Best UK Christmas markets in 2023

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There’s nothing quite like a whiff of mulled cider and the twinkling of log cabin lights to get you in the mood for the festive season. If you fancy immersing yourselves in all the sights and smells of the winter season while doing your gift shopping here’s where to find UK Christmas markets in 2023.

If you’re getting in the yuletide spirit, you’ll also want to wrap your eyeballs around my guides to family days out this Christmas and festive light trails.

Where to find Christmas Markets in the UK

Wile there are a few confirmed dates, lots of UK Christmas markets are still to be announced for 2023. So this post gives you an idea of where you can expect to find them this year.

Please check with the market’s website or social media before visiting as some events require tickets. I have provided links where you can find the latest information.

Updated 27 August 2023

Bath Christmas Market 2023

Meander through the streets of Bath adorned with over 170 twinkling chalets and discover some of the best crafters that the South West and beyond has to offer.

Expect stylish homeware, handmade jewellery, personalised presents and more, bathe in the sights and smells of Christmas whilst ticking everything off your shopping list.

Bath Christmas Market, 23 November to 10 December 2023.

Belfast Christmas Market 2023

This popular and well established market is back for 2023. There will be a host of international traders offering incredible foods and delightful gift ideas at this award-winning market.

Keep an eye on the Facebook page for more details.

Belfast Christmas Market, Belfast City Hall, from 18 November to 23 December 2023.

Birmingham Christmas Market 2023

The UK’s largest, authentic German Christmas Market is hosted each year in Birmingham.

Expect Bratwurst, Glühwein and chocolaty Crêpes as well as plenty of Christmassy atmosphere.

The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market takes place in New Street and Victoria Square.

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market, Victoria Square, 3 November to 23 December 2023.

Blenheim Palace Christmas Market 2023

Blenheim Palace’s Great Court will be transformed into a spectacular seasonal market this Christmas.

There will be traditional wooden chalets showcasing a range of festive treats from designer-makers and artisan food and drink producers. 

Taking place inside the Great Court of the baroque Oxfordshire palace, the Christmas Market is the perfect way to escape the bustle of the high street and the boredom of online shopping to really savour the yuletide atmosphere. 

Filled with a variety of hand-picked, irresistible gifts, unique works by a range of designers and tempting treats to taste and take home, it’s the perfect addition to a Christmas day out at Blenheim Palace. 

Please note that this is a ticketed event alongside Blenheim’s other Christmas events.

Blenheim Palace Christmas, Oxfordshire, 17 November 2023 to 1 January 2024.

Bournemouth Christmas Market 2023

The Alpine market will return in 2023 along with the Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland. We visited a few years ago and can highly recommend it as a wonderful and FREE Christmas family day out.

The market’s log cabins line the town centre retail area offering gifts, clothing, crafts and refreshments. As part of the Wonderland there’s an ice rink and Christmas tree trail featuring more than 100 trees, plus replicas of enchanting trees from six cities around the world.

Bournemouth Christmas Market, town centre, Dorset, from 17 December 2023 to 1 January 2024

Take a look at our review of Bournemouth Beach Lodges. They are a lovely place to stay while enjoying the Christmas Tree Wonderland and market.

Bristol Christmas Market 2023

Visit Bristol city centre and start your Christmas shopping early at 50 unique stalls, as well enjoying entertainment from the likes of Santa and street entertainers throughout November and December.

If you have time to stop for some refreshments there’s heated seating, delicious drinks and live music in the Jäger Barn Bar.

Bristol Christmas Market, Broadmead, Bristol, from 3 November to 23 December 2023

Want to stay in Bristol for the market? Here’s some family-friendly Bristol City Centre apartments you might like.

Cambridge Christmas Market 2023

In 2023 Cambridge will host 60 local artisans, crafters and makers at its Christmas market. Expect unique gifts and seasonal food.

Cambridge Christmas Market, Cambridge City Hall, from 9 to 10 December 2023

Cardiff Christmas Market 2023

This maker-focused UK Christmas market offers an alternative shopping experience – you can see your crafts and gifts being handmade infront of you.

