From Manchester to London, Birmingham to Edinburgh, here are some of the standout Christmas markets to visit across Britain in 2024.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
21 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
Starting in late November, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland transforms one of London’s Royal Parks into a festive playground in the heart of the city. The Wonderland is home to the world’s tallest transportable observation wheel and a Magical Ice Kingdom filled with ice sculptures. Visitors of all ages can discover Britain’s largest open-air ice rink and indulge in festive fayre at plenty of food stalls. Enjoy circus acts and don’t miss the chance to ride the Munich Looping, the world’s largest transportable roller coaster. Pre-booking tickets is recommended.
Newcastle Christmas Market
16 November – 22 December 2024
Taking place in and around Grey Street, Grainger Street and Old Eldon Square, expect around 40 stalls at the Newcastle Christmas Market, selling everything from festive food and drinks to gifts and decorations. Most of the traders are from the north-east region, while there’s also a Christmas Village, Elf workshop and Moosenvirt alpine bar for visitors to enjoy.
York Christmas Market
14 November – 22 December 2024
York’s award-winning Christmas Market returns from 14 November, with 75 alpine chalets lining Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Squar. The market showcases local crafts, artisan goods and seasonal treats, while a vintage carousel on King’s Square adds to the family-friendly atmosphere. Around 80% of traders are from Yorkshire, promoting local businesses and sustainability. Accessibility is a priority, with quieter shopping hours, a Take a Seat Initiative, and a Safe Space Scheme ensuring everyone can enjoy the festive atmosphere in this historic city.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
15 November 2024 – 4 January 2025
Get into the mood for the holiday season and enjoy festive treats at Edinburgh’s Christmas market, which begins on 15 November 2024 and continues all the way to 4 January 2025. While it is closed on Christmas Day, it is open on Christmas Eve, offering plenty of opportunities to get last-minute goodies including arts and crafts, festive food and traditional or bespoke Christmas products. The markets take place in East Princes Street Gardens and West Princes Street Gardens, guaranteeing scenic views of Edinburgh Castle and easy access to some of the city’s major attractions. Apart from the market, there will be a whole host of events bringing the city to life in the run-up to Christmas and Hogmanay. The Castle of Light will see spectacular light displays across the walls of Edinburgh Castle, while the Torchlit Procession on 29 December serves as a prelude to the Hogmanay celebrations.
Bath Christmas Market
28 November – 15 December 2024
Visitors can uncover a treasure trove of gifts at one of Britain’s most sustainable Christmas markets. Bath Christmas Market offers a charming festive experience set against the backdrop of the city’s historic Georgian architecture. With over 150 wooden chalets lining the streets, discover an array of handmade gifts, local crafts and artisanal products, from jewellery and homewares to festive food and drink. Many of the traders are from Bath and the surrounding areas, making it a great opportunity to support local businesses. The market also features seasonal entertainment, with choirs, carol singers and street performers adding to the festive atmosphere.
Belfast Christmas Market
16 November – 22 December 2024
Set against the backdrop of Belfast City Hall, the Belfast Christmas Market brings a festive blend of artisan products and treats to the heart of the Northern Irish capital. The outdoor food court brims with stalls offering everything from crêpes and hog roasts to glühwein and continental cheeses. For a true Belfast experience, stop by Lavery’s traditional Irish bar for live music that will have visitors in the Christmas spirit in no time. Families can meet Santa at his grotto, then hop on the vintage carousel or helter-skelter.
Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham
17 November 2024 – 6 January 2025
A firm favourite on the Yuletide calendar is the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market, the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria. Among its 80+ stalls, visitors will find a fine range of traditional, personalised gifts, and get the chance to channel the German spirit while feasting on schnitzels, bratwursts, glühwein and weissbier. The market is conveniently located in Victoria Square and comes complete with a vibrant programme of live music and carol singers to accompany festive shopping.
Leeds Christmas Market, Christkindelmarkt, England
22 November – 22 December 2024
Taking place across the city, the Leeds Christmas Market is back – and on a grand scale! This year, the market covers two prime locations in the city centre – Millennium Square and City Square. With a global vibe, explore the Bavarian-style timber market stalls selling goods from the region alongside those from international traders. New for this year: an Artisan Market every Saturday and Sunday during the Christmas market on Bond Court in the city centre, with stalls celebrating independent producers and makers. Visitors can also take a spin on the Ice Cube outdoor skating rink or head to one of the festive outdoor bar areas.
