7 of the best Christmas markets in the UK

1. Winter Gardens, Manchester

Dates: November 10 – December 21, 2023

The Piccadilly Gardens get the festive treatment this time of year, complete with live music and a string of stalls serving up local brews and hearty fare. If that doesn’t get you into the spirit of things, there’s another eight to visit – no wonder Manchester claims to be the UK’s ‘Capital of Christmas’.

Head to the markets at King Street for French-themed stalls alongside one of the city’s top Italian delis (whether there’s an ongoing rivalry is yet to be confirmed). Then, mosey over to New Cathedral Street to get your shop on; between the fashion and skincare products, you might even knock out your Christmas shopping in one. You'll find the Skate Manchester ice rink over in Cathedral Gardens - the festivities here last up until January 2, 2024.

2. Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham

Dates: November 2 – December 24, 2023

You’ll find a seriously good imitation of Christmas in Germany in the most unlikely of places. Birmingham claims its Frankfurt Christmas Market is the “largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria”, and it lives up to the title, serving up schnitzels and bratwurst paired with Weissbier and glühwein, and selling delicate handmade Christmas decorations, toys and more.

The stalls themselves are a merry mingling of tradition and kitsch. Between the twinkling lights and snow-draped rooftops, there’s larger-than-life Santas, giant inflatable snowmen and an animated singing moose on the roof of one of the bars. Prost indeed!

3. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London

Dates: November 17, 2023 – January 1, 2024

While London’s Winter Wonderland remains a ticketed event in 2023 (entry is free during off-peak hours or up to £7.50 during peak), it doesn’t do much to dampen the festive cheer.

With markets here more about eating and drinking than shopping, gather round the fire with your friends and family and stave off the chill with a warming meal at Thor’s Tipi Bar or the Bavarian Village.

Prefer action-packed? Little ones will find gentle thrills on the rides in Santa Land, while adults can get their hearts racing on coasters including the Munich Looping and long-standing favourite Euro Coaster.

4. East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market, Edinburgh

Dates: November 17, 2023 – January 6, 2024

The star of Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations? The spectacular alpine ice rink that’s takes over George St. It joins the usual line-up of festive fun: there’s mulled Irn Bru and hot chocolate at the East Princes Street Gardens market, the Forth 1 Big Wheel with views over the Scottish capital and Santa’s Grotto in the West Princes Street Gardens.

The regular vendors are back once again with chalet stalls bursting with handcrafted decorations and gifts perfect for stocking fillers. Once you've had a browse, spend some time enjoying food, drink, general merriment and the festive light installation on the Mound.

5. Chester Christmas Market, Chester

Dates: November 17 – December 21, 2023

Chester’s giant Christmas tree is the beautiful centrepiece of this Yuletide market, where humble wooden chalets save the wow-factor for the handicrafts within.

You’ll be able to pick up everything from lovely handmade ceramics and soy candles to jewellery made from antique cutlery, and restock your liquor cabinet while you’re at it. Vendors include O’Donnell Moonshine and Celtic Spirit Co.

Once you’re all shopped out, head over to Chester Cathedral for the Christmas Tree Festival. The display, which will stick around until January 7, brings more than 90 sparkling Christmas trees into the cathedral, making for a totally unique way to see this historic building.

6. St Nicholas Fair, York

Dates: November 16 – December 22, 2023

For unique gifts, you can’t go past York’s St Nicholas Fair – think alcoholic tea, leather tankards and medieval-style jugs, handmade fountain pens, and dried fruit Christmas decorations. Pick up a mulled wine or hot chocolate then wander from the Parliament St stalls over to the photogenic Shambles, where you can continue browsing a string of indie shops.

If you have time, you can also embrace the Christmas spirit at Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, around a 20-minute drive away at the York Designer Outlet. Part outdoor ice rink, part vintage funfair – and with an alpine chalet thrown in for good measure – Winter Wonderland is all about family-friendly fun. Forget everything you know about driving on the Dodgems, spin through the sky on the Chair-o-Plane or win a prize on the Hook-a-Duck.

7. Winter Wonderland, Nottingham

Dates: November 7 – December 31, 2023

Full of show-stopping razzmatazz, Nottingham’s Christmas market never fails to impress. More food stalls and the popular après ski-themed bar join old favourites such as the Altitude Bar, plus the gravity-defying ice rink makes a return this year. Set above the city centre vendors, the Sky Skate allows visitors to glide around a 400m (1,312ft) square path with views of the Winter Wonderland below. It's worth noting that tickets for this attraction are pricey, so booking in advance is recommended.

For stocking fillers, make a beeline for the quaint chalets at Old Market Square. Here, you’ll also find Nottingham’s 18m (60ft) Christmas tree, a 60m (196ft) observation wheel and a traditional Helter Skelter. Trinity Square’s Winter Village is the quieter option; grab a hot drink from the bar, retreat to one of the wintry igloos and just enjoy this magical time of year.