The Best Christmas Markets in the UK for 2024

It might sound like The Holiday, and truth be told, that’s not a stretch. Across the UK, from London to the north of Scotland, pop-up Christmas markets are preparing to welcome guests. With exceptional festive food trucks and bars, jaw-dropping seasonal light displays, outdoor ice rinks, and, of course, lots of stalls selling everything from local homemade crafts and foods and European-inspired Christmas decorations to comical cheery socks. Here are some of the best Christmas markets in the UK, including award-winning heavyweights and smaller venues that champion regional sellers.

Edinburgh’s Christmas Market

With illuminated historic architecture and festive events, Scotland’s capital is magical at Christmas. In the center of the city is the East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market. This spectacular market is seconds from the main shopping streets and has over 70 stalls selling handcrafted gifts, bespoke products, and delicious seasonal food and drink. You can hop on the Big Wheel, Scotland’s largest Ferris wheel, for panoramic views of the city and Edinburgh Castle, or saunter over to the neighboring West Princes Street Gardens Family Funfair. This is free to enter and has lots rides and attractions (mainly for kids and teenagers), as well as festive food stalls where you can warm up with a hot chocolate or mulled wine — a must for all parents at this time of year. The garden’s Ross Bandstand also hosts a festive program of live events, showcasing excellent choirs, ceilidh bands, and sing-along carol concerts.

A ten-minute walk away is Edinburgh’s Christmas Ice Rink on George Street. As it tends to rain quite a lot in Scotland, the rink is undercover, offering protection from the elements. It’s open between 26 November and 3rd January. If you can visit during the week. I highly recommend avoiding weekends, as this is one of the most popular Christmassy things to do in Edinburgh. There are also food trucks where you can grab a snack or book into a restaurant or bar on George Street, which have festive menus at this time of year.

New for this year, the St Andrew Square Winter Garden will feature the UK’s largest Christmas Tree Maze illuminated with over 450 trees. The Royal Botanical Garden also has an award-winning, internationally acclaimed light trail, which I attend every year. You’ll need to book tickets for this in advance as it sells out quickly.

• Dates: November 17 — January 5, 2025
• Opening times: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Where: East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, Scotland

York Christmas Market

Despite the cold northern winter, York’s medieval cobblestone streets burst into color and light come December. Its major attractions embrace the Christmas spirit with special events and displays, ensuring there’s always something new to discover, even for those who have previously experienced the city’s winter magic.

One of the highlights of York’s Christmas season is the Christmas Market, held in Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square. There are over 70 alpine chalets, showcasing a delightful array of local crafts, artisan products, and delicious seasonal treats. With 80 percent of the market’s traders hailing from Yorkshire, it’s a fantastic opportunity to support local businesses and discover the best of the region’s offerings. The market also prioritizes sustainability, with a selection of traders committed to ethical and eco-friendly practices. Additionally, initiatives like “Take A Seat” and the “Safe Space Scheme” ensure that everyone, including those with reduced mobility, can comfortably enjoy the festivities.

• Dates: November 14 — December 22
• Opening times: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Where: Parliament Street, York, England

Belfast Christmas Market

Belfast is such a welcoming place to visit, but this warmth is amped up at Christmas when the city is adorned with lights, and people are mulling around shops with a festive beverage in hand. When visiting in winter, your first stop should be Joy’s Entry. The Entries in Belfast are a series of historical narrow alleyways in the city center. Come December, Joy’s is decorated with larger-than-life candy canes, presents, and edible treats; the pavement is pained red, and it’s lined with snow-dusted trees. After you’ve taken in this delight, head to City Hall to browse the city’s Charles Dickens-themed market.

Set against the magnificent backdrop of Belfast City Hall, you’ll step back in time and immerse yourself in the world of Dickens as you stroll through the market alongside iconic characters from his novels. There’s storytelling, lively performances, music, and, of course, excellent shopping. The market is packed with over 100 international and local traders, and the outdoor festive food court has everything from burgers to warming mugs of glühwein.

• Dates: November 16 — December 22
• Opening times: Monday to Wednesday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Thursday to Saturday 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Sundays 12:00 PM — 6:00 PM
• Where: Belfast City Hall, Donegal Square, Belfast, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

The best Christmas markets in London

As the days grow shorter and the air begins to carry the crisp scent of snow, London’s Christmas markets reawaken. These pop-up markets, scattered throughout the city center, offer a delightful array of festive delights, from handcrafted gifts and delicious treats to twinkling lights and holiday-themed events. There are also a couple of markets, Covent Garden and the historic Borough Market, which are open year-round but transform into winter wonderlands at the end of November. There are honestly too many Christmas markets in London to choose from, but here are a few of the best, from the grand Hyde Park and the iconic Covent Garden to Southbank, where you’ll have more options to buy local goods and support indepent food vendors. I’ve also included Kingston Christmas Market in Surry for those of you who want to get out of the city for a day trip (and because it’s simply beautiful).

