Whether you're in it for the waffles, souvenir mugs, unique handmade gifts, or just to "ooooh" at the twinkly lights and top up your photos, a trip to the UK's Christmas markets is the ultimate way to get festive.
The tried-and tested UK's top Christmas markets perform well year-after-year. And if you make the trip to any of these, you won’t be disappointed.
But as well as the solid reliables, there are new developments aplenty on the Christmas market scene in 2024. From one-off events and activities to draw crowds to brand-new markets people are seriously rating.
Where are the UK’s Top Christmas Markets for 2024?
Bringing in new tips and buzz from travel experts, press and communities, social media, family and friends, here are the best and hottest Christmas markets lighting up the UK in 2024. Prost!
UK Christmas Market Favourites
Belfast’s Christmas Market
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When?: Saturday 16th November - Sunday 22nd December 2024.
Where?: Belfast’s Christmas Market transforms the City Hall grounds into a festive haven.
Why it Stands Out
Now in its 20th year, Belfast Christmas Market brings everything you could want from a festive day out.
The local produce here is chef’s kiss. Blending local artisan products with European flavours, think boozy hot chocolate, churros and enough festive decor to make Clark Griswold jealous.
Plus, the city’s atmosphere is electric at this time of year and you have the cracking photo backdrop of City Hall.
In 2024, visitors are in for a treat, with the introduction of a special Dickens theme.
On the opening weekend and third weekend (30th November to 1st December), characters from his stories will stroll alongside you as you shop and tell stories that bring Dickens’ iconic works to life.
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
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When?: Friday 1st November - Tuesday 24th December 2024.
Where?: Victoria Square and New Street.
Why it Stands Out
Birmingham's Christmas market is a giant on the UK Christmas markets scene, being the largest German market outside Germany and Austria.
Over 180 stalls serve up hearty food and gluhwein alongside carol singers and live bands. You’ll be knee-deep in pretzels, bratwurst and steins of beer aplenty.
Comfy shoes and stretchy trousers are advisable.
Cardiff Christmas Market
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When?: Thursday 14th November until Monday 23rd December
Where?: St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street and Hills Street.
Why it Stands Out
Wales knows how to party and Cardiff Christmas Market is its festive HQ. Think ice rinks, fairground rides and a hard-to-rival pick of vendors.
From pet portraits to polymer clay jewellery, you’ll find something here for even the most awkward of giftees.
As well as Welsh-made crafts, there’s an ample pick of Christmassy foods, including, of course, lots of cheese. Because what’s Christmas without cheese?
Take a break to do a little ice skating while looking out over Cardiff Castle and snacking on local Welsh cakes in between shopping.
Edinburgh Christmas Markets
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When?: Friday 15th November 2024 - Saturday 4th January 2025.
Where?: East Princes Street Gardens.
Why it Stands Out
With its historic sandstone buildings and cosy cobbled winding streets, Edinburgh couldn’t be a more perfect place to spend Christmas.
Plus, the epic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle will make your festive Insta pics unbeatable.
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market on East Princes Street Gardens is a firm favourite. This year, it’s adding a new rooftop terrace overlooking the festivities. The views will be unreal and you can try the local delicacy of mulled Irn-Bru.
And with EdWinterFest going on around it, you can step out for a ceilidh, warm your pipes with a carol concert or join a silent disco under the castle.
Manchester Christmas Markets
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When?: Friday 8th November - Sunday 22nd December 2024.
Where?: Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, St Ann's Square, Exchange Square, The Corn Exchange and King Street.
Why It Stands Out
My adopted home town of Manchester takes Christmas very seriously. Its markets aren’t in just one location - there are whole villages of markets right across the city centre.
From St Ann’s Square to Piccadilly Gardens, you’ll find mulled wine chalets, craft stalls and a cheeky ice rink to fall down on.
And the food is ridiculous. From loaded Yorkies, fried chicken waffle sandwiches to hot chocolate in edible gingerbread cups, you’d better bring plenty of pocket money and an empty stomach.
In 2024, the popular Christmas Parade and light trail, featuring giant walk-through baubles, illuminated Manchester bees and Santa Claus himself, will also keep you busy in-between shopping sprees.
York Christmas Markets
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When?: Thursday 14th November - Sunday 22nd December 2024.
Where?: Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square.
Why It Stands Out
Alongside Birmingham, York hosts one of the UKs best-loved Christmas markets.
Maybe it’s because York is one of the most beautiful cities, not only in Yorkshire, but the UK. Or maybe it’s because its cobbled streets, dating back to Roman times, wooden-beamed inns and cosy log fire-lit pubs just give pure Christmas.
It may also have something to do with its award-winning markets and events. Wander around alpine chalets, take a spin on a vintage carousel or try a local Yorkshire pudding with all the trimmings.
Either way, I’d challenge anyone not to feel Christmassy in this incredible place.
Bath Christmas Market
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When?: Thursday 28th November - Sunday 15th December 2024.
Where?: Bath Street, Milsom Street and Abbey Quarter.
Why It Stands Out
Bath Christmas Market regularly makes the lists of the best Christmas markets in the UK. That Roman-meets-festive aesthetic is something you won’t get anywhere else.
Bath is the kind of place that looks Christmassy all year round. But come December, it cranks the festive dial up to 11.
The market is dotted around the cobblestone streets near the Abbey and it’s all about the unique gifts and epic food stalls.
Bag some original knitwear, organic syrups, beeswax candles or even metal garden art. Or if you’re feeling brave, pick up some locally produced English wine.
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
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When?: Friday 22nd November - Sunday 22nd December 2024.
Where?: The Grounds of Winchester Cathedral.
Why It Stands Out
A hog roast roll bursting with stuffing and apple sauce, followed by a clotted cream fudge flapjack. All washed down with a hot spiced mead. This is how you could be eating at the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market.
On top of some shockingly great local food and drink, you can also watch carol concerts, join a Christmas paint club or try your hand at making Christmas candles.
The jam-packed schedule of events will leave even the Scroogiest of souls glowing inside. What’s not to love?
UK Christmas Markets: Ones to Watch
As well as these more established favourites, a buzz has been growing around the following UK Christmas markets.
Liverpool Christmas Markets
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Liverpool's Christmas Markets brim with the energy of the city’s seasonal visitors, Christmas shoppers and place a huge focus on independent traders. A new Ferris wheel also adds extra sparkle in 2024.
Market Open Dates: Saturday 16th November – Tuesday 24th December 2024.
Why it’s One to Watch: Liverpool is creeping up as a less busy but just-as-pretty rival to neighbouring Manchester, with added riverside views and an excellent shopping scene.
Chester Christmas Market
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Chester's Christmas Market is a cosy affair, but has been garnering increasing attention and visitor numbers.
Market Open Dates: Sunday 15th November - Sunday 22nd December 2024.
Why it's One to Watch: Against the backdrop of Chester’s many Tudor houses, it's sure to be packed with Christmas character.
Don't Keep Christmas to Yourself!
With frosted scenery, alpine huts, terrible skating attempts and Insta-worthy food at every turn, make sure you don't run out of data at the UK's top Christmas markets.
Drop by the Airalo eSIM store to choose the best data options for your trip.
