From mid November the UK’s cities fill with wooden huts, fairy lights and the smell of mulled wine. Christmas markets, inspired by the traditional markets of Germany and central Europe, have become one of the highlights of the British winter. They are a place to shop for gifts, eat and drink, and soak up the festive atmosphere.
These ten markets are the pick, though dates, locations and layouts change every year, so check before you set off. They are busiest on weekend evenings, so a weekday or an early visit is more relaxed. And if the mulled wine is part of the plan, leave the car at home.
1. Manchester
Manchester’s Christmas markets are among the largest and most popular in Britain. Instead of one market, there are several spread across the city centre, in squares and streets from Exchange Square to Piccadilly Gardens and Cathedral Gardens. You can wander from one to the next.
The markets have hundreds of stalls selling gifts, crafts, food and drink from around the world. Traditional German food, such as bratwurst and pretzels, sits alongside food from many other countries. Mulled wine and hot chocolate keep visitors warm.
The markets usually open in mid November and run until just before Christmas. They are very busy at weekends and in the evenings, when the lights are at their best. A giant inflatable Santa has been a feature of the markets in many years.
The city centre is also full of shops, so you can combine the markets with Christmas shopping. Plan to walk between the markets. See our Manchester guide.
2. Birmingham
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the largest German style Christmas markets outside Germany and Austria. It fills New Street and Victoria Square with rows of wooden chalets. It has been held every year for more than twenty years.
Many of the traders come from Germany, selling traditional crafts, decorations, toys and food. The smell of grilled sausages, roasted nuts and mulled wine fills the air. The market has a lively, festive atmosphere.
Beer halls and bars serve German beer and gluhwein, and there is often live music. The market also has a children’s area with rides. It is very popular with groups and families.
The market is busiest on weekend evenings, when it can be very crowded. Visiting on a weekday afternoon is more relaxing. See our Birmingham guide.
3. Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations transform the city centre into a winter festival. The market fills Princes Street Gardens and nearby streets, beneath the floodlit castle. It is one of the most beautiful settings for a Christmas market anywhere.
The festival has stalls selling crafts, gifts and food, as well as fairground rides, a big wheel and other attractions. The views of the castle and the Old Town from the big wheel are wonderful. There is often an ice rink.
The Christmas festival runs into Hogmanay, the Scottish New Year, one of the biggest New Year celebrations in the world. The torchlight procession and the street party draw huge crowds. Accommodation books up well ahead.
Edinburgh can be cold and windy in December, so wrap up warm. The market is a short walk from Waverley station. See our Edinburgh guide.
4. Bath
The Bath Christmas Market fills the streets around Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths with wooden chalets. The honey coloured Georgian buildings and the abbey make it one of the most beautiful settings of all. It is one of the best known Christmas markets in Britain.
The market focuses on handmade crafts and local produce, with many traders from the south west of England. You can find unusual gifts, from jewellery to ceramics. There is plenty of food and drink.
The market is extremely popular, and it draws coach parties from across the country. It is very busy on Saturdays. Weekdays are much more comfortable.
Combine the market with a visit to the Roman Baths, a soak at Thermae Bath Spa or afternoon tea in the Pump Room. The city looks magical when the lights are lit. See our Bath guide.
5. York
York’s Christmas market, known as the St Nicholas Fair, fills the streets of the medieval city around the Minster and the Shambles. The old buildings and narrow streets make it feel like a scene from a Christmas card. It is one of the most atmospheric markets in Britain.
The market has stalls selling crafts, gifts and local food, including Yorkshire specialities. The Shambles Market, just behind the famous street, also has stalls. The city’s tea rooms and pubs are cosy in winter.
York Minster holds carol services and concerts through December, which are a highlight of the season. The city’s shops are lit up and decorated. Walking the city walls on a crisp winter day is lovely.
York is very busy in the weeks before Christmas, especially at weekends. The city centre is small, so it is easy to walk everywhere. See our York guide.
6. Winchester
Winchester’s Christmas market is held in the close of Winchester Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in England. The wooden chalets are set around the cathedral green, with the great building as a backdrop. It is one of the most popular markets in the south of England.
The market has an ice rink beside the cathedral, which is lovely for skating in the evenings under the lights. The stalls sell crafts, gifts, decorations and food. Many of the traders are local.
The cathedral holds carol services and concerts through the season. The city’s streets are full of independent shops. It is a lovely place for a day of Christmas shopping.
The market is busy, especially at weekends, and tickets for the ice rink should be booked ahead. Winchester is about an hour from London by train. See our Winchester guide.
7. London
London has many Christmas markets, but the biggest is Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, a huge festival with rides, shows, an ice rink, a circus and hundreds of stalls. It is enormous and very popular. Entry is by timed ticket.
The Southbank Centre has a smaller, more relaxed Christmas market along the river, with wooden chalets selling food, drink and gifts. The views of the river and the lights are lovely. It is free to wander.
Covent Garden is beautifully decorated, with a giant Christmas tree and lights, and there are markets and events in many other parts of the city. The Christmas lights on Oxford Street, Regent Street and Carnaby Street are famous. Ice rinks pop up at historic places such as Hampton Court and the Natural History Museum.
London is extremely busy in December, so plan ahead and book popular events early. See our Westminster guide.
8. Cardiff
Cardiff’s Christmas market fills the city centre streets around the church of St John the Baptist with wooden huts. It focuses on handmade crafts and Welsh food. It has a friendly, local atmosphere.
The stalls sell gifts, jewellery, ceramics and art made by Welsh craftspeople. Welsh cakes, cooked fresh, are a festive treat. Mulled wine and hot drinks are everywhere.
Cardiff also has a winter festival with an ice rink and rides, usually in the civic centre near the castle. Cardiff Castle and the Victorian arcades are close by. The city’s shops are decorated for the season.
The market runs through much of November and December. It is busiest at weekends. See our Cardiff guide.
9. Belfast
Belfast’s Christmas market is held in the grounds of Belfast City Hall, one of the grandest buildings in the city. The wooden chalets are set around the lawns, with the lit up City Hall behind. It draws visitors from across Northern Ireland and beyond.
The market has stalls selling food and drink from around the world, as well as crafts and gifts. There is a large bar serving mulled wine and beer. It has a lively, friendly atmosphere.
The city centre shops are decorated for Christmas, and the Cathedral Quarter’s pubs are cosy. St George’s Market also has festive stalls. The whole city feels festive.
The market is very busy in the evenings and at weekends. City Hall is in the heart of the city centre. See our Belfast guide.
10. Glasgow
Glasgow’s Christmas celebrations fill the city centre with markets, lights and events. The market in St Enoch Square has stalls selling food, drink and gifts from around the world. George Square is decorated with lights and a large Christmas tree.
Glasgow’s shops, on the Style Mile of Buchanan Street, Sauchiehall Street and Argyle Street, are at their busiest in December. The city is one of the best places to shop in Britain outside London. The lights make it magical.
The city also has winter festivals with ice rinks and rides in various years. Glasgow’s pubs and restaurants are warm and welcoming in winter. The atmosphere is lively and friendly.
The markets and events change from year to year, so check what is on before you go. See our Glasgow guide.
Ride with ZeroLanes. Mulled wine and car keys do not mix. Book a car there and back at a fixed price, or keep one for the evening by the hour. Book a car by the hour.