Nothing is more likely to get you in the mood for the festive season than visiting one of your local Christmas markets in the UK. A quick city break to get some shopping in, have a few drinks and soak up the festive delights.
Most of the markets kick off in late November, with many running until early January. So it’s time to get planning, grab a few friends and visit one of these superb Christmas markets.
Mulled wine, gifts for loved ones and that wonderful Christmas feeling here we come…
Best Christmas Markets In The UK
How do these rankings work?
1. Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market – Birmingham
It’s one of the biggest German Christmas markets outside of Germany. So, you can expect a truly amazing experience. Take a ride on the ornate carousel, listen to traditional carols and Christmas songs, and shop ’til you drop at over 80 beautiful wooden stalls. People flock to this Christmas market from all over, and we can see why.
Pretzels, schnitzels, bratwursts, and roasted almonds will tempt your taste buds. The tasty food can be washed down with glühwein, German beer or hot chocolate.
2019 Dates: 7th November – 23rd December
2. Manchester Christmas Market – Manchester
This lively market is an annual institution in the city at this stage and very much part of the social scene from November onwards.
The markets are as much about eating and drinking as they are about buying gifts, with people spilling into local restaurants and bars and making a night out of their visit. There’s nearly 350 beautiful stalls and chalets in 10 distinctive market sites across the city centre.
2019 Dates: 9th November – 22nd December (23rd December for Albert Square)
3. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – London
Transforming one of London’s most spectacular parks, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland offers a festive paradise in the heart of the city. It’s home to the world’s tallest observation wheel, a Magical Ice Kingdom and the UK’s largest open air ice rink and plenty of bars and food stalls. So, there’s something for all the family to enjoy.
Enjoy jaw-dropping circus acts and don’t miss the arrival of Paddington on Ice, a stunning family-friendly show combining cutting-edge choreography, toe-tapping music and impressive costumes.
2019 Dates: 21st November – 5th January
4. Leeds Christkindelmarkt – Leeds
Millennium Square in Leeds turns into the city’s annual Christkindelmarkt German Christmas Market, with more than 40 traditionally decorated wooden chalets. Browse through hand-crafted jewellery and festive decorations, tuck into authentic German food and feel extra festive with a ride on the popular Christmas Carousel.
For those still feeling hungry, visit the Alp Chalet restaurant in the centre of the market, a Bavarian style eatery with a droolworthy selection of traditional food and drink, as well as live music.
2019 Dates: 8th November – 21st December
5. Bath Christmas Market – Bath
Head to Bath Christmas Market, as more than 150 pop-up chalets set up on the city’s pretty Georgian streets. You can expect a real treasure trove of gifts to take home, whether that’s jewellery, homewares or decorations. There’s plenty of stalls to explore, and you can fill empty bellies with a range of festive food from The Lodge in the heart of the market.
Plus, 99% of all products are handmade in Britain or abroad with Fairtrade certification, making this a much more eco-savvy shopping experience!
2019 Dates: 28th November – 15th December
6. Edinburgh’s Christmas – Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s Christmas is a spectacular, six-week season of festive entertainment in the heart of the city. Just like the city itself, the festival is vibrant and exciting. Enjoy views of the capital from the top of the Big Wheel or brave a twirl on the 60-metre-high Star Flyer.
There’s also craft stalls, a Christmas tree maze and plenty of tasty food and drink.
019 Dates: 16th November – 4th January 2020
7. Rochester Christmas Market – Kent
Attracting more than 130,000 visitors a year, this Kent-based market is one of the best Christmas markets in the UK. In a scenic spot in Rochester’s Castle Gardens, you can browse a range of chalet-style stalls selling everything from Fairtrade clothing to dog toys and homemade jams.
Then, head over to the Bavarian food village for some bratwurst or churros before letting loose on some good old-fashioned fairground rides. The market also happens to coincide with the Dickensian Christmas Festival, so you’ll be able to feast your eyes on Victorian delights, meet costumed characters and listen to some open-air carolling.
2019 Dates: 30th November – 15th December
