Cities worldwide celebrate Christmas in style by running their markets with stalls, food stands, and decorations. London, Bath, Canterbury… Britain has some of the best you can visit, where many stalls await. We wanted to highlight our favourite Christmas markets in the UK for you to explore on your next festive trip.
Whether you want to get a few last-minute gifts before the big day or simply need a mulled wine after work, these are your top choices.
London
At a glance:
- Winter Wonderland: 21st November 2024 – 5th January 2025
- Covent Garden Christmas Market: from 12th November 2024
- Borough Market at Christmas: until the end of the year
- Southbank Centre Winter Market: until the end of the year
- Greenwich Market: daily
- King’s Cross Canopy Market: 29th November – 22nd December 2024
- Leicester Square Christmas Market: 6th November 2024 – 5th January 2025
Winter Wonderland – Which market is the best is a matter of taste. However, if you compare Christmas markets in terms of sheer scale, then Winter Wonderland is the hands-down winner. Sprawling over most of Hyde Park, this enormous fair comes complete with ice rinks, Ferris wheels, an ice bar and even its circus. It’s perfect for families who need to keep kids occupied, but there may be quieter options if you want a romantic Christmas date.
Covent Garden Christmas Market – Every year, Covent Garden transforms into a winter wonderland with its giant Christmas tree, festive lights, and market stalls. Enjoy festive cocktails at nearby bars and gourmet hot chocolate while watching street performers and window shopping.
Borough Market at Christmas – Though open year-round, Borough Market transforms for the festive season with Christmas lights, seasonal foods, and cosy vibes. You can try food, fresh produce, gin tasting and cheese from anywhere in the world or pick seasonal food like minced pies, mulled wine, and Christmas puddings.
Southbank Centre Winter Market – Set along the iconic River Thames, this market offers stunning views and cosy alpine vibes. The wooden chalets sell unique gifts, artisanal food, and drinks. If you wander south bank, enjoy warming food like raclette, hot toddies, and gourmet brownies, and discover the festive pop-ups and creative workshops.
Greenwich Market – Tasteful, delicate decorations and hand-crafted gifts are the bread and butter of Greenwich’s little market. Compared to Hyde Park’s offering, Greenwich is cosy, intimate and cute, but you’ll still see some sizeable crowds. Don’t forget to try the magical homemade mince pies, too.
King’s Cross Canopy Market – Sicilian street food, heritage cheeses and hand-drawn artwork – if you’re looking for an ‘up-market’ Christmas experience, King’s Cross is definitely the place for you. It’s as much an art and design festival as a Christmas celebration, with some incredible street food and gift offerings thrown in for good measure.
Leicester Square Christmas Market – Located in the heart of the West End, this market is intimate and picturesque, featuring festive stalls, Santa’s Grotto, and dazzling lights. Taste the typical German sausages and spiced cider, meet Santa Claus with your family, and watch live cabaret shows in the Spiegeltent.
Outside London
At a glance:
- Bath: 28th November – 15th December 2024
- Salisbury: 18th November – 19th December 2024
- Canterbury: 15th November – 24th December 2024
- Manchester: 8th November – 22nd December 2024
- York: 14th November – 22nd December 2024
Bath – Tucked between Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths, the Bath Christmas Market here owes much of its sparkly appeal to the majesty of its architectural surroundings. Each open-fronted wooden chalet exhibits festively themed handmade goods and seasonal fare, including the locally made Somerset cheese and sweetly spiced mulled wine.
Salisbury – Twenty minutes away from Stonehenge, discover Salisbury. Known for its impressive cathedral, this historic town is also the setting for another stand-out “Christmas on the Square” market. Located in the picturesque Guildhall Square, this market features many award-winning craftsmen and all the seasonal fare, Christmas carols, and a Lantern Parade you could ask for.
Canterbury – Situated in the cathedral city’s shopping district, Whitefriars, Canterbury’s Christmas market looks the part with its decorated wooden huts, which are each laden with handmade and artisanal gifts and gourmet food products. In addition to Santa’s Grotto, the market hosts festive events when it’s here.
Manchester – Known for its sprawling setup, the Manchester Christmas Market spreads across several locations, with the main hub in Albert Square. It features traditional wooden chalets, festive food, and a lively atmosphere. Why not try German bratwurst, mulled wine, or buy charming artisan crafts.
York – Yorkshire pudding wraps and spiced mead are a must-try in this charming market, which is transforming the historic streets of York with sparkling lights and cosy wooden chalets. The Shambles are especially enchanting during the festive season.
Edinburgh – Nestled in East Princes Street Gardens, the Edinburgh Christmas Market offers stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. It features a mix of Scottish and international stalls, a skating rink and rides. You’ll love the local specialities: Scottish shortbread, whisky cocktails, and haggis bonbons.
To get the most out of Christmas time in the UK, discover our range of magical Christmas experiences. Explore London’s Christmas lights with tea at Westminster Abbey, or go further afield to check out some of our best Christmas markets.
