Britain's Best Christmas markets to visit in 2024
Make Christmas magical this year with our free guide to Britain's Best Christmas Markets 🎁 🎄
1. Birmingham Christmas Market
Dates - 2 November - 24th December
Location - Victoria Square & New Street
The Birmingham Christmas Market, renowned as the largest authentic German market outside Germany and Austria, transforms the heart of Birmingham into a festive wonderland each year. Brimming with over 80 stalls, it sprawls from Victoria Square down to the main shopping area. A fragrant aroma of mulled wine, roasted nuts, and traditional German sausages fills the air, luring visitors to the rustic wooden huts. Handcrafted toys, ornaments, and intricate decorations present a delightful array of choices for those searching for the perfect gift. The atmosphere is further enriched by the sound of carolers and live music, bringing traditional and contemporary festive tunes to the ears of joyful shoppers. At the center, an ornate carousel spins, its colorful lights casting a magical glow, especially as night descends.
2. Edinburgh Christmas Market
Dates - 17th November -
Location - East Princes Street Gardens
Discover the magic of Edinburgh's Christmas Market while sipping on a festive cup of mulled Irn Bru. Meander through ornate stalls offering handcrafted gifts and delectable street food. For a touch of enchantment, take a whirl at Santa Land's fairground or have a memorable encounter with Santa in his grotto. If you seek a break from the yuletide cheer, ascend to Arthur’s Seat for a panoramic view, relish a meal at a local restaurant, or embark on a historical journey through the iconic Edinburgh Castle.
3. Southbank Christmas Market
Dates -
Location - Southbank, London
Southbank Christmas Market beckons with its rows of quaint wooden chalets, all aglow with twinkling fairy lights, offering unique gifts and artisanal decorations. Set against the enchanting backdrop of the Thames, the market resonates with joyous festive performances and the melodious voices of carol singers. For an elevated view of the city's dazzling Christmas illuminations, consider a mesmerizing ride on the London Eye.
4. York Christmas Market
Dates - 16th November to 22nd December
Location - Parliament Square and St Sampson’s Square, York
Dubbed the St Nicholas Fair, York Christmas Market illuminates the city with 70 alpine chalets adorned in twinkling fairy lights. These chalets showcase artisanal gifts and local delicacies. Treat your taste buds to authentic Swiss cuisine at The Winter Hütte, pairing it with a warming glass of gluhwein or spiced cider. Beyond the market, take a journey through time by walking along the medieval city walls, meandering through The Shambles, or marveling at the grandeur of York Minster.
5. Manchester Christmas Market
Dates - 10th November - 21st Devember
Location - Albert Square, Manchester M2 5DB
This year, the city center will radiate festive cheer with over 220 stalls spread across nine key locations, marking the 24th anniversary of the beloved Manchester Christmas Markets. Since their inception in 1998, these markets have drawn locals and visitors alike, eager for the season's delights. Iconic ski chalet stalls will dominate sites including the transformed Winter Gardens at Piccadilly, Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, St Ann's Square, Exchange Square, The Corn Exchange, and King Street. Enhancing the city's festive ambiance, the enchanting Manchester Christmas lights trail returns, casting a festive glow with its immersive giant baubles, the iconic Manchester bee, and the watchful gaze of Santa Claus, overseeing the festive proceedings from his prime spot in front of the Central Library on St Peter's Square.
Photo Credit - Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
6. Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas Market
Dates - 7th - 10th Dec
Location - Waterside, Bridge Street, Henley Street, High Street and Meer Street
The eagerly-awaited Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas Market returns, promising an even grander festive spectacle. Stratford's historic avenues will once again morph into a yuletide haven, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience for all. Dive into history among 300+ stalls, where traders in Victorian garb offer a medley of seasonal treasures, turning shopping into a mesmerizing temporal journey. Feast on festive delicacies, from roasted chestnuts to the traditional mulled wine and cider, evoking the true spirit of Christmas. Celebrated as the 'Best Large Specialty Market' at the Great British Market Awards, this event is undeniably a festive highlight. Join the festivities on Waterside, Bridge Street, Henley Street, High Street, and Meer Street.
