Buckle up for a sleigh ride through the best UK Christmas markets! Who needs to jet off to Europe when we’ve got festive wonders right here on our doorstep?
Originating in Germany, Christmas markets have lit up town squares across Europe for centuries. Market stalls overflow with seasonal delights – food, drinks, gifts and all things festive – accompanied by the joy of traditional singing and dancing. Fast forward to recent times, and this festive fun has hopped over to the UK, becoming a beloved part of our holiday tradition that we all adore!
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Visit the Best UK Christmas Markets
Get ready to clink those mulled wine glasses because we’re about to whisk you away on a merry journey to the top Christmas markets in the country. Our top 12 markets are free to explore, with some charges for rides and attractions.
1. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
Get ready for the holiday magic at the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market – it’s the biggest German-style Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria!
Here you can taste authentic German food like schnitzel (a breaded cutlet) and bratwurst (sausage), washed down with glühwein (mulled wine) and weissbeer (wheat beer).
But it’s not just about the food – there’s live music and handmade crafts like decorations, jewellery and toys. It’s a slice of Germany smack dab in the middle of the UK.
Opening dates
Saturday 1 November – Wednesday 24 December 2025
Times
Monday – Thursday: 11am–9pm
Friday: 11am–9:30pm
Saturday: 10am–9:30pm
Sunday: 10am–9pm
Find out more here.
2. Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
Hampshire’s 1000-year-old Winchester Cathedral hosts a lively Christmas celebration. Highlights include concerts, a lantern parade and their celebrated Christmas Market.
The lantern parade makes for a fun family activity; participants are encouraged to craft their lanterns with recycled materials, and guess who judges them? None other than the Dean of Winchester.
The market itself offers festive treats and showcases the work of British craftspeople, so it’s the perfect place to pick up some thoughtful festive gifts. Don’t miss the enchanting nativity scene for some fun photos.
Opening dates
Friday 21 November – Monday 22 December 2025
Times
Monday-Wednesday: 10am-6pm
Thursday: 10am-7pm
Friday & Saturday: 10am–8pm
Sunday: 10am–5pm
Find out more here.
Suggested Hotels
Budget:
The Running Horse
The King’s Head
Mid-range:
Winchester Royal Hotel
The Westgate
Treat:
Lainston House
The Old Vine
3. Bath Christmas Market
Each Christmas, the historic streets of Bath undergo a magical transformation, becoming a lively Christmas market adorned with 200 festive chalets.
These stalls are brimming with holiday delights, from food and drinks to unique artisanal products including local cheeses, small-batch spirits, handmade jewellery and unique homewares.
Set against a backdrop of beautiful architecture, it’s the perfect starting point for exploring the city and enjoying a Bath Christmas break.
Opening dates
Thursday 27 November – Sunday 14 December 2025
Times
Monday – Wednesday: 10am–7pm
Thursday – Saturday: 10am–8pm
Sunday: 10am–6pm
Find out more here.
Suggested Hotels
4. East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market, Edinburgh
Edinburgh is truly the place to be during the festive period, with Christmas markets taking place across the city. Its most iconic festive market is in the heart of the historic centre in East Princes Street Gardens, overlooking Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument and the city’s skyline. The market is a melting pot of local and international traders selling the best in Christmas crafts and snacks, and is home to the iconic Forth 1 Big Wheel.
To really get your fill of the festivities, there are additional Christmas markets you can explore. For family-friendly fun, hit up West Princes Street Gardens. Ice skating more your style? George Street is your spot. Or make your way down to St Andrew Square for festive storytelling with Santa.
Opening dates
Saturday 15 November – Sunday 4 January 2026
Times
Mond-Sun: 10am-10pm
Special opening times
25 December: Closed
Opening times will vary on 24, 26 & 31 December and 1 and 4 January.
Find out more here.
Suggested Hotels
5. York Christmas Market
York Christmas Market, kicking off from mid-November till just before Christmas, is a festive delight. With 75 alpine chalets lining Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, this charming market is a treasure trove of goodies from local traders.
