Christmas markets are back on this year and after Covid made most of our festive plans redundant why not go all out and get in the spirit at one of the most wonderful times of the year. What better way to do this than by heading to one of the best Christmas Markets in the UK. We have looked into the yuletide gifts, tried the mulled wine and sampled the bratwursts to make sure we send you to one of the best Christmas Markets in the UK this year. So what are you waiting for, keep reading below to find where you should be visiting for some festive fun.
Winchester
Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is renowned for its classic market stalls all set with a magical backdrop of Winchester Cathedral. If you like traditional German Christmas Markets, you’ll feel at home here. They have taken inspiration from classic Christmas Markets and you will feel like you have stepped into a Christmas film set with all the festive touches. Expect to find lots of tempting seasonal treats and festive Christmas gifts across the 112 chalets. At the heart of the Christmas Market, you’ll find a spectacular covered Ice Rink, which makes for the perfect winter playground for people of all ages.
York
York Christmas Market is the ideal destination for a festive outing. Prepare to have the most amazing experience for all your senses when you arrive. Scents of spiced mulled wine and delicious food fill the air, lights from the decorated huts and trees are sure to catch your eye and make sure you try some incredible local treats to tickle your taste buds. Take your time exploring St Nicholas Fair and take in the festive atmosphere, as you discover lovely local Yorkshire produce in the Made in Yorkshire Yuletide Village. If you’re wanting more traditional Christmas gifts, then head for the magical alpine chalets on Parliament Street. York is definitely the place to be this festive season.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Christmas Market is known for its wonderful mix of local gifts and homemade treats. While in Scotland at Christmas you must try their famous mulled Irn Bru. The Christmas Market is set within East Princes Street Gardens making it the perfect location to visit as it’s in the heart of the city. Santa Land returns this year with rides for people of all ages to enjoy whilst Santa’s Grotto once again takes residence on Castle Street. Head to their Christmas tree maze for an adventure that will not only smell amazing but you may find the elves hiding at the end. Make sure you get your skates on too and pop for a glide along the ice rink that goes up and down Edinburgh’s famous George St.
Manchester
If you are wanting to feel more Christmassy than Santa Claus himself, then you need to head to Manchester’s Christmas Market. It’s the original, biggest and arguably the best Christmas market in the UK. The market now attracts more than nine million visitors each year, so if it’s good enough for them, you know you are in for a treat. There are around 300 stalls offering a mixture of mouth-watering food, handcrafted Yuletide decorations and plenty of wonderful gifts. The market is spread across 10 individual sites, each with its own distinctive theme. Manchester Christmas Market really does have something to offer every festive visitor.
Belfast
Whether you are looking for gift shopping, food or festivities, the Christmas Market in Belfast is the place to go. Dutch pancakes, Belgian chocolates and giant bratwursts are just some of the foodie delights on offer. There are over 30 international traders offering everything from food to gifts, so you will find it hard not to find something to get you in the merry Christmas spirit. The market also features a festive grotto where you can meet Father Christmas and slide down a vintage Helter Skelter.
London
Known as London’s most spectacular Christmas destination, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland returns again this year for winter festivities. There are more than 100 rides and attractions on-site, so there is something to keep the whole family entertained. For those wanting to do a spot of Christmas shopping, there’s the traditional German Christmas market with over 200 chalets to find some festive gifts. For something really different, head to their magical ice kingdom which is full of incredible ice sculptures. After admiring the work, why not pop to the ice bar where you can expect fun cocktails and ice to be quite literally everywhere.
For more Christmas things to see and do in London, check out our guide here.
Chester
The Chester Christmas Market is hosted within the most enchanting setting of the Victorian gothic town hall and medieval cathedral. The market is filled with 60 wooden cabins that are all full of festive treats and delights. Sip away on a glass of mulled wine whilst you do some shopping and take in the sights and sounds of the market. All the stalls are nestled by the beautiful Christmas tree in the heart of Chester City Centre, so it’s the perfect place to visit. Don’t forget to gaze up at the sky during your visit as you will spy the roving moon installation that is part of Chester Designed By Nature exhibition.
Leeds
A magical Christmas all wrapped up in Leeds. Millennium Square is once again transformed for the Christkindelmarkt German Christmas Market again this year. There are more than 40 traditionally decorated wooden chalets where you can browse through hand-crafted gifts and festive decorations. Why not tuck into authentic German food and feel extra festive with a ride on the popular Christmas Carousel. Make sure you head to Thor’s Tipi in Victoria Gardens, a pop-up tipi bar that offers a great selection of winter warming drinks.
