Now that November has begun, many of us are ready to jump straight into the Christmas season. There are a variety of festive and fun Christmas markets scattered throughout the United Kingdom that are worth visiting. We have compiled a list of some of the best loved festive markets to your Christmas bucket list.
Winter Wonderland, London
Winter Wonderland is a Christmas event that is well known worldwide, hosting over 2.5 million visitors each year. Much like other markets, Winter Wonderland has a large number of market stalls, street food, and bars, however it is the entertainment that is the real showstopper. In addition to the rides, Winter Wonderland features an ice skating rink, an ice bar, an ice slide, an ice sculpting workshop, and the Magical Ice Kingdom (an impressive walk-through of mind-blowing ice sculptures!). However, one of its most loved attractions is Cirque Berserk – a thrilling performance that showcases circus acts and daring stunts.
18 November – 2 January
Belfast Christmas Market, Northern Ireland
Like many others, Belfast’s Christmas Market took a real hit following the pandemic, however it has been stated that 2022 is the first year that it will return to normal. Located in the grounds of Belfast City Hall, this Christmas market is coming back with a bang and it has been announced that there will be a range of features added for its 2022 opening. These include a ride based on the Disney film Frozen, a snow slide, a vintage helter-skelter, and a large ferris wheel! In addition to these, the Belfast Christmas Market will feature a range of market stalls, street food, and beer tents – making it an ideal location for a Christmassy date night.
19 November – 22 December
Bath Christmas Market, Somerset
Bath Christmas Market is famous for its wide range of market stalls, all of which feature unique and wholesome items (many are homemade or crafted by small businesses). Bath Christmas Market is located near Bath Abbey in the city centre, meaning it’s surrounded by the spectacular architecture that the city has to offer, giving it a particularly cosy atmosphere. The market has also introduced an ice rink, which is incredibly popular with people of all ages and abilities.
24 November – 11 December
York Christmas Festival, Yorkshire
York Christmas Festival is also known as the St Nicholas Fair and has been running annually since 1992, making this its 30th anniversary year. The market is illuminated by sparkling lights that hang above the stalls. This year, The Winter Hütte is a new addition to the Christmas festival – it’s a pop-up restaurant and unique dining experience, headed by a Michelin-starred chef. Additionally, the York Christmas Festival hosts a sizeable onsite bar and a variety of street food trucks and huts!
17 November – 23 December
Edinburgh Christmas Market, Scotland
Edinburgh Christmas Market is incredibly popular amongst people from all over the world, with many adding it to their bucket list. If you’re looking for a Christmas market with endless street food, beer tents, and exhilarating rides, then look no further! The Edinburgh Christmas Market is absolutely packed with things to do, meaning that you could easily spend a full day and evening here! Many visitors take on its foodie challenge, which involves eating your way around the market and rating each dish. Additionally, the city of Edinburgh is gorgeous and is particularly popular amongst tourists during the colder months due to its cosy and festive atmosphere.
25 November – 5 January
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market, Hampshire
Winchester’s annual Christmas market is held outside of the city’s magnificent cathedral, creating a wholesome and historic feel which only adds to the festive feeling. The Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market glows with twinkling lights and is packed with delicious food spots and bars where you can take a breather from the hustle and bustle to enjoy a glass of mulled wine. Additionally, the event features a number of chalet stalls where small business owners showcase a range of merchandise! Whether you buy something or not, wandering through this delightful market is a treat in itself.
18 November – 22 December
Swansea Christmas Market, Wales
The Swansea Christmas Market is well known for its variety of homemade and handcrafted items that are sold from its stalls each year. In addition to its range of quaint stalls, the market is famous for its launch party which takes place in November this year. You can expect to see performances by singers from London’s West End, live music from The Spinettes, and maybe even some celebrity special guests. If you can’t make it to the launch party, don’t fret – this Christmas market is buzzing with entertainment until the 21st of December.
25th November – 21st December
Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham
Frankfurt Christmas Market is located in Birmingham’s Victoria Square, where guests will be able to watch and listen to live music while roaming around the beloved event. This market is packed with drink stands, beer tents and bars, making it an excellent location to visit with friends or loved ones who are partial to a festive tipple! Another highlight is the aroma of delicious food and mouthwatering desserts that can be found throughout. The items and street food sold within this market (as well as the decor) will transport visitors straight to the city of Frankfurt – where Christmas markets are taken very seriously.
3rd November – 23rd December
