Christmas markets in the UK: 2026 guide

Few things capture the start of the festive season quite like a Christmas market. Wooden chalets glow under strings of lights, the smell of mulled wine and roasting chestnuts drifts across the square, and you can tick off half your gift list from independent makers in a single afternoon. Whether you have lived in your area for years or you are moving home before Christmas and want to discover what your new neighbourhood has to offer, the UK has a festive market to suit you.

In this 2026 guide, you will find the UK's best Christmas markets, with confirmed dates where organisers have announced them, opening hours, highlights, food and drink, travel tips and advice for getting the most out of each visit. Later on, we also share ideas for celebrating your first Christmas in a new home, from clearing the last of the moving boxes to hosting Christmas Day.

When do UK Christmas markets open in 2026?

Most of the UK's big festive markets open between early and mid November and run until just before Christmas, with a handful continuing into the new year. Birmingham and Manchester are among the earliest to open, in the first week of November, while smaller and more traditional markets such as Bath and Winchester open in the second half of the month.

The dates in this guide come from organisers and local councils. Where 2026 dates have not yet been confirmed, we say so, and you should check the organiser's website before you travel. Opening hours can also change on bank holidays, Christmas Eve and around special events.

UK Christmas markets 2026 at a glance

Bath Christmas Market

Where: The streets around Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths and Stall Street, in the heart of Bath.

2026 dates: Thursday 26 November to Sunday 13 December 2026.

Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday 10am to 7pm, Thursday to Saturday 10am to 8pm and Sunday 10am to 6pm.

Bath's market is one of the most loved in the country, and it has a strong focus on independent businesses. Instead of rows of identical stalls, you will find wooden chalets run by local makers selling ceramics, jewellery, knitwear, art and homeware, set against the honey-coloured stone of the city's Georgian buildings. Bath & North East Somerset Council has renewed its contract with the event producer until 2030, so the market looks set to remain a fixture of the festive calendar.

Food and drink: Expect mulled wine and cider, hot chocolate, artisan cheeses, cured meats and plenty of sweet treats, along with street food to keep you going while you browse.

Getting there: Bath Spa station is a short walk from the market. Driving into the centre of Bath is slow during the market, so the Park and Ride sites on the edge of the city are a sensible choice.

Tip: Weekends are very busy. If you can, visit on a weekday morning, then warm up afterwards with a visit to the Roman Baths or Thermae Bath Spa.

Manchester Christmas Markets

Where: Ten sites across the centre of Manchester, including Albert Square, Cathedral Gardens, St Ann's Square, Exchange Square, King Street, Market Street and the new Lincoln Square site just off Brazennose Street.

2026 dates: Friday 6 November to Tuesday 22 December 2026. Stalls at Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens stay open until Sunday 3 January 2027.

Opening hours: Check the official Manchester Christmas Markets website for daily times, as hours vary between sites.

With more than 210 stalls, Manchester has one of the largest festive markets in the UK. Albert Square is the centrepiece in 2026, with a 50 metre Ferris wheel, a helter-skelter and a new market pub. Skate Manchester's covered ice rink returns to Cathedral Gardens, and St Ann's Square has a new layout with extra craft, food and drink traders. The Manchester Christmas Parade is planned for Sunday 6 December.

Food and drink: You can try everything from German sausages and Dutch pancakes to Lancashire cheese and international street food, along with plenty of mulled wine and hot chocolate.

Getting there: Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria stations are both within walking distance, and the Metrolink tram network stops close to several market sites.

Tip: Because the market is spread over several squares, plan a walking route between them. Starting at Cathedral Gardens and finishing at Albert Square in the evening, when the lights are at their best, works well.

Edinburgh's Christmas

Where: East Princes Street Gardens, West Princes Street Gardens and George Street, beneath Edinburgh Castle.

2026 dates: 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.

Opening hours: The main market usually opens from 10am to 10pm, with shorter hours on some dates around Christmas and New Year. It is closed on Christmas Day.

Few settings can match Edinburgh at Christmas. The Traditional Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens is free to enter and has around 70 stalls, with the castle lit up above. The 46 metre LNER Big Wheel and the 80 metre Star Flyer give you some of the best views of the Old Town skyline, while West Princes Street Gardens hosts a festive family funfair, Santa's Stories and events at the Ross Bandstand. A family ice experience is planned for George Street.

