DECK THE STALLS : 8 BEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN THE UK
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This post is about Christmas in the UK and the best christmas markets to visit
The countdown to Christmas is on and what better way to get in the festive spirit than visiting one of the UK's best Christmas markets?
I don’t know about you but it’s not the countdown to Christmas until I’ve visited a Christmas market. I LOVE Christmas markets! And I visit different ones each year.
There are a plethora of seasonal stalls offering a range of gift ideas, delicious treats and unforgettable experiences, UK Christmas markets are a must-visit for all this winter.
From London's iconic Winter Wonderland to Edinburgh's Christmas Market, here are 8 of the best Christmas markets in the UK.
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This post is about the best christmas markets in the UK and which christmas markets you should visit this year
BEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN THE UK
What are the dates of the Christmas markets in the UK 2023?
MANCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Location : Multiple locations - Piccadilly Gardens, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Square, Market Street and Cathedral Gardens.
Opening dates 2023 : From 10th November to 22nd December 2023
Opening times 2023 : 10am - 9pm
Manchester Christmas Markets are some of the largest and most famous Christmas markets in the UK, with numerous stalls and a wide variety of goods.
The market features a wide variety of stalls offering everything from traditional Christmas gifts and decorations to international foods, crafts, and artisanal products. You can find unique and handcrafted items that make great gifts.
The market has a festive and welcoming atmosphere with beautifully decorated wooden chalets, twinkling lights, and a giant Santa Claus figure. It's a great place to get into the holiday spirit.
You'll find live music, street performances, and entertainment acts throughout the market. These performances add to the overall festive experience.
Manchester Christmas Market is known for its diverse food offerings, including German sausages, Spanish paella, crepes, hot chocolate, and mulled wine. It's an excellent place to indulge in festive treats and international cuisine.
In addition to the market stalls, Manchester hosts an ice skating rink as part of its Winter Wonderland, allowing visitors to enjoy some winter sports while they shop and dine.
Located in the heart of Manchester, the markets are easily accessible by public transportation, making it convenient for locals and tourists alike.
The Christmas market in Manchester is family-friendly and has many attractions for children, including Santa's grotto and a range of funfair rides.
The setting in Manchester, with its historic architecture and vibrant city atmosphere, adds to the charm of the market. Albert Square, where the main market is situated, is particularly picturesque.
Many of the stalls and attractions stay open late into the evening, allowing you to enjoy the market's festive ambiance after dark.
HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND
Location : Hyde Park, London. Nearest tube station Hyde Park Corner. Also close Bond Street, Victoria and Knightsbridge. For guests with access requirements use Bond Street or Green Park for step free access.
Opening dates 2023 : From 17th November 2023 to 1st January 2024
Opening times 2023 : 10am - 10pm
Buy tickets : Must prebook tickets from official website free - £7.50
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London is a huge Christmas attraction featuring an ice skating rink, a Christmas market, fairground rides, and so much more. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is one of London's most popular and iconic Christmas attractions, offering a wide range of festive activities and entertainment.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland has a large ice skating rink set against the backdrop of Hyde Park. Skating here can be a magical experience, especially in the evening when the rink is illuminated.
There are many thrilling fairground rides and attractions at Winter Wonderland, including a giant Ferris wheel, roller coasters, a funhouse, and more. It's perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike.
There is an amazing circus show called Zippos Christmas Circus and Cirque Berserk that are often featured at Winter Wonderland, providing high-energy, world-class circus performances that are fun for all ages.
The Ice Kingdom is a magical ice and snow sculpture experience with intricate ice carvings, frozen scenes, and an enchanting atmosphere.
The Bavarian Village is a cozy area with wooden chalets, serving up traditional German food and drinks, including bratwurst, mulled wine, and beer. It's a great place to enjoy a taste of Bavaria in London.
Throughout the event, you can enjoy live music, entertainment shows, and even a Christmas-themed Pantomime. There's always something happening to keep visitors entertained.
Children can visit Santa Claus in his grotto and share their Christmas wishes, making it a memorable experience for families.
The entire Winter Wonderland is beautifully illuminated with festive lights and decorations, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere, especially in the evenings.
Lots of attractions and activities require separate tickets or fees.
