UK Christmas Markets

Christmas markets are an essential part of Christmas and are a brilliant way to start your festivities. With twinkling lights, festive decorations, and Christmas trees, plus stalls selling anything from gifts to delicious seasonal food are sure to put you in the holiday mood. Some even have ice rinks and Ferris wheels to make it a proper family outing.
They are great to do some Christmas shopping as well as eat some delicious Christmas foods and snacks.

Whether you’re a local or planning a vacation, here are some of the best Christmas markets in the UK to explore this winter:

Manchester

Dates: November 8 – December 22
Times: Craft stalls 10am – 8 pm, food & drink stalls 11am – 9 pm
Location: Main market in Piccadilly Gardens
Manchester’s Christmas markets attract visitors from all over the country. With over 300 stalls spread across several city centre locations, it’s one of the largest in the UK. There are multiple markets in Manchester.

Bath

Dates: November 28 – December 15
Times: Monday to Wednesday: 10am to 7pm, Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 8pm, Sundays: 10am to 6pm
Location: Around Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths
Bath Christmas Market has over 170 beautifully decorated wooden chalets and the market is renowned for its emphasis on locally crafted goods.

Leeds

Dates: November 22 – December 22
Times: Monday to Wednesday: 10am to 7pm, Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 9pm, Sundays: 10am to 6pm
Location: City Square and Millennium Square
Leeds Christmas market has over 70 traditional stalls offering handmade crafts, toys, festive food and more. They also have a 400 sqm real ice rink!

Liverpool

Dates: November 16 – December 24
Times: 11am to 10pm, with special hours on Christmas Eve, closing at 5pm
Location: St George’s Plateau
Liverpool Christmas Market is one of the most picturesque Christmas Markets in the region. It has over 40 stalls and a selection of fairground rides, including a big wheel that offers great views of the city skyline.

Scarborough

Dates: November 29 – December 1
Times: Friday 17:00 – 21:00, Saturday 11:00 – 20:00, Sunday 11:00 – 17:00
Location: Scarborough Open Air Theatre
Scarborough Christmas Market brings a seaside twist. The market is filled with over 50 cute stalls selling local crafts, decorations, and gourmet treats. The coastal vibe makes it a unique destination for shoppers. Scarborough also has a festive parade and Christmas lights switch-on to kick off the season.

Halifax

Dates: November 22 – December 24
Times: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: The Piece Hall
Halifax Christmas Market is located in a historic area which transforms into a Christmas wonderland during the festive season. There are over 50 stalls filled with crafts, festive gifts, and seasonal food. The market also features live music and a carousel making it perfect for families.

Edinburgh

Dates: November 15 – January 6
Times: 10am – 10pm
Location: East Princes Street Gardens
Edinburgh Christmas Market is part of the city’s Christmas festival, which includes a Ferris wheel and a Christmas Tree Maze. The market, set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, offers international foods, handcrafted gifts, and traditional Scottish treats, as well as a stunning view of the castle.

Winchester

Dates: November 22 – December 22
Times: Sunday to Thursday: 10am – 6pm, Friday and Saturday: 10am – 8pm
Location: Winchester Cathedral’s Inner Close
Set on the grounds of the magnificent Winchester Cathedral, this market is inspired by traditional German Christmas markets. The stunning Gothic architecture serves as a backdrop for over 100 chalets offering artisan gifts and festive food. Winchester’s market is renowned for its focus on quality crafts and gourmet treats.

York

Dates: November 14 – December 22
Times: 10am – 7pm Monday – Sunday
Location: Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square
York’s St Nicholas Fair transforms the streets of this historic city into a festive paradise. 75 Wooden chalets line the cobbled lanes, offering handmade gifts, cosy winter accessories, and artisanal foods.

Tips for Visiting UK Christmas Markets

• Visit Midweek: To avoid crowds, try visiting markets on weekdays or during off-peak hours.
• Bring Cash: While many stalls accept card payments, some still only accept cash.
• Dress Warmly: UK winters are cold and often wet, so dress in layers and wear comfortable, weatherproof shoes.
• Check Schedules: Many markets have live music and other festive events. Check the schedule in advance.

Which UK Christmas market are you planning on visiting? Let us know in the comments below!