14 Best Christmas Markets in the UK

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.

2026 dates at a glance

Dates as published by the organisers or reported in October 2026; Bristol and Cardiff had not announced their dates yet. 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.

Wooden chalets cluster around the abbey and the Roman Baths, carol singers gather on the corners and the honey-coloured stone glows in the lights. Weekends are very busy – go on a weekday.

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.

The market sits in the cathedral close, with an ice rink beside the great Gothic nave – festive and elegant.

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.

Rides, ice rinks, Bavarian beer halls and the smell of churros and bratwurst – it's loud, bright and fun. Book entry tickets in advance.

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.

Wooden huts line the riverside, with the London Eye lit up above, and the smell of mulled wine and street food drifting along the Thames.

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.

Markets spread across the city's squares, with German sausages, Dutch pancakes and local beers – lively and noisy.

6. Birmingham

Birmingham is known for its large German-style market, with bratwurst, beer steins and Christmas decorations across the city centre.

The Frankfurt Christmas Market fills New Street with German stalls, beer and gingerbread – one of the largest outside Germany.

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.

Under the Minster, the half-timbered streets of the Shambles twinkle with lights, and St Nicholas Fair's chalets sell local crafts and treats.

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.

The black-and-white Rows and the cathedral make a beautiful setting for the market, with carol singers and mince pies.

9. Liverpool

St George's Plateau, in front of the grand St George's Hall, is the setting for food stalls and festive gifts.

Stalls line St George's Plateau, with the grand columns of St George's Hall lit up behind them.

10. Nottingham

Nottingham's Winter Wonderland in the Old Market Square has an ice rink, a big wheel and plenty of festive food.

An ice rink, a big wheel and Alpine-style chalets fill the Old Market Square.

11. Bristol

Broadmead and Cabot Circus host Bristol's market, with food from the city's many independent producers.

Wooden huts in Broadmead sell crafts, street food and hot cider, with a cosy, local feel.

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.

The big wheel turns beside the Scott Monument, the castle glows on its rock and the smell of mulled wine and roasting chestnuts drifts through Princes Street Gardens.

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.

Wooden huts along the city streets sell Welsh crafts and food, with the castle walls lit up nearby.

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.

Outside the City Hall, international stalls sell everything from Dutch pancakes to Irish whiskey – friendly and festive.

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.