Christmas market in the UK: Updated 2025 list
The festive season in the UK transforms towns and cities into winter wonderlands filled with sparkling lights, traditional music and the scent of mulled wine. During the holiday season, for those planning Christmas holidays or searching for the best Christmas experiences in the UK, visiting a market is one of the most enjoyable ways to celebrate the season.
Most popular Christmas markets around the UK
This comprehensive list highlights the top Christmas markets in England and across the UK, making it perfect for family outings, weekend getaways and festive shopping.
1. Bath Christmas market
Dates: 27 November – 15 December 2025
Location: Bath city centre
The Bath Christmas market remains one of the best Christmas markets in England, known for its Georgian streets lined with artisan stalls and local food producers. The market is celebrated for its romantic atmosphere, creating an enchanting and magical setting perfect for a festive holiday experience. More than 150 chalets fill the historic lanes near Bath Abbey, offering handmade gifts, festive decorations and delicious seasonal treats, including gourmet food. Shoppers can also explore nearby high street brands, independent boutiques and designer shops for even more variety.
Tip: Arrive early to enjoy Bath’s Roman Baths and finish with a visit to the market for a complete festive experience.
2. Manchester Christmas market
Dates: 8 November – 22 December 2025
Location: Albert Square and surrounding streets
Manchester's Christmas Markets are among the biggest Christmas markets in England, attracting visitors from across the UK. The markets span several city locations, including Cathedral Gardens, which features attractions like ice skating and festive stalls, making it a central hub for visitors. The Jäger Barn Bar, a rustic Bavarian-themed venue, is a popular spot within the market for enjoying drinks and food in a lively, festive setting. Wooden chalets stretch across the city, creating a cheerful atmosphere filled with international food, local crafts, live music and exciting events for all ages. It’s ideal for those planning xmas breaks in England with friends or family.
3. Edinburgh Christmas market
Dates: 15 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Location: East Princes Street Gardens
Edinburgh's Christmas Market is one of the best Christmas markets in the UK. The market features a central ice skating rink, festive music throughout the event and traditional German stalls, making it one of the best places to go in the UK at Christmas. George Street is a key location within the city centre, hosting festive attractions and family entertainment. The surrounding views of Edinburgh Castle add to the festive charm.
4. York St Nicholas Fair
Dates: 21 November – 22 December 2025
Location: Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square
York’s historic streets come alive during its Christmas fayre with alpine chalets, warming drinks, handcrafted gifts and festive entertainment. This market is perfect for visitors looking for good Christmas markets in the UK with a more traditional atmosphere. Visitors can also enjoy live performances of Christmas carols, adding to the festive spirit.
5. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas market
Dates: 7 November – 23 December 2025
Location: Victoria Square and New Street
Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market is recognised as the biggest German market outside of Germany and Austria. This festive event brings a taste of Germany with bratwurst, glühwein and handcrafted decorations, closely replicating the authentic atmosphere of traditional German Christmas markets. Families can enjoy Santa Land, a dedicated area for children and meet Santa Claus for photo opportunities and festive fun. If you’re wondering when Christmas markets open, Birmingham is usually among the first, making it a great choice for early festive shopping.
6. Winchester Cathedral Christmas market
Dates: 21 November – 22 December 2025
Location: Inner Close, Winchester Cathedral
Set around the iconic cathedral, Winchester’s market is regularly listed among the top UK Christmas markets. The market transforms the area into a magical winter wonderland, enchanting visitors with twinkling lights and festive music. Among its standout market features are the open-air ice rink, a renowned makers market offering unique, handcrafted and locally sourced gifts and a wide selection of locally made crafts, making it a favourite for families searching for new and interesting places to visit in England during Christmas breaks.
7. Nottingham Winter Wonderland
Dates: 8 November 2025 – 31 December 2025
Location: Old Market Square
Nottingham offers one of the most complete Christmas experiences in the UK, featuring festive fun with an alpine bar, ice skating rink, festive rides and over 60 stalls. Visitors can enjoy hot chocolate as they explore the market. For visitors wondering when the Christmas markets close, Nottingham’s long schedule makes it easy to plan a trip throughout December.
8. London Christmas markets to explore
London hosts several good Christmas markets in the UK, including Southbank Centre Winter Market, Leicester Square and Covent Garden. Each features a mix of festive food, food stalls with diverse food and drink offerings, live performances and artisan gifts, perfect for anyone looking for Christmas markets in and around London and the surrounding areas.
Christmas markets in other UK cities
Beyond the famous markets in Birmingham, Bath and Edinburgh, many other UK cities host their own festive celebrations, each with its own unique charm.
In Bristol, the Christmas market delights visitors with its festive chalets, handmade crafts and tempting street food, all set against the backdrop of twinkling lights and live entertainment.
Chester Christmas Market transforms the historic city centre into a festive wonderland, complete with a giant Christmas tree, artisan stalls and seasonal treats that capture the essence of Christmas cheer.
Meanwhile, the Belfast Christmas Market, set in the grounds of Belfast City Hall, offers a unique blend of local and international flavours, handmade gifts and festive spirit, making it a must-visit for anyone in Northern Ireland.
With so many fantastic Christmas markets across the UK, there’s no shortage of opportunities to soak up the festive spirit, discover unique gifts and enjoy the very best of seasonal food and drink.
Planning your Christmas holiday
If you’re considering places for a Christmas holiday, many of these markets are near charming hotels and cosy cottages, making them ideal for weekend trips. Whether you prefer the Scottish scenery of Edinburgh or the warm glow of Bath’s cobbled streets, these destinations capture the spirit of the season.
Before travelling, check the official market websites for opening and closing dates, as schedules can vary due to local events and weather. Be sure to confirm if the markets are open on Christmas Eve, as many close on or just before this festive date.
At Pickfords, we understand that the festive period can be busy, from preparing your home to planning travel. If you need extra space for decorations or gifts, our self storage solutions are across the UK including major cities such as London, Manchester, Edinburgh and York provide quick and convenient short term storage solutions.
Frequently asked questions
1. When do Christmas markets open in the UK?
Most UK Christmas markets open in early or mid-November and continue through late December. Larger markets, such as Birmingham and Edinburgh, may stay open into early January.
2. Which is the biggest Christmas market in the UK?
The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is considered the biggest market in the UK, attracting millions of visitors each year.
3. What are some of the top Christmas markets in England that you must visit?
Bath, Manchester, Winchester, York and Bristol Christmas Market are among the top Christmas markets in England. Bath, especially, is known as an excellent Christmas market, offering unique crafts, festive food and entertainment.
4. When does the Christmas markets around the UK close?
Most markets close a few days before or after Christmas Day but larger events such as Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland or Edinburgh’s Christmas Market often remain open until early January.
Planning a move during the Christmas holidays? Contact Pickfords to arrange a professional moving service and enjoy a smooth start to the new year.