The best Christmas markets in the UK for 2023
Our favourite locations for getting into the Christmas mood and picking up some one-of-a-kind gifts, from Birmingham to York
Nothing kickstarts the festive season like a traditional Christmas market. With alpine chalets adorned with fairy lights, gaggles of carollers singing seasonal songs, and wafts of cinnamon across a crisp breeze, Christmas markets and winter celebrations set an idyllic festive scene that’s sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.
You'll find many of the biggest Christmas markets in the UK’s most beloved cathedral cities, like the Belfast Christmas market or the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market. They stage memorable events, with light shows, performances, and even ice rinks. Of course, they also have an array of local businesses selling handmade Christmas gifts and delicious seasonal treats, from mulled wine to artisan fudge.
Smaller festive affairs, like those in Padstow and Chichester, are equally delightful, just as festive and even make some of the most romantic Christmas markets in the country. They have pop-up stalls showing the best food and drink in the region, and handpicked exhibitors to help you tick off your Christmas shopping list.
As the air gets chillier, and our thoughts turn to cashmere scarves and steaming mugs of hot chocolate, it’s time to start planning for festive trips in the UK, and deciding which Christmas markets are on your must-visit list this year.
Whether you head to the Bath Christmas market or the York Christmas market, you're sure to enjoy a festive evening that leaves you feeling very merry, indeed.
Keep scrolling for a selection of our favourite cities with the best Christmas markets. Plus, our expert recommendations of where to stay as you soak up the festivities.
Bath Christmas Market
Bath is a joy to discover year-round, but when Christmas magic descends on these streets with the arrival of Bath Christmas Market, the city becomes even more special. In fact, it's one of the most romantic Christmas markets. Over 170 fairy-lit chalets and Christmas Carts display homemade crafts and Christmas decorations. At the heart of the market, there's delicious festive food, including warming hot drinks to wrap your hands around as you stroll the streets.
Dates: 23 November - 10 December 2023
Where to stay: Enjoy a night or two at The Kennard, a historic B&B in an elegant Georgian style townhouse in the centre of Bath. Breakfasts are excellent and the location is hard to beat, it's just a five minute stroll into the city centre.
Padstow Christmas Festival
A celebration of festive food brings together over 60 of the country’s best chefs for cooking demonstrations and festive celebrations at Sharp’s Chefs Theatre. Pop-up stalls showcase the best of the region’s food and drink, and the town’s galleries and homeware shops are at their festive best – perfect for picking up a gift or two.
When? 7 December - 10 December 2023
Where to stay: Check in to Padstow Townhouse, a tiny hotel with delightfully named rooms, including Marshmallow and Honeycomb. The Rhubarb and Custard suite is a particularly pampering treat, with plush velvet upholstery in deep plum shades.
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
The Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market draws its inspiration from traditional German Christmas markets. Its popularity brings an electric atmosphere to the streets of Winchester, where cosily wrapped shoppers stroll around the stalls, listening to carollers and stopping for sips of cinnamon-spiced mulled wine. And whether you’re shopping for gifts, decorations to put the finishing touches on your home, or just want to soak up the festive atmosphere, time at Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is well spent.
When? 17 November - 21 December 2023
Where to stay: Stay in the centre of the city at the ever-elegant Hotel du Vin. Housed in one of the city’s gorgeous Georgian buildings, Hotel du Vin is the perfect place to return to after exploring the market. Enjoy a leisurely dinner in the bistro or chat with the in-house sommelier to find the perfect glass of wine to end a festive day.
York Christmas Festival
York’s Christmas Festival, is the centrepiece of the city’s Christmas festivities. Alpine chalets line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square with the wares of local traders that make the perfect artisan gifts when you’re looking for something more unusual. Make sure your route takes you past York Minster to see the festive lights.
When? 16 November - 22 December 2023
Where to stay: Splash out and stay at The Grand, where the smartly dressed concierges doff their hats to greet you, and the lobby is lavishly decorated in celebration of the season. Its Legacy restaurant is a wonderful place to finish a festive day in the city.
Chester Christmas Market
Smaller than others but no less festive, there are over 70 stalls to peruse at Chester’s Christmas Market, where you can pick up stocking fillers, elaborately wrapped bundles of fudge, and bottles of local spirits among handmade arts and crafts. The market spirals outwards from the twinkling Christmas tree centrepiece.
