Looking for the best UK Christmas markets this year. We’ve found everything from a hint of Bavaria on home territory to nine Christmas markets all in one city. The most wonderful time of the year starts here.
Find nine UK Christmas markets in Manchester
Manchester: pick of the UK Christmas markets for 26 years
Manchester’s greatest of all UK Christmas markets is 26 years old this November. Find the festivities spread across nine city-centre sites from Piccadilly Gardens to The Corn Exchange, opening with Manchester’s very own Festive Friday on 8 November. Market Street is the place for gifts – and Manchester macaroons! St. Anne’s Square is where to go when you’re feeling hungry (although just about everywhere ticks that box this year). And for a turn round the ice, the covered rink is back at Cathedral Gardens.
Where: Manchester City Centre
When: 8 November to 22 December 2024
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Swansea is top of UK Christmas markets for local crafts
Swansea: best market for carols, crafters and great street food
Go hungry to Swansea Christmas Market. It’s back from 23 November in the city centre and as ever the focus is on feeding you like you’ve never been fed before. Local street food mixes with amazing local crafts here, and kids will love the cute Carollers’ Cabin. Plus, very family-friendly Swansea has plenty places to let you escape the winter chill.
Where: Swansea city centre
When: 23November to 22 December 2024
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Cardiff Christmas market looking cute and cosy
Cardiff: the best of UK Christmas markets for one of a kind gifts
We love Cardiff Christmas Market creativity. As always, hundreds of local artists, artisans and ‘craft folk’ are setting out their stalls around Cardiff city centre, so if you want completely original gifts, this is where to find them. Think vintage Welsh blankets recreated as baby blankets; handmade paper; felted bags; Welsh honey and beeswax; aged Celtic whisky; local cheese and even Anglesey pure cold brew coffee.
Where: Cardiff city centre.
When: 14 November to 23 December 2024
See our pick of family hotels in Cardiff
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Go hungry to Belfast’s glitter Christmas market
Belfast: best for food stalls and vintage fairground fun
Belfast Christmas Market is always worth a look, not least for its cheerful stallholders and gorgeous City Hall setting. The vintage helter-skelter and carousel are a big hit with kids, but don’t miss the cuteness of Santa’s very own grotto. Local craft stalls are bringing it on the best-gifts-ever front, the city’s holding on to its rep as one of the feast-ist UK Christmas markets dozens of international food stalls.
Where: Belfast city centre.
When: 16 November to 22 December 2024
See our pick of family hotels in Belfast
Winter Wonderland is open on Christmas Eve for last minute shopping
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: best for last minute gifts
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is back this November and as always it’s running right through to January. But catch the Christmas market before 25 December for unusual gifts and decorations. If you like your markets quaint with a hint of Bavaria in the mix, this is the one to pick. It promises more than 100 stalls, plenty of festive feels and it’s even open on Christmas Eve.
Where: Hyde Park, London
When: 21 November 2024 to 1 January 2025
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Edinburgh city centre lights up for Christmas
Edinburgh: best market for late night shopping and skating
East Princes Street Gardens is where to find Edinburgh’s Christmas markets, as always. It’s part of the huge city centre spectacular that’s become the city’s signature look in November and December. Go for cute stalls, outstanding street food and extended shopping – the market’s open until 10pm every night until 23 December. And if you’re up for a little more festive magic, get your skates and glide all up and down the city’s legendary George Street – best UK rink ever!
Where: East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh
When: 17 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
See our pick of family hotels in Edinburgh
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