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Now in its seventeenth year, this beloved market offers a festive feast for people of all ages. The park is filled with the sounds of festive music and the laughter of happy visitors as they explore The Bavarian Village, skate on the enormous outdoor ice rink that surrounds the Victorian bandstand, and wander through the Magical Ice Kingdom, an area of the market with ice sculptures, ice slides, and other winter-themed activities. It’s the largest Christmas market in the city, so expect crowds.

• Dates: November 21 — January 5, 2025
• Opening times: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Where: Hyde Park, Serpentine Rd, London, England

Southbank Centre Winter Market

The Southbank Riverside is a great place to hang out on a winter afternoon. Yes, droves head here for the London Eye and London Dungeon, but one of the best ways to enjoy this area of the city is by simply taking a stroll. The views over the Thames River and bridges at Christmas are free and spectacular.

The Southbank Winter Market is one of my favorites. It’s filled with traditional wooden chalets, with Christmas products from local and international artisans. You can and should eat and drink here, too. There are lots of pop-up bars, street food stalls selling everything from truffle burgers to lobster rolls, and, of course, festive cocktails.

• Dates: November 1 — December 26, 2024
• Opening times: Sunday to Thursday 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Friday to Saturday 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
• Where: Queen’s Walk, Southbank Centre, London, England

Covent Garden Christmas Market

Dating back to the 17th century, Covent Garden Market is a must-visit, attracting visitors from all over the world. During the Christmas season, the marketplace is adorned with thousands of glittering lights, creating a magical atmosphere that is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. This year, visitors can enjoy the return of the beloved Christmas bells and baubles, first introduced in 2023. These towering decorations feature 40 gigantic bells with bows, 12 giant baubles, and eight spinning mirror balls. As you explore the market, you’ll discover everything from handcrafted Christmas gifts to stylish clothing. It draws a lunch and dinner crowd throughout the year, especially at Christmas, so expect exceptional food and drink which you can enjoy by the 60-foot Christmas tree with a picture perfect bow.

• Dates: December 7 — January 7, 2025
• Opening times: Daily, check website for specific times
• Where: Covent Garden, West End of London, England

Kingston Christmas Market

You can take countless day trips from London — it’s the best-connected city in the UK, after all. When visiting, hop on the pleasant train journey to Surrey and visit the charming market town of Kingston. Over the years, Kingston’s annual festive extravaganza has built a reputation, becoming a must-visit for Londoners seeking a slower-paced Christmas market experience.

A vibrant tapestry of stalls fills the town center, twinkling lights adorn the ancient buildings and winding streets, and the air is filled with the smell of roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and hearty winter dishes. Expect a local touch here, with stalls championing small businesses selling everything from handcrafted jewelry and artisanal homeware to bespoke clothing and gourmet food. As for entertainment, there are Christmas carol singers, live music performances throughout December, and outdoor Bavarian curling lanes.

• Dates: November 14 — January 5, 2025
• Opening times: Sunday to Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Thursday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Where: Ancient Market Place, Kingston upon Thames, England

Manchester Christmas Markets

Manchester goes all out for Christmas. It squares up to London with its festive events and markets, making it an excellent alternative if you’re interested in exploring northern England. It’s also not horribly far (just over three hours by train) to the capital of Scotland, so you could easily visit Manchester and Edinburgh on one trip. The markets in Manchester date back to the late 1990s and have become one of the UK’s most popular festive events.

The main hub of the market is at Piccadilly Gardens, but there are eight other locations spread across the city center. At Piccadilly Gardens, two twinkly light-covered marquees will be jam-packed with stalls and Piccadilly Street Food Market will extend its opening hours. The largest market is held at Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street is where you want to go for more high-end shopping, and King Street is a must-visit for cannelloni from the Italian deli and rum from local distillery, Salford Rum. After shopping, head to Cathedral Gardens for Skate Manchester’s covered ice rink. There’s live entertainment here from Thursday to Sunday and a bunch more festive food and drink offerings.

• Dates: November 8 — December 22
• Opening times: Daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Where: Piccadilly Gardens Manchester, Greater Manchester, England

Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

Blenheim Palace, a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a twenty-minute drive from the city of Oxford. The palace’s grand architecture, adorned with festive decorations, provides a breathtaking backdrop for the annual Christmas Market and Light Trail.

