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The 10 best Christmas markets in the UK
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Like us, there’s probably a whole lot of things you’re looking forward to this Christmas. Delicious food. Cosy drinks. Special gifts. So why not make the most of all the twinkly lights and traditions by visiting some of the best Christmas markets in the UK?
Our picks for the best Christmas markets in the UK
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Edinburgh's Christmas Market has been renowned as the best Christmas market in the UK year after year. Santa Land transforms Princes Street Gardens into a winter wonderland with rides and activities that will have even the most sceptical teens believing in the magic of Christmas all over again!
Find out moreA six-week extravaganza, Edinburgh Christmas Market features over 70 stalls, offering everything from artisan crafts to Scottish delicacies. Visitors can enjoy views of Edinburgh Castle while sipping mulled wine, riding the iconic Big Wheel, or ice skating on the oval ice rink.
With so much to see and do, you’ll need more than a day trip to soak it all in, so it’s the perfect time to book a festive break in Scotland.
Liverpool Christmas Market
A lively city throughout the year, Liverpool transforms into a bustling Christmas hotspot with its famous Christmas Market. With over 40 traditional-style cabins offering everything from handcrafted jewellery to festive decorations for the tree!. If you’re a family of foodies, sink your teeth into traditional Christmas foods from across Europe, such as German bratwurst and French crepes. Enjoy all this while gazing up at the market's centrepiece: a 30-metre-tall Christmas tree!
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St Nicholas Fair, York
York's St Nicholas Fair makes this historic city a Christmas haven. 75 alpine-style chalets line Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square, with plenty of unique gifts, local crafts, and seasonal treats to stuff your stocking with! This award-winning UK Christmas market is filled with the aroma of roasting chestnuts and the sound of carol singers. There’s the Made in Yorkshire Yuletide Village, showcasing the best of local artisans alongside York’s medieval streets,
Find out moreWith a truly magical Christmas vibe, York’s Christmas market is one to beat. Book your Christmas break in Yorkshire today and get ready for the season of joy! Experience.
Harrogate Christmas Fayre
When it’s spelt “f-a-y-r-e”, you know it’s going to be good! Harrogate Christmas Fayre brings a classy touch to the festive cheer in this elegant spa town. The market is home to a great mix of local and European traders, where you can browse stalls selling everything from local handmade crafts to mouth-watering festive treats. History buffs will love the town's Victorian architecture while browsing the best of Harrogate’s quality, artisanal gifts… perfect for impressing the in-laws!
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Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
In Hampshire, Winchester Cathedral hosts one of the best UK and European Christmas markets. Inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, it features over 100 chalets selling handcrafted gifts and goodies, with an open-air ice skating rink right in front of the cathedral!
Find out morePack your Winter scarf and gloves and get ready for a day exploring Winchester’s iconic Christmas Market. Explore festive breaks in Hampshire today!
Nottingham Winter Wonderland
Nottingham's Winter Wonderland transforms the city centre into a holiday haven, with Bavarian-style market stalls, food and drinks, and plenty of rides and attractions to tire the kids out. Centred around the Old Market Square, the market hosts over 70 stalls, an ice rink, and an observation wheel spinning 33 metres high (eek!).
Find out moreDance along to live music and street performers, before heading back to your own slice of Christmas heaven: explore our Christmas breaks in Nottinghamshire.
Glasgow Christmas Market
Glasgow's Christmas Market is easily one of the most beautiful in the UK, bringing a touch of Alpine charm to the city centre. The market features various stalls selling everything from artisan crafts to Scottish and European delicacies. Warm up with some mulled wine while enjoying the festive lights and decorations, and shop for the perfect gift in Glasgow’s festive Style Mile.
Find out moreGet ready for a beautiful break with all the family: take a look at our Christmas holidays in Scotland, perfect for festive family weekends away.
Southampton Christmas Market, Hampshire
Southampton's Christmas Market transforms the city centre into a festive wonderland in Hampshire. At this Christmas market, traditional German-style wooden chalets sell gifts, crafts, and seasonal treats to stuff your face with. A real highlight is the Flying Santa, who soars over the market several times a day!
Find out moreNeed a place to rest your weary legs after chasing Santa around the market? Check out our festive holiday parks in Hampshire this festive season.
Chester Christmas Market
Set against the backdrop of Chester's historic Town Hall, this charming market offers over 70 traditional wooden chalets in a handmade, historical and magical Christmas experience. The market is known for its focus on local artisans and producers, offering a true taste of Cheshire alongside all your Christmas favourites! With an arcade under the Christmas tree- yep, you heard that right- kids will have plenty to keep them busy while you hunt down the perfect stocking filler.
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Truro Christmas Market, Cornwall
Truro's Christmas market takes place in Cornwall's only city- and boy, is it magical! Set around Truro Cathedral, the market is home to a mix of local crafts, food, drinks, and unique gifts. Wooden cabins line Lemon Quay, decorated with festive lights and framing a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree. There’s even a giant snow globe and a Father Christmas parade you won’t want to miss.
Find out moreWant to spend this Christmas sipping eggnog by the sea? Check out our holiday parks in Cornwall for easy, sea-breezy Christmas fun.
Experience Christmas magic with a festive break at Away Resorts
Want to visit somewhere new and check out one (or more) of the UK’s best Christmas markets? Booking a Christmas holiday with Away Resorts is the answer! Wake up in one of our cosy caravans or lodges, before spending the day shopping and eating your way around twinkling market stalls! Looking for all the festive fun, but less of the crowds? Don’t worry: we host plenty of magical Christmas events at our parks throughout the Winter.
Visit Christmas markets around the UK and make the most of the holidays with Away Resorts. Don't miss out on these magical holiday experiences; book your Christmas break now!
The best Christmas markets in the UK – FAQs
Which city has the best Christmas market in the UK?
As our list shows, there are a lot of great UK Christmas markets to choose from. However, the Edinburgh Christmas market stands out, with people travelling from overseas to visit this historic city at the most magical time of year. Another Christmas market experience on top of our list is York's St Nicholas Fair that delivers the same level of history and hot chocolate with smaller crowds.
Where is the most popular Christmas market?
The Edinburgh Christmas Market is often considered the most popular in the UK, attracting millions of visitors yearly with its spectacular setting and diverse offerings.
Which UK town has the best Christmas markets?
When it comes to Christmas markets, biggest doesn’t always mean best. Lesser-known towns like Lymington, Hampshire, host great Christmas markets with half the crowds, perfect for families with young children who get easily overwhelmed, or for anyone who likes a bit more breathing room when enjoying a bratwurst!
What are the best UK cities for Christmas markets?
Most busy city centres are likely to have Christmas markets during the festive season. However, the best Christmas market towns will also be those that embrace the Christmas magic beyond the market boundaries. Cities across Scotland, like Glasgow and Edinburgh, are beautiful all year round, but are especially fantastic at Christmas, with big markets and plenty of Christmas events.
Where is the oldest Christmas market in the UK?
Lincoln's Christmas Market, established in 1982, is often credited as the oldest traditional German-style Christmas market in the UK.
What is the best Christmas street in the UK?
The Shambles in York is frequently named one of the best Christmas streets in the UK. Its medieval timber-framed buildings, with cobbled streets and overhanging buildings, create a storybook-like festive atmosphere. It’s said to have inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series—hence the magical atmosphere.