Sleigh bells ring, are you listening… that’s right people, Christmas is BACK. Traditional German-style markets are set to pop up across the country in the lead up to the big day, bringing us tasty street food, pretty shopping stalls and all kinds of fun activities.
From stunning Frankfurt-style chalets serving up the goods in Birmingham through to full-blown yuletide extravaganzas in Belfast, here are the best Christmas markets in the UK for 2025.
Best UK Christmas Markets For 2025
Nottingham Winter Wonderland
- Location: Old Market Sqaure, Nottingham, NG1 2BY
- Why we recommend: you can tie in your Christmas shopping with a trip to one of the markets many alpine bars or get the skates on and glide around the ice.
- Dates: 13th November - 31st December 2025
Bringing a touch of festive magic to the city from the 13th November to the 31st December is Nottingham Winter Wonderland. The fest will set up shop in Old Market Square and feature Bavarian-style shopping chalets where you can buy all manner of Christmas gifts.
For those of you that get peckish, there are plenty of options, from market stalls slinging out continental food to snazzy chalets. Lofty bar Altitude can be found high up, offering panoramic views of the Christmas market, as well as a range of delicious food and drinks. Or, if you head over to The Melt & Grill, you'll be feasting on raclette cheese, sliders, kebabs and more.
You'll also be pleased to hear that there will be a centrepiece ice rink, not to mention a unique Sky Skate Ice Path. And if that wasn't cool enough, there's also an alpine-style Ice Bar that was simply made for photo ops. As for the little ones? They'll love all the rides, from the Toboggan Slide to the retro wheel.
Skate right into the festive season over in Nottingham.
London's Winter Wonderland
- Location: Hyde Park, London, SW7 1NR
- Why we recommend: it's free during off-peak hours, hosts a range of live performances and serves up roast dinners inside a Yorkshire pudding.
- Dates: 14th November 2025 - 1st January 2026
London's Winter Wonderland is the talk of the town come the Christmas season, with free tickets available during off-peak hours and £5 tickets during the busier periods. From mid-November, Hyde Park plays host to several different markets where you can buy all manner of Crimbo decorations, gifts and grub (make sure to try one of the freshly grilled bratwurst).
But if you fancy a sit-down meal or drink? You'll be absolutely spoilt for choice. Aside from the fantastic street food traders (hello, Yorkshire Burrito), Le Chalet fondue will be warming you up with ooey, gooey cheese and Voodoo Ray's will be slinging out bottomless pizza. Plus, Bavarian Village will be back again, complete with cosy chalets and delicious German food.
If that wasn't enough? You'll be pleased to hear there's also an open-air ice rink, Magical Ice Kingdom, ice slides, theatre, rides, workshops and - well, the list goes on.
Don't miss out on this fabulous Christmas experience.
Bath Christmas Market
- Location: spanning Abbeygate Street to Milsom Street
- Why we recommend: you can wonder around one of the UK's most historical cities while gawping at the magical landmarks.
- Dates: 27th November - 14th December 2025
Bath Christmas Market is only on for a few weeks, so be sure not to miss it. The city's historic streets will be filled with stalls, selling goods produced in the South West and beyond. This year, it's the markets 25th anniversary so be sure to visit as there will be some extra special additions to help celebrate the momentous occasion.
Known as one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, the free, open-air event is sure to get you in the seasonal spirit, with several different areas getting involved. Snap Instagrammable pictures in front of the cute wooden huts, before cosying up with a hot chocolate.
Yule have a great time at Bath's festive stalls.
Newcastle Christmas Market
- Location: 9 Eldon Square, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7RA
- Why we recommend: the family-friendly market allows you to pay a visit to Santa Claus while also enjoying a well-deserved cup of mulled wine.
- Dates: 15th November - 23rd December 2025
Situated around Grey's Monument and on Grainger Street, Newcastle Christmas Market is bringing us one of the best Christmas markets in England.
While it offers a great opportunity to buy gifts, with artisan beer, pottery and locally made clothing, it also incorporates the farmers market - that means you can bag all the bits and bobs you may need for your Christmas dinner. There's also North Pole dining igloos (which get booked up fast) and a Family Christmas Village which is perfect for a trip with the little ones.
Our recommendation? Grab a steaming cup of mulled wine and embrace the festive atmosphere that comes alive thanks to live entertainment.
Santa will also be making a special appearance, as will the local choirs.
Belfast's Christmas Market
- Location: Belfast City Hall, Donegall Square North, BT1 5GS
- Why we recommend: with more than one million annual visitors, the markets are vibrant and the beer tents are the best place to find a cold pint.
