Best UK Christmas markets in 2025
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 2025.
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.
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Where to find Christmas Markets in the UK
Most UK Christmas markets are still working on dates for 2025. 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.
Bath Christmas Market – 27 November to 14 December 2025
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.
Belfast Christmas Market – 15 November to 22 December 2025
This popular and well established market has 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.
Birmingham Christmas Market – 1 November to 24 December 2025
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.
Blenheim Palace Christmas Market – 14 November 2025 to 3 January 2026
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.
Bournemouth Christmas Market – 13 November to 31 December 2025
The Alpine market will return 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 cities around the world.
Bournemouth Christmas Market, town centre, Dorset.
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 – 7 November to 23 December 2025
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.
Want to stay in Bristol for the market? Here’s some family-friendly Bristol City Centre apartments you might like.
Cambridge Christmas Market – 13 November until 31 December 2025
Cambridge will host 60 local artisans, crafters and makers at its Christmas market. Expect unique gifts and seasonal food. Take a chance in the Christmas Tree Maze, pop on your ice skates, or try out a spot or curling before heading to the Big Wheel for the perfect selfie!
Cambridge Christmas Market, at Parker’s Piece, Cambridge
Cardiff Christmas Market – 13 November to 23 December 2025
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.
Find more things to do in Cardiff with kids.
Cheltenham Christmas Markets – various dates in November & December 2025
A series of Christmas markets are running in Cheltenham this winter including gift, arts and crafts and local produce. Thee markets are on The Promenade.
- 20 to 23 November 2025 Gift Market
- 11 to 23 December 2025 Arts and Crafts Market
Entrance is FREE and there is no need to book.
Cheltenham Christmas Market, The Promenade.
Chester Christmas Market – 19 November to 22 December 2025
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.
Derby Christmas Market – 27 November 2025
The stunning Sadler Gate Christmas Night Market returns this winter with more than 80 artisan stalls on the Historic street. There will also be food vendors, atmospheric street theatre and and carol singing.
Durham Christmas Market – 5 to 7 December 2025
Durham hosts three markets over as many 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.
Edinburgh Christmas Market – 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
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. There will be 70 stalls featuring local and international traders selling everything from handmade gifts, bespoke products, to tasty treats and delicious drinks.
This year the Big Wheel will return, alongside the Star Flyer, ice rink and plenty of place to find refreshments all against the backdrop of the iconic Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh Christmas Market, East Princes Street Gardens.
Exeter Christmas Market – 20 November to 19 December 2025
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.
Here’s an even bigger guide to Christmas markets in Devon and some more things to do this Christmas in Devon.
Fowey Christmas Market – 14 to 16 November 2025
Dates are yet to be confirmed for this year’s Fowey Christmas Market but if you visit this Cornish coastal town you’ll experience a very West Country Christmas. There are usually 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.
If you are looking for more things to do and places to stay take a look at my Cornwall family holiday guide.
Gloucester Festive Orchard St Market – selected dates from 8 November to 21 December 2025
With more than 120 stalls expected at this year’s event, there will be a fantastic mix of gift and craft, delicious street food and bars, plus yummy foodie products from local artisan producers.
Festive Orchard St Market, Gloucester Quays, Gloucester, weekends only.
Harrogate Christmas Market – 5 December to 14 December 2025
Harrogate Christmas Market returns in 2025 with 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 Market, Harrogate, Yorkshire.
Lancaster Christmas Market – 28 to 30 November 2025
Dates have been set for this market held at Lancaster Brewery featuring stall holders, street food vendors, our live music acts, kids’ crafters and other entertainment.
This three day event is free to attend. Watch the Facebook page for more information.
Lancaster Christmas Market, Lancaster Leisure Park.
Leeds Christmas Market – 21 November to 21 December 2025
This year’s market will be bigger and better, covering two prime locations in the city centre: Millennium Square and City Square. There will also be a weekend market on Bond Court.
Explore a variety of festive stalls selling unique gifts, crafts, and delicious treats from around the world. Enjoy pop-up performances and tuck into a standout selection of food and drink options that embody the Christmas spirit we all know and love around this time of year.
Liverpool Christmas Market – 15 November to 24 December 2025
Liverpool Christmas 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 food stands, a 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.
London Christmas Market at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – 14 November 2025 to 1 January 2026
This popular London event returns with all the fun of spectacular shows, fairground rides, a Christmas market and Santa experiences in the heart of the capital.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park.
Manchester Christmas Market – 7 November to 22 December 2025
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.
Norwich Christmas markets – 27 to 30 November 2025
Norwich hosts a range of Christmas markets every year. The most popular is the Festive Fair at the Forum. Hear Christmas carols and seasonal songs from a series of local singers.
Local sellers will be offering everything from jewellery to pottery and textiles to Christmas decorations.
Check out other Norwich Christmas markets on other dates this winter.
Norwich Festive Fair, The Forum.
Nottingham Christmas Market – selected dates from 12 November to 24 December 2025
This year’s event in 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 an Après 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.
Nottingham Christmas Market, Old Market Square.
Oxford Victorian Christmas Market – cancelled
The popular Oxford Victorian Christmas Market is taking a break in 2025.
Oxford Christmas Market, Oxford City Centre.
Plymouth Christmas Market – 27 November to 21 December 2025
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.
Find more Christmas markets in Devon.
Rochester Christmas Market – 28 November to 14 December 2025
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.
The event is free to attend and has more than 100 stalls, a children’s Christmas village, food and drink stalls and live music.
Rochester Christmas Market, Rochester Castle.
Sheffield Christmas Market – 13 November to 24 December 2025
Visit Sheffield city centre this winter and you’ll find more than 50 log cabins with local traders showing off their Christmas wares.
There will also be the chance to visit Santa’s Grotto, drink in the Alpine bar and ride on the iconic Big Wheel.
Southampton Christmas Market – 14 November to 4 January 2026
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.
Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas Market – selected dates from 29 November to 7 December 2025
The new look Christmas market will be held over two weekends in 2025. The Victorian Christmas Market has 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
Swansea Christmas Market – 29 November to 22 December 2025
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.
Winchester Christmas Market – 21 November to 22 December 2025
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.
Take a look at more Christmas events in Winchester and Hampshire.
Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre – 4 December to 7 December 2025
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.
York Christmas Market – 13 November to 21 December 2025
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.
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.
Is Edinburgh and Liverpool Christmas Markets on for December 2021?
Hi Jackie, neither have been confirmed as of 17 September 2021. I’m keeping an eye on their announcements and will update this post when there’s news.
Winchester Christmas Market is confirmed and looks to be amazing! 19/11/21 – 22/12/21. Please take a look and add to your list! https://christmas.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/
Brilliant, thanks Ray! I’ll add it in.
Great post!!! I’m going to visit UK in December with my wife.
Right now I’ve showed her your tips and awesome pictures. Thank you very much!!!
Inglês Foco recently posted…Happy Saint George’s Day!
I’m glad you found it helpful.
FYI
Your link for Harrogate Christmas Fair takes you to a page that confirms that the event is cancelled for 2021 (issues with the Council).
Also, according to Yorks Tourist Board their Christmas Fair is on (18 Nov – 24 Dec) although the official website is not live yet.
Loving this webpage all the same.
Hi Brian, thanks for the information. Clearly things are changing every week. I’m glad you’ve found the website helpful. Claire