Food and drink: Look out for Scottish favourites such as tablet, shortbread and hot whisky drinks, alongside bratwurst, crêpes and mulled wine.

Getting there: Edinburgh Waverley station sits right beside East Princes Street Gardens, so you can step off the train and into the market in minutes.

Tip: Rides and attractions need separate tickets, so book ahead for busy weekends. If you stay on, Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations make the end of December especially memorable.

York Christmas Market

Where: Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square, in the centre of York.

2026 dates: 12 November to 21 December 2026.

Opening hours: 10.30am to 7pm, Wednesday to Monday. The market is closed every Tuesday, and it closes at 5pm on the final day, Monday 21 December.

Long known as the St Nicholas Fair, York's Christmas Market fills the streets close to the Shambles and York Minster with traditional alpine chalets. More than 80% of traders come from Yorkshire, so it is a good place to find handmade gifts, local food and responsibly made products. Combine your visit with a walk along the city walls or a look around the Minster, and you have a festive day out full of history.

Food and drink: Yorkshire produce features heavily, from cheeses and chutneys to fudge and gin, plus classic market foods such as roast pork rolls and mulled drinks.

Getting there: York station is around a 15 minute walk away. York also has several Park and Ride sites if you are driving.

Tip: Remember the Tuesday closures when planning your trip. Weekday mornings are much quieter than Saturday afternoons, when the narrow streets get very busy.

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market

Where: Victoria Square and New Street, between Corporation Street and the Bullring.

2026 dates: 5 November to 24 December 2026.

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 11am to 9pm, Friday 11am to 9.30pm, Saturday 10am to 9.30pm and Sunday 10am to 9pm. On Remembrance Sunday, 8 November, it opens at 1pm.

Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market is often described as the largest authentic German market outside Germany and Austria. It runs for seven weeks and is known for its lively atmosphere, its large beer stalls and a wide choice of German crafts, from carved wooden ornaments to candle arches.

Food and drink: This is the place for bratwurst, pretzels, schnitzel, stollen and gingerbread, washed down with German beer or glühwein served in a collectable mug.

Getting there: Birmingham New Street station is a few minutes' walk from the market, and Grand Central and the Bullring are close by for shopping.

Tip: Evenings and weekends are busy and lively. If you are visiting with children, a weekday afternoon is usually calmer.

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

Where: The grounds of Winchester Cathedral, in the centre of Winchester.

2026 dates: Friday 20 November to Tuesday 22 December 2026.

Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 10am to 6pm, Friday and Saturday 10am to 8pm.

Set on the Cathedral Close, Winchester's market has a reputation for quality and craftsmanship. There will be 128 chalets in 2026, with a strong selection of handmade gifts, decorations and artisan food. The cathedral itself makes a dramatic backdrop, especially after dark, and a visit to the cathedral or to its festive services adds something special to your trip.

Food and drink: Expect seasonal treats such as mince pies, hot chocolate, mulled wine and locally made Hampshire produce.

Getting there: Winchester station is around a 15 minute walk away. Parking is limited near the cathedral, so the Park and Ride is a good option if you drive.

Tip: Entry is free, but the market is popular with coach trips at weekends. A weekday visit gives you more time to browse and chat with the makers.

Nottingham Winter Wonderland

Where: Old Market Square, in the centre of Nottingham.

2026 dates: 12 November to 31 December 2026, with a closure on Christmas Day.

Opening hours: Check the Nottingham Winter Wonderland website for daily times.

Nottingham's Winter Wonderland combines a Christmas market with an ice rink and the Sky Skate path, a suspended ice trail above the square. An observation wheel gives you views across the city, and the ice bar returns with a new theme for 2026. Entry is free, and the programme includes live hosts, DJs and themed nights.

Food and drink: You will find festive food stalls, seasonal treats and bars around the square, making it a good place for an evening out.

Getting there: Nottingham station is around a 10 to 15 minute walk away, and the tram stops right next to Old Market Square.

Tip: Ice rink sessions are popular, so book in advance. The organisers offer savings on selected sessions booked before opening.

Popular Christmas markets in London

London has more festive markets than anywhere else in the UK, so you can easily fill a weekend. Here are some of the best for 2026.

1. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

2026 dates: 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, open daily except Christmas Day.