It’s not just about the shopping spree though; it’s a festive playground. Don’t miss the Helter Skelter on Kings Square and all the festive treats at the Yorkshire Barn on St Sampson’s Square.
Opening dates
Thursday 13 November – Sunday 21 December 2025
Times
Monday – Sunday: 10am–7pm
Find out more here.
Suggested Hotels
Budget:
YHA York
Astor York Hostel
Mid-range:
Moxy York
Middletons
Treat:
Malmaison York
No 1 by GuestHouse, York
6. Festive Fair at The Forum, Norwich
Festive Fair at The Forum is one of Norwich’s most popular Christmas markets, with stalls selling locally-crafted wares from across East Anglia.
Browse beautiful pottery, cute glassware, homemade decorations, gorgeous jewellery, artisan treats and more! Grab a tasty donut and a warming mulled wine or hot chocolate and listen to the Pavilion Brass Quintet belting out carols every day. On the weekend, kids will get to see cute mini donkeys – what’s not to love?!
The Festive Fair takes place over one long weekend, but there are lots of markets taking place across the city during the festive period.
Opening dates
Thursday 27 – Sunday 30 November 2025
Times
Thursday: 11am–7pm
Friday: 10am–6pm
Saturday: 10am–6pm
Sunday: 10am–4pm
Find out more here.
Suggested Hotels
7. Cathedral Gardens Christmas Market, Manchester
Manchester’s Cathedral Gardens Market stands out among the many Christmas markets sprinkled around the city. It takes up a prime spot between the city’s cathedral and National Football Museum.
It’s a blast for the whole family with food, drinks and gift stalls, plus Skate Manchester’s huge covered ice rink which makes for an ultra-festive experience, with its own Christmas tree and festive tunes setting the mood.
Opening dates
Friday 7 November – Monday 22 December 2025
Times
Monday – Sunday: 10am–8pm (craft stalls); 11am–9pm (food and drink stalls)
Special opening times
Sunday 22 December: times may vary
Skate Manchester ice rink remains open until Wednesday 1 January 2025 (excluding Christmas Day); food and drink stalls next to the rink in Cathedral Gardens remain open until 31 December.
Find out more here.
Suggested Hotels
8. Chester Christmas Market
Encircling Chester’s dazzling Christmas tree, the Chester Christmas Market on Northgate Street steals the show. The market is a festive hub where traders of all kinds set up shop in 70 alpine-style chalets.
Here, you can find just about anything – from handcrafted Nativity scenes to Christmas trees, and a tempting array of festive food and drinks, including local jams, gingerbread and even mead.
Opening dates
Wednesday 19 November – Monday 22 December 2025
Times
Sunday – Wednesday: 10:30am–6:30pm
Thursday – Saturday: 10:30am–8pm
Find out more here.
Suggested Hotels
9. Cardiff Christmas Market
Established around 30 years ago, the Cardiff Christmas market has become a beloved tradition, and it’s all thanks to the dedicated folks at Craft*folK who host the event. This lot are serious about presenting the highest level of craftsmanship from Welsh artisans. So, if you’re on the hunt for unique gifts, the Cardiff Christmas Market is the perfect destination for a festive shopping spree!
Opening dates
Thursday 13 November – Tuesday 23 December 2025
Times
Monday – Saturday: 10am–6pm
Open till 7pm every Thursday in December
Sunday: 10am–5pm
Find out more here.
10. Belfast Christmas Market
Belfast Christmas Market celebrates its 20th year this year. It’s located right in the heart of the city and has over 100 traders bringing festive vibes.
They’ve got some serious Christmas feasting going on and intricate handmade goodies to check out. Grab a hog roast, sip on some hot glühwein and dive into fancy cheeses at the outdoor food court. Kids have a lot to enjoy with a visit to Santa’s grotto, along with rides on a vintage carousel and helter-skelter.
There’s a Dickensian theme to this year’s Christmas Market, which will whisk you right back to Victorian times, with special events and performances during 16-17 Nov and 30 Nov-1 Dec weekends.
Opening dates
Saturday 15 November – Monday 22 December 2025
Times
Monday – Wednesday: 10am–8pm
Thursday – Saturday: 10am–10pm
Sunday: 12pm–6pm
Find out more here.
