The Best Christmas Markets in the UK 2025

1. Edinburgh Christmas Market

Best for: A festive family-friendly escape filled with yuletide spirit, alpine-style fun and enchanting Scottish charm.

Set beneath the iconic Edinburgh Castle, the city’s Christmas Markets fill the Scottish capital with yuletide spirit, twinkling lights, and alpine-style chalets. Spread across East and West Princes Street Gardens and George Street, each market offers its own unique atmosphere. The Children’s Market in Princes Street Gardens brims with family fun, while the Scottish Market on George Street features an ice-skating rink for festive thrills. Enjoy rides like the Helter-Skelter, LNER Big Wheel, and Around the World Starflyer, or treat little ones to Santa’s Stories in his cosy grotto. With gourmet street food on George Street and family favourites in the gardens, Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets deliver a timeless and unforgettable winter fair experience.

When: 15 November 2025 - 4 January 2026

Where: Here are the three locations:

• East Princes Street Gardens - EH2 2HG
• West Princes Street Gardens - EH2 2HG
• George Street - EH2 2PB

Price: Free entry

Where to stay: Stay in Edinburgh’s Old Town or New Town for easy access to all three market locations.

2. Manchester Christmas Market

Best for: A vibrant, city-wide festive celebration with world food, artisan shopping and magical decorations.

Manchester at Christmas is a dazzling spectacle, with twinkling lights strung across grand streets, the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts in the air, and festive music echoing through bustling squares. The markets are typically spread across nine locations, each with its own charm - from artisan shopping on King Street West to the family-friendly ice rink at Cathedral Gardens. Here, you can savour flavours from across the globe, browse handcrafted gifts and admire iconic light displays like the giant illuminated Santa in St Peter’s Square. Whether skating under the stars or sipping hot chocolate in a souvenir mug, Manchester’s Christmas markets offer a city break brimming with festive cheer and plenty to explore on foot.

When (2024): 8 November 2024 to 22 December 2024

Where (2024):Here are the nine locations:

• King Street West - M3 2PW
• St Ann’s Square & Exchange Street - M2 7EF
• New Cathedral Street - M1 1AD
• Exchange Square - M3 1BD
• Corn Exchange - M4 3TR
• Cathedral Gardens - M4 3BG
• Market Street - M1 1PL
• Piccadilly Gardens (Winter Gardens) - M1 1RG

Price: Free entry

Where to stay: Base yourself in Manchester City Centre or the Northern Quarter for walking distance to multiple market hubs and a wide choice of hotels, from boutique to luxury.

3. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market

Best for: An authentic German-style festive experience with live music, classic street food, and artisan gifts.

Set in the heart of the city across Victoria Square and New Street, Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market transforms the centre into a glittering winter showcase, renowned as the largest authentic German market outside Germany and Austria. Expect a towering Christmas tree and traditional wooden chalets adorned with festive lights, creating a welcoming atmosphere for evening strolls. The lively stage in Victoria Square hosts live music - from the German house band to local choirs and emerging performers - keeping the festive buzz going throughout the season. Between sips of glühwein or weissbier, tuck into bratwurst, pretzels and roasted almonds, then browse stalls for handcrafted wooden decorations, glass baubles, eco-friendly star lights, crystal lamps, toys and artisan crafts. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market truly promises a city break brimming with festive flavours, joyful energy, and unforgettable seasonal magic.

When: 1 November 2025 - 24 December 2025

Where: Victoria Square and New Street, Birmingham B1 1BD

Price: Free entry

Where to stay: Stay in Birmingham City Centre to be steps from the market or opt for the Jewellery Quarter or Brindleyplace for a quieter base about 15 minutes’ walk away.

4. London, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Best for: A full-day festive extravaganza with rides, shows, markets and magical evening lights.

Set against the backdrop of London’s iconic Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland is the capital’s ultimate Christmas celebration, brimming with festive cheer and dazzling attractions. By day, families can enjoy ice skating at UK’s largest open-air ice rink, meet Father Christmas in Santaland, and explore the Magical Ice Kingdom’s stunning sculptures. As night falls, the park glows under thousands of sparkling lights, with visitors sipping mulled wine, Bavarian beer or hot chocolate between high-adrenaline rides, circus performances, and a browse through one of London’s largest Christmas markets. From cosy fire pit bars to après-ski vibes and street food under the stars, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland offers an unforgettable festive city break that truly has something for everyone.

When: 14 November 2025 - 1 January 2026

Where: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH

Price: Off-peak entry free (must be booked in advance); Standard entry £5; Peak entry £7.50

Where to stay: Choose a central London hotel near Hyde Park, such as those in Mayfair or Kensington, for easy access.

5. York Christmas Market

Best for: A historic city break filled with medieval charm, artisan gifts and festive food.

