12 Best Christmas markets in the UK
When it comes to embracing the festive season, there’s no better way than exploring the best Christmas markets in the UK.
These incredible markets transform city centers into magical wonderlands, adorned with twinkling lights, wooden chalets, and the aroma of mulled wine wafting through the air.
Visitors can expect a delightful mix of festive cheer, handmade crafts, and unique gifts, making Christmas shopping a truly enchanting experience.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Set in the heart of East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh’s Christmas Market is a must-visit for anyone looking to soak up festive spirit.
This market offers everything from German bratwurst to handmade crafts and is complete with a Big Wheel providing stunning views of the city.
It’s an essential stop for Christmas shopping, with stalls selling gifts from around the world.
Bath Christmas Market
Few markets match the charm of the Bath Christmas Market. Located around Bath Abbey and the cobbled streets near the Roman Baths, this market brings over 150 chalets lining the streets with jewellery, handmade gifts, and delicious street food.
A cup of steaming mulled wine in hand as you browse the festive stalls makes for an unforgettable experience.
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Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest German market outside Germany and Austria, drawing visitors from across Europe.
Spread across Victoria Square and New Street, it’s the ultimate festive market with stalls selling everything from traditional German sausages to mugs of glühwein.
Don’t miss the Christmas tree in the city center, a perfect spot for festive photos.
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York St. Nicholas Fair
In York, the St. Nicholas Fair fills Parliament Street and St. Sampson’s Square with festive cheer.
Wooden chalets adorned with twinkling lights create a cozy atmosphere, and visitors can enjoy mulled wine, handmade crafts, and a vintage carousel.
It’s one of the UK’s best-hidden gems for festive shopping.
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Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market
Winchester’s market is a traditional German Christmas market located next to the historic Winchester Cathedral.
Known for high-quality market stalls, visitors will find unique gifts, handmade crafts, and a chance to enjoy festive food and drink while soaking up the festive spirit.
It’s one of the market’s highlights in the UK.
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Chester Christmas Market
Opposite Chester Cathedral, this charming market offers rows of wooden chalets adorned with Christmas decorations.
Chester Christmas Market is a haven for those looking to pick up stocking fillers and handmade gifts.
Enjoy German bratwurst or a hot mug of mulled wine as you stroll through this enchanting Christmas setting.
Southbank Centre Winter Market, London
Among the best Christmas markets in London, the Southbank Centre Winter Market offers a mix of global street food, handmade gifts, and festive drinks.
With its riverside location and twinkling lights reflecting on the Thames, it’s one of the city’s best places to visit during the festive season.
Manchester Christmas Market
Spread across the city center, Manchester Christmas Market features over 300 market stalls selling everything from handmade crafts to festive food and drink.
Highlights include the light trail and the festive market atmosphere at Albert Square.
Cardiff Christmas Market
In Cardiff’s city center, this market offers a wonderful shopping experience with stalls selling handmade gifts, jewellery, and festive treats.
The market’s charming wooden chalets make it one of the UK’s best Christmas markets for 2024.
Belfast Christmas Market
Located at the Belfast City Hall, this market brings festive cheer with a mix of international and local stalls.
Visitors can enjoy German bratwurst, mulled wine, and unique gifts while soaking in the city’s lively holiday spirit.
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market
This market’s wooden chalets, set against the backdrop of Exeter Cathedral, create an enchanting atmosphere.
Selling gifts from around the UK and beyond, it’s a perfect place for Christmas shopping and indulging in festive food and drink.
Nottingham Winter Wonderland
Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland features market stalls, an ice rink, and a toboggan slide.
Spread across the city center, visitors can enjoy festive delights, browse handmade crafts, and take in the stunning Christmas tree and decorations.
