Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you if you kindly choose to book via my links.
Christmas isn’t Christmas until you’ve visited a Christmas market and there are some fantastic ones in the UK. Why not make a weekend of it and enjoy a festive break in one of the UK’s best cities?
Wrap up warm in some cosy knitwear and venture out to some of these top picks. You’ll be singing some of your favourite carols and glugging mulled wine in no time!
Read on to find out about some of the best Christmas markets in Great Britain.
Nottingham
Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland looks epic this year with an ice skating rink at ground level and the Sky Skate ice path where you can skate meters above the crowd around Old Market Square. There’s also an ice bar where you can enjoy a nicely chilled drink from an ice glass at -10 degrees!
There are rides including a toboggan, swing and a helter skelter bar and slide. You can also book tickets for the observation wheel in front of the Council House where you’ll get spectacular views of the Christmas lights all over the city and Nottingham’s main Christmas tree.
For the more traditionalists there’s a whole heap of market stalls selling everything from handmade gifts to festive food and mulled wine. There are also two ski chalet bars where you can enjoy your fave tipple.
If you live in the East Midlands, check out these Christmas events in Derbyshire to plan your festive fun for December.
Open: 7th November – 31st December
Where to stay: Versailles
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Newcastle transforms into a winter wonderland at Christmas time, with decorations travelling down the long and narrow streets to create that festive feeling for the people of the city. The market is located just under Grey’s Monument, Grainger Street, where you can find wooden huts that are built and decorated especially for Christmas.
But what does the market have to offer and what makes it so special? The Newcastle Christmas Market brings cultures together and celebrates differences, perfect for anyone who wants to explore the world.
Tradesmen and women from across Europe come to bring a touch of their country to Newcastle. You’ll get to witness one of the best atmospheres in the country during this festive time.
From festive food to ornamental items, you’ll be spoilt for choice with what you can buy. You’ll even be able to do most of your Christmas shopping.
If you’re into ice skating, head down to the Centre for Life to show off your skills in Times Square! I’m actually a terrible ice skater (I’ve only been once and I kept to the side the whole time!) but I love watching people skate.
Open: 18th November – 23rd December
Monday – Saturday: 10am – 8pm
Sundays: 10am – 5pm
Where to stay: Leonardo Hotel Newcastle
Birmingham
For 12 years now, the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market has been a top attraction and it’s a spectacular Christmas market. Located in Victoria Square and New Street, it makes a beautiful setting for any Instagram pic.
Lights descend down the centred fountain and the iconic carousel is at the top of the steps creating an uncanny version of Santa Claus’ Village – you’d think you were at the North Pole! It’s the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria.
With around 180 stalls, you’re bound to see something that takes your fancy. You might even be able to snatch up a unique gift, whether this is a piece of jewellery or a handmade toy for any little ones you may have in the family.
Try pretzels, schnitzel, bratwurst and roasted almonds and then wash it down with gluhwein, weissbier or a hot chocolate. There’s also live music to keep you entertained.
My brother and his girlfriend actually visited this one and they loved it.
Open: 2nd November – 24th December
Monday – Thursday 11am – 9pm
Friday 11am – 9.30pm
Saturday 10am – 9.30pm
Sunday 10am – 9pm
Where to stay: Malmaison Birmingham
Exeter
Take a trip to Exeter this year to discover the magnificent Christmas market on the West Front of the Cathedral which creates an enchanted atmosphere in the city. With the cathedral towering over you, you will be able to take a long walk around the different wooden huts and experience something from each continent of the world – perfect for discovering different cultures.
Devon’s biggest Christmas market has over a hundred festive chalets selling locally made gifts and food, global street food, and drinks. You’ll also get free entry into Exeter Cathedral.
Open: 17th November – 17th December
London
If you’re heading to the capital this Christmas, why not take a trip to the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park? I’ve been for two years running and I absolutely love it.
