‘Tis the season for love and understanding… and lots of presents, pigs in blankets, mulled wine and, of course, a traditional Christmas market. Hundreds of them will be popping up across the UK over the next couple of months so we have been scouring hard to find you the best Christmas markets in the UK to wander around in 2023. And we’ve 17 of the best Christmas Markets below for you to check out.
Truth be told, we’re suckers for the cute chalets, the twinkling lights, the carols playing and the smell of roasted chestnuts in the air. Cue seasonal ‘ho ho ho’, grab your loved ones, embrace the cold and set out for a Christmas adventure.
A Very Regal Christmas
When: Throughout December 2023
Where: Tredegar House, Newport
How much: Free entry
At Tredegar House in Newport, South Wales, you can explore a beautiful 17th-century National Trust home and soak up some serious festive spirit. Although not a traditional Christmas Market, Tredegar House has festive events on throughout December including wreath-making workshops (1st to 3rd December, £55 per person), visits from Santa and Scrooge (9th, 10th, 16th and 17th December), Christmas singalongs and late night openings.
The on-site bookshop and Brewhouse Cafe are also opening late on selected dates so you can enjoy the stunning surroundings and exquisite decorations after dark before treating yourself or starting your Christmas shopping.
Stay here: Celtic Manor
Pic Source: National Trust
York St Nicholas Fair
Where: Parliament Street & St Sampson’s Square, York
When: 16th Nov – 22nd Dec 2023
How much: Free entry
The award-winning York Christmas market is a biggie! Peruse produce from crafters and local makers showcased in a stunning festive backdrop. With more than 75 alpine chalets, traditional Christmas pressies, treats and trinkets galore can be found on Parliament Street this December.
And if you’re hungry, you’re in for a festive feast: York’s Christmas market has an amazing range of delicious winter warming treats such as mulled wine while the Shambles offers a wide array of International street food from Moroccan to Thai.
No wonder York’s Christmas Market won Best Large Speciality Market at the Great British Market Awards in 2019. York was also voted the UK’s Most Festive City in 2017, jingle bells indeed!
Stay here: Hotels in York
Pic Source: Visit York
Gloucester’s Vegan Christmas Market
Where: Blackfriars, Gloucester
When: 3rd December 2023
How much: £3
The most wholesome Christmas market you could come across: everything sold in this Christmas market is 100% cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. It’s the perfect place to pick up pressies for your vegan family and friends, as well as enjoy some tasty food and drink from one of 60 stalls.
The market is set in the stunning historic Gloucester Blackfriars, which was founded in 1239 on a site that had once been part of a Norman castle. The market runs throughout the building with hot food being served in the gardens so be sure to wrap up!
Stay here: The Hideaway Cottage or Sula Lightship (for an extra special treat)
Pic Source: Vegefied.com
Chatsworth House Christmas Market
Where: Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
When: 4th Nov – 26th Nov 2023
How much: Free to attend, parking fees apply
Set in the magnificent Chatsworth House, a huge stately home with an illustrious history, is the starlit Christmas Market. Expect over 100 market stalls selling a huge range of Christmas gifts and decorations and live music to keep those spirits high.
The best time to visit is at dusk, as it gets chilly and the stars come out. Cosy up and wander round the market for the most magical festive feel. You can also explore Chatsworth House’s very own exclusive gifts ranges in the Stables Shop. Here you’ll find homeware, fashion and lots of adorable stocking fillers.
Don’t forget to book parking in advance as this cannot be purchased on arrival.
Stay here: Rutland Arms Hotel
Pic Source: Explore Buxton
Genuine Jersey Simply Christmas Market
Where: St Helier’s Royal Square, Jersey
When: 23rd – 26th Nov, 30th Nov – 3rd Dec, 7th – 10th Dec 2023
How much: Free entry
Located in St Helier’s stunning Royal Square, the Genuine Jersey Simply Christmas Market will provide you with everything you need to get in the most festive of spirits.
Nestled under canopies of Christmas lights, over 50 stalls will be heaving with stocking fillers, locally produced goodies, delicious festive fayre and live music. Whether you’re seeking a unique Christmas gifts of fancy a festive family afternoon out, this is the perfect spot to top up on seasonal spirit.
Each festive season the island celebrates its French Norman Heritage with Fête dé Noué, a celebration of all things Christmas, with a range of events taking place throughout December.