Opening hours: Most days from 10am until 10pm, with later opening times on some dates, and last entry at 9.30pm.

Winter Wonderland is more festival than market, with more than 150 things to see and do, including the Magical Ice Kingdom, the Ice Bar, the Giant Wheel, circus shows and fairground rides, alongside Christmas market stalls and food. Everyone needs a pre-booked entry ticket for a specific arrival slot, and off-peak slots are the lowest priced. Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch tube stations are both nearby.

2. Southbank Centre Winter Market

2026 dates: 2 November 2026 to 4 January 2027, closed on 25 and 31 December.

Opening hours: Daily from 11am to 10pm, with craft traders open until 9pm.

Alpine-style chalets line the riverside under Hungerford Bridge, between the Royal Festival Hall and Jubilee Gardens. It is a favourite for street food, Dutch pancakes and churros, mulled wine and hot cider, with gifts, jewellery and decorations to browse. Waterloo and Embankment stations are a short walk away.

3. Christmas in Leicester Square

Listings published so far show Christmas in Leicester Square running from 31 October 2026 to 3 January 2027, with festive stalls set around the Leicester Square Skate ice rink. It is easy to combine with a West End show or the lights on Regent Street and Oxford Street. Check the official website for opening hours.

Other London markets to visit

• Covent Garden: Listings show the Piazza's Christmas market running from 12 November 2026 to 2 January 2027, with a huge Christmas tree and decorations.
• Trafalgar Square: Listings show this small market running from 6 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, in front of the National Gallery and beside the famous Norwegian Christmas tree.
• Winter by the River: At London Bridge City near Tower Bridge, listed as running from 10 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
• Borough Market: Open throughout December, and perfect for stocking up on festive food.

Tip: London markets are busiest on Friday and Saturday evenings. Use public transport, and confirm dates with each organiser before you go, as some details may change.

Christmas markets in other UK cities

Beyond the big names, many other cities put on excellent festive markets. Here are some of the best to add to your list.

Cardiff Christmas Market

2026 dates: 12 November to 23 December 2026.

Traditional wooden chalets fill the centre of Cardiff, selling Welsh crafts, gifts and seasonal food, with late opening until 7pm on Thursdays in December. New for 2026, a Victorian Christmas Market runs on Queen Street from 12 to 15 November, and Cardiff's free-to-enter Winter Wonderland returns to City Hall Lawn from 12 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Cardiff Central and Cardiff Queen Street stations are both close by.

Tip: Try Welsh cakes fresh from the griddle while you browse.

Belfast Christmas Market

2026 dates: Saturday 14 November to Tuesday 22 December 2026.

Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday 10am to 8pm, Thursday to Saturday 10am to 10pm and Sunday 12 noon to 6pm. The market opens at 12 noon on the first day and closes at 6pm on the last.

Held in the grounds of Belfast City Hall, this market is famous for its international food, with traders from across the world alongside local businesses, which make up more than half of the stalls. A vintage carousel and a giant helter-skelter add to the atmosphere. Admission is free, and Belfast Grand Central Station is a short walk away.

Tip: Arrive hungry and share several dishes so you can try more of the food court.

Glasgow Christmas markets

2026 dates: St Enoch Square Winter Wonderland runs from 6 November to 27 December 2026, and Winter Wonderland at Glasgow Green runs from 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Dates for George Square and some smaller markets had not been confirmed at the time of writing.

St Enoch Square has festive stalls, a solar-powered observation wheel, rides and a festive bar. Glasgow Green offers a bigger ice rink, a Bavarian-style bar, a Big Top circus, a snow slide and Santa's grotto. Glasgow Central, Queen Street and St Enoch subway station are all close by.

Leeds Christmas Market

2026 dates: 19 November to 23 December 2026.

City Square becomes an evergreen winter wonderland centred on Thor's Winter Village, with Yorkshire makers, regional food and drink and three winter bars. Stalls here open from 10.30am to 7pm Sunday to Thursday and 10.30am to 8pm on Friday and Saturday. Millennium Square and Victoria Gardens add a traditional carousel, a big wheel, a covered outdoor ice rink and Bavarian-style huts serving German sausages and mulled wine. Leeds station is right beside City Square.

