Christmas Markets Across the UK 2024
There’s nothing that gets you into the festive spirit quite like wandering around a traditional Christmas market. Mulled wine in hand, enjoying the delicious aromas of street food and music in the background as you explore the stalls, it’s impossible not to feel that tingle of festive excitement.
There are Christmas markets in towns and cities across the country. If you’re thinking of a holiday or short break in the UK this December, you won’t be too far from a festive fair wherever you’re staying.
Here are a few of our favourite Christmas markets for 2024.
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
Dates: 1 November 2024 – 24 December 2024
Every winter, Birmingham hosts the largest authentic German market outside Germany and Austria. Tuck into traditional fare such as bratwurst accompanied by a warming gluhwein or hot chocolate for the kids, and enjoy the programme of live music from German and local musicians.
If you love the “Nutcracker” look for your festive decor, this is the place to come, with stalls selling gorgeous handmade wooden and glass ornaments. With toys, jewellery, homeware and treats also on offer, it’s an excellent chance to pick up unique gifts and stocking fillers.
Find out more: Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
Manchester Christmas Markets
Dates: 8 November – 22 December 2024
Manchester’s famous market spreads out across the city’s squares and streets. Now in its 26th year, Manchester’s markets continue to grow, and there are now over 200 stalls selling food, drink and all sorts of Christmas gifts.
The stalls are open until 8pm (9 for food and drink), and when you add in other activities such as the ice rink and Christmas Lights Trail, it’s a great place to come for an action-packed Christmassy day out. It’s easy to get to Manchester: head here for your Christmas shopping if you’re on holiday in the North West, Yorkshire or North Wales.
Find out more: Manchester Christmas Markets
Cardiff Christmas Market
Dates: 14 November – 23 December 2024
The Welsh capital has been hosting its lively Christmas market for over 30 years. The craft, food and drink stalls are located in the city centre, so it’s easy to combine a trip to the market with Christmas shopping among Cardiff’s excellent stores.
There are about 200 businesses selling their unique wares across 70 stalls, which keep changing over the course of the six-week event. The website has a handy list of the exhibitors and their market dates, so you can plan your shopping in advance.
Find out more: Cardiff Christmas Market
York Christmas Market
Dates: 14 November – 22 December 2024
With its charming old buildings and narrow streets, York feels like one of Britain’s most festive cities. Its bustling Christmas market only adds to this atmosphere, bringing appealing little Alpine chalets to St Sampson’s Square and Parliament Street.
Around 80% of the traders come from Yorkshire, making this an excellent place to pick up locally made Christmas presents. The food and drink at York Christmas Market is also a real highlight, and everyone loves the vintage carousel in King’s Square. Again, there’s a list of traders on the market website.
Find out more: York Christmas Market
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Dates: 15 November 2024 – 4 January 2025
It’s a picturesque train ride up the East Coast main line from York to Scotland’s beautiful capital city and some of the country’s most spectacular Christmas events. As you’d expect, the festivities in Edinburgh carry on well into Hogmanay week, and there’s a packed programme of activities.
The main festive events are spread across four sites in the city: East Princes Street Gardens, West Princes Street Gardens, St Andrew Square Winter Gardens and George Street West. For 70 stalls selling Scottish crafts and produce, head for East Princes Street Gardens. You can’t miss it: it’s also home to the mighty Forth 1 Big Wheel.
Find out more: Edinburgh Christmas
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market
Dates: 15 November – 15 December 2024
Devon’s largest Christmas market features around 100 beautifully decorated chalets around the cathedral, including stalls in the cloisters. Entry is by donation to the cathedral, so you can also explore the magnificent church itself.
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market is especially good for food and drink, combining delicious Devon produce with dishes from around the world. Try not to get too distracted by the street food and bars: the artisan market is a great opportunity to stock up on locally crafted Christmas gifts.
Find out more: Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market
Hyde Park Christmas market
Dates: 21 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
For six weeks, Hyde Park in London is home to the most spectacular winter festival. This is a Christmas market and then some, because the traditional stalls are just one part of the fun. Book your tickets, then spend a day exploring the fairs, shows, bars, restaurants and street food that the Winter Wonderland has to offer.
From bottomless pizza to high-adrenaline rides (not necessarily in that order), there’s something for everyone. For a classic Christmas experience, try the ice skating rink or take a ride on the Santaland Express Train. Wrap up to enjoy a cool cocktail at Bar Ice then warm yourselves around the Fire Pit.
Find out more: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Truro Christmas Market
Dates: 22 November – 24 December 2024
The biggest Christmas market in Cornwall runs right up to Christmas Eve, which is great news if you’ve left things until the last minute. Lemon Quay is transformed into a festive village with log cabins and twinkling lights, and there are other stalls scattered around the city.
Come to Truro Christmas Market for Cornish-made crafts and delicious local produce. With plenty of street food and live music as well as stalls, it’s a lovely place to come and soak up the joyous, festive spirit.
Find out more: Truro Christmas Market
Christmas Holiday Cottages in the UK
There’s still time to book a Christmas shopping break in the UK. At Handpicked Cottages, we have a selection of cosy and ever-so comfortable holiday cottages available for December and Christmas 2024. Get in touch to find out more.
