Bundle up in your warmest coat, hat and mittens to visit the best Christmas markets the UK has to offer this winter.
For all the grey mornings and drizzly afternoons of winter in the UK, Christmas is a time when the country redeems itself. Rollicking through landmark streets, a hot (potentially alcoholic) drink in hand, panto booked — this is what it’s all about, right?
The season to be jolly has officially arrived, and the UK’s selection of genuinely brilliant Christmas markets may just be the icing on top of the cake.
Fuel yourself with all the decadent treats and bottomless cider needed to get you through hours of deliberation over which gifts to buy, followed by immersive experiences, festive live entertainment and, let’s be honest, a spot of somewhat slapdash ice skating.
Just a tube, bus or train ride away, these Christmas markets are the ones to visit this year.
1. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London
21 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
Resembling a village, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland an alluring choice for a romantic date, but perhaps not for the faint of heart. You’ll be swept away under thousands of dazzling lights and rides that tower overhead, one of which, The Hangover, reaches a dizzying 278ft in height.
For a post-ride breather, take a leisurely turn around the open-air ice rink that encircles the iconic Victorian bandstand, before getting lost in the Magical Ice Kingdom, where life-sized snow sculptures crafted from over 500 tonnes of ice and snow await. Feast on an astounding array of food, including fondue, burritos and churros. And with your festive spirit now off the scale, join in with a Christmas sing-along.
Read more: The best Christmas markets to visit in Europe this year
2. Manchester Christmas Markets, Manchester
8 November to 22 December 2024
Manchester Christmas Markets’ nine vibrant zones of 200 stalls suffuse festive joy throughout the city centre. Shoppers, rejoice — the markets’ trademark wooden huts bristle with handmade goods like jewellery, hats and ceramics.
Delight in an assortment of hearty food, from roast pork with apple sauce to Yorkshire pudding wraps. At the main hub, Winter Gardens, you’ll find live entertainment and music under the shelter of marquees — ideal for the fickle UK weather. Expect a chill in the air, but don’t worry, you can warm up with a spiced rum, speciality tea or classic Yorkshire brew.
3. York Christmas Market, York
14 November to 22 December 2024
A city many regard as one of the prettiest in the UK, York’s medieval squares and cobbled streets provide the perfect backdrop for a magical festive time. Carollers march through the streets filling the air with song, the city’s historic churches host enchanting candlelit concerts and its Christmas market embodies the seasonal spirit tenfold.
Alpine chalet-style stalls are scattered across Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, tempting visitors with a wide range of gifts, food, drinks and crafts. After shopping, indulge in a nostalgic ride on the vintage carousel at King’s Square, before enjoying a cosy night at the theatre watching (and, hopefully, joining in with) the panto. If the kids are still raring to go after a trip to Santa’s Grotto at Coppergate, travel an hour outside York’s town centre to hop aboard the Santa Specials heritage train run by the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Departing from Pickering Station, the experience offers little ones the chance to enjoy a steam train journey where they’ll receive exclusive gifts from Santa.
Read more:Â 5 of the best family-friendly getaways for a winter wonderland
4. Southbank Centre Winter Market, London
1 November 2024 to 26 December
Along this iconic stretch of the River Thames, Queen’s Walk is transformed into a festive wonderland courtesy of the Southbank Centre’s Winter Market, which will bring together 20 big-name vendors and pop-up stalls. Feast on savoury delights from the likes of Truffle Burger, The Duck Shed, BAIT Seafood and The Cheese Toaster. Those with a penchant for sweeter treats will have ample opportunity to sample indulgent bites from Blend + Roast, Dutch Pancakes and Salvador Churros.
But it’s not just a treat for foodies — it would be remiss to skip out on the stalls selling colourful decorations, handmade accessories and unique gifts. Afterwards, head over to the Curling Club where you can end the night with a friendly game as twinkling lights ripple across the river.
5. Bath Christmas Market, Bath
28 November to 15 December
Mosey through Bath’s historic Georgian streets and you’ll find every corner of this UNESCO World Heritage city brimming with festive cheer. Catch live music performances from singers, operatic choirs and brass bands, practice your best skate moves at the Bath on Ice rink and feel inspired by an immersive Christmas tour at No1 Royal Crescent.
Peruse scores of stalls showcasing the finest local goods from some of the best independent makers in the South West, including smooth artisan gins, superfood chocolates and handmade cheeses. For crafters and collectors, there’s handcrafted woollen knitwear, charming felt decorations, hand-poured soy wax candles, beautifully crafted aromatherapy products, kaleidoscopes, wooden carvings and ironwork gifts to discover. And for those in need of a warm-up or bite to eat, be sure to grab a hot drink, a delicious brownie or a tasty burger while you shop.
Read more: 7 cosy UK cottages like in The Holiday to book right now for Christmas 2024
6. Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham
1 November to 24 December
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market brings a touch of German festive magic to the West Midlands. Twinned with Frankfurt, Birmingham hosts the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Vienna and Austria, spread across the renowned Victoria Square and New Street.
Meander round stalls offering everything from hand-carved toys and intricate Christmas decorations to soaps, candles and unique keepsakes. Indulge in classic German food favourites like bratwurst sausages, pretzels, glühwein (mulled wine) and weissbier (wheat beer), or go for a decadent hot chocolate topped with festive trimmings. Victoria Square will also be hosting a curated programme of vibrant live music events befitting of the season.
7. Bristol Christmas Market, Bristol
1 November to 23 December 2024
With Christmas choirs, Santa’s elves on stilts, balloon artists and a spectacular 30ft Christmas tree complete with sparkly lights and a simmering golden star, Bristol Christmas Market is a spellbinding experience for the kids and families.
Enjoy treats such traditional bratwurst sausages, Yorkshire pudding wraps and crepes before warming up with mulled cider or Bailey’s hot chocolate at the Alpine Hütte. If you love the festive atmosphere but want something a little more private, you can book a cosy space in the Jäger Barn Bar’s igloos or ski gondolas.
