Christmas Markets in the United Kingdom
This article serves as a guide to assist you in selecting the finest Christmas Market. We will explore the most captivating and well-liked fairs across Great Britain that celebrate the winter festivities. Information regarding their timings, venues, and the activities available for attendees will be provided.
| Name | Address | Dates | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh Christmas Market | East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, Scotland | 15 November to 4 January 2026 | A classic fair with wooden chalets, festive treats and attractions. Admission is free, tickets only need to be purchased for the attractions. Open daily. |
| Winchester Christmas Market | Winchester Cathedral Courtyard, Winchester, England | 21 November to 22 December 2025 | Located in the historic cathedral courtyard, this is one of the most atmospheric markets in England. |
| Glasgow Christmas Market | Glasgow city centre (St Enoch Square) | from 22 November to 5 January 2026 | A large city market with a festive atmosphere, wooden stalls and New Year’s attractions |
| Bath Christmas Market | Historic city centre of Bath, from Abbeygate Street to Milsom Street | 27 November to 14 December 2025 | A fair held among picturesque Georgian streets, with over 250 retail outlets, an atmospheric place to stroll. |
| Leeds Christmas Market | City Square (Leeds), Leeds, England | from 21 November to 21 December 2025 | The city centre is transformed into a festive space, with a strong focus on arts and crafts |
| Birmingham Christmas Market | Victoria Square (Birmingham) and New Street, Birmingham | from 1 November to 24 December 2025 | The largest German Christmas market outside Germany and Austria, featuring German delicacies and traditional goods. It attracts large crowds |
| London Christmas Market | Several locations (e.g. Southbank, Leicester Square, Covent Garden) | From early November to late December or early January (depending on location) | Several themed markets scattered throughout the city, varying in size, location and focus (family, souvenirs, food). |
| Belfast Christmas Market | Around Belfast City Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland | from 15 November to 22 December | Wooden chalets, hot drinks, family entertainment, free admission. |
| Liverpool Christmas Market | St George’s Plateau, next to St George’s Hall | from 15 November to 24 December | A cosy city fair with a focus on gifts, food and festive atmosphere in the centre of Liverpool |
| Manchester Christmas Market | Manchester city centre: several venues (Albert Square, Cathedral Gardens, Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street, etc.) | from 7 November to 22 December 2025 (main period) with an extension at some locations until 4 January 2026 | One of the largest Christmas markets in England, with over 200 wooden stalls. A variety of food and drinks, attractions (e.g., a 50-metre Ferris wheel in Albert Square) |
Edinburgh Christmas Market
The Edinburgh Christmas Market has been a significant winter highlight in the city for many years. This fair features distinctive handcrafted gifts and an extensive variety of food options, ranging from classic German sausages to mulled wine and gingerbread.
The festive market is scheduled to take place from 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, operating daily from 10:00 to 22:00. The primary venues for the event include East and West Princes Street Gardens, George Street (ice rink), and St. Andrew’s Square.
Attendees can look forward to diverse entertainment options, such as a Christmas maze, visits with Santa Claus, and performances by street artists. An ice rink will also be featured at the Christmas market.
The Christmas Markets nearby shimmer with festive lights and the sound of music fills the air, creating an enchanting atmosphere that transforms the city into a fairy tale. The market will be situated in the heart of the city, making it easily accessible. Edinburgh Waverley Station is just a 3-minute walk from the gardens. Those opting for the tram should alight at Princes Street and then walk a short distance. Private car transfers are also an option. The closest car parks are Waverley Station Car Park and Q-Park OMNI Centre, but advance booking is necessary.
Winchester Christmas Market
Winchester Christmas Market is a festive spectacle that attracts a large number of visitors, including tourists. It has been taking place since 2006, inspired by the customs and features of traditional German markets.
The primary venue is the grounds of Winchester Cathedral in Winchester, United Kingdom, which was constructed in 1079 and is regarded as one of the longest Gothic cathedrals in Europe. In 2025, the event is scheduled to run from 21 November to 22 December.
