The festive season is upon us and there’s nothing more Christmassy than the obligatory day out to the Christmas markets. Packed full of dazzling goodies, scrumptious food stalls and the occasional mulled wine along the way, this British tradition is a must have on anybody’s Christmas wish list.
In fact, the UK is said to have some of the worlds most impressive Christmas markets attracting millions of people to towns and cities year on year.
From cosy little grottos to magnificently decorated food stalls, here’s our list of The Best Christmas Markets to Explore This Winter and give you that extra bit of Christmas cheer.
1. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
If you can’t travel to Germany or Austria this winter, Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas market is the next best thing. fun fact, It’s actually the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria. It has stalls selling traditionally delicious Germanic food such as pretzels, schnitzels, bratwursts and roasted almonds which can be washed down with a pint of Glühwein.
- When? 3rd Nov – 23rd Dec
- Where? Victoria Square
- Website: Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
2. Manchester Christmas Markets
The Manchester Christmas markets span almost the entirety of Manchester city centre. Stretching from the main hub at Piccadilly Gardens (transformed into the magical ‘Winter Gardens’) all the way down to Deansgate. But if you’ve ever been to Manchester, you’ll know that the city is walkable, and with a German hotdog and mulled wine in hand, you’ll have plenty of fuel to see the whole city.
The Christmas markets run from the 12th November to 22nd December, however The Winter Gardens stay open a little later, until the 3rd January 2023. There’s plenty of bars, food stalls and craft sellers, plus a stage with live music and DJs.
- When? 12th Nov – 22nd Dec
- Where? Piccadilly Gardens
- Website: Manchester Christmas Markets
3. Edinburgh Christmas Market
Edinburgh Christmas market is back this year and it’s bigger than ever. This winter, the market will span the traditional locations in Princes Street Gardens and The Mound, as well as to new parts of the city centre. Expect arts and crafts as well as food and drink stalls with homegrown Scottish produce, and we’re hopeful the Northern city will deliver us a white Christmas.
- When? 25th Nov – 3rd Jan
- Where? East Princes Street Garden
- Website: Edinburgh Christmas Market
4. Brighton Christmas Festival
A stone’s throw from The Lanes, this traditional Christmas market has gifts from across the globe, from alpaca wool jumpers to handmade leather journals and linocut prints. The Brighton Cacao Company is selling advent calendars, as well as providing sweet ingredients for the Apres-Ski Bar – the perfect place to sip mulled wine and listen to live music after a spot of shopping.
- When? 18th Nov – 24th Dec
- Where? St Peter’s Place
- Website: Brighton Christmas Festival
5. Newcastle Christmas Market
Newcastle Christmas market is fantastic for the whole family: it brings together local vendors and breweries with the farmer’s market, and there’s a Santa’s Grotto where Santa Claus will make a very special appearance after travelling all the way from the North Pole.
- When? 19th Nov – 23rd Dec
- Where? Grey’s Monument, Grainger Street
- Website: Newcastle Christmas Market
6. London Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
London never does anything by halves and its enormous Winter Wonderland, which sprawls across Hyde Park, is no exception. Everything here is on a huge scale, from the spectacular outdoor ice-skating rink (the biggest in the UK), to the jaw-dropping Ferris wheel and circus shows. Dazzling lights fill Hyde Park, where over a 100 stalls offer visitors festive food and drink alongside many handmade Christmas gifts.
- When? 18th Nov – 2nd Jan
- Where? Hyde Park
- Website: London Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
7. Chester Christmas Market
In an enchanting setting in front of the Victorian gothic town hall and the medieval cathedral, Chester’s Christmas market brings together 60 wooden cabins piled high with festive treats. Look out for mouth-watering pies from Roberts Country Fayre and exquisite designs from Josh Johnson Ceramics.
- When? 18th Nov – 21st Dec
- Where? Town Hall Square
- Website: Chester Christmas Market
8. Bath Christmas Market
Bath Christmas Market is both of one of the country’s biggest and most enchanting with 130 stalls nestled up and down the cobbled streets around the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey. Traders are chosen for their quality products, with the food stalls coming from the Bath and South West regions with the lovely addition of local charities also taking part. Grab some craft ale as you settle in for the street entertainment provided by brass bands and local choirs.
- When? 24th Nov – 11th Dec
- Where? Stall Street
- Website: Bath Christmas Market
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