As the festive season starts, everyone’s minds turn to Christmas shopping to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones. What better way to stock up on your presents and enjoy the festivities than with a trip to Christmas markets in the UK. Take a look at some of the biggest and best Christmas markets in 2024 across the UK. Where will you head to first?
Going away this festive season? Don’t forget to browse our list of the best Christmas Markets in Europe too!
Edinburgh Christmas Market
When: Friday 15th November 2024 to Saturday 4th January 2025
Where: East Princes Street Gardens
With breathtaking views of the Edinburgh Castle and the Scott Monument, the setting for Edinburgh’s Christmas Market 2024 is like something out of a fairytale. The annual Scottish event is hosted in the East Princes Street Gardens, within the heart of Edinburgh. It has over 70 stalls and is free to enter for seasonal shoppers. If you want to see the market from above, take a trip on the 46m tall LNER Big Wheel, Scotland’s largest Ferris wheel.
Glasgow Christmas Market
When: Saturday 23rd November 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025
Where: George Square
The classic Christmas market transforms George Square into a winter wonderland. Along with a whole host of delicious food, drinks and gifts, the Glasgow Christmas Market also features a 80m Drop Tower, Helter Skelter, carousel and Santa’s train. Take a daring ride on the various attractions before wandering around the stalls for fresh crepes and grilled dishes.
Bath Christmas Market
When: Thursday 28th November to Sunday 15th December 2024
Where: City Centre
Regularly voted the best Christmas market in the south of England, Bath’s Christmas Market transforms the historic streets of the city into a joyous and bustling shopping experience. The market has over 170 chalets that host a wide variety of stalls, including handmade jewellery, homeware and handmade goods. The Bath Christmas Market strives to be as sustainable as possible and only has one generator on-site, as of 2024. This brings the city one step closer to its goal of creating a carbon-neutral Christmas market.
Winchester Christmas Market
When: Friday 22nd November to Sunday 22nd December 2024
Where: Winchester Cathedral
Set in the beautiful backdrop of Winchester Cathedral, the city’s festive market is a magical way to start off your seasonal celebrations. Winchester Christmas Market has over 100 chalets offering festive food and local handmade gifts. You can also enjoy the sweet sound of local choirs and watch performances from community groups. Don’t forget to take in the sights in and around the cathedral, which is steeped in over 1,000 years of history.
York Christmas Market
When: Thursday 14th November to Sunday 22nd December 2024
Where: Parliament Street & St Sampson’s Square
The streets are lined with 75 alpine chalets at York’s annual Christmas market. Many of the stall holders are from Yorkshire and have a range of exquisite products and delicious beverages and food to sell. York Christmas Market also features a vintage carousel to whisk you around on a festive ride. Don’t forget Christmas Jumper Day is taking place on Thursday 12th December, so wrap up warm in your favourite festive knit while you walk around the market.
Liverpool Christmas Market
When: Saturday 16th November to Tuesday 24th December 2024
Where: St George’s Hall
With the backdrop of Liverpool’s impressive St George’s Hall, the city’s Christmas market features a giant Ferris wheel, a Santa Land and, of course, a delightful collection of festive stalls. Browse a variety of food, drink and handmade gifts. The Liverpool Christmas Market also has live entertainment to enjoy while you shop.
Chester Christmas Market
When: Tuesday 5th Nov to Wednesday 22 Dec 2024
Where: Town Hall Square, Northgate Street
Take a trip back in time past the Victorian town hall and browse over 70 seasonal wooden cabins at Chester’s Christmas Market. The sparkling giant Christmas tree in the square offers a perfect photo opportunity, while the tasty hot food on offer will leave your mouth watering. There are plenty of handcrafted gifts to buy, including jewellery, stocking fillers and more. The Chester Christmas Market is open seven days a week, so you’ve got plenty of time to get your shopping done.
Winter Wonderland, London
When: Thursday 21st November 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025
Where: Hyde Park
The capital’s magnificent festive extravaganza returns for another year. This traditional German-inspired market features over 200 chalet stalls which boast both seasonal and handcrafted gifts. Featuring ice skating, a 70m giant observation wheel and thrilling rides, this is the perfect Christmas adventure. Off-peak entry is free; if you’ve bought tickets, you just need to spend over £25 on rides, food, or attractions to get your entry for free.
Leeds Christmas Market
When: Friday 22nd November to Sunday 22nd December 2024
Where: Millennium Square
Explore festive stalls selling handcrafted goods, delicious street food and a range of attractions at Leeds Christmas Market. The month-long seasonal event also boasts a 400 sqm real ice rink with a covered marquee roof, so you can enjoy skating no matter the weather. The market is open every day throughout the month (bar Christmas Day and Boxing Day), so you’ve got time to enjoy every inch of this festive delight.
Nottingham Christmas Market
When: Wednesday 13 November to Tuesday 31 December 2024
Where: Old Market Square
There’s plenty to see and do at the annual Nottingham Christmas Market. With over 70 traditional, Bavarian-style stalls and the popular Ice Rink and Sky Skate Ice Path, you’ll soon be feeling festive. Enjoy a mug of thick hot chocolate or warm mulled wine at the two alpine-themed bars. You can browse the stalls to find seasonal food and unique gifts before taking in the stunning view of the market from the top of the Observation Wheel.
Buy Christmas Jumpers and Pyjamas
What better way to enjoy the Christmas markets in 2024 than in cosy Christmas jumpers? They’re the best way to get in the festive spirit while keeping you nice and warm on the cold winter days. After a busy day of shopping at Christmas markets in the UK, you can come back home and throw on your Christmas pyjamas before treating yourself to a mince pie (or two!).
