Thursday, November 28, 2024
Get into the holiday spirit with the UK’s most festive Christmas markets, offering everything from handcrafted gifts and local treats to ice skating and mulled wine.
With markets popping up across the country, the UK is ready to deliver all the trimmings of a traditional Christmas celebration, from alpine chalets to twinkling lights and cozy mulled drinks.
While European cities like Berlin, Bruges, and Vienna often steal the show, the UK’s Christmas markets are making a name for themselves with unique British charm.
Markets kick off as early as November and run through December, transforming city centers into festive wonderlands. Here’s your guide to the best markets to visit in 2024.
Bath Christmas Market, Bath
With 230 wooden chalets, Bath’s Christmas Market is nestled in the heart of this historic city. Local artisans offer handcrafted goods, and food stalls serve everything from seasonal treats to locally produced gin. Visitors can skate at Bath on Ice or explore the immersive “12 Tales of a Georgian Christmas” at No.1 Royal Crescent.
Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham
As the largest German market outside Germany and Austria, Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market brings a taste of Bavaria to the UK. Find bratwurst, stollen, glühwein, and handcrafted ornaments along New Street and Victoria Square, with live music setting a merry mood.
Cardiff Christmas Market, Cardiff
Running through the heart of Cardiff, this Welsh market is known for its artisanal crafts and vibrant atmosphere. Shop for silver jewelry, ceramics, and enjoy the warming cups of mulled wine while exploring the city’s holiday offerings, presented by Craft Folk, a long-standing champion of local makers.
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market, Winchester
One of the UK’s most enchanting markets, Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market offers visitors a magical experience with over 100 wreath-adorned chalets. Find unique handcrafted gifts, enjoy hog roast rolls, and experience lantern parades in this city steeped in holiday spirit.
Edinburgh Christmas Market, Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market is a winter wonderland featuring a big wheel, ice rink, Santa’s grotto, and a Christmas tree maze. With around 70 stalls offering crafts and seasonal treats, enjoy Scotland’s favorite hot toddy as you take in the festive ambiance from November to January.
York Christmas Market, York
York’s Parliament Street and St. Sampson’s Square transform into a holiday haven with alpine chalets, local artisans, and a vintage carousel for that extra Christmas nostalgia. Most vendors are from Yorkshire, so expect to find plenty of locally crafted stocking fillers
Belfast Christmas Market, Belfast
Celebrating its 20th year, Belfast’s market at City Hall is a Victorian-inspired experience complete with international and local traders, festive food, and family-friendly fun. Look out for Santa’s grotto, a helter-skelter, and an array of seasonal foods like glühwein and artisan cheeses.
When: November 16 – December 22
Canterbury Christmas Market, Canterbury
This Kent market hosts 96 chalet huts beneath a 30ft Christmas tree, with marshmallow toasting, dog-friendly Santa visits, and a festive mini-golf course. From November, visitors can enjoy a lineup of carols and holiday cheer just steps from Canterbury Cathedral.
When: November 15 – December 24
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Blenheim Palace sparkles with a festive trail, brand-new ice rink, and trips to Neverland. Glide around the Great Court and shop for seasonal treats before exploring the palace gardens adorned with lights for 2024.
When: November 15 – December 22
Spitalfields Christmas Market, London
This London market shines with late-night shopping, mulled wine, and live music. Browse stocking stuffer stalls, and catch “The Lost Library of Spitalfields,” a heartwarming holiday show at the Greenhouse Theatre.
When: November 29 – December 24
Tags: christmas markets, the UK