BIRMINGHAM CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Location : Victoria Square and New Street
Opening dates 2023 : From 2nd November 2023 to 24th Decmeber 2023
Opening times 2023 : Mon – Thurs 11am – 9pm, Fri 11am – 9.30pm, Sat 10am – 9.30pm, Sun 10am – 9pm
Birmingham German Christmas Market is well known for its traditional German market stalls and is one of the most popular and well-known Christmas markets in the UK.
There is an authentic German Atmosphere with many stalls and decorations reminiscent of traditional German Christmas markets.
The market features over 80 stalls selling a wide range of goods, including handmade gifts, Christmas decorations, jewelry, toys, and crafts. It's a fantastic place for holiday shopping and finding unique gifts.
Birmingham Christmas Market offers a tempting array of German and international food and drink, including bratwurst sausages, pretzels, roasted nuts, mulled wine, and hot chocolate. It's a culinary delight for visitors.
You can enjoy a relaxing break at one of the market's beer gardens, where you can sample German beer and other beverages in a festive atmosphere.
The market often features live performances of traditional Christmas carols and other music, adding to the festive ambiance.
The market itself is beautifully decorated with Christmas lights and ornaments, creating a magical and Christmassy atmosphere.
Many of the products sold at the market are handmade, showcasing the craftsmanship and creativity of local artisans and international vendors.
The market is family-friendly and offers attractions for children, such as a carousel and a Santa's grotto.
Conveniently located in the heart of Birmingham, the market is easily accessible by public transportation and is usually within walking distance of the city's main shopping areas and attractions.
The market often stays open late into the evening, allowing visitors to enjoy the festive atmosphere after dark.
EDINBURGH CHRISTMAS MARKET
Location : East Princes Street Gardens, West Princes Street Gardens, George Street
Opening dates 2023 : From 17th November 2023 to 6th January 2024
Opening times 2023 : Mon – Thurs 11am – 9pm, Fri 11am – 9.30pm, Sat 10am – 9.30pm, Sun 10am – 9pm
Edinburgh Christmas Market is located in the heart of Edinburgh and is a popular, enchanting winter event with locals and tourists.
This Scottish Christmas market offers a beautiful setting with an ice rink, rides, and festive stalls.
The market is set against the backdrop of the historic and picturesque Princes Street Gardens, with the iconic Edinburgh Castle towering above. The setting itself is breathtaking and adds to the festive ambiance.
Edinburgh market boasts a variety of stalls offering a wide range of gifts, crafts, and festive treats. You can find everything from traditional Scottish products to international goods.
The Christmas Market includes a spacious ice skating rink where you can enjoy skating with views of the castle and the gardens.
Visitors can savor a range of delicious food and drinks, including traditional Scottish fare like haggis, as well as international options. Mulled wine, hot chocolate, and sweet treats are also widely available.
The Spiegeltent is a unique venue that hosts a variety of live performances, including cabaret shows, live music, and theater productions. It's a great place to enjoy some entertainment and warmth during the winter months.
The market typically features a Big Wheel, offering panoramic views of the city, as well as funfair rides and attractions for all ages.
Children can visit Santa Claus in his grotto and share their Christmas wishes, making it a memorable experience for families.
The market is beautifully illuminated with festive lights and decorations, creating a magical atmosphere, especially in the evenings.
Edinburgh's Christmas often celebrates Scottish culture and traditions, providing visitors with a taste of Scotland's rich heritage during the holiday season.
The market often hosts street performers, live music, and other forms of entertainment that add to the festive spirit.
Many of the market's attractions and stalls stay open late into the evening, allowing you to enjoy the festive atmosphere after dark.
BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET
Location : East Princes Street Gardens, West Princes Street Gardens, George Street
Opening dates 2023 : From 23rd November 2023 to 10th December 2023
Opening times 2023 : 10am - 9pm
Bath Christmas Market is set against the backdrop of the historic Bath Abbey and Roman Baths, this market is famous for its picturesque surroundings.
The market is set against the stunning backdrop of Bath's historic architecture, including the iconic Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths. The city's Georgian streets and buildings are beautifully lit and decorated for the holiday season.
Bath Christmas Market features over 150 chalets selling a wide range of handmade and artisanal gifts, including local crafts, jewelry, ceramics, clothing, and more. It's an excellent place to find unique and high-quality presents.
Visitors can indulge in delicious festive treats and beverages, such as mulled wine, hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, and a variety of international and local cuisine. Traditional British and European Christmas foods are also available.