A rolling programme of more than 200 businesses are expected this year, plus seasonal food and drink producers.

Cardiff Christmas Market, City Centre, Cardiff, 9 November to 23 December 2023.

Find more things to do in Cardiff with kids.

Carlisle Christmas Market 2023

Dates have been confirmed for this year’s Carlisle Christmas Market on English Street.

Keep an eye on the Discover Carlisle website for more details.

Carlisle Christmas Market, English Street, 1 to 17 December 2023.

Cheltenham Christmas Market 2023

The Christmas market in Cheltenham is back for 2023.

The market stalls will run along the pedestrianised Promenade and Long Gardens, selling unique treats, delicious eats, gifts and Christmas decorations.

Entrance is FREE and there is no need to book.

Cheltenham Christmas Market, Promenade through to Imperial Gardens, 8 to 23 December 2023.

Chester Christmas Market 2023

Visit this market just outside Town Hall Square to find more than 70 stalls selling Christmas gifts, arts and crafts goodies, fudge, local spirits and stocking fillers.

While shopping you can treat yourself to a hot mulled wine or a delicious snack from one of the stands selling food ranging from hot dogs to hog roasts.

Chester Christmas Market, near Chester Cathedral, 17 November to 21 December 2023.

Derby Christmas Market 2023

This year’s market will have 100 stalls offering a wide range of Christmas gifts and decorations.

More details about the 2023 Christmas market will be available later in the year but save the date now!

Derby Christmas Market, 4 to 22 November 2023.

Durham Christmas Market 2023

Durham hosts four markets over three days with more than 300 independent traders selling crafts, food and drinks.

There’s also family entertainment including a children’s lantern procession.

Durham Christmas Market, city centre, County Durham, 1 to 3 December 2023.

Edinburgh Christmas Market 2023

This fantastic festive market offers a wide range of European and local food, drink and crafts which are bound to get you into the Christmas spirit. 

This year the Forth 1 Big Wheel will return, alongside the Star Flyer, all against the backdrop of the iconic Edinburgh Castle. 

Edinburgh Christmas Market, East Princes Street Gardens, 24 November 2023 to 1 January 2024.

Exeter Christmas Market 2023

This Bavarian-style market takes place in the precincts of Exeter Cathedral in the heart of the city. It’s a stunning location.

As well as gifts and crafts, there are stalls selling global cuisine, and as pop-up bars and live music.

Exeter Christmas Market, Exeter Cathedral, Devon, from 17 November to 17 December 2023.

Here’s an even bigger guide to Christmas markets in Devon and some more things to do this Christmas in Devon.

Fowey Christmas Market 2023

Visit this Cornish coastal town to experience a very West Country Christmas with 200 stalls packed with locally produced food and drink, and festive gifts.

Fowey Christmas Market is one of the top things to do in Cornwall this Christmas.

Over the course of three days it takes over the town with traders spread across picturesque Fowey Town Quay, Albert Quay, Webb Street and Town Hall.

Fowey Christmas Market, Fowey, Cornwall, 8 to 10 December 2023.

If you are looking for more things to do and places to stay take a look at my Cornwall family holiday guide.

Glasgow Christmas markets 2023

Glasgow will host no less than two Christmas markets in 2023. First up is the fair at St Enoch Square from 17 November 2023 to 3 January 2024.

Then in December George Square’s fair opens from 1 December 2023 to 7 January 2024

More information will be released nearer the time.

Glasgow Christmas markets, 17 November 2023 to 7 January 2024.

Gloucester Festive Orchard St Market 2022

With up to 70 stalls on offer, there will be a fantastic mix of gift and craft, delicious street food and bars, plus yummy foodie products from local artisan producers.

A visit to the Quays is perfect for Christmas shopping and a day out!

Festive Orchard St Market, Gloucester Quays, Gloucester, weekends only from 4 November to 17 December 2023.

Heartlands Christmas Market 2023

Visit the festive market at Heartlands for locally made crafts, seasonal treats and entertainment. Entry is free and there’s no need to book.

Heartlands Cornwall Christmas market, Redruth, 2 to 3 December 2023

Harrogate Christmas Fayre 2023

Experience the joy of Christmas in the heart of Yorkshire this December featuring an eclectic mix of local traders and traditional European Christmas stalls.