When? 17 November - 21 December 2023
Where to stay: Stay at the oh-so-opulent Chester Grosvenor Hotel and indulge in their festive afternoon tea before your Christmas market explorations. Seasonal treats are served alongside a crisp glass of champagne.
Chichester Christmas Market
The Roman city of Chichester is laid out in a cross, with the city’s Christmas Market taking place on North and East streets. This market has a craft and design theme with handpicked exhibitors selling artwork and speciality food. Before market amblings, walk the city walls, or head to the nearby Goodwood estate for a festive lunch at
When? TBC
Where to stay: Make a weekend of it and stay at the Goodwood Hotel, on the famous Goodwood Estate. Enjoy a festive lunch at one of the three restaurants, before strolling around the market. At night, lay your head on a plush bed in one of the stylish Character rooms, situated in the 18th century wing.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
From late November, Edinburgh is ablaze with Christmas lights. Festivities centre around Princes Street, where there’s a traditional Christmas market to wander through, listening to choirs singing classic Christmas melodies. Pick up handcrafted gifts from the stalls and anything else you need from Edinburgh's gorgeously decorated shops.
When? 17 November - 6 January 2023
Where to stay: The cosiest place to check into over the festive season is The Balmoral. Plush rooms offer the best of Scottish hospitality, plus you’re perfectly positioned to reach the Christmas market. The Balmoral's proximity to the train station means you can make it a car-free visit too.
The Festive Fair at the Forum, Norwich
Sip on mulled wine and listen to classic carols courtesy of Norfolk’s Pavilion Brass Quintet. Gorge hot waffles and gourmet doughnuts, and buy a bottle of local Norfolk rum as a gift. The stalls are all from East Anglian traders, selling handmade jewellery, woodcraft, glassware, and pretty Christmas decorations.
When? 23 - 26 November 2023
Where to stay: Book into The Georgian Townhouse, a boutique hotel in the centre of Norwich. The rooms are contemporary, stylish and inviting. The bar serves craft beers, a long list of gins plus sharing plates and regional produce.
The BIG Christmas Market, Truro, Cornwall
New for 2023, the award-winning Truro Farmers Market has had a makeover just in time for the festive season when it will host The Big Christmas Market. Bespoke wooden cabins will now line the market featuring top artisans and producers from the local area. There's also plenty of arts & crafts and live music to keep you entertained, plus an array of food and drink vendors.
When? 29 November – 24 December 2023
Where to stay: If you're headed to the Truro market, why not book an overnight stay at The Alverton? The 18th-century grade II listed hotel is full of history and charm and the restaurant has been awarded two AA Rosette, with seasonal menus and a lengthy cocktail list to enjoy.
Harrogate Christmas Fayre, North Yorkshire
Harrogate's annual Christmas fayre is a 17 day event not to be missed. There's school choirs, local performers, an outdoor ice rink, rides and a traditional carousel. You'll also find local, independent retailers selling Christmas gifts at the fayre and at the Country Living Christmas Fair in the Harrogate Convention Centre. Best of all a road train, aptly named the Candy Cane Express, is back for another year, ferrying fayre goers around in festive style.
When? 1 – 17 December 2023
Where to stay: Perfectly placed to enjoy all that Harrogate has to offer, The West Park Hotel is a period property with modern, comfy interiors. The boutique-style bedrooms are sleek and stylish, some even come with balconies and terraces. It's dog-friendly and just a 10-minute stroll from the town centre.
The Big Christmas Day Out, Lancashire
Williamson Park in Lancaster becomes a winter wonderland in November, with a Crafty Vintage Christmas market, fairground rides, Christmas crafts, festive cinema screenings, and Christmas storytime sessions. Of course, you'll also find street food and drink stalls with seasonal treats.
When? 17 November – 22 December 2023
Where to stay: Quite Simply French is a chic and stylish restaurant with rooms, just a stone's throw from the town centre. Enjoy rustic French food in the restaurant, before heading to one of the four plush rooms, featuring exposed beams, free standing bathtubs and clad with luxe velvet fabrics and jewel tones.
Belfast Christmas Market
The much-loved Belfast Christmas Market is set against the backdrop of the City Hall. Every year cabins line the square offering a curated mix of handcrafted goods, bespoke artisan products and culinary delights, from hot Glühwein (aka mulled wine) to Belgian crêpes. The market also features a Santa's grotto, vintage carousel and helter skelter.