The market often hosts live music performances, carol singers, and street performers, creating a lively and festive atmosphere for visitors.
In addition to the market, Bath has an ice skating rink where you can enjoy some winter sports in a beautiful setting.
Children have the opportunity to visit Santa Claus in his grotto, adding to the magical experience for families.
The market itself is decorated with festive lights, ornaments, and Christmas trees, making it a delightful place to stroll and take in the holiday spirit.
Bath Christmas Market often showcases the work of local artists and craftsmen, giving you the chance to support the local community and discover unique creations.
The market typically stays open late into the evening, allowing visitors to enjoy the festive atmosphere after dark.
Bath is a compact city, and the market is located in the city center, making it easy to explore on foot or by public transportation.
LEEDS CHRISTKINDELMARKT
Location : Kirkgate
Opening dates 2023 : From 24th November 2023 to 22nd December 2023
Opening times 2023 : 10am - 9pm
Leeds Christkindelmarkt is inspired by German Christmas markets and features traditional wooden stalls and a cozy ambiance.
The market is designed to capture the spirit of traditional German Christmas markets. It features wooden chalet stalls, festive decorations, and a cozy ambiance that transports visitors to a European holiday setting.
For the first time ever, Leeds Christmas market is going bigger and using different streets and spaces all across the city centre.
They will be hosting around 120 Bavarian-style, traditional, timber market stalls decked out in festive lighting and will include international, UK, Yorkshire and Leeds traders.
Leeds Christkindelmarkt boasts a wide variety of stalls selling a range of products, including handmade crafts, gifts, toys, jewelry, and festive decorations. You'll find unique items to browse and purchase.
One of the highlights of the market is its selection of German and European food and drink. You can enjoy traditional treats like bratwurst sausages, pretzels, roasted nuts, mulled wine, and German beer.
The market includes a vintage carousel and fairground rides that are popular with both children and adults.
You can enjoy live music performances, including traditional Christmas carols, as well as street entertainers and other forms of festive entertainment.
Children have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus in his cabin and share their Christmas wishes, creating a memorable experience for families.
Leeds Christkindelmarkt features an ice skating rink, allowing visitors to enjoy some winter sports in the heart of the city.
The market is designed to offer a warm and inviting atmosphere with fire pits, heated seating areas, and twinkling lights. It's a great place to escape the winter chill and socialize with friends and family.
The market is centrally located in Leeds, making it easily accessible by public transportation and a convenient destination for both locals and tourists.
The market typically stays open late into the evening, allowing visitors to experience the festive ambiance after dark.
YORK CHRISTMAS MARKET
Opening dates 2023 : From 16th November 2023 to 22nd December 2023
York Christmas Market is held in the historic city of York and offers a selection of local crafts, food, and drinks in a festive setting.
York provides a stunning backdrop for the Christmas market, with its medieval architecture, cobbled streets, and iconic landmarks like York Minster. The city's historic charm is accentuated during the holiday season.
The market features a wide array of stalls selling unique and artisanal gifts, crafts, jewelry, clothing, and Christmas decorations. It's an excellent place to find distinctive and locally crafted items.
Visitors can indulge in a variety of delicious festive treats and beverages, including mulled wine, hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, and international cuisine. Traditional British and European Christmas foods are also on offer.
The market itself is adorned with festive lights, decorations, and Christmas trees, creating a magical and Christmassy atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.
York Christmas Market hosts live music performances, carol singers, and street entertainers, providing a lively and festive ambiance.
In addition to the market, York sets up an ice skating rink, allowing visitors to enjoy some winter sports in a beautiful setting.
Children can visit Santa Claus in his grotto and share their Christmas wishes, adding to the magical experience for families.
The market usually stays open late into the evening, allowing visitors to soak in the festive atmosphere after dark.
York is a compact city, and the market is centrally located, making it easy to explore on foot or by public transportation.
The market often features products and goods from the Yorkshire region, giving visitors a taste of the local culture and heritage.
GLASGOW CHRISTMAS MARKET
Location : St Enoch Square, George Square
Opening dates 2023 : From 18th November 2023 to 3rd January 2024
Opening times 2023 : 12pm - 9pm
Glasgow hosts several Christmas markets, including the St. Enoch Christmas Market and George Square Christmas Market, offering a variety of festive delights.