Liverpool Christmas markets

Liverpool's 2026 festive programme includes Skate St George's, a new outdoor ice-skating experience at St George's Hall, and Liverpool Christmas Wonderland at Pier Head, with a covered ice rink and rides overlooked by the Three Graces. Pop-up markets with local businesses are planned at Basnett Street and the Cunard Building on selected dates. Full 2026 dates had not been confirmed at the time of writing, so check Liverpool City Council's website before you go. Lime Street station is directly opposite St George's Hall.

Lincoln Christmas markets

Lincoln's large council-run Christmas Market came to an end after its 40th anniversary event in 2023. Today, you will find a collection of smaller festive markets instead, such as the Lincoln Medieval Christmas Market at St Mary le Wigford Church and St Mary's Guildhall, a Christmas craft fair at the County Assembly Rooms and makers' markets in the historic Bail area. These took place in early December last year, and 2026 dates are expected to be similar, so check Visit Lincoln for the latest details. Lincoln Castle and the cathedral make the uphill walk well worth it.

Christmas markets in the North East

The North East has some of the most atmospheric festive markets in the country. Newcastle's Christmas Market runs from Thursday 19 November to Wednesday 23 December 2026, across Grey Street, Grainger Street, the area around Grey's Monument and Nelson Street, with the Christmas lights switch-on on 12 November. More than 70 traders take part, most of them based within 20 miles, and the Christmas Village on Old Eldon Square has a vintage carousel, a Ferris wheel, Santa Stories and stage shows. Newcastle Central station and Monument Metro station are close by.

Durham is another festive favourite, with seasonal events around the cathedral and the historic Market Place, and smaller towns across the region hold their own markets and fairs. For dates, highlights and ideas for days out across the region, take a look at this guide to the best Christmas markets in the North East of England.

Planning your Christmas holiday

A little planning makes your market visit far more enjoyable. Here are a few practical points to consider.

• Book travel and accommodation early: Hotels near Edinburgh, York and Bath fill up quickly on weekends from late November. Advance train tickets are usually better value too.
• Visit on a weekday if you can: Weekday mornings and early afternoons are the quietest times at almost every market.
• Use public transport or Park and Ride: Roads and car parks near popular markets get very busy, and many cities run Park and Ride services.
• Dress for the weather: Wear comfortable shoes and warm layers, as you will spend hours outdoors.
• Bring a bag for your gifts: A sturdy tote or rucksack makes it easier to carry delicate decorations and food.
• Check card and cash options: Most stalls take cards, but a little cash can be useful for smaller traders.
• Look out for reusable mugs: Many markets charge a deposit on mugs, which you can keep as a souvenir or return for a refund.

Your first Christmas in a new home

If you have recently moved, or you are moving home before Christmas, your first festive season in a new place is a chance to make fresh memories. With a little planning, you can turn a house that still has boxes in the hallway into a warm, welcoming home in time for the holidays

How do you clear the moving clutter before Christmas?

Start by unpacking the rooms you will use most over the holidays: the kitchen, the living room and the guest bedroom. Leave items you will not need until the new year in clearly labelled boxes in one spare room or the loft. Once you have unpacked, flatten your boxes and keep a few for storing decorations after Christmas. Pickfords can also collect your used packing boxes, so ask your move manager about our box collection service and reclaim your space quickly.

Read our guide on how to pack your house for a move.

Which traditional decorations should you start with?

A Christmas tree, whether real or artificial, gives any home an instant festive feel. Add a wreath to your new front door, hang stockings by the fireplace if you have one, and bring in seasonal greenery such as holly, ivy and mistletoe. Fairy lights in windows are a lovely way to say hello to your new neighbours.

How can you create a cosy festive atmosphere?

Soft lighting makes a big difference. Use lamps, candles and warm white lights instead of bright overhead bulbs. Add throws and cushions in rich colours, and fill your home with seasonal scents such as cinnamon, orange and pine. If you have a working fireplace, have it checked and swept before you light it for the first time.

How do you choose decorations that suit your space?

Your new home may be larger or smaller than your last one, so measure your ceiling height and floor space before buying a tree. In a compact flat, a slim tree, a table-top tree or a lit branch arrangement can look just as festive. In a larger home, think about decorating the hallway and staircase to create a welcoming first impression. Christmas markets are a great place to find handmade decorations that suit your new rooms.

Why start your own Christmas traditions?