Stay here: Hotel De France
Pic Source: Fly Jersey
Chester Christmas Market
Where: Town Hall Square, Chester
When: 17th Nov – 21st Dec 2023
How much: Free entry
Chester Christmas Market is set in the very heart of Chester, getting locals and tourists alike feeling rather jolly.
What awaits you is over 70 traditional wooden chalets surrounding the iconic sparkling tree in the heart of the city centre pointing you in the direction of gold, frankincense and myrrh (also known as glühwein, frankfurters and mince pies).
This Christmas market is a handmade, historical and magical experience – one not to be missed if you’re in this neck of the woods.
Stay here: MILL Hotel & Spa
Pic Source: Visit Cheshire
Belfast Christmas Market
Where: Belfast City Hall grounds
When: 18th Nov – 22nd Dec 2022
How much: Free entry
This month-long Christmas Market is the perfect way to begin your festive preparations. Set at the iconic Belfast City Hall, this market brings together traders, artisans and food specialists from all around the world so that you can sample amazing international delicacies and find truly unique gifts.
Previous years have also seen plenty of entertainment for kids at Belfast Christmas Market with attractions such as a vintage helter-skelter, a helter skelter and, of course, the big man himself. Grab your cosiest knits and enjoy an evening of gastronomic delights and ultimate festive fun!
Pic Source: Belfast Christmas Market Facebook Page
Manchester Christmas Market
Where: Across the city
When: 10th Nov – 21st Dec 2023
How much: Free entry
Manchester’s Christmas Market is back and celebrating 25 years of Christmas markets in the city with more than 225 stalls and food outlets appearing across the city, including Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, The Corn Exchange and King Street!
Piccadilly Gardens will be transformed into the family-friendly Winter Gardens and will be packed with fabulous food and drink offerings while the Manchester Christmas Parade is set to take place on the 3rd of December. Don’t miss out on the Christmas Lights Trail around the city and take a spin on the covered ice rink in Cathedral Gardens.
Stay here: Church Mews Apartment
Pic Source: Visit Manchester
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market
Where: Victoria Square and New Street, Birmingham
When: 2nd Nov – 24th Dec 2023
How much: Free entry
Birmingham is buzzing throughout the festive season, but the German Christmas market is a centrepiece in all the festivities. Brought to Birmingham in 1997 by the organiser of the Frankfurt Christmas Market, this seasonal extravaganza has Christmas lovers flocking to ‘Brum’.
It is one of the largest authentic German markets outside of Germany, making it one of the most popular markets to visit in the UK.
It has more than 80 stalls offering traditional toys, trinkets and delicious German classics like bratwurst, pretzels and schnitzels, plus plenty of live music and fabulously festive vibes.
Stay here: Staycity ApartHotels or near Birmingham at Ewe Glamping
Pic Source: Visit Birmingham
Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas Market
Where: Waterside, Bridge Street, Henley Street, High Street and Meer Street
When: 7th – 10th Dec 2023
How much: Free entry
If you fancy a Christmas market with a difference, this amazing themed event might just be for you! As well as over 300 stalls, street food, live music and a fun fair, this festive spectacular has a historic twist with Victorian costuming, a vintage carousel and other clever touches to bring the magic of Christmas to life in a way that is brimming with the charm of yesteryear.
Winner of ‘Best Large Speciality Market’ in 2021, the market covers four days of eating, drinking, shopping and merry-making – just don’t forget your bonnet! Whilst you’re in the area, make sure you swing by the Fourteas Tearoom.
Pic Source: Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas Market Facebook page
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Where: Hyde Park, London
When: 17th Nov 2023 – 1st Jan 2024
How much: Free entry duing off-peak hours, £5 during standard and £7.50 during peak hours. Pre-booking essential
Prepare to be seriously overwhelmed by festive fun! Winter Wonderland is home to a huge array of delights including Santaland, the perfect destination for little Christmas Market attendees, Justin’s Christmas Singalong and Zippo’s Christmas Circus. Please note there are additional charges for many of the shows and rides. There are also loads of bars to choose from including one made completely of ice, the Pepsi-Max Fire Pit and an entire Bavarian Village complete with DJs and singalong sessions.
