We’ve rounded up a selection of some of the loveliest, brightest, most-Christmassy markets the United Kingdom has to offer. From the massive Hyde Park Winter Wonderland to the more intimate Belfast Christmas Market - there’s something for everyone - find the one closest to you and make a weekend of it!
Edinburgh Christmas, Edinburgh
WHEN: 20th Nov - 4th Jan
An absolute extravaganza happening across the city of Edinburgh, Edinburgh’s Christmas (and Hogmanay) is a feast for the senses. Running from 20th Nov all the way through until 4th January 4th, 2022 there’s something for quite literally everyone - from live music to markets to Santa’s Grotto to a giant Ferris wheel! Make a weekend of it and wander through the even-more-magical-than-usual Scottish capital!
Manchester Christmas Markets, Manchester
WHEN: 12th Nov - 3rd Jan
With 8 different locations spread throughout the city, the Manchester Christmas Markets will have you occupied every weekend from now until Santa arrives! There’s a massive mix of local craft stalls, music, food and shows at each market and they open at staggered points throughout the holiday period: starting 12th November with the last one closing on 3rd January!
York Christmas Festival + St. Nicholas Fair, York
WHEN: 18th Nov - 23rd Dec
Grab yourself a mulled wine, a couple of mates and get yourself to the York Christmas Festival! Kicking off on 18th November and running through until 23rd December, festival events will be happening across the city but if it’s a market you’re after, then St. Nicholas Fair is the place to be! An award-winning speciality market, this is the perfect spot to pick up a few Christmas gifts and catch up with some mates!
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London
WHEN: 19th Nov - 3rd Jan
Opening the 19th November and running 10am - 10pm every day until 3rd January 5th, 2022, London’s Hyde Park Winter Wonderland will have you glad you live in the chilly Northern Hemisphere at Christmas time! Make sure to book ahead of time and pencil in all the attractions and games you want to include in your visit. If this place doesn’t get you in a festive mood, we don’t know what will!
Bristol’s Christmas Market, Bristol
WHEN: 5th Nov - 23rd Dec
This is the only Christmas Market we’ve found that advertises heated seating and basically, you had us at hello… Not only that, but Bristol’s Christmas Market also boasts 40 individual stalls and chalets selling local arts, crafts and delectable goodies plus there’s live music, entertainment and curling on offer! Open 5th November - 23rd December!
Nottingham Winter Wonderland, Nottingham
WHEN: 15th Nov - 31st Dec
From the 15th November to 31st December, Nottingham goes full North Pole with their Winter Wonderland, which is spread out across two locations this year; Old Market Square & Trinity Square. Despite the adjustment, visitors will still be able to make the most of a 32-metre Observation Wheel, a Helter Skelter slide, alpine igloos, kissing stands (we’re intrigued) and standing barrels. General Christmas merriment, here we come!
Belfast Christmas Market, Belfast
WHEN: 20th Nov - 23rd Dec
From Gluhwein to Spanish paella, the Belfast Christmas Market features 32 international stores bringing unique + exciting gift ideas from all over the world. Stalls and boutique crafters are ready for you to browse their wares and maybe pick up some gorgeous bits + pieces for Christmas gifts (or for yourself)!
Bath (Virtual) Christmas Market, Bath
WHEN: 1st Nov - 31st Dec
The Bath Christmas Market is going back online this year. Normally, visitors are brought through an award-winning chalet village jam-packed with local artisan crafters as well as music, food and warming drinks! Unfortunately, that’s not going ahead but with the virtual version, you still have the opportunity to support these independent retailers and get your hands on some unique Christmas goodies.
The more markets, the merrier! Let us know if we’ve missed any of your favourites!
