‘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 this winter. 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.
The Christmas Market Barn
When: 10th – 11th December 2022
Where: Tredegar House, Newport
How much: Free entry
More than just a Christmas market, at Tredegar House in Newport, South Wales, you get to explore the beautiful 17th-century National Trust home, before braving the cold and heading over to the car park and home farm which will be filled with seasonal Christmas crafts and fayre. But first you will definitely want to wander through the huge, ornate house, feeling very regal indeed.
Sat in 90 acres of beautiful gardens, this red brick house is beautifully decorated for a grand Christmas with the grounds hosting a 12 days of Christmas trail on selected dates. We’ve heard that Scrooge himself will also be paying Tredegar House a visit this festive season, so keep an eye out.
This UK Christmas market is held in Home Farm barns on the Tredegar Estate and sells unique gifts from local traders and artisan produce – perfect for any final festive shopping.
Stay here: Celtic Manor
Pic Source: National Trust
York St Nicholas Fair
Where: Parliament Street & St Sampson’s Square, York
When: 17th Nov – 23rd Dec 2022
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. Traditional Christmas pressies can be found amongst the many alpine chalets lining Parliament Street.
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: TOFY
Pic Source: Visit York
Gloucester’s Vegan Christmas Market
Where: Blackfriars, Gloucester
When: 4th December 2022
How much: £3
The most wholesome Christmas market you could come across: everything sold in this Christmas market is 100% ethically made and sourced, and vegan-friendly. It’s the perfect place to pick up pressies for your vegan family and friends, as well as enjoy some cruelty-free food and drinks 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 rustic ruins are decked out to the max for the Christmas market, so you are sure to feel festive here.
Stay here: The Hideaway Cottage or Sula Lightship (for an extra special treat)
Pic Source: Vegefied.com
Oxford Christmas Market
Where: Broad street, Oxford City Centre
When: 1st – 18th Dec 2022
How much: Free entry
Oxford will be filled with festive joy as the Oxford Christmas Market plans to return to the heart of the city on the beautiful and historic Broad Street this December. Wrap up warm and walk amongst the stalls with the sound of choirs singing Christmas carols while market traders offer up unusual wares.
Colourful decorations will be brightening the wooden stalls and the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon will be wafting round. The Oxford Christmas Market is a truly magical traditional Christmas experience and a ‘must do’ this December.
Stay here: Harcourt Arms
Pic Source: Oxford Christmas Market
Chatsworth House Christmas Market
Where: Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
When: 5th Nov – 23rd Nov 2022
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.
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.
Stay here: Rutland Arms Hotel
Pic Source: Explore Buxton
Genuine Jersey Simply Christmas Market
Where: Royal Square, Jersey
When: 24th – 27th Nov, 3rd – 11th Dec 2022
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.
Picture this: canopies of Christmas lights, stalls heaving with stocking fillers, local artisans showcasing their wares, delicious festive fayre and live music
Each festive season the island celebrates its French Norman Heritage with Fête dé Noué, a celebration of all things Christmas. This year there are some changes to the usual programme of events but St Helier will still have plenty of seasonal celebrations for you to explore.
Stay here: Hotel De France
Pic Source: Fly Jersey
Chester Christmas Market
Where: Town Hall Square, Chester
When: 18th Nov – 22nd Dec 2022
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: 19th Nov – 22nd Dec 2022
How much: Free entry
This month-long Christmas Market is the perfect way to begin your festive preparations. Set in the beautiful Donegall Square 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 giant observation wheel and even a super cute Santa Train. Don’t forget to wrap up warm!
Pic Source: Belfast Christmas Market Facebook Page
Manchester Christmas Market
Where: Across the city
When: 10th Nov – 22nd Dec 2022
How much: Free entry
Manchester’s Christmas Market is back and bigger than ever this year with stalls and food outlets appearing across six of the city’s squares including Albert Square, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street, Market Square, Cathedral Gardens and King Street with everything from vegan skincare to Yorkshire pudding wraps on offer!
This year Piccadilly Gardens will be transformed into the family-friendly Winter Gardens and will be packed with fabulous food and drink offerings, live music, crafts and locally brewed drinks – truly an event not to be missed!
Stay here: Church Mews Apartment
Pic Source: Visit Manchester
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market
Where: Victoria Square and New Street, Birmingham
When: 3rd Nov – 23rd Dec 2022
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 – oh my!
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: 8th – 11th Dec 2022
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 classic carousel and other clever touches to bring the magic of Christmas to life in a way that is brimming with the charm of yesteryear.
2022 will be the Victorian Christmas Market’s fifth year and it has been extended to cover 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: 19th Nov 2022 – 3rd Jan 2023
How much: Free entry duing off-peak hours, £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, and the Magical Ice Kingdom with its 500 tonnes of ice sculptures and snow. There are also loads of bars to choose from including Thor’s Tipi, the Arctic Lodge and a real Ice Bar – sign us up!
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! Whilst you’re in London, why not also try a festive London Silent Disco Tour – it’s the most fun you can have in sequins!
Stay here: The Mandeville Hotel or the London Gin Hotel
Pic Source: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Cirencester Christmas Market
Where: Cirencester Market Place, Gloucestershire
When: 3rd – 4th Dec 2022
How much: Free entry
Christmas in Cirencester! The capital of the Cotswolds. For 2022 the Christmas market will be set against a stunning backdrop of twinkling lights while live music and carol singers enhance that festive atmosphere.
The market will also host local craftspeople and traders offering wares such as wooden toys, jewellery and candles 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.
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 & Long Row, Nottingham
When: 15th Nov – 31st Dec 2022
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, ice bar and live music.
They have something for everyone: artisan cheeses, plants, homemade chutneys, mead, jewellery, scents, fashion, retro style, eco-art, lego art, continental food, local homemade stew and home accessories. Phew. It’s not going to be difficult building your naughty and nice list!
Stay here: Roomzzz Nottingham City
Pic Source: Visit Nottinghamshire
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market
Where: Throughout the city centre
When: 19th Nov 2022 – 3rd Jan 2023
How much: Free entry
Edinburgh’s Christmas is a show-stopping, six-week season of festive entertainment in the heart of the gorgeous city.
Amongst all the magic and sparkle, previous years have included the fabulous Santa Land in Princes Street Gardens, a festive fairground with six fun rides and a children’s market full of gifts and toys. Take a load off tired feet and enjoy panoramic views over the world-famous castle from the top of the big wheel or, if you’re feeling daring, brave one of the more adventurous rides.
This UK Christmas market is a real magical experience, with many people choosing to wander the stalls after dusk, where the twinkling lights look even more beautiful.
Stay here: Ice Cream Suite
Pic Source: Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
Cardiff Christmas Market
Where: St Johns Street, Working STreet, Trinity Street and The Hayes, Cardiff
When: 10th Nov – 23rd Dec 2022
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 one of over 200 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 Food, Drink & Gift Market
Where: Holkham Hall, Norfolk
When: 10th – 11th Dec 2022
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 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 too – and all in a stunning festive setting.
Stay here: Victoria Inn or Albion Night Log Cabin
Pic Source: Holkham Hall
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