From four-day festivals with 250 stalls to single-weekend village fairs, the range of Christmas markets across the UK is enormous. Some run from mid-November into January; others are done in a day. I’ve gathered the dates, details, and highlights for markets across the country to help you plan your winter trips.
Best Christmas Markets in the UK
This guide features the best Christmas markets in the UK, starting with the top 10 and then a comprehensive list of all markets, organised by country. I did a significant update this year based on visitor feedback from comments and messages. We have a few new additions to the best-of list.
Dates
Status: Partially Confirmed
UK Christmas market dates: 6th November 2026 to 4th January 2027 (specific dates vary by market – see below).
Last checked: July 2026
Update: Last year’s dates were finalised in October. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of changes.
Quick Guide to the Top 10 Markets
To skip the top 10, jump to the list of markets by country:
1. Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s winter festivals span from November to January, merging the celebrations of Christmas and Hogmanay.
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Edinburgh dates: 14th November 2026 to 4th January 2027
Check out the Scottish Market on George Street or the traditional European Market in the Mound Precinct. Take a ride on the Big Wheel, Star Flyer, or a classic carousel. Ice skating is located at St Andrew Square, and skate rentals are available for those who don’t have their own.
Read the Edinburgh Christmas Market guide.
2. Birmingham
Unlike any other in the UK, Birmingham is linked with the Frankfurt Christmas Market in Germany, meaning if you want a traditional German-style market, this is the one for you. Its special link to Frankfurt, a popular traditional market, sets it apart from other UK markets and earns it the number two position.
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Birmingham dates: 1st November to 24th December 2026
The event starts at the earliest market and lasts seven weeks. It’s popular with locals, but many international visitors also make a memorable trip.
Read the Birmingham Christmas Market guide.
3. Manchester
Located in the city centre around Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester has one of the largest and most popular groups of winter markets, each with a slightly different focus. It’s particularly great for visitors from outside Manchester, with so much to do that it’s an ideal weekend destination.
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Manchester dates: 6th November to 22nd December 2026
Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens: 6th November to 4th January 2027
With over 300 stalls, it blends traditional German and Austrian gifts and food with locally produced specialties from regional producers and restaurants. Don’t miss the chance to check out the Giant Santa at St Peter’s Square, the gin bar featuring 100 different types of gin, and the Skate Manchester ice rink at Cathedral Square.
Read the Manchester Christmas Market guide.
4. Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is a new addition to the top 10. Although it hasn’t been around for long, it’s already receiving excellent feedback from visitors.
Status: Confirmed
Stratford dates: 28th to 29th November and 5th to 6th December 2026
Although it spans four days and two weekends in December, it’s not a small event. There will be 200 market stalls, and dedicated stages for live performances will enhance the atmosphere.
Read the Stratford Upon Avon Christmas Market guide.
5. Bath
The city of Bath is renowned for its rich history, stunning Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and Pulteney Bridge. With so much to do and being a beautiful place to visit, a cosy winter weekend is perfect for a getaway in one of the lovely B&Bs.
Status: Confirmed
Bath dates: 26th November to 13th December 2026
The market attracts visitors from across the country, and if you need somewhere to stay, you’ll need to book well in advance.
Read the Bath Christmas Market guide.
6. Covent Garden
It seems many people weren’t too happy with the Southbank festival last year, so I’ve replaced it with Covent Garden as London’s best event.
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Covent Garden: 11th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027
This is a great spot for high-end market shopping and some of the best street food in the capital. It can get pretty hectic, but as it’s one of the longest-opening markets, you’ll have plenty of chances to visit.
Read the Covent Garden Christmas Market guide.
7. York
The Shambles might be York’s most iconic street with its charming half-timbered houses, but it has more to offer. From mid-November, market stalls line the streets, creating a vibrant atmosphere. It’s a great walkable area, but it can get extremely crowded, and feedback suggests it’s not great for people with mobility issues.
Status: Expected, based on previous years
York dates: 12th November to 21st December 2026
Decorations along The Shambles lead you towards Parliament Street, where the market begins. Wander through the stalls as you make your way towards St Sampson’s Square, lined with alpine-style chalets.
Read the York Christmas Market guide.
8. Nottingham
Nottingham Winter Wonderland is hugely popular for its ice skating on the main square and numerous attractions, including the observation wheel, toboggan slide, and several themed bars. The market attracts many people to the city due to its strong German influence.
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Market stalls: 11th November to 24th December 2026
Winter Wonderland attractions: 11th November to 31st December 2026
The traditional atmosphere keeps visitors returning year after year. It’s a great choice if you want to try German classics like bratwurst, gingerbread, and mulled wine. Other international foods are also available, such as crepes, poffertjes, and raclette.
Read the Nottingham Christmas Market guide.
9. Winchester
Widely regarded as one of the best in the country, Winchester has over 100 chalets lining the streets and a popular ice rink. The combination of numerous chalets and a focus on locally produced, artisanal items creates an appealing alternative to the larger, more commercial markets.
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Winchester dates: 20th November to 22nd December 2026
An increasing number of items for sale are being produced sustainably, a trend likely to continue.
Read the Winchester Christmas Market guide.
10. Cardiff
Cardiff is the final new addition to the list this year. A few people messaged me on social media, saying they preferred it to some of the larger markets that can get overcrowded. Let me know in the comments if that was your experience.
