Top 21 Wondrous UK Christmas Markets Not to Be Missed
Discover the Best UK Christmas Markets This Year
Get ready to immerse yourself in the festive spirit as we guide you through some of the best UK cities to visit for Christmas markets this year. From iconic Winter Wonderlands to traditional German markets, there's something for everyone.
London
Home to the famous Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, one of the most iconic and largest Christmas markets, London offers a truly magical experience. Leicester Square hosts a lively Christmas market with festive stalls, live performances, and a wide variety of food and handmade gifts.
Birmingham
Known for the Frankfurt Christmas Market, the largest authentic German Christmas market outside Germany and Austria, stretching over 1km through the city centre with a vast selection of food and crafts. Additionally, the smaller but charming Cathedral Square Craft Market offers independent crafts and live entertainment.
Manchester
Manchester hosts well-regarded Christmas markets noted for their festive atmosphere and variety of stalls. With nine markets in one, you're sure to find something that tickles your fancy.
Edinburgh
Known for its classic Christmas market set against the historic city backdrop, featuring crafts, food, and seasonal entertainment. The market is held in the Princes Street Gardens (East side).
Bath
The Bath Christmas Market combines beautiful Georgian architecture with classic Christmas stalls selling artisan food, ceramics, and gifts. The setting near Bath Abbey adds a cultural aspect to visiting.
Cardiff
A smaller but vibrant market offering a great selection of handmade items, local crafts, and festive treats ideal for finding unique gifts. Cardiff is one of the best Christmas cities in Europe.
Birmingham
Birmingham is consistently one of the biggest Christmas markets in the UK. The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas market is the biggest authentic German market outside of Austria or Germany, with over 80 stalls selling traditional German food, drink, and crafts.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh's Christmas market is free to enter and takes place over two consecutive weekends in December. The market features a real ice rink, shows/circuses, themed indoor and outdoor bars, and various fairground attractions.
Winchester
Winchester Christmas Market is consistently voted one of the UK's best Christmas markets. Set in the grounds of the famous Winchester Cathedral, the market offers over 100 traditional wooden stalls, a life-size nativity, and the Star of Wonder illuminations and light show within Winchester Cathedral.
Manchester
Manchester's Christmas markets are located at various spots around the city, including Albert Square, Cathedral Gardens, Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street, Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street, King Street, and St Ann's Square. Each market offers a unique atmosphere and a wide variety of stalls.
Belfast
The Belfast Christmas Market is situated in the grounds of Belfast City Hall. Tips for visiting include wearing waterproof gear and bringing an umbrella due to unpredictable weather. The market features a wide selection of food stalls, live entertainment, and a festive atmosphere.
Nottingham
Nottingham Christmas Market has live entertainment on the weekends, an open-air ice skating rink, various fairground attractions, a ski lodge bar, and even an ice bar with a different theme each year.
Exeter
Exeter Christmas Market is set in the grounds of a historic Cathedral. The market features over 60 stalls, a real ice rink that can be booked online, and various fairground attractions.
Salisbury
Salisbury Christmas Market is set in a large square right in the heart of the city. The market features a wide selection of food stalls, live entertainment, and various fairground attractions.
York
York Christmas Market is open seven days a week from mid-morning till late at night. The market is free to enter and offers a wide selection of food stalls, live entertainment, and a festive atmosphere.
Bury St. Edmunds
Bury St. Edmunds Christmas Market is one of the biggest holiday events in East Anglia. Anisa from Two Traveling Texans recommends visiting the market.
Winchester
It's free to visit the Winchester Christmas Market. The market is open daily from the end of November until just before Christmas. This year, there is no ice rink at Winchester Christmas Market.
Cardiff
The main market in Cardiff is spread around the streets close to 15th century St John's Church and Cardiff Market. The market is free to enter and takes place from late November until Christmas Eve. The ice rink and several fairground rides are at Cardiff Winter Wonderland, less than ten minutes' walk away.
Bath
Every store in Bath Christmas Market is full of incredible decorations. The market is free to enter and offers a wide selection of food stalls, live entertainment, and a festive atmosphere.
Oxford
Unfortunately, Oxford Christmas Market has been cancelled this year.
For a broader shopping experience, the Spirit of Christmas Fair in Olympia London (3rd–9th November 2025) features over 600 independent brands offering unique gifts, blending shopping with seasonal festivities.
Remember to check the exact dates and opening times for each market online before your visit. Happy holiday shopping!
- Attendees of the Bath Christmas Market can admire incredible decorations in every shop, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a festive shopping experience.
- Workshops offering crafting activities can be found at several UK Christmas markets, such as the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market and Edinburgh's Christmas market, providing a unique opportunity to learn new skills and create handmade gifts.
- To complement your Christmas market experience, consider attending lifestyle workshops focused on home-and-garden improvement, discovering tips for enhancing your festive meals with food-and-drink pairing sessions, and adding entertainment to your lifestyle with live music and shows at various markets.