Full of festivity, there’s nothing that you can’t do at this market, there’s ice skating, Zippos Christmas circus, and a magical ice kingdom, although booking is strongly advised as the activities and attractions can get booked up.
There’s no excuse not to attend this Winter Wonderland as it even remains open after Christmas has ended! Remember to take your camera and capture plenty of selfies.
Once you’ve tackled the magical kingdom of Winter Wonderland, why not take a stroll to nearby Buckingham Palace to take photographs outside of the iconic landmark – you might even see the Queen if you’re lucky!
Open: 17th November – 1st January
Where to stay: YHA London Central
Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s Christmas markets are known all over the world. I visited last year as I was in the city and really enjoyed it – the whole city had a festive feel about it.
Taking place in East Princes Street Gardens, you’ll find traditional markets with handmade crafts, and locally produced food and drink. Grab a mulled Irn Bru and wander round the stalls before visiting Santa’s Grotto to meet the big man himself.
There’s also funfair rides, live outdoor events and more throughout the city.
Open: 17th November – 6th January
Where to stay: Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket
Manchester
Manchester is home to the biggest Christmas market in the UK with over 225 stalls offering festive food and drink and Christmas gifts, all in the heart of the city centre. Manchester Christmas Markets are spread across nine sites in the city and celebrates their 25th anniversary this year.
You’ll find stalls in Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Square, The Corn Exchange and King Street.
There’s a Christmas parade on the 3rd December and Festive Sundays will see family-friendly pop-up entertainment on the city’s streets. There’s also an ice skating rink and a Christmas lights trail.
Open: 10th November – 21st December, 10am – 9pm daily
Where to stay: Motel One Manchester Piccadilly
If you have young children you could also visit Lapland UK Manchester, but be sure to book in advance as it is very popular and gets booked up quickly.
Chester
For a traditional Christmas market, visit Chester this year. There are over 70 wooden stalls around the city centre’s magical Christmas tree in the Town Hall Square.
Grab a mulled wine while you wander the alpine huts and grab some handmade crafts, jewellery, clothing, and other stocking fillers. There’s also hot food and a real ale bar.
Open: 18th November – 22nd December
Monday – Wednesday: 10:30 – 18:30
Thursday – Saturday: 10:30 – 20:00
Sunday: 10:30 – 18:30
Where to stay: The Coach House Inn
York
York is one of my favourite UK cities – there is so much to do there and I love exploring the quirky shops on The Shambles. The historical charm of the city really comes to life with its Christmas market.
Wander round the alpine chalets on Parliament Street and discover the local produce from makers at the Made in Yorkshire Yuletide Village on St Nicholas Fair. Grab some of the delicious street food on offer and a mulled wine as you browse.
Open: 18th November – 23rd December
Where to stay: 21 The Cocoa Suites
Winchester
Winchester’s Christmas Market takes place at the cathedral and is known for its gorgeous location. No need to worry about the weather as the wooden chalets are housed inside the cathedral itself.
The stalls are inspired by traditional German Christmas markets and showcase the best of local craftspeople and artists. As well as Christmas gifts, you’ll also be able to buy mulled wine, mince pies and hot chocolate.
Enjoy all of this to the soundtrack of local choirs singing Christmas carols and other live performances.
Open: 17th November – 21st December
Sunday – Thursday: 10.00am – 6.00pm
Friday – Saturday: 10.00am – 8.00pm
Where to stay: The Old Vine
Bath
Bath Christmas Market is the biggest Christmas shopping event in the south west with over 170 wooden stalls. The beautiful city of Bath has gorgeous old buildings and picturesque streets so its a great spot for a UK city break.
The market itself offers a wide variety of artisan products with a focus on local businesses and UK-made gifts. Stalls are nestled amongst iconic buildings and there’s plenty of mulled wine available.
Open: 23rd November – 10th December
Where to stay: Apex City of Bath Hotel
So, what Christmas market will you be heading to this year? Let me know in the comments!
One Response