A new home is the perfect moment to begin traditions of your own. You might choose a new ornament each year to mark your time in the house, walk round the neighbourhood to see the lights, bake mince pies on the first weekend of December or host a small get-together for your new neighbours.

How do you prepare for hosting Christmas Day?

If you are hosting for the first time in your new home, get to know your oven before the big day by cooking a full roast at least once. Check you have enough chairs, plates, glasses and cutlery, and plan where everyone will sit. Order your turkey or main dish early, write a timetable for cooking, and accept offers of help with starters, desserts or drinks.

How can you make room for guests?

Make up a spare room or set up a sofa bed with fresh bedding, towels and a bedside lamp. Clear a space in a wardrobe or drawer so guests can unpack, and leave a few extras such as a phone charger and the Wi-Fi password. If space is tight, a good air bed and a cosy corner of the living room can work well for a night or two.

What are some lovely Christmas Eve traditions?

Many families open one small present on Christmas Eve, such as new pyjamas or a book. You could leave out a mince pie and a glass of sherry for Father Christmas with a carrot for the reindeer, watch a favourite festive film or go to a carol service or midnight mass at your new local church.

How can local Christmas markets inspire your new home?

Visiting your nearest Christmas market is a wonderful way to get to know your new area. You will meet local makers, discover independent shops and find decorations and gifts with a local connection. It is also a relaxed way to meet people in your new community.

How should you prepare for the new year?

Once the festivities are over, take some time to finish unpacking, sort through anything you no longer need and plan any decorating or improvement projects for the year ahead. Register with a local GP and dentist if you have not already, and update your address with your bank, employer and any subscriptions.

How can Pickfords help this festive season?

Moving home in November or December means balancing your move with festive plans. Pickfords can take care of the planning, packing and moving, so you can focus on settling in. Our teams can pack your belongings carefully, including fragile decorations, and we can store items you will not need straight away until you are ready for them.

Find out more about Pickfords self storage.

What are the most common Christmas customs and traditions in England?

• Advent calendars: Counting down the days from 1 December with a small treat behind each door.
• Christmas cards: Sending cards to friends, family and neighbours, a tradition that began in England in the 1840s.
• Carol singing: Carol services, nativity plays and carol singers going door to door.
• Christmas crackers: Pulled at the dinner table, with paper crowns, jokes and small gifts inside.
• Christmas dinner: Usually roast turkey with all the trimmings, followed by Christmas pudding and mince pies.
• The King's Christmas message: Broadcast on Christmas Day afternoon.
• Boxing Day: A day for walks, leftovers, sport and time with family on 26 December.
• Pantomimes: A much-loved festive night out at theatres across the country.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the biggest Christmas market in the UK?

Manchester Christmas Markets, with more than 210 stalls across ten sites, and Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market are two of the largest in the UK. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London is the biggest festive event overall, though it is closer to a festival than a traditional market.

• When do Christmas markets open in 2026?

Most UK markets open between early and mid November 2026. Birmingham opens on 5 November and Manchester on 6 November, while Bath opens on 26 November. Always check the organiser's website for the latest dates and times.

• Are UK Christmas markets free to enter?

Most are free to enter, including Bath, Edinburgh's Traditional Christmas Market, Winchester, Belfast and Nottingham. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland needs a pre-booked entry ticket, and rides, ice rinks and attractions at most markets are charged separately.

• Which UK Christmas markets stay open after Christmas?

Edinburgh, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, the Southbank Centre Winter Market, Glasgow Green and parts of Manchester's market stay open into early January 2027. Nottingham runs until 31 December.

• Which Christmas market is best for families?

Nottingham Winter Wonderland, Edinburgh's Christmas and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland are great for families, with ice skating, rides and visits from Father Christmas. Smaller markets such as Winchester and Bath are better suited to relaxed browsing.

• Can I move home just before Christmas?

Yes. Many people move in November and December. Booking your removal early is wise, as this is a busy time of year, and a professional removals company can pack and protect your belongings so you can settle in before the festivities begin.

Enjoy a festive season in your new home

Whether you are planning a weekend in Edinburgh, an afternoon browsing the chalets in Bath or a first visit to the market in your new town, the festive season is a lovely time to explore. If you are planning to move home before Christmas, Pickfords can help you get settled in good time, with expert packing, careful handling of your belongings and storage if you need it. Get in touch with our team to request a quote, and look forward to celebrating your first Christmas in your new home.