6. Stratford-Upon-Avon Victorian Christmas Market
8th – 11th Dec
Waterside, Bridge Street, High Street, Meer Street and Wood Street
Step back in time at this Victorian themed market and wander among the festive stalls where traders are dressed in Victorian costumes. You can enjoy festive performances, a funfair, stilt walkers, Father Christmas and his reindeer as well as exploring some of the famous sights such as Shakespeare’s birthplace, the gin and rum museum, and Anne Hathaway’s cottage.
Waterside, Bridge Street, High Street, Meer Street and Wood Street
Step back in time at this Victorian themed market and wander among the festive stalls where traders are dressed in Victorian costumes. You can enjoy festive performances, a funfair, stilt walkers, Father Christmas and his reindeer as well as exploring some of the famous sights such as Shakespeare’s birthplace, the gin and rum museum, and Anne Hathaway’s cottage.
7. Manchester Christmas Market
10th November – 22nd December
St Ann’s Square, Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street, King Street, Market Street, Cathedral Gardens
St Ann’s Square, Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street, King Street, Market Street, Cathedral Gardens
Taking place across six of the city’s squares, Manchester Christmas Market will be back bigger and better than ever this year. Indulge in a whole host of festive drinks and global street foods, take to the ice rink and scour the Christmas stalls for gifts. If you want to discover the vibrant nightlife, head to the Northern Quarter, or enjoy some late-night shopping in the Arndale Centre.
8. Belfast Continental Christmas Market
19th Nov – 22nd Dec – Belfast City Hall
Set inside the grounds of the Belfast City Hall, the Continental Christmas Market is filled with stalls selling crafts, gifts and international foods. The helter-skelter, Santa train and snow slide will keep the children entertained, while the adults can try out one of the beer tents. Or escape the festivities and enjoy some live music in an Irish bar or visit Belfast Castle.
Set inside the grounds of the Belfast City Hall, the Continental Christmas Market is filled with stalls selling crafts, gifts and international foods. The helter-skelter, Santa train and snow slide will keep the children entertained, while the adults can try out one of the beer tents. Or escape the festivities and enjoy some live music in an Irish bar or visit Belfast Castle.
9. Chester’s Christmas Market
18th Nov – 21st Dec – Town Hall Square
Experience the Christmas season in the historical city of Chester where half-timbered buildings are decorated in fairy lights. 70 festive stalls will tempt you with their handmade crafts, stocking fillers and delicious foods. For more Christmas shopping, visit the centuries-old Rows where you’ll find independent boutiques and high-street stores. The City Walls are also worth exploring to gain an insight into the history of Chester.
10. Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park
19th Nov – 3rd Jan – Hyde Park
From the Magical Ice Kingdom and Giant Wheel to thrilling fairground rides, Hyde Park is the place to go for winter excitement. In the midst of the festivities are the Christmas markets, where traditional wooden chalets are brimming with seasonal decorations, unique gifts and sensational foods. If the excitement gets too much, visit Kensington Palace and Gardens, or explore the Serpentine Galleries.
BRITAIN's Best Christmas
Markets to visit in 2022
11. Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
18th November – 22nd December –
Winchester Cathedral
Winchester Cathedral
Taking place by Winchester Cathedral, this bustling Christmas market boasts a stunning location, where wooden chalets and festive lights adorn the cathedral grounds. Inhale the sweet scent of mulled wine and cinnamon and enjoy the voices of carol singers as you shop for Christmas gifts. The city is full of medieval charm and it’s well worth visiting Winchester College and the Castle’s Great Hall.
12. Padstow Christmas Festival
1st – 4th December – Padstow town centre
Enjoy a fun-filled few days at Cornwall’s most prestigious festival where you can enjoy cookery demonstrations from celebrity chefs, live music, firework displays and, of course, festive stalls selling local produce and handmade gifts. For a taste of the real Cornwall, head down to Padstow Harbour for some fish and chips or take a walk along the beach to St George’s Cove.