There will be arts and crafts, mouth-watering treats, festive decorations and unique gift ideas. For families, there will be children’s entertainment and Christmas music.

The Harrogate Christmas lights will be on making this the perfect excuse to visit this Christmas.

Harrogate Christmas Fayre, Harrogate, Yorkshire, 1 to 17 December 2023.

Lancaster Christmas Market 2023

This three day event is free to attend. More details will be published later in the year.

Lancaster Christmas Market, Lancaster Leisure Park, 24 to 26 November 2023.

Leeds Christmas Market 2023

Dates have been confirmed for this year’s Leeds Christmas Market.

Keep an eye on the Visit Leeds website for more details.

Leeds Christmas Market, 24 November to 17 December 2023.

Liverpool Christmas Market 2023

The festive market will have an array of stalls selling Christmas gifts, personalised decorations, arts and craft goodies, photo prints, jewellery and stocking fillers.

It will also have a small selection of stands selling food ranging from the Yorkshire Pud Wrap Stall, a traditional swing grill selling a selection of sausages and burgers to vegan stalls.

There is also the big wheel and snow slide in Santa’s village to keep the family amused and a selection of bars including a new Bavarian bar where you can try a selection of German beers and hot cider.

Liverpool Christmas Market, St Georges’ Place, Liverpool, 18 November to 24 December 2023

London Christmas Market – Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

his popular London event returns in 2023 with all the fun of spectacular shows, fairground rides, a Christmas market and Santa experiences in the heart of the capital.

Check the website for ticket options and what’s on. More is being announced over the autumn.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, from 17 November 2023 to 1 January 2024

Manchester Christmas Market 2023

Visitors will be able to warm those long winter evenings with lashings of food and drink, soaking up the Christmas atmosphere from under marquee covered seating, and festoon lighting creating that festival feel. 

The Winter Gardens will see some foodie favourites from previous years pop-up in the new festive hub. Dutch Frites, and Greek Gyros will make the Gardens a must for hungry visitors.

Finish off with warm cookie dough puddings and washed down with signature cocktails and local ales – a return visit will be a must. 

Manchester Christmas Markets, Winter Gardens, 11 November to 22 December 2023

Norwich Christmas markets 2023

Norwich hosts a range of Christmas markets every year. The most popular is the Festive Fair at the Forum. Hear Christmas carols sung by Norfolk’s own Pavilion Brass Quintet, Norfolk tenor Benjamin Lake and soprano Catherine Joule.

Local sellers will be offering everything from jewellery to pottery and textiles to Christmas decorations.

Check out a road up for other Norwich Christmas markets.

Norwich Festive Fair, The Forum, 23 to 26 November 2023.

Nottingham Christmas Market 2023

Old Market Square will once again be the focal point for the city’s Christmas Winter Wonderland. There will be a 60ft Christmas tree, a giant observation wheel, and ice rink complete with anAprès Ski themed pop-up bar, and a traditional carousel.

Traditional chalet style market stalls will be trading along Long Row and Smithy Row offering a chance for some alternative Christmas shopping with a choice of gifts, crafts, and speciality food.

Festive events will also spread to Trinity Square, where a specially-constructed Christmas Village with a number of food and drink options will see visitors entering via a Christmas tree-lined entrance leading to a winter-themed setting that features a number of igloo-style glass domes.

Nottingham Christmas Market, Old Market Square, 7 November to 31 December 2023.

Oxford Christmas Market 2023

The city of dreaming spires will again be filled with festive joy as the Oxford Christmas Market returns in 2023.

​With the sound of choirs singing Christmas carols, market traders offering unusual and handmade gifts, colourful decorations brightening wooden stalls and the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon drifting in the air – a visit to the Oxford Christmas Market is a truly magical Christmas experience.

Oxford Christmas Market, Oxford City Centre, 30 November to 17 December 2023.

Plymouth Christmas Market 2023

More than 40 traders from across the South West will be selling their wares in traditional wooden cabins, festooned with fairy lights in the city centre.