Winter Festival at Southbank Centre, London
1 November – 26 December 2024
The popular Winter Market at London’s Southbank Centre is a seasonal pleasure that sits alongside a range of family shows and festive fun. Stroll along the South Bank and discover strings of festive decorations and illuminated wooden cabins selling Christmas gifts, from the quirky to the traditional. Visitors can expect to find churros, Dutch pancakes, spiced cider, steaming mugs of mulled wine and hot chocolate, alongside a host of global cuisines.
Cardiff Christmas Market
14 November – 23 December 2024
Cardiff Christmas Market brings a festive flair to the heart of the Welsh capital, transforming the city centre into a winter wonderland. Set along the pedestrian streets around St. John Street, Working Street and The Hayes, the market features an abundance of decorated stalls offering a variety of handcrafted gifts, unique artworks and locally sourced produce. Festive goodies, including mulled wine and freshly made Welsh cakes, are just some of the treats to look out for.
Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market, England
22 November - 22 December 2024
Set against the backdrop of Winchester’s grand cathedral, the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is a festive staple. Its hand-picked exhibitors offer unique gifts, from handcrafted decorations to craft beer and mulled wine, providing a welcome alternative to the high street. The market is also focused on sustainability, using local vendors to cut carbon emissions.
Blenheim Palace Christmas Market, England
15 November – 22 December 2024
Stock up on festive favourites at Blenheim Palace Christmas Market in the spectacular setting of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The market features wooden chalets offering handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats and artisan goods. Alongside the market, Blenheim Palace also offers a magical illuminated trail and themed palace tours.
Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Market
7 – 9 December and 14 – 15 December 2024
Stratford-upon-Avon’s Christmas Market returns in 2024 with a fresh new layout, designed to enhance the visitor experience. Running over two weekends in December, the market features 200 stalls across Wood Street, Union Street and the High Street. This year, the market will forgo a central stage and funfair, opting instead for roaming entertainment throughout the town’s historic streets, creating an immersive experience for visitors.
Bristol Christmas Market
1 November – 23 December 2024
Nestled in the heart of Bristol city centre, the Christmas market features over 35 stalls offering unique gifts, handmade crafts and seasonal treats. Visitors can sip hot chocolate or mulled wine while browsing, and enjoy festive food such as German bratwurst, Yorkshire pudding wraps and crêpes. Entertainment includes appearances from Santa, stilt-walking elves, bubble-blowing soldiers and Christmas choirs, creating a magical atmosphere for all ages. There are plenty of selfie spots, including a glittering Christmas tree and the Jäger Barn Bar’s festive backdrop.
Lesser-known Christmas markets in Britain
Durham Christmas Festival
6 December – 8 December 2024
Durham’s family-friendly Christmas Festival offers three bustling markets featuring more than 200 independent traders, ideal for finding unique gifts and festive treats. Visitors can explore the Craft and Producers’ Marquee on Palace Green, Durham Market Hall’s 40 local businesses, and the Festive Outdoor Market in Market Place. The city also hosts a variety of Christmas entertainment, with the Children’s Lantern Parade on 7 December as a highlight.
Chester Christmas Market
15 November – 22 December 2024
Chester Christmas Market returns to the heart of the city this winter, offering a festive experience with 70 traders surrounding the town hall and sparkling tree. Explore locally made produce, crafts, jewellery and stocking fillers, all set against Chester’s historic backdrop.
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market
15 November – 15 December 2024
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market, the largest in Devon, is a festive celebration brimming with over 100 chalets offering handcrafted gifts, local produce and global street food. With themed bars, seasonal entertainment and free entry to Exeter Cathedral, this market captures the festive spirit of Exeter. Alongside the Christmas Market, there’s a calendar of seasonal events, performances, exhibitions, family activities and festive services.
Dundee WinterFest at Slessor Gardens
25 November 2024 – 1 January 2025
Be transported into a magical Christmas wonderland with festive activities for all the family at Dundee WinterFest at Slessor Gardens. All ages can enjoy the Big Wheel, vintage funfair and open-air ice rink, while adults can relax with a drink in hand at the Bavarian bar.
