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The 13 best Christmas markets in the UK
Christmas is one of the most exciting times of the year, filled with family, love, and festivities. Why not make the most of all the twinkly lights and traditions by visiting some of the best Christmas markets in the UK?
With plenty of UK Christmas markets selling handmade gifts and festive treats, we’ve gathered a list of some of the best Christmas markets in the UK that you won’t want to miss.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
For three years in a row, Edinburgh's Christmas Market has been renowned as the best Christmas market in the UK. Santa Land transforms Princes Street Gardens into a winter wonderland with rides and activities for all ages. A six-week extravaganza, Edinburgh Christmas Market features over 70 stalls offering everything from artisan crafts to Scottish delicacies.
Find out moreVisitors can enjoy views of Edinburgh Castle while sipping mulled wine, riding the iconic Big Wheel, or ice skating on the oval ice rink.
The market's blend of traditional and contemporary attractions spreads festive cheer across 12 locations in the capital. With the famous Hogmanay celebrations just after Christmas, it’s the perfect time to book a festive break in Scotland.
Liverpool Christmas Market
Liverpool's Christmas Market brings the festive season to St George's Quarter. Over 40 traditional-style cabins offer a range of gifts, from handcrafted jewellery to festive decorations. If you are a foodie, you can indulge in international foods, such as German bratwurst and French crepes. The market's centrepiece, a 30-metre-tall Christmas tree, adds to the magical atmosphere.
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St Nicholas Fair, York
York's St Nicholas Fair makes this historic city a Christmas haven. 75 alpine-style chalets line Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square, offering unique gifts, local crafts, and seasonal treats.
Find out moreThe award-winning UK Christmas market’s atmosphere is filled with the aroma of roasting chestnuts and the sound of carol singers. There’s the Made in Yorkshire Yuletide Village, showcasing the best of local artisans alongside medieval streets, which help to create a truly magical UK Christmas market experience.
Harrogate Christmas Fayre
Harrogate Christmas Fayre brings plenty of festive cheer to this elegant spa town. This UK Christmas market features an eclectic mix of local and European traders. You can browse stalls selling everything from handmade crafts to gourmet foods while enjoying the town's Victorian architecture. The markets atmosphere and focus on quality, artisanal products makes it a Christmas favourite.
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Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
In Hampshire, Winchester Cathedral hosts one of the best UK and European Christmas markets. Inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, it features over 100 chalets selling handcrafted gifts and festive treats alongside a backdrop boasting over 1,000 years of history. There is also an open-air ice skating rink in front of the cathedral itself.
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Nottingham Winter Wonderland
Nottingham's Winter Wonderland transforms the city centre into a holiday haven, with Bavarian-style market stalls, food and drinks, and plenty of rides and attractions to enjoy. Centred around the Old Market Square, it features over 70 stalls, an ice rink, and an observation wheel spinning 33 metres high. Enjoy live music and street performers adding to the festivities atmosphere.
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Glasgow Christmas Market
Glasgow's Christmas Market is considered one of the most beautiful in the UK bringing a touch of alpine charm to the city centre. The market features various stalls selling everything from artisan crafts to Scottish and European delicacies. Warm up with some mulled wine while enjoying the festive lights and decorations and shop for the perfect gift in Glasgow’s festive Style Mile.
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Southampton Christmas Market, Hampshire
Southampton's Christmas Market transforms the city centre into a festive wonderland in Hampshire. At this Christmas market, Traditional German-style wooden chalets sell a variety of gifts, crafts, and seasonal treats. A real highlight is the Flying Santa, who soars over the market several times a day.
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Chester Christmas Market
Set against the backdrop of Chester's historic Town Hall, this charming market offers over 70 traditional wooden chalets in a handmade, historical and magical Christmas experience.
Find out moreChester Christmas Market is known for its focus on local artisans and producers. It offers a true taste of Cheshire and the chance to find the perfect stocking filler.
Plus, a new arcade surrounds the sparkling tree, and carol singers and street performers add to the essence of a traditional English Christmas.
Manchester Christmas Market
Manchester’s Christmas Market spans several locations across the city, including Albert Square, Cathedral Gardens, and Piccadilly Gardens. It's one of the largest Christmas markets in the UK, with over 300 stalls housed in charming wooden chalets.
Find out moreThe market is famous for its wide selection of international foods, from traditional German bratwurst to Spanish paella and Dutch mini pancakes.
An iconic giant Santa Claus statue overlooks Albert Square, a popular meeting point and photo opportunity for the entire family. The market also features a dedicated family area in Cathedral Gardens, where you’ll find an ice rink and a craft market.
Truro Christmas Market, Cornwall
Truro's Christmas market takes place in Cornwall's only city. Set around Truro Cathedral, the market features a mix of local crafts, food, drinks, and unique gifts. Wooden cabins line Lemon Quay, decorated with festive lights and framing a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree. There’s a giant snow globe and a Father Christmas parade you won’t want to miss.
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Bowhouse Christmas Market Weekend, Fife
The Bowhouse Christmas Market Weekend in Fife celebrates Scottish produce and craftsmanship. This indoor market showcases the best of local food, drink, and a selection of local crafts. You can also enjoy music, cooking demonstrations, and workshops, all in a converted farm. With a strong focus on sustainability and local producers, creating an eco-conscious shopping experience.
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Chichester Christmas Market
Another of the best Christmas Markets in the UK is Chichester's Indoor Christmas Market. This southern UK Christmas market features a range of stalls selling everything from handmade crafts to local delicacies. The market is known for its relaxed atmosphere and focus on high-quality products. Plus, it takes place indoors, so you can explore the hundreds of stalls in the warmth.
Find out moreThe best Christmas markets in the UK – FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the best Christmas markets in the UK.
Which city has the best Christmas market in the UK?
The best Christmas market in the UK is subjective, but Edinburgh and Manchester are popular favourites thanks to their size, variety, and festivities.
Where is the most popular Christmas market?
The Edinburgh Christmas Market is often considered the most popular in the UK, attracting millions of visitors yearly with its spectacular setting and diverse offerings.
Where is the oldest Christmas market in the UK?
Lincoln's Christmas Market, established in 1982, is often credited as the oldest traditional German-style Christmas market in the UK.
What is the best Christmas street in the UK?
The Shambles in York is frequently named one of the best Christmas streets in the UK. Its medieval timber-framed buildings, with cobbled streets and overhanging buildings, create a storybook-like festive atmosphere. It’s said to have inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series—hence the magical atmosphere.
Enjoy endless festivities with the best Christmas markets in the UK
If you want to visit some of the best Christmas markets in the UK, why not make a weekend of it? At Away Resorts, the festivities never stop with our winter breaks and festive holidays. Take advantage of our Christmas events, featuring everything from Santa's grottos to festive craft workshops.
Visit Christmas markets around the UK and make the most of the holidays with Away Resorts. Don't miss out on these magical holiday experiences; book your Christmas break now!