The courtyard of the palace houses the market of wooden chalets where you can wander and sample festive food and drinks and grab some souvenirs before going into the palace or onto the light trail, which winds through the grounds to a waterfall area illuminated in a stunning display of choreographed lights. For families with young children, the Christmas market also has a small fairground with a vintage carousel, helter-skelter (a wooden amusement spiral slide ride), and swingboats (a boat ride which dates back to the Victorian era in England). And this year, you can lace up your boots and skate on the Palace’s stunning Great Court on a covered ice rink.

To make the most of your visit to Blenheim Palace during the Christmas season, it’s recommended that you book your tickets in advance. This is a hugely popular event, and advanced preparation will ensure you have access to both the Christmas Market and the Light Trail, as well as parking.

• Dates: November 15 — January 1, 2025
• Opening times: Daily from 10.30 AM to 8.30 PM
• Where: Blenheim Palace, Oxford Road, Woodstock, England

Bath

The Bath Christmas Market, held annually in the heart of the city, features over 200 chalets and stalls spread across the historic center. It’s well spaced out, from Bath Abbey, York Street to the Roman Baths, and sells everything you need for Christmas. Because it is so big, it’s recommended that you download the Bath Christmas Market Map to navigate the market with ease. This handy resource highlights the main shopping zones, notable sections, and points of interest, helping you plan your route and make the most of your visit. There’s a huge range of vendors, more so than many other markets on the list. Keep an eye out for local businesses like House of Leopards, known for their eco-friendly resin earrings, and Beau & Badger, selling hilariously naughty bone china decorations.

• Dates: November 28 — December 15
• Opening times: Monday to Wednesday 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Thursday to Saturday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Sundays 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Where: Bath City Centre, Bath, England

Cardiff Christmas Market

The Cardiff Christmas Market has been running for over 30 years in the city center. It’s grown over the decades, with over 200 pop-up stalls selling everything from local goods (look out for local cheese, honey, gin, and chocolate) to Christmas novelty items — perfect for that person with everything.

The city’s festivities extend beyond the market. The Light of Winter Trail, a magical light and sound installation, illuminates the city center. This free event features a breathtaking array of illuminations, sculptures, and special effects and runs until early January. On the City Hall Lawn and the grounds of Cardiff Castle, there’s a Winter Wonderland where you can stake on the open-air ice rink, hop on fairground rides, and grab a bite to eat and drink in the Alpine Village and Ice Bar.

• Dates: November 14 — December 23
• Opening times: Monday to Saturday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Sundays 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Where: Cardiff City Centre, Cardiff, Wales

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market

England’s second-largest city is home to the grandest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria, Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market. This spectacular market is a firm fixture in the city’s annual calendar and attracts UK and European visitors.

Held in Victoria Square and along New Street, expect everything you’d want from an authentic Christmas market and more. Foodies will be delighted. You can gobble warm pretzels, authentic bratwursts, roasted almonds, warming glühwein, German beers, and the finest hot chocolate. Live music events kick off on Christmas Eve at The Bandstand Victoria Square; check out the events page for up-to-date listings for 2024.

• Dates: November 1 — December 24
• Opening times: Monday to Thursday 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Fridays 11:00 AM to 9.30 PM, Saturdays 10:00 AM to 9.30 PM, Sundays 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Where: Victoria Square and New Street, Birmingham, England

Oban Winter Fest

If you’re willing to go a little further north and embrace a Scottish winter, consider visiting the small town of Oban for a Christmas vacation. The capital of the Western Highlands is situated on the west coast of Scotland and packed in summer with UK and international visitors wanting to tuck into the freshest seafood and take in the stunning coastal scenery. But come winter, the pubs get a little bit cozier and the locals warmer as they gear up for their annual Christmas festival.

Oban Winter Festival is well known in Scotland and has won town awards from publications such as TimeOut and the BBC for its festive efforts. The 10-day celebration is held from November 15 to 24. The festival began in 2011, with a Victorian market, reindeer parade, ice rink, comedy nights, music workshops, and traditional folk music performances. Proving to be a resounding success, the festival has grown to showcase the town’s heritage and culture through a diverse range of happenings, including art exhibitions, craft workshops, language classes, games, and musical performances — there’s even a Santa’s sleigh parade featuring real reindeer. There is a choice of markets peppered throughout the town, each selling local homemade gifts and produce. Two of the better are those at Oban Distillery and The Corran Halls.

• Dates: November 15 — November 24
• Opening times: Check the website for an up-to-date program of events
• Where: Oban, Argyll and Bute, Scotland