14 Best Christmas Markets in the UK
From Bath and Winchester to Edinburgh, Manchester and Belfast – the best Christmas markets in the UK, with tips on when to go and what to eat and buy.
Twinkling lights, wooden chalets, mulled wine and the smell of roasting chestnuts – Christmas markets have become one of the best parts of winter in the UK. Many are set against cathedrals, castles and Georgian streets that make the whole experience feel like a Christmas card. These are the best markets for a festive day out or weekend break.
Dates change every year – most markets open in mid to late November, but always check the official website before you travel.
England
1. Bath
Wooden chalets fill the streets around Bath Abbey, selling local crafts, food and gifts in one of the UK's most beautiful Georgian cities. Combine your visit with the rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa.
2. Winchester
The market in the Cathedral Close, beside one of England's great medieval cathedrals, is one of the most atmospheric in the country – with an open-air ice rink next door.
3. London – Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park's huge festive fair combines Christmas market stalls with rides, ice skating, a circus and Bavarian-style beer halls. Book entry slots for weekends.
4. London – Southbank Winter Market
Along the Thames by the London Eye, wooden huts serve food and drink from around the world, with views of Westminster as the lights come on.
5. Manchester
Manchester's markets spread across several squares and streets in the city centre, from Piccadilly Gardens to Exchange Square and the Cathedral Gardens, with food from around the world.
6. Birmingham
Birmingham is known for its large German-style market, with bratwurst, beer steins and Christmas decorations across the city centre.
7. York
York's St Nicholas Fair fills Parliament Street and the medieval streets near the Shambles with festive stalls. Walk the city walls at dusk for the views.
8. Chester
Stalls cluster in front of the town hall and cathedral, and the city's black-and-white Tudor-style Rows make perfect festive shopping streets.
9. Liverpool
St George's Plateau, in front of the grand St George's Hall, is the setting for food stalls and festive gifts.
10. Nottingham
Nottingham's Winter Wonderland in the Old Market Square has an ice rink, a big wheel and plenty of festive food.
11. Bristol
Broadmead and Cabot Circus host Bristol's market, with food from the city's many independent producers.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
12. Edinburgh
East Princes Street Gardens host a Christmas market and fair, with rides, a big wheel and views of Edinburgh Castle lit up above. Book rides at busy times.
13. Cardiff
Wooden huts along St John Street and the Hayes sell gifts and crafts from Welsh makers, with the castle just around the corner.
14. Belfast
The Continental Market in the grounds of the City Hall brings food and gifts from across Europe and beyond to Belfast's main square.
Tips for visiting
- Go on a weekday afternoon to see the lights come on without the weekend crowds.
- Bring cash and a card – most stalls take cards, but not all.
- Wear warm layers and comfortable shoes. Our guide to packing light for winter travel explains how to stay warm without a huge suitcase.
- Book trains early – fares rise sharply as December approaches.
Want to go further? See our pick of the 17 most charming Christmas markets in Europe.
Frequently asked questions
When do UK Christmas markets open?
Most open in mid to late November and run until just before Christmas; a few continue into early January. Dates change every year, so check the official website before you travel.
Which is the biggest Christmas market in the UK?
Manchester and Birmingham host some of the largest, spread across several squares and streets. For atmosphere, smaller markets in historic settings such as Bath and Winchester are hard to beat.
How do I avoid the crowds?
Visit on a weekday, ideally in the late afternoon as the lights come on. Weekends in December are the busiest, especially in big cities.
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