Top Christmas Markets in the UK for 2024
1. Edinburgh Christmas Market
Running from November 15, 2024, to January 4, 2025, Edinburgh’s Christmas Market transforms the city into a winter wonderland. Located in East Princes Street Gardens and St Andrew Square, the market features a variety of stalls offering crafts, gifts, and festive treats. Visitors can enjoy rides like the Big Wheel and the Star Flyer, providing panoramic views of the city.
2. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
From November 1 to December 24, 2024, Birmingham hosts the largest German Christmas market outside Germany and Austria. Situated in Victoria Square, the market offers traditional German food and drinks, including bratwurst and glühwein. Live music and a festive atmosphere make it a must-visit destination.
3. Manchester Christmas Markets
Manchester’s Christmas Markets, running from November 15 to December 22, 2024, span multiple locations across the city, each with its own theme. Albert Square hosts the main market, featuring European-themed stalls, while other areas offer French, World, and German markets. With over 300 stalls, it’s a festive shopping paradise.
4. York St Nicholas Fair
York’s St Nicholas Fair, from November 14 to December 23, 2024, lines Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square with alpine chalets selling gifts, crafts, and local produce. The historic city’s medieval charm adds to the festive atmosphere, making it a picturesque destination for holiday shoppers.
5. Bath Christmas Market
Set against the backdrop of Bath’s Georgian architecture, the Christmas Market runs from November 28 to December 15, 2024. With over 150 chalets, visitors can find handmade gifts, festive food, and unique crafts. The market’s focus on local artisans ensures a distinctive shopping experience.
6. Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
From November 16 to December 22, 2024, Winchester’s Cathedral Close hosts a Christmas market inspired by traditional German markets. With over 100 chalets, an ice rink, and a food court, it’s a festive destination for all ages.
7. Leeds Christkindelmarkt
Leeds’ Millennium Square transforms into a German Christmas market from November 8 to December 21, 2024. The Christkindelmarkt features traditional wooden stalls, festive greenery, and twinkling lights, offering a variety of gifts, food, and drink.
8. Glasgow Christmas Markets
Glasgow hosts two main Christmas markets: one in St Enoch Square from November 9 to December 22, 2024, and another in George Square from November 25 to December 31, 2024. Both markets offer a range of festive goods, street food, and entertainment, contributing to the city’s vibrant holiday atmosphere.
9. Belfast Christmas Market
Located in the grounds of Belfast City Hall, the Christmas Market runs from November 16 to December 22, 2024. With over 90 stalls offering a mix of local and international products, it’s a festive hub in the heart of the city.
10. Nottingham Winter Wonderland
Nottingham’s Old Market Square hosts the Winter Wonderland from November 15, 2024, to January 5, 2025. The event features a Christmas market, ice rink, and a variety of rides and attractions, making it a festive destination for families and shoppers alike.