Alongside all that there’s also the annual return of the UK’s largest open-air ice rink, an ice slide for those who are big kids at heart and, to top it all off, jaw-dropping acts in Cirque Berserk. Trust us, you could spend all of December here and still not run out of things to do!
Stay here: Lulubelle Houseboat, The Mandeville Hotel or the London Gin Hotel
Pic Source: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Cirencester Christmas Market
Where: Cirencester Town Centre, Gloucestershire
When: 25th & 26th November 2023
How much: Free entry
For 2023, Cirencester’s Advent Market will be set against a stunning backdrop of twinkling lights while live music, street entertainers and family activities enhance that festive atmosphere.
This year the market will stretch from Castle Street to Cricklade Street through Market Place, with the town centre being closed to traffic. Over 200 stalls will be offering up wondrous wares while plenty of food stalls will also be on hand to quench your thirst or satisfy your hunger with delicacies such as local craft cider and beer. New for this year, visitors will also be able to take part in the Snowman Trail, a hunt for nine willow snowmen with amazing prizes up for grabs!
This wonderful seasonal day out is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit but if you fancy picking up some skills while you’re in Cirencester, check out the fabulous Old Bakehouse Cook School for the chance to learn some new techniques that you can show off at the festive dinner table.
Stay here: Barnsley House
Pic Source: Cotswolds.com
Winter Wonderland Nottingham
Where: Old Market Square, Nottingham
When: 7th Nov – 31st Dec 2023
How much: Free entry
Past years have seen Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland claim the spot as the largest event in the East Midlands! Over the years this incredible Christmas market has been expanded to offer a huge array of stalls as well as an ice rink, toboggan and live music.
They have something for everyone: artisan cheeses, plants, jewellery, beauty products, homeware and all the festive treats you could possibly wish for! With a helter skelter bar, an ice bar and even a glass chalet bar perched high above the crowds and offering panoramic views across the market, be sure to make time for a tipple or two!
Stay here: Roomzzz Nottingham City
Pic Source: Visit Nottinghamshire
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market
Where: Throughout the city centre
When: 17th Nov 2023 – 6th Jan 2024
How much: Free entry
Edinburgh’s Christmas is a show-stopping, six-week season of festive entertainment in the heart of the gorgeous city.
The Christmas Market stalls lie in East Princess Street Gardens where more than 70 international traders will be selling their wares. To the West of the Gardens is the Festive Family Funfair where thrill-seekers can enjoy a spin on one of the rides or enjoy a bite to eat. The Ross Bandstand also has a whole host of Christmassy entertainment on to enjoy including silent discos, choirs and ceilidhs. If you feel like chilling out, head to George Street for a turn on the ice rink.
This UK Christmas market is a real magical experience, with many people choosing to wander the stalls after dusk, where the twinkling lights and impressive castle look even more beautiful.
Stay here: Ice Cream Suite
Pic Source: Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
Cardiff Christmas Market
Where: St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street and Hills Street, Cardiff
When: 9th Nov – 23rd Dec 2023
How much: Free entry
Cardiff Christmas Market returns to the pedestrian streets of Cardiff City Centre this year with a host of exciting and eclectic treats. Adorable wooden chalets play host to a huge array of covetable treasure that you can browse to find the perfect quaint gift from the huge array of tradespeople and crafters.
As well as stalls and wares from the CraftFolk traders, there area also plenty of edible treats to enjoy – is there such a thing as too much mulled wine in December? Whilst you’re in Cardiff, why not also check out the Secret Garden Cafe – an oasis in the heart of the city.
Stay here: Voco St David’s
Pic Source: Visit Cardiff
Holkham Christmas Market
Where: Holkham Hall, Norfolk
When: 9th & 10th Dec 2023
Let’s face it, food at Christmas is second to none. And Holkham Hall in Norfolk has had the genius idea to celebrate festive food so we can all gorge ourselves in the interests of research!
Go along to their unique UK Christmas market and feast your eyes on 60 of the area’s best local producers showcasing their seasonal food, drink and gifts in the Lady Elizabeth Wing.
As well as being a great opportunity to stock up on ingredients for your own holiday feast, this year the fair will offer some gorgeous gifts to help your tie off your Christmas shopping while the festive tone will be set by Fakenham Town Band and Nelson’s Shantymen.
Stay here: Victoria Inn
Pic Source: Holkham Hall
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