Suggested Hotels
11. Nottingham Winter Wonderland Christmas Market
Nottingham’s winter wonderland is a full-blown Christmas extravaganza, boasting rides, attractions, live music, an ice rink, an ice bar and a Christmas market. However, stealing the spotlight is the ice path, winding around the market and providing skaters with a fantastic view of the entire scene. It’s one of the best UK Christmas markets and an ideal family day out!
Opening dates
Wednesday 12 November – Wednesday 24 December 2025
November Times
Sunday – Thursday: 10am–6:30pm
Friday – Saturday: 10am–8pm
December Times
Sunday – Thursday: 10am–8:30pm
Friday – Saturday: 10am–9pm
Find out more here.
Suggested Hotels
12. Stratford-Upon-Avon Christmas Market
Full of seasonal charm, the Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Market is made up of over 200 stalls scattered along Bridge Street, Waterside and Henley Street.
Browse handmade items, cute gifts and delicious food and drink, as performers and entertainers pop up amongst the crowds to get you in the festive spirit.
With the town’s Christmas lights sparkling overhead, the historic surroundings add a dollop of magic to the festivities.
Opening dates
Weekend 1: 29-30 November 2025
Weekend 2: 6-7 December 2025
Times
Saturdays: 10am-8pm
Sundays: 10am–5pm
Find out more here.
Suggested Hotels
Bougie UK Christmas Markets
If you fancy turning your market visit into a festive day out, why not visit a grand stately home? Immerse yourself in their enchanting Christmas market events and take a stroll through their beautifully adorned grounds.
13. Blenheim Palace Christmas Market
The Blenheim Palace Christmas Market is Oxfordshire’s place to be for some festive fun. This spot is known for its fancy architecture, huge grounds and extensive history.
The iconic Great Court hosts a range of seasonal stalls, and this year for the very first time – a covered ice rink! Visitors can buy tickets in advance to skate on the rink, wander the beautiful illuminated light trail or follow Tinkerbell’s fairy footsteps through the Palace’s State rooms, which this year have been transformed into Neverland.
Entry to the market only is free, although parking must be pre-booked and costs £10.
Opening dates:
Friday 14 November 2025 – Saturday 3 January 2026
Times
Monday – Sunday: 10:30pm–8:00pm
Find out more here.
Suggested Hotels
14. Holkham Hall Christmas Market, Norfolk
Norfolk’s Holkham Hall is a grand country estate known for its stunning architecture and beautiful parkland.
For just one long weekend in December, it hosts one of the most acclaimed Christmas markets in the country. The Lady Elizabeth Wing of Holkham Hall is filled with Norfolk’s top craftspeople and artisan food and drink producers.
The festive atmosphere is topped off with live music. Entry to the market is free, you’ll just need to pay for parking (£10).
Opening dates
Friday 12 December – Sunday 14 December 2025
Times
Friday-Sunday: 10am-4pm
Find out more here.
Suggested Hotels
15. Chatsworth House Christmas Market
Held in a Derbyshire stately home, this fancy Christmas Market boasts over 100 market stalls offering a diverse range of handmade gifts, festive decorations and delicious seasonal treats.
The enchanting atmosphere is complemented by live entertainment, twinkling lights and the iconic Chatsworth House as a majestic backdrop. Entry to the market is free, you will just need to prebook a parking spot (from £15).
If you want to visit Chatsworth House and its grounds as well, then you’ll need to book a ticket – which includes one parking spot.
Opening dates:
Saturday 8 November – Sunday 14 December 2025
Times:
Monday – Thursday: 10am–5:30pm
Friday – Sunday: 10am–6pm
Find out more here.
Map of the Best UK Christmas Markets 2025
Enjoy some festive fun at the best UK Christmas Markets
Whether you’re taking in the beauty of Winchester Cathedral, soaking up the lively festive scene in Edinburgh or discovering handade gems in Cardiff, these markets have something for everyone. This collection of the best UK Christmas markets is an excellent starting point for organising your own festive day out, getting into the Christmas spirit and crafting unforgettable memories.