When? 18 November - 22 December 2023
Where to stay: Book a stay at the Bullitt Hotel, right in the middle of Belfast's city centre. The rooms are modern and comfortable with king sizes beds and some come with complimentary drinks and snacks. Dine at the award-winning restaurant, have an evening tipple at the rooftop bar or take advantage of the central location and check out what else Belfast has to offer.
Cardiff Christmas Market
The Cardiff Christmas Market runs from early November until 23 December. Each year, wooden huts line the street featuring local retailers and artisans selling everything from jewellery and clothing to artwork and homeware. Plus, there's a myriad of food and drink huts so you can eat, drink and be merry as you soak up the festive atmosphere and celebrate the Christmas season.
When? 9 November - 23 December 2023
Where to stay: Make the most of your trip and enjoy a weekend exploring Cardiff. Stay at the Leonardo Hotel Cardiff situated in a grand Victorian building, with modern and comfortable rooms and suites. Plus, a relaxed lounge serving light bites and drinks to fuel you for an evening exploring the city.
Manchester Christmas Market
2023 marks a special occasion for the Manchester Christmas market as it's exactly 25 years since the city began hosting the festive affair. With over 225 stalls throughout nine sites across the city, market goers can enjoy shopping from local traders to ring in the Christmas season. The Christmas Parade is back this year, as are Festive Sundays (expect more family-friendly pop-up events) and the iconic Christmas lights trail.
When? 10 November - 21 December 2023
Where to stay: Enjoy a stylish, grown-up break at Dakota - a city centre hotel with a glitzy bar and grill and and tasteful décor. The bedrooms combo of textures, from mohair throws and velvet furniture to crisp sheets and bedding, is a welcome sight at the end of a long day of exploring the city.
Glasgow Christmas Market
Glasgow's Christmas Market transforms George Square and St Enoch Square into a winter wonderland for another year. Festive stalls lining the square feature local businesses selling Christmas treats. Enjoy a twirl at the ice rink, before a seasonal tipple at the festival bar, or dance the night away at silent disco and keep the kids entertained with festive rides.
When? 10 November 2023 - 7 January 2024
Where to stay: Enjoy an early Christmas treat, and book a stay at the Voco Grand Central. It's in an ideal location, adjoining Glasgow Central station, and has seen many famous faces visit over the years. Post-Christmas markets, have a tipple or two in the swish Champagne bar to celebrate the festivities.
Nottingham Winter Wonderland
Nottingham's Winter Wonderland is back for another year, and you can expect everything from an ice rink and sky skate ice path to traditional market stalls selling unique Christmas gifts, deliciously festive food and drink, plus an observation wheel and toboggan slide providing fun for all the family.
When? 7 November - 31 December 2023
Where to stay: The Park Plaza Nottingham is perfectly situated just a short stroll from Winter Wonderland. Rooms are modern and spacious in the four-star hotel. There's a Pan Asian restaurant on-site and an 11th-floor fitness suite offering panoramic views of the city. After an evening at the market, enjoy a nightcap at Chino Bar, where you'll find a range of Latin-style cocktails and fine wines.
Blenheim Palace Christmas Market
Blenheim Palace's Christmas Market is one of the most popular Cotswold Christmas markets. This year at Blenheim Palace you'll find a new illuminated light trail. The Palace interior is set to be transformed to retell the classic fairytale of Sleeping Beauty. Outside in The Great Court there's wooden chalets offering Christmas gift ideas and tasty treats. You can also enjoy a Sleeping Beauty-themed afternoon tea in the Orangery restaurant.
When? 17 November - 17 December 2023
Where to stay: The Crown in Woodstock is a stone's throw from Blenheim Palace and offers a cosy spot to retreat to after the festivities. It's loved for its modern amenities while still retaining many original features and a country-feel. The on-site restaurant serves British and Italian cuisine, with a continental breakfast also available each morning.
Liverpool Christmas Market
Another popular Christmas market, Liverpool is a classic shopping spot set against the backdrop of St George's Plateau and William Brown Street, with wooden chalets selling Christmas gifts, decorations and festive food. There's also plenty of places for a festive tipple, including the tipi bar, ski bar, windmill bar and the Bavarian bar - all which host local performers throughout the festive season.
When? 18 November - 24 December 2023
Where to stay: INNSiDE by Meliá Liverpool is just a short walk from the Christmas market. The contemporary four-star hotel offers incredible views of the city, and is within easy reach of the best museums. There's family rooms available and two restaurants on-site, including an open-plan restaurant and sky bar on the 18th floor overseen by chef Gino D'Acampo.
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