7 Christmas markets in the UK to visit
Every year around December, Britain’s city streets and squares are transformed into winter villages complete with wooden stalls, glittering decorations and lively music halls, likely showcasing a Bavarian band or, at the very least, a DJ playing some familiar festive tunes.
Christmas Markets in the UK often take their inspiration from European Christmas markets, particularly those in Germany, with the standard fare being flame-grilled bratwurst sausages, Lebkuchen, a type of gingerbread biscuit, warming glühwein and sugar-dusted stollen, or Christstollen, a German fruit cake.
Britain’s Cathedral towns, such as Bath and Winchester, are particularly suited to the festive season. These pretty cities lean into their old-world charm with traditional markets, while the gothic architecture of Edinburgh provides a dramatic backdrop for its festive stalls.
It’s no surprise the city generates such a buzz on social media annually, joining Manchester as one of the most posted about Christmas markets in the UK, according to data collected by Christmas Tree World. Meanwhile, Birmingham remains the longest-running Christmas market, with 54 days of festive fun. These are the best Christmas markets in the UK for a magical staycation that celebrates this jubilant season.
Bath Christmas Markets
When? 28th November - 15th December
Why go? The heritage town of Bath is a beautiful place to visit any time of year, but the festive season illuminates the city with a bustling winter village. Bath’s Christmas markets are some of the most intimate and romantic, with traditional huts packed into the winding streets around Bath Abbey and ancient Roman Baths. This year, 230 wooden chalets and fairy-lit stalls will populate its cobbled squares, taking over Abbeygate Street, Bath Street, and Milsom Street. 2024 will see the return of Bath on Ice, an action-packed area housing an ice rink, an alpine-themed bar, and ‘glow golf’ — an adventure golf course lit up with fairy lights. Somerset is known for its delicious produce, from creamy brie to homebrewed ciders and deliciously flavoured gins, and the traders at Bath Christmas Market showcase some of the best suppliers in the county. December is the time to see this pretty spa town at its festive best and pick up some wonderful seasonal produce to see you through the festive season — cheese board envy guaranteed.
Where to stay: The Royal Cresent Hotel & Spa is a luxury hotel housed in one of Bath’s most prestigious pieces of architecture. After an afternoon stroll around the Christmas markets, head back to the warmth of the hotel’s heated pool and spa area.
Manchester Christmas Markets
When? 8th November - 22nd December
Why go? Perhaps the most lively on our list of the best Christmas markets in the UK, Manchester’s Christmas Markets fuse northern hospitality and Bavarian charm, with nods towards traditional German markets throughout its sprawling winter wonderland. This year, Manchester is set to welcome 300 stallholders selling freshly baked goods, hearty food, gifts, and decorations. Expect pan-European cuisine with all the hallmark dishes: gingerbread biscuits, cinnamon-spiced cider, German sausages topped with sizzling onions and, of course, many iterations of the season’s signature drink, mulled wine. Manchester Christmas markets cover a lot of ground, populating the busy central areas of St Ann’s Square, Albert Square, the Corn Exchange and Piccadilly Gardens. The city is well known for bringing a party atmosphere to its yuletide festivities with plenty of live entertainment throughout December, both in the markets and the surrounding pubs. The decorations are also distinctive in this northern city, with the iconic Manchester bee a key feature and Santa himself positioned above St Peter’s Square.
Where to stay: The iconic Midland Hotel is situated just outside St Peter’s Square, where you begin a tour of the ten Christmas market areas.
Winchester Christmas Markets
When? 22nd November - 22nd December 2024
Why go? The cathedral city of Winchester is steeped in history and is recognised as one of the best UK Christmas markets due to its old-world charm and striking architecture. Winchester’s Christmas markets are more traditional than some bigger cities, drawing inspiration from traditional German markets. Visitors can wander through the grounds of Winchester Cathedral, where market stalls sell traditional gifts and crafts, with wafts of cinnamon and spices coming from the wooden huts that line the historic streets of Winchester. An internationally acclaimed choir will also sing festive melodies in the city’s Cathedral. This year, Winchester’s Christmas markets will champion independent retailers with The Winchester BID Chalet, a new stall for independent retailers. The chalet will have 15 different businesses on rotation so that each is given the opportunity to showcase their goods to visitors.
Where to stay: Hotel Du Vin is just 400 yards from the Cathedral grounds, where the markets are held. It also has a popular bar and bistro.
Edinburgh Christmas Markets
When? 17th November 2024 - 5th January 2025
Why go? Edinburgh’s gothic architecture and old-world charm are further enhanced by the festive season, with the city coming alight for the festive season with some of Europe's most atmospheric Christmas markets. The markets are situated in East Princes Street Gardens, and visitors can meander around the surrounding cobbled streets and enjoy the festive illuminations. Opt for a spiced cider, classic mulled wine, or perhaps even a mulled Iron Bru as a nod to Scotland’s favourite drink. Christmas markets are a relatively new tradition in the UK compared with European markets that date back to the 15th Century. But Edinburgh is one of the oldest, starting in 1999 as part of the city’s winter festival. This year, visitors can explore Santa’s Grotto, find the hidden elves' workshop in the Christmas Treet Maze and shop for wooden toys and Harry Potter-themed gifts. The Royal Botanical Gardens will also be illuminated at night for a magical festive experience.
Where to stay: In the heart of Edinburgh, The Balmoral Hotel, offers a grand and indulgent stay with incredible views.
Southampton Christmas Markets
When? 15th November 2024 to 5th January 2025
Why go? Southampton Street Markets offers a unique experience with an alpine-themed market by the sea. The markets will take place in the Above Bar pedestrian precinct, with stalls selling candles, clothes, jewellery, and handcrafted Christmas decorations. For hungry shoppers, there’s a range of delicacies with various culinary influences, including Dutch pancakes, waffles, Yorkshire pudding wraps, and German sausages. To add to the festive atmosphere, each evening, a spectacular light show will illuminate the historic Bargate monument. The Moose Bar and Alpine Bar are ideal spots to enjoy a drink with friends and listen to some Christmas tunes.
Where to stay: The Harbour Hotel is a five-star waterside spot with spacious rooms.
Birmingham Christmas Markets
When? 1st November - 24th December 2024
Why go? For those who like their Christmas market experience on a grand scale, the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the biggest German markets outside Germany and Austria. Taking place in Victoria Square and New Street, this lively market offers all the classic German fare — glühwein, bratwurst, pretzels and steins of German beer. Birmingham’s markets have been crowned the best Christmas Markets in the UK by Christmas Tree World for the second time running, thanks to their longer run time of 54 days, close proximity to the train station and affordable accommodation options (averaging £88).
Where to stay: The Grand Hotel Birmingham is just a five-minute walk away from Victoria Square and situated in one of Bimingham’s most impressive buildings.
Newcastle Christmas Markets
When? 16th November - 22nd December
Why go? Journey north to Newcastle, and you’ll find one of the UK’s most lively Christmas markets. This year, the Christmas markets will take place around the Monument area with stalls selling food, drink, gifts and decorations and with a North Pole area where visitors can enjoy dinner and drinks in igloo pods with views over Grey Street. The Moosenwirt Alpine Bar, a pop-up food and drink area themed around an alpine village, will also return for 2024 providing some respite from the bustling market. Old Eldon Square will be transformed into a family-friendly area with attractions for all ages — you might even catch sight of Santa and his elves in the Santa’s Stories Tipi.
Where to stay: Hotel Indigo Newcastle is a short walk from the train station and close to the festivities, with boutique-style rooms at an affordable price point.
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