treats.
- Chatsworth Christmas Market Guide – Located on the Chatsworth House Estate, where you can visit the stately home, gardens, farmyard, and playground.
- Cheltenham Christmas Market Guide – Set amid Regency architecture, cobblestone streets, and beautiful parks and gardens.
- Chester Christmas Market Guide – Around 70 chalets in Town Hall Square with a central traditional Christmas tree.
- Cirencester Christmas Market Guide – A two-day Advent event in the Cotswolds.
- Edinburgh Christmas Market Guide – Family-friendly attractions include the Big Wheel, Starflyer, and Helter Skelter, as well as vintage funfair rides at George Street.
- Exeter Christmas Market Guide – Bavarian-style stalls line Cathedral paths. Local food producers are part of the Exeter Food & Drink Trail.
- Grassington Christmas Market Guide – In the Yorkshire Dales.
- Harrogate Christmas Market Guide – Known for unique gifts and local vendors with entertainment for kids.
- Kent Christmas Market Guide – Several festive places to visit.
- Kingston Christmas Market Guide – Features festive stalls in the Ancient Market Place.
- Knaresborough Christmas Market Guide – Held over one weekend at the North Yorkshire market town.
- Leeds Christmas Market Guide – Known as Christkindelmarkt, it brings German-style delights to Millennium Square.
- Christmas in Leicester – Events, rides and attractions in Leicester.
- Lichfield Christmas Market Guide – A one-day event in November with 100 stalls across three locations.
- Lincoln Christmas Market Guide – Update: Permanently cancelled.
- Liverpool Christmas Market Guide – Located in the city centre with over 40 chalets.
- London Christmas Markets
- Camden Christmas Market Guide
- Christmas at Borough Market
- Christmas in Leicester Square
- Covent Garden Christmas Market Guide
- Greenwich Christmas Market Guide
- Hyde Park Christmas Market at Winter Wonderland.
- Southbank Winter Market
- Trafalgar Square Christmas Market Guide
- Winter by the River at London Bridge
- Ludlow Christmas Market Guide – A small event in Shropshire where you can meet Father Christmas.
- Manchester Christmas Market – Big Santa, a pretty light trail, great gift shopping and loads of events.
- Newcastle Christmas Market Guide – Features over 50 stalls with local traders and traditional Geordie delicacies.
- Norwich Christmas Market Guide – Includes Winter Wonderland with an ice rink and Santa’s Grotto.
- Nottingham Christmas Market Guide – The most popular Winter Wonderland and Bavarian market in the region.
- Oxford Christmas Market Guide – Update: Permanently cancelled.
- Plymouth Christmas Market Guide – Winter City returns to the coastal city with rides and Santa’s Grotto.
- Portsmouth Christmas Market Guide – A maritime German-themed market and a popular lights switch-on.
- Rochester Christmas Market Guide – One of Kent’s biggest events, with over 200 stalls over three weekends.
- Salisbury Christmas Market Guide – Located in Guildhall Square with medieval architecture and over 80 stalls.
- Sheffield Christmas Market Guide – Around 50 stalls in central Sheffield supporting local businesses and craft makers.
- Shrewsbury Christmas Market Guide – Held on the Square and three other locations.
- Skipton Christmas Market Guide – A very popular small town event, taking place over two Sundays in December.
- Southampton Christmas Market Guide – Located in the port city known for its maritime history.
- Stratford Upon Avon Christmas Market Guide – Victorian-themed market in Shakespeare’s country with period decorations and performers.
- Truro Christmas Market Guide – The biggest market event in Cornwall from late November.
- Winchester Christmas Market Guide – One of the best and most sustainable in the country, featuring 100 chalets and a popular ice rink.
- Windsor Christmas Market Guide – Held in a city known for Windsor Castle and the River Thames.
- Worcester Christmas Market Guide – Known as the Victorian Christmas Fayre, with its spirit of the Victorian era.
- York Christmas Market Guide – St Nicholas Fair at Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square.
Scotland
Read the complete guide to Christmas Markets in Scotland for an overview of where to go.
- Aberdeen Christmas Village – Spread across Broad Street and Upperkirkgate. The pop-up ice bar is a standout feature.
- Edinburgh Christmas Market Guide – Likely the best in Scotland.
- Glasgow Christmas Market Guide – Events include two traditional markets, the IRN-BRU Carnival and Hogmanay. St Enoch is very much about the food, while George Street is the home of the city’s international stalls
Wales
- Cardiff Christmas Market Guide – One of the best winter festivals for 30 years, with over 200 vendors.
Northern Ireland
- Belfast Christmas Market Guide – A great choice for international vendors mixed with local arts and crafts.
- Derry/Londonderry – Lots going on over winter and New Year’s.
Sustainability Tips
- Mindful Shopping: Only buy what you need. Support local and sustainable vendors.
- Active and Public Transport: Walk, cycle, or use the city’s tram and bus systems to get around. Cities like London, Belfast, and Edinburgh, as well as many others, have extensive networks.
- Eco-Friendly Hotels: Book a hotel powered by renewable energy.
- Hotel Choices: Choose hotels over short-stay apartments. This helps reduce pressure on house prices for locals in cities like London, Cardiff and Manchester.
- Avoid Plastic: Don’t use plastic or buy items made or packaged with plastic.
- Local Organic Food: Eat locally sourced organic food. Winchester is known for its artisanal, locally produced food.
- Plant-Based Options: Reduce meat and dairy consumption. Markets in Glasgow, Belfast and Brighton have many vegan stalls.
- Support Local Arts: Attend local events and visit lesser-known markets like Bakewell or Skipton to support the arts.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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