- Dates: 15th November - 22nd December 2025
From the 16th of November, Belfast's Christmas Market will arrive at City Hall. The area will yet again become a hub of all things festive, with a beautiful village of stalls setting up shop for the yuletide season. Expect international vendors cooking up delicious bites, from roasted nuts to exotic burgers, as well as selling crafts that are ideal for presents.
There's more than 100 exhibitors from 28 countries, beer tents, arts and crafts plus so much more. Germany's award-winning Kochem vineyard have a pop-up that will be serving delicious mulled wine throughout the month. Over 1,000,000 attended last year's market, so expect it to be a busy one.
And if the little ones want to meet Santa? They can visit him in his magical grotto, all before catching a ride on the carousel or helter-skelter, of course.
Welcome back, Belfast Christmas Market - we've missed you.
The Manchester Christmas Markets
- Location: Albert Square, Greater Manchester, M2 5PE
- Why we recommend: from ice skating, the winter light trail and the Christmas parade, there's so much to see and do here.
- Dates: 7th November 2025 - 4th January 2026
Taking place across the city centre, including King Street West, St Ann's Square, Market Street and more, The Manchester Christmas Markets are one of the highlights of the year. There will be a whopping 200 stalls popping up for six weeks throughout the festive season, spread over nine locations, so you'll be able to buy all manner of handmade gifts and crafts.
Of course, there will be plenty of seasonal street food up for grabs, alongside all of the cosy, winter chalets where you can enjoy a craft beer of warming mulled wine. Plus, you can flit about on the ice at Skate Manchester's returning ice rink, enjoy the beautiful Manchester Christmas Lights Trail and join the Christmas Parade.
Ensure to pop down to the Manchester Christmas markets for some present inspiration.
Edinburgh's Christmas Market
- Location: East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, EH2 2HG
- Why we recommend: there's funfair rises, live outdoor events and delicious food and drink in Scotland's historic capital.
- Dates: 15th November 2025 - 4th January 2026
Festive cheer will return once again from the 15th of November. Edinburgh's Christmas Market is set to deck the proverbial halls with twinkling lights, mugs of mulled Irn Bru, over 70 stalls selling locally made wares, seasonal street food and thrilling rides.
You can expect Scotland's biggest ferris wheel, standing at an impressive 46m tall so you can enjoy fantastic views of the market and city, as well as a helter-skelter and even an ice skating rink on George Street.
Plus, unique pop-up Polar Ice Bar will be keeping you cool at -8°C, where you can enjoy a range of festive tipples among engraved walls and unique frosty features.
This might just be one of the very best Christmas markets in Europe.
Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market
- Location: Victoria Square and New Street , Birmingham, West Midlands B1 1BB
- Why we recommend: it's the largest authentic Christmas market outside Germany, with 1,000s travelling from across Europe to visit.
- Dates: 1st November - 24th December 2025
Bringing a slice of Germany to the West Midland city is Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market - the biggest German market outside of Austria and Germany. It's the market's earliest start date, as it opens for festivities on 1st November (so be sure to brush off the Halloween cobwebs). Tuck into authentic bratwurst and schnitzel, washed down by plenty of weissbeer or hot chocolate, while you potter about the various stalls that sell handcrafted goods.
Plus there's a jam-packed programme of live music on Victoria Square, not to mention the weatherproof Ice Skate Birmingham rink, which is open daily, as well as the big wheel that gives you incredible views of the city.
Buy all kinds of delicious treats and gifts at this German-style market.
Glasgow's The Christmas Winterfest
- Location: Enoch Square, Glasgow, G1 4BW
- Why we recommend: it's the perfect place to soak in a festive atmosphere while having the option to try out daring fairground rides.
- Dates: 18th November 2025 - 5th January 2026
Glasgow is home to one of the best Christmas markets in the UK, which is set to pop up in St. Enoch Square from November to January. Be dazzled by the colourful stalls, a vast variety of comfort food bites and rustic cabins that are just perfect for cosying up with a few drinks.
It's only it's third year running, but it's already a firm favourite. You can also expect all kinds of fun entertainment, from retro rides like the carousel and helter-skelter to a snazzy ice rink and 80m drop tower.
This gorgeous festival is the perfect way to celebrate Advent.
York Christmas Market
- Location: across Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square, York
- Why we recommend: it's the winner of the best large specialty market with over 80% of its traders coming from Yorkshire.
