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 from the 7th 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, 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.
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.
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.
Belfast's Christmas Market
For afters: The Crown Liquor Saloon
From the 18th 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 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.
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.
Edinburgh's Christmas Market
For afters: The Conan Doyle
Festive cheer will return once again from the 17th 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.
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.
Glasgow's The Christmas Winterfest
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.
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.
On the hunt for more winter happenings? Check out our guide to the best igloos in the UK here and sign up to our newsletter.