Attendees can enjoy a selection of festive treats, ranging from mulled wine to brauwart, pies, and stollen. The entertainment will feature concerts, choir performances, and various other acts. The market will include an interactive zone and a stage presenting a Christmas narrative, alongside planned master classes.
The market’s festive ambience is enhanced by vibrant lights, New Year’s tunes, and the delightful scents of mulled wine and cinnamon. A total of 120 German-style chalets will be available, showcasing jewellery, knitwear, body care items, ceramics, artwork, spirits, and local food products. Additionally, there will be an ice rink suitable for skaters of all ages.
Glasgow Christmas Market
The Glasgow Christmas Market is a seasonal celebration located in the heart of Glasgow, which commenced in 2006. In 2025, there are intentions to host two markets:
- George Square — from 22 November to 5 January 2026;
- St Enoch Square — from 18 November to 5 January 2026.
This market ranks among the largest Christmas markets in the UK, showcasing culinary delights from several nations: Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Poland. Attendees will have the opportunity to savour traditional Scottish pies, German sausages, and mulled wine.
The Glasgow Christmas Market, which kicks off in November, provides entertainment suitable for all age groups. For younger visitors, there are carousels and Santa’s grotto, where they can meet him and capture photographs. The organisers have also revealed plans for performances by local choirs, brass bands, and musicians.
The winter market in Glasgow exudes a vibrant and festive ambiance, adorned with sparkling lights, New Year decorations, and music. It serves as an engaging venue where one can converse with vendors, entertainers, and fellow attendees.
Bath Christmas Market
Bath Christmas Market is a customary festive market that takes place each year in the historic city of Bath (England). It has been in operation since 2001. Originally, it began as a modest assembly of local businesses and craftsmen marking the beginning of the holiday season.
The market spans the central area of the city, extending from Abbeygate Street in the south to Milsom Street in the north. Stall Street serves as its focal point. The event is scheduled to run from 27 November to 14 December 2025.
Attendees will have the chance to savour mulled wine, hot chocolate, filled pastries, and various confections. They will also enjoy performances by choirs, carol singers, and street entertainers.
The market brings about a transformation of the city into a dazzling fairy-tale setting, with vibrant lights brightening historic streets and well-known landmarks. More than 170 chalets are positioned in the city centre, providing a wide array of products, including jewellery, ceramics, candles, cheese, chocolate, and gin.
Leeds Christmas Market
Leeds Christmas Market is a festive market with a rich tradition that commenced in 2002. It originated as a German-themed market situated in Millennium Square. Since its inception, it has grown considerably, establishing itself as a beloved spot for both residents and visitors.
The event is scheduled to take place from 21 November to 21 December 2025. The market is set in two prominent areas within the city centre:
- City Square serves as the primary hub featuring shopping and food stalls.
- Millennium Square hosts the Ice Cube ice rink along with other significant attractions and entertainment.
The market will present a wide variety of festive foods, including hot mulled wine, roast suckling pig, Belgian chocolates, baklava, pancakes, and various cheeses and meats from different nations.
Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy live performances, family-friendly shows, interactive workshops, and visit Santa Claus’ grotto. Special areas will be adorned with garlands and large baubles for the festive season, and traditional wooden stalls, typically painted in gold and red, will commence operations. A grand Christmas tree will be installed in the heart of Millennium Square, and the nearby streets, such as Briggate and Victoria Quarter, will be illuminated with thousands of fairy lights, crafting an enchanting atmosphere.
Birmingham Christmas Market
The Birmingham Christmas Market ranks among the largest street markets in England. Established in 1997, it emerged from a partnership between Birmingham and Frankfurt.
The Buckingham Palace Christmas Market is scheduled to take place from 1 November to 24 December 2025. The primary venues for this event will be Victoria Square and New Street, located in the heart of Birmingham.
Visitors to the market can indulge in traditional German delicacies such as sausages, pretzels, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and various other dishes. The entertainment lineup is anticipated to be extensive, featuring live acts like free brass band performances and choir singing in Victoria Square, as well as attractions such as the Big Wheel and an ice rink.