- Dates: 13th November - 21st December 2025
The award-winning York Christmas Market is returning this November, taking place on Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square. There are more than 75 alpine chalets lining the streets, selling everything from local crafts and artisan gifts to tasty festive treats.
There's a vintage carousel in the centre, and plenty of spots to warm up with a hot drink. There's a real focus on sustainability here too, showcasing eco-friendly products from local vendors - over 80% coming from Yorkshire.
Shop local at York Christmas market.
Southampton Christmas Market
- Location: Above Bar Precinct, Bargate, and Guildhall Sqaure, SO14 7FP
- Why we recommend: it's home to the UK's tallest Ferris wheel and there's many wooden chalets serving festive goodies to take home.
- Dates: 13th November 2025 - 4th January 2026
Head to Above Bar Street to enjoy the festivities at Southampton Christmas Market, which promises fantastic live entertainment and a wide array of stalls selling artisan gifts and seasonal goods. Head to Santa's grotto with the little ones, where the cheeky elves will be waiting to cause mischief.
Their pop-up bars are stocked with mulled wine and hot chocolate to keep you warm, and there are scrumptious snacks available too. Plus, there are a number of fairground rides, including a traditional carousel.
Live out your alpine dreams at this market.
Liverpool Christmas Market
- Location: St George's Plateau, Liverpool, L1 1JJ
- Why we recommend: they're introducing a winter artisan market inside St George's Hall as well as a creator's market on Basnett Street.
- Dates: 15th November - 24th December 2025
Located at St. Georges Plateau, Liverpool Christmas Market is one of the best around. popular among locals and tourists alike, this buzzing festive destination boasts a wide variety of stalls selling unique gifts and hand-crafted goods.
This year, they're introducing some new experiences due to the rising demand of the popular Christmas market. You'll be able to visit the Winter Artisan Market inside St George's Hall, explore the festive offering at Stanley Park and mosey around the shops at the Creator's Market on Basnett Street.
You can enjoy all kinds of seasonal food and drinks here, from the Alpine bar or independent vendors. They've also got a carousel, a giant Ferris wheel and other fairground rides, alongside their popular karaoke ski lifts.
For fairgrounds and festive fun, Liverpool has got you covered.
Christmas At Blenheim Palace
- Location: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1UL
- Why we recommend: this year's theme focusses on the Wizard of Oz and their even hosting an Emerald City-themed afternoon tea.
- Dates: 14th November 2025 - 3rd January 2026
Located just outside Oxford, Blenheim Palace is a huge, grand building with spacious grounds, and every years it transforms into a magical Christmas paradise. They've got stunning light displays throughout the venue and its gardens, making for seriously Instagram-worthy snaps.
This year's theme is 'The Palace of Oz', transforming the the place into an adventure of wizardry and witches. Inspired by The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank Baum, you can follow the magical world of Dorothy as she navigates her way around Oz.
There's a Christmas market in the Great Court, featuring wooden chalet huts selling crafty goods and seasonal treats. There's also an ice skating rink, and you can even enjoy a Emerald City-themed afternoon tea.
Experience festive magic at this gorgeous palace.
Beverley Festival Of Christmas
- Location: across Beverley town centre
- Why we recommend: there are over 120 stalls across this charming town centre market, and they offer some of the best entertainment too
- Dates: 14th December 2025
The UK's largest one-day-only market, the Festival of Christmas takes place in the Yorkshire town of Beverley. This is a magical wonderland of Christmas shopping, complete with lots of gifts, food and drink across more than stalls.
There's plenty of entertainment too, from fairground rides to birds of prey and traditional brass bands. Pus, Santa and his reindeer will be in attendance.
Check out this Yorkshire market for one day only.
Chester's Christmas Market
- Location: Chester Town Hall Square, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1HJ
- Why we recommend: with over 70 wooden chalets to explore, this Christmas market boasts some of the best artisan stalls with views of the Cathedral.
- Dates: 19th November - 22nd December 2025
Chester's Christmas Market takes place outside the Town Hall on Northgate Street, where a flurry of wooden chalets will pop up by the medieval cathedral, offering passers-by warm drinks and traditional food, like hog roasts.
The market also champions local produce, showcasing a range of Cheshire traders. This includes Cheshire cheese truckles, small batch chutneys and award-winning Cheshire farm ice cream.
There’ll also be over 70 stalls selling unique jewellery and crafts, so you'll be able to get all of your Crimbo shopping sorted.
Baby, it's cold outside, so make sure to warm up at a nearby pub after a spot of shopping.
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