Warm up with a mulled wine from the Bavarian Bar, tuck into festive food from one of the many street food stands and snap a festival selfie in front of the giant illuminated bauble.

There will be entertainment on Thursday evenings and on Saturday and Sunday. 

Plymouth Christmas Market, Plymouth City Centre, 30 November to 17 December 2023.

Find more Christmas markets in Devon.

Rochester Christmas Market 2023

Get your Christmas off to a fun and festive start at the Rochester Christmas Market. Set in the spectacular Rochester Castle gardens, the Christmas markets are held over three consecutive weekends.  

It’s the ideal place to search for that special gift and stocking fillers by wandering around the many craft and trade stalls. 

Food and drink stalls are available to purchase hot and cold beverages, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and much more.

Rochester Christmas Market, Rochester Castle, selected dates from 25 November to 10 December 2023

Sheffield Christmas Market 2023

Visit Sheffield city centre this winter and you’l find about 50 log cabins with local traders showing off their Christmas wares.

The market is open from 10am to 6pm Sunday to Thursday and until 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

There will also be the chance to visit Santa’s Grotto, drink in the Alpine bar and ride on the iconic Big Wheel.

Sheffield Christmas Market, 18 November to 24 December 2023

Southampton Christmas Market 2023

The Southampton Christmas Market features a traditional German market with alpine chalets offering traditional German fayre, from bratwurst and waffles to gingerbread hearts and candied fruit.

The market includes independent stallholders offering a range of hand-made, authentic gifts and Christmas decorations, as well as two bars and live entertainment.

Southampton Christmas Market, Above Bar, from 16 November 2023 to 2 January 2024

South Bank Winter Market 2023

Expect winter pop up bard and street food traders along London’s South Bank during its Winter Festival.

South Bank Christmas markets, 30 November to 26 December 2023

Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas Market 2023

The Victorian Christmas Market returns in 2023 with vendors dressed in period costumes and oodles of Dickensian vibe around the 300 stalls.

There will be entertainment throughout the town including a stage in Henley Street which will host a programme of performances and a traditional fun fair

Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas Market, 7 to 10 December 2023

Swansea Christmas Market 2023

Talented crafters, traditional traders and delicious street food vendors will be making a welcome return to Swansea City Centre to offer you a brilliant selection of unique gifts, tempting treats and beautiful decorations.

As well as stalls there will be a carousel ride and festive bar.

Swansea Christmas Market, City Centre, 24 November to 20 December 2023.

Winchester Christmas Market 2023

Winchester has one of the best known UK Christmas markets – in fact it’s regularly recognised in the top 10 in Europe.

What makes it so special is its unique location in the Cathedral’s Inner Close, its handpicked high quality exhibitors and bustling atmosphere.

It’s inspired by traditional German Christmas markets with pretty wooden chalets, festive lighting, the sound of Christmas carols and the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon drifting in the air.

Find out more about what to expect at this year’s Winchester Christmas Market.

Winchester Christmas Market, Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire, 17 November to 21 December 2023

Take a look at more Christmas events in Winchester and Hampshire.

Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre 2023

This popular event in Worcester has stayed true to its traditional roots with plenty of Victorian themed characters, festive treats and a wonderful atmosphere.

This year there will be almost 200 stalls across the city centre, selling local arts and crafts, delicious street food and gifts.

As well as a wonderful array of stalls, there will be a fantastic programme of entertainment.

Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre, 30 November to 3 December 2023.

York Christmas Market 2023

Enjoy the Christmas cheer on offer in one of the UK’s most festive cities as York’s restaurants, shops and attractions are beautifully decorated and provide a wonderful winter experience, with an incredible range of festive events.

The famous alpine chalets will line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square creating a festive wonderland, with an array of local traders and artisan products.

York Christmas Market, 16 November to 22 December.

More Christmas markets in the UK

Have you spotted a UK Christmas market not on this list? Let me know, and I’ll add an update quicker than you can say ‘mine’s a mulled wine’.

Christmas markets in Europe

If you fancy experiencing Christmas on the continent, check out this post about Christmas markets in Europe.

You might also like my post about even more Christmas lights trails around the UK.

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