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 and festive pubs to visit afterwards.

Nottingham Winter Wonderland

For afters: Faradays

Bringing a touch of festive magic to the city this December is Nottingham Winter Wonderland. The fest will set up shop in Old Market Square and feature Bavarian-style shopping chalets, either stocked with fab gift ideas or rustling up delicious street food. You can also expect an ice rink and a sky skate ice path, as well as live music and rides. Once you've had your fill of winter fun, pop over to Faradays just around the corner. This pub really sleighs at Christmas time, offering top-notch boozy bevs and tasty nosh.

Skate right into the festive season over in Nottingham.

Sussex Christmas Markets

For afters: The Victory

Something very festive is about to happen over in Sussex - a couple of cool Christmas Markets from Empirical Events. Taking place at the AMEX Stadium on the 27th of November and the Fontwell Park Racecourse on the 4th of December, these promise a range of unique vendors selling all kinds of interesting present ideas that are sure to make the receiver feel extra special this year. And if you fancy a drink to warm your cockles through after a trip to the AMEX Stadium, pop by The Victory for cosy interiors and affordable tipples.

Clothes, art and jewellery are all up for grabs here.

London's Winter Wonderland

For afters: The Duke of Wellington

London's Winter Wonderland is the talk of the town come the Christmas season. From mid-November, Hyde Park plays host to several different markets where you can buy all manner of Crimbo decorations, gifts and grub. But if you need to duck away from the crowds after a day snapping up goodies, head over to The Duke of Wellington in Notting Hill. Relaxed and friendly, it's perfect for kicking back with a festive brew.

While tickets can cost up to £7.50, entry is free during off-peak periods.

Brighton Christmas Festival and Market

For afters: The Black Lion

Did somebody say après-ski bar? Found between St. Peter's Church and Valley Gardens, Brighton Christmas Festival and Market will be one of the best winter attractions in Sussex. Expect a sparkling spectacle of pretty stalls, live entertainment, themed cocktails and an alpine hangout that'll be pouring some of the best mulled wine around. If you’re more keen on a pint? Then mosey on down to The Black Lion in The Lanes, where you can grab a lip-smacking lunch (we highly recommend the roasts), as well as local craft beers and quirky mixes.

If these stalls don't get you in the holiday spirit, we don't know what will...

Newcastle Christmas Market

For afters: Old George Inn

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 Crimbo dinner. After a long day shopping, venture over to Old George Inn, which boasts a delectable festive menu and real ales.

Santa will also be making a special appearance, as will the local choirs.

Belfast's Christmas Market

For afters: The Crown Liquor Saloon

As of the 20th of November 2022, 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 lobster burgers, as well as selling crafts that are ideal for presents. Make it a full day out with a trip to The Crown Liquor Saloon, a traditional boozer in the city centre.

Welcome back, Belfast Christmas Market - we've missed you.

The Manchester Christmas Markets

For afters: The Lawn Club

Taking place in Albert Square, The Manchester Christmas Markets are one of the highlights of the year. This yuletide fiesta will be a twinkling haven of wooden chalets, stalls stocked with gifts for all of your pals, as well as plenty of beer huts and, our personal favourite, sizzling German sausages as far as the eye can see. If you’re in need of a post-shopping pitstop, we suggest The Lawn Club. The cosy nook boasts a winter yurt adorned with twinkling lights, faux fur throws, not to mention killer food and drinks.

Tuck into all kinds of delicious street food at this Christmas market in Manchester.

Edinburgh's Christmas Market

For afters: The Conan Doyle

Festive cheer will return once again from the 18th of November. Edinburgh's Christmas Market is set to deck the proverbial halls with twinkling lights, mugs of mulled Irn Bru, stalls selling locally made wares, seasonal street food and thrilling rides. If you find yourself getting a little chilly, head over to nearby pub, The Conan Doyle. These guys don’t do Santa season in half measure, so expect roasts with all the trimmings and freshly poured pints, ideal for warming you through.

This might just be one of the very best Christmas markets in Europe.

Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market

For afters: The Junction

Bringing a slice of Germany to the West Midland city is Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market. Tuck into authentic bratwurst and schnitzel, washed down by plenty of weissbeer while you potter about the various stalls that sell handcrafted goods. Lucky for you, there'll also be live music in Victoria Square, so it's also a top spot for chilling out with mates and dates. The perfect finish to an already wonderful day out, The Junction on High Street will be serving up seasonal fare and tasty drinks with all of their festive bells on.

Buy all kinds of delicious treats and gifts at this German-style market.

Glasgow's Christmas Markets

For afters: Waxy O'Connor's

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 December. 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. After you’ve had a good browse, grab a table at Waxy O’Connor’s. The Irish-themed bar is the perfect place to hunker down with a refreshing pint and hearty eats.

This gorgeous festival is the perfect way to celebrate Advent.

Chester's Christmas Market

For afters: Brewhouse & Kitchen

Chester's Christmas Market takes place outside the Town Hall on Northgate Street, where a flurry of wooden chalets will pop up, offering passers-by warm drinks and traditional food. There’ll also be plenty of stalls selling unique jewellery and crafts, so you'll be able to get all of your Crimbo shopping sorted. And once your feet begin to get weary, cosy up over at Brewhouse & Kitchen on Love Street. These beer-lovers will wish you a very hoppy Christmas, featuring an extensive selection of tasty pints on tap, plus plates piled high with turkey and other roasted delights.

Baby, it's cold outside, so make sure to warm up at a nearby pub after a spot of shopping.

On the hunt for more winter happenings? Check out our guide to the best igloos in the UK here and sign up to our future newsletter.