Status: Partially Confirmed
Christmas market dates: 12th November to 23rd December 2026 (confirmed)
Winter Wonderland dates: 12th November to 4th January 2027
Winter Wonderland is the main event this winter. The Ice Walk and Ice Rink are popular attractions on the castle’s picturesque grounds. The iconic Giant Wheel and funfair attractions are at City Hall Lawn.
Read the Cardiff Christmas Market guide.
Find winter travel inspiration at the Best Christmas Markets in Europe.
England
- Bakewell – Over one weekend in November, with about 100 chalets.
- Bath – A beautiful spa town known for Roman baths, Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge.
- Beverley – Events include Made in East Yorkshire and the Christmas Parade.
- Birmingham – Aligned with the Frankfurt Christmas Market in Germany.
- Bournemouth – Located in the Victorian Gardens, it runs from December to January with a variety of stalls.
- Brighton – The city comes alive with lights and entertainment, including live music and street performers.
- Bristol – Held in Broadmead, with cosy igloos, a Bavarian bar, and a decorated tree.
- Canterbury – Over 70 wooden chalets at Whitefriars Canterbury selling crafts and seasonal treats.
- Chatsworth – Located on the Chatsworth House Estate, where you can visit the stately home, gardens, farmyard, and playground.
- Cheltenham – Set amid Regency architecture, cobblestone streets, and beautiful parks and gardens.
- Chester – Around 70 chalets in Town Hall Square with a central traditional Christmas tree.
- Cirencester – A two-day Advent event in the Cotswolds.
- Exeter – Bavarian-style stalls line Cathedral paths. Local food producers are part of the Exeter Food & Drink Trail.
- Grassington – In the Yorkshire Dales.
- Harrogate – Known for unique gifts and local vendors with entertainment for kids.
- Kent – Several festive places to visit.
- Kingston – Features festive stalls in the Ancient Market Place.
- Knaresborough – Held over one weekend at the North Yorkshire market town.
- Leeds – Known as Christkindelmarkt, it brings German-style delights to Millennium Square.
- Leicester – Events, rides and attractions in Leicester.
- Lichfield – A one-day event in November with 100 stalls across three locations.
- Lincoln – Update: Permanently cancelled.
- Liverpool – Located in the city centre, with over 40 chalets.
- London Christmas Markets
- Ludlow – A small event in Shropshire where you can meet Father Christmas.
- Manchester – Big Santa, a pretty light trail, great gift shopping and loads of events.
- Newcastle – Features over 50 stalls with local traders and traditional Geordie delicacies.
- Norwich – Includes Winter Wonderland with an ice rink and Santa’s Grotto.
- Nottingham – The most popular Winter Wonderland and Bavarian market in the region.
- Oxford – Update: Permanently cancelled.
- Plymouth – Winter City returns to the coastal city with rides and Santa’s Grotto.
- Portsmouth – A maritime German-themed market and a popular lights switch-on.
- Rochester – One of Kent’s biggest events, with over 200 stalls over three weekends.
- Salisbury – Located in Guildhall Square with medieval architecture and over 80 stalls.
- Sheffield – Around 50 stalls in central Sheffield supporting local businesses and craft makers.
- Shrewsbury – Held on the Square and three other locations.
- Skipton – A very popular small town event, taking place over two Sundays in December.
- Southampton – Located in the port city known for its maritime history.
- Stratford Upon Avon – Victorian-themed market in Shakespeare’s country with period decorations and performers.
- Truro – The biggest market event in Cornwall from late November.
- Winchester – One of the best and most sustainable in the country, featuring 100 chalets and a popular ice rink.
- Windsor – Held in a city known for Windsor Castle and the River Thames.
- Worcester – Known as the Victorian Christmas Fayre, with its spirit of the Victorian era.
- York – St Nicholas Fair at Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square.
Scotland
Read the complete guide to the Christmas Markets in Scotland.
- Aberdeen – Spread across Broad Street and Upperkirkgate. The pop-up ice bar is a standout feature.
- Edinburgh – Family-friendly attractions include the Big Wheel, Starflyer, and Helter Skelter, as well as vintage funfair rides at George Street.
- Glasgow – Events include two traditional markets, the IRN-BRU Carnival and Hogmanay. St Enoch is primarily about the food, while George Street is home to the city’s international stalls.
Wales
- Cardiff – One of the best winter festivals for 30 years, with over 200 vendors.
Northern Ireland
- Belfast – A great choice for international vendors mixed with local arts and crafts.
- Derry – Lots going on over winter and New Year’s.
Sustainability Tips
- Mindful Shopping: Only buy what you need. Support local and sustainable vendors.
- Active and Public Transport: Walk, cycle, or use the city’s tram and bus systems to get around. Cities such as London, Belfast, and Edinburgh, among others, have extensive networks.
- Eco-Friendly Hotels: Book a hotel powered by renewable energy.
- Hotel Choices: Choose hotels over short-stay apartments. This helps reduce pressure on housing prices for local residents in cities such as London, Cardiff, and Manchester.
- Avoid Plastic: Refrain from using plastic and opt for items made or packaged without plastic.
- Local Organic Food: Eat locally sourced organic food. Winchester is known for its artisanal, locally produced food.
- Plant-Based Options: Reduce your consumption of meat and dairy products. Markets in Glasgow, Belfast, and Brighton feature numerous vegan stalls.
- Support Local Arts: Attend local events and visit lesser-known markets, such as Bakewell or Skipton, to support the arts.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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