Enjoy a fun-filled few days at Cornwall’s most prestigious festival where you can enjoy cookery demonstrations from celebrity chefs, live music, firework displays and, of course, festive stalls selling local produce and handmade gifts. For a taste of the real Cornwall, head down to Padstow Harbour for some fish and chips or take a walk along the beach to St George’s Cove.
13. Bath Christmas Market
24th November – 11th December – York Street
Boasting over 150 chalets spread throughout the city, Bath Christmas Market is set to be a festive extravaganza as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. Wander through the Georgian streets in search of Christmas gifts and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere. You can’t visit the city without paying a visit to the Roman Baths or witnessing the extraordinary Royal Crescent.
Boasting over 150 chalets spread throughout the city, Bath Christmas Market is set to be a festive extravaganza as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. Wander through the Georgian streets in search of Christmas gifts and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere. You can’t visit the city without paying a visit to the Roman Baths or witnessing the extraordinary Royal Crescent.
14. The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
3rd November – 23rd December – Victoria Square and New Street
From stollen and bratwurst to gluhwein and pretzels, this authentic German market is a great way to get into the festive mood. Novelty stalls sell everything from hand-painted baubles to crystal lamps, and the ambience is electric. Make the most of your time in the city with a trip to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery or browse the stores at the Bullring and Grand Central Mall.
From stollen and bratwurst to gluhwein and pretzels, this authentic German market is a great way to get into the festive mood. Novelty stalls sell everything from hand-painted baubles to crystal lamps, and the ambience is electric. Make the most of your time in the city with a trip to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery or browse the stores at the Bullring and Grand Central Mall.
15. Kingston's Traditional Christmas Market
10th Nov– 24th Dec – Kingston Town Centre
Wrapped inside historical buildings, Kingston's Traditional Christmas Market is a magical event with a traditional carousel, carol singers, live music and festive wooden cabins where you can buy everything from mulled wine and street foods to local arts and crafts. If you want to escape the crowds, take a trip to Hampton Court Palace or Richmond Park Nature Reserve.
Wrapped inside historical buildings, Kingston's Traditional Christmas Market is a magical event with a traditional carousel, carol singers, live music and festive wooden cabins where you can buy everything from mulled wine and street foods to local arts and crafts. If you want to escape the crowds, take a trip to Hampton Court Palace or Richmond Park Nature Reserve.
16. Bowhouse Christmas Market Weekend, Fife
11th – 12th Dec – Bowhouse
Known for its food and drink markets, Bowhouse puts on a real festive show in December. Local traders set up stall with a selection of cheeses, artisan drinks and street foods. Nibble on roasted chestnuts and sip mulled wine as you’re accompanied by live music. While you’re in the area, take a tour of Newark Castle or explore the colourful fisherman’s cottages of St Monans.
17. Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre
Angel Hill, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 1UZ
Thursday 24 November until Sunday 27 November
Thursday 24 November until Sunday 27 November
The Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre is a Christmas Market held within the grounds of the historic St Edmundsbury Cathedral from 10am – 4.30pm each day. As part of the market experience, you can take a tour to see behind the walls of the Cathedral as well as an ascent of the Cathedral tower for views of the Abbey Gardens and market below.
18. Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market
Cathedral Yard, Exeter EX1 1HB
Friday 18 November – Sunday 18 December.
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market is Devon’s biggest Christmas market and a winter wonderland set among a labyrinth of winding lanes on Exeter’s iconic Cathedral Green with over a hundred festive chalets and free entry into the medieval Gothic Exeter Cathedral, known for its vaulted ceiling and astronomical clock.
Friday 18 November – Sunday 18 December.
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market is Devon’s biggest Christmas market and a winter wonderland set among a labyrinth of winding lanes on Exeter’s iconic Cathedral Green with over a hundred festive chalets and free entry into the medieval Gothic Exeter Cathedral, known for its vaulted ceiling and astronomical clock.
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