This event serves as an excellent opportunity for a city getaway. For nearly two months, the city centre will be transformed into a magical winter setting, adorned with bright lights, festive decorations, and a joyful atmosphere.
Christmas Markets in London
London Christmas Markets are seasonal events in the capital of the United Kingdom, taking place in the lead-up to Christmas. The origins of the first such market can be traced back to Leicester Square, which was established in the mid-1800s. Over the years, these markets have become a significant aspect of London’s festive customs.
They can be found throughout the city centre. Some markets operate for several weeks, whereas others, like Covent Garden and Borough Market, remain open all year but are adorned for Christmas starting in November.
Make sure to visit the Southbank Christmas Market. It is set to open on 13 November and will continue until 4 January 2026.
This market is situated on the south side of the River Thames, positioned between London Bridge and Tower Bridge.
Christmas at Covent Garden will take place from 12 November 2025 through early January. The area will be illuminated with hundreds of Christmas lights, and the festive ambience will be enhanced by decorations, street entertainers, and a Christmas tree.
The Christmas Markets at Winter Wonderland will be available from 14 November 2025 until 1 January 2026. The park includes:
- an ice rink;
- a Christmas market;
- a Bavarian village;
- an ice bar;
- attractions;
- shows and a magical ice kingdom.
Experience the festive spirit of the markets, which are filled with vibrant lights, tasty food and beverages (mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, gingerbread) and a variety of entertainment options. Guests can enjoy Christmas concerts, theatrical performances, and participate in other activities.
Belfast Christmas Market
Belfast Christmas Market is a seasonal event that began in 2004. It takes place in Donegall Square from 15 November to 22 December 2025. The event was not held in 2020 due to the pandemic, but it has been an annual occurrence otherwise.
Guests are guaranteed to find plenty of entertainment, with the opportunity to taste both local and international dishes, including German sausages, Belgian waffles, Hungarian goulash, and French crepes. It serves as an ideal venue to enjoy the Christmas season.
Children can have fun on a traditional carousel and a Helter-Skelter slide. They will also have the chance to visit Santa Claus’ grotto, meet him in person, and capture a photo together.
The market is adorned with garlands, twinkling lights, and large baubles. A tall Christmas tree is set up in the middle of the square.
Liverpool Christmas Fair
Liverpool Christmas Market is a festive event scheduled to commence on 15 November and conclude on 24 December in 2025. It will take place on St. George’s Plateau.
The variety of food available at the market is sure to impress everyone. Be sure to sample seasonal mulled wine, hot chocolate, and craft beer, along with street food and treats like pancakes and fudge.
Liverpool Christmas Market goes beyond merely selling seasonal items, showcasing cultural diversity through its crafts and culinary offerings. Highlights of the entertainment include a large Ferris wheel offering views of the city, a vintage carousel, and other funfair attractions, as well as live music and performances by various artists, including festive choirs.
Manchester Christmas Market
The Manchester Christmas Market is a festive market that commenced in 1998 at Saint Anne’s Square. In 2025, it is scheduled to take place from 7 November to 4 January 2026.
Main venues:
- Corn Exchange.
- Piccadilly Gardens.
- Cathedral Gardens.
- Exchange Street.
- St Ann’s Square.
- Market Street.
- New Cathedral Street.
- Exchange Square.
- King Street.
The market will showcase global delicacies, including traditional German sausages, French crepes, Spanish paella, Dutch pancakes, and Italian pizza. Attendees can savour mulled wine, hot chocolate, and spiced cider.
The entertainment schedule is also quite extensive, featuring activities such as Skate Manchester in Cathedral Gardens, where guests can skate around a dazzling Christmas tree accompanied by festive music.
The market is adorned with garlands and large baubles, creating a breathtaking visual display. Visitors will be able to spot the Manchester bee, a representation of the city’s strength, while Santa Claus will be overseeing the festivities from his location in the Central Library on St. Peter’s Square.
Christmas markets across Great Britain are events that should not be overlooked. Reviews indicate that these occasions offer a rich array of entertainment. Before heading to a specific festive site, it is advisable to check the opening times and plan your journey ahead of time.