Set in the heart of York, the award-winning St Nicholas Fair transforms Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square into a magical winter wonderland. Alpine-style chalets line the cobbled streets, brimming with Yorkshire-made crafts, unique gifts and festive treats like Yorkshire pudding wraps and mulled wine. Against the backdrop of the city’s medieval architecture, twinkling lights, live music and the scent of roasted chestnuts create an atmosphere steeped in seasonal nostalgia. York Christmas Market offers a captivating blend of history, celebration, and yuletide spirit, making it one of the most enchanting festive getaways in the UK.

When: 13 November 2025 - 21 December 2025

Where: Parliament Street & St Sampson’s Square, York YO1 8AX

Price: Free entry

Where to stay: Choose a central York hotel to stay just minutes from the market, with easy access to the city’s historic streets and festive attractions.

6. Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

Best for: A traditional, European-style Christmas market set against a breathtaking medieval cathedral backdrop.

Set in the historic heart of England’s ancient capital, the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is celebrated as one of the finest in Europe. During the Christmas season, the Cathedral’s grounds transform into a festive village of wooden chalets inspired by traditional German markets, brimming with artisan crafts, seasonal gifts and tempting treats. The air is filled with the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon, the sound of carols, and the warm glow of twinkling lights reflecting off the Cathedral’s 1,000-year-old stone walls. This market promises a truly authentic Christmas experience, where history, tradition, and yuletide spirit come together in a setting you will treasure long after your visit.

When: 21 November 2025 - 22 December 2025

Where: Winchester Cathedral Grounds, Winchester, SO23 9LS

Price: Free entry

Where to stay: Opt to stay in Winchester’s city centre to stay just steps away from the market and the Cathedral’s festive celebrations.

7. Oxford, Christmas at Blenheim Palace

Best for: A storybook Christmas market set in one of Britain’s grandest stately homes

Located in Woodstock, just north of Oxford, the World Heritage site - Blenheim Palace transforms into a winter wonderland every year during Christmas. By day, you can explore the lavish Baroque interiors where ‘The Palace of Oz’, leads you along a yellow brick road through opulent State Rooms sprinkled with Christmas magic. By night, step outside to follow one of the UK’s leading illuminated trails, a spectacular after-dark journey featuring spectacular works by international and local artists. In The Great Court, the Christmas Market brims with wooden chalets selling artisan gifts, festive décor and indulgent seasonal treats. Here you’ll also find The Great Skate - a covered ice rink encircled by twinkling lights - and the Observation Wheel, offering sweeping views of the Palace and its glittering grounds. Whether you’re sipping mulled wine, toasting marshmallows or gliding across the ice, Blenheim Palace serves up a quintessentially English Christmas steeped in grandeur and charm.

When: 14 November 2025 - 3 January 2026

Where: Blenheim Palace, Oxford Road, Woodstock, OX20 1UL

Price: Free Entry (Tickets must be pre-booked for the palace and trail. Check detailshere)

Where to stay: Opt for a stay in Woodstock or Oxford for easy access by car or bus.

Christmas Market Tips

Visiting Christmas markets in the UK is one of the most magical ways to embrace the festive season. A little planning beforehand can make the experience even more enjoyable and stress-free.

1. Plan Your Visit in Advance: Confirm the market dates, opening times and any special themed days. Some markets have quieter hours or off-peak entry prices, which can be ideal if you prefer smaller crowds.
2. Book Rides and Ice Skating in Advance: Popular attractions such as Ferris wheels, observation wheels or ice rinks can sell out quickly - especially at peak times. Pre-booking online ensures you get your preferred slot and avoids long queues on the day.
3. Check Ice Skating Details Beforehand: If you’re hitting the rink, check the minimum age requirements and whether skate hire is included in your ticket. Find out if skate aids are available for children or beginners, and whether there are skate marshals present to help and ensure safety on the ice.
4. Know the Ticketing Rules: Some ticketed markets or attractions will not accept just a confirmation email, photo or scanned ticket - you may need to present the original, printed ticket or use a mobile ticket within an official app. Always check the entry requirements before you travel to avoid disappointment at the gate.
5. Dress for the Weather: UK winter weather can be unpredictable, so dress in warm layers with a waterproof coat and comfortable shoes suitable for walking on cobblestones or damp pavements. Hats, scarves and gloves are essential for enjoying outdoor evening events.
6. Use Public Transport or Park & Ride: City-centre parking can be limited and costly, especially during the festive period. Many Christmas market destinations have Park & Ride services nearby, which save time, money and the stress of finding a spot.
7. Look for Entertainment Schedules: Live music, carol singing and children’s shows add extra magic to the market experience. Check the schedule in advance so you don’t miss any highlights.
8. Choose Hotel Stay Wisely: Consider staying close to the markets. Explore the incredible hotel deals available on Wowcher. Discounted prices mean you can save big without compromising on comfort or quality.

Christmas markets across the UK bring a special kind of magic to the festive season, with twinkling lights, mouth-watering seasonal treats, and unique gifts waiting to be discovered. Whether you are seeking a romantic evening stroll, a fun family day out, or a weekend getaway packed with festive cheer, there is a market to match every mood and style. If you are ready to make the most of this most wonderful time of the year, explore our full list of Christmas markets below for even more enchanting destinations to visit.