The markets feature a wide range of stalls selling unique gifts, crafts, holiday decorations, and seasonal treats. You can find a diverse selection of items for holiday shopping.
Glasgow Christmas Markets offer a culinary delight with a variety of delicious food and drinks. You can enjoy traditional Scottish fare, international cuisine, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and more.
The markets feature live music performances, including traditional Christmas carols and other musical acts, as well as street performers and entertainers to keep visitors entertained.
Families can enjoy various children's activities, including rides, a Santa's grotto where kids can meet Father Christmas, and festive-themed entertainment.
Some years, Glasgow Christmas Markets have included an ice skating rink, allowing visitors to enjoy the winter sport in a festive setting.
The markets are typically beautifully decorated with festive lights, Christmas trees, and holiday-themed decorations, creating a magical atmosphere.
The markets are conveniently located in the city center of Glasgow, making them easily accessible by public transportation and within walking distance of other city attractions and shopping areas.
Many of the stalls and attractions stay open late into the evening, allowing visitors to enjoy the festive atmosphere after dark.
The markets often incorporate elements inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, with wooden chalets and a cozy ambiance.
You can find products and crafts from local artisans and vendors, providing an opportunity to support the local community and discover unique creations.
CHRISTMAS IN THE UK
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are UK Christmas markets?
UK Christmas markets are festive, open-air markets that typically operate during the holiday season, usually from late November until Christmas Eve. They offer a wide range of seasonal goods, gifts, decorations, and delicious food and drinks.
Where can I find Christmas markets in the UK?
Christmas markets are held in various cities and towns across the UK. Some of the most renowned markets are in cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Bath, but you can also find smaller ones in many other places.
What can I buy at UK Christmas markets?
At UK Christmas markets, you can purchase a variety of items, including handmade crafts, Christmas decorations, ornaments, clothing, jewelry, toys, and artisanal food and beverages. It's a great place to find unique and festive gifts.
What traditional foods can I try at these markets?
You can enjoy a range of traditional holiday treats at UK Christmas markets, such as mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, gingerbread cookies, bratwurst sausages, mince pies, and various international cuisines.
Do I need cash at Christmas markets?
While many vendors at Christmas markets accept cash, it's becoming increasingly common for them to accept card payments as well. However, having some cash on hand can be convenient, especially at smaller stalls.
Are UK Christmas markets suitable for families with children?
Yes, UK Christmas markets are family-friendly, and many offer activities for children, such as Santa's grottos, ice skating rinks, and festive rides. It's a great way to create lasting holiday memories with the family.
When do UK Christmas markets typically open and close?
Christmas market opening dates vary by location, but they usually open in late November or early December and run until Christmas Eve or just after Christmas. Some may continue into the New Year.
Is there an entrance fee to visit Christmas markets?
Most UK Christmas markets are free to enter. However, some attractions within the markets, such as ice skating rinks or Santa's grottos, may have a separate admission fee.
Do Christmas markets operate in bad weather?
UK Christmas markets are usually open in various weather conditions, including rain or light snow. However, some outdoor activities or rides may close during adverse weather, so it's a good idea to check ahead.
Are there any COVID-19 restrictions at UK Christmas markets?
In recent years, some Christmas markets may have implemented COVID-19 safety measures, such as social distancing, mask mandates, and hand sanitizing stations. It's advisable to check the specific guidelines of the market you plan to visit before going.
CHRISTMAS LIGHT TOURS IN LONDON
UK ESSENTIALS
Planning a trip to UK? Here are some of the resources and tools I personally use to organise my travel plans to anywhere in the UK.
FLIGHTS : Find the best deals on flights to UK using Skyscanner.
VISAS : Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for the UK and apply for an expedited visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application if needed.
TRAVEL INSURANCE : Insure your trip with my preferred insurance for single trip and annual cover HeyMondo
AIRPORT TRANSFER : Pre-book your hotel transfer from Stanstead Airport, Gatwick Airport or Gatwick Airport
ACCOMMODATION : Find the best hotel deals in UK on Booking.com.
BUS TICKETS : It is easy to book your transport once you’re in the UK but if you’d like to book in advance you can buy private transfers online through Bookaway .
DAY TRIPS : Find the best city tours and day excursions in the UK on Viator or Get Your Guide.
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