The Best UK Christmas Markets in the UK to visit in 2024. Find out the start dates, opening times, whats-on, and cheap places to stay locally for some serious festive fun. There's nothing more magical than wrapping up warm, strolling around a Christmas market whilst listening to festive songs, and sipping on a glass of mulled wine.
Which city has the best Christmas market UK? Most cities throughout the UK offer some sort of Christmas attractions, but here are the biggest and very best Christmas markets and festivals on offer for a festive shopping trip.
UK Christmas Markets
Are there any Christmas markets in UK? Yes, here are the top 10 Christmas Markets and events in the UK in 2024...
1 - Birmingham
Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria offering a huge range of traditional goods and gifts and a selection of authentic and festive food and drink.
There's free live music on the stage in the heart of Victoria Square with musicians from Germany and Birmingham. The performances are available lunchtime and evenings Monday to Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday.
Location - Birmingham, England. Victoria Square and New Street, West Midlands, B1 1BD
Opening Dates - Thursday 4th November 2021 - Thursday 23rd December 2021
Opening Times - Daily from 10am to 9pm
Festive Things to do Nearby
Fairground Rides - The big wheel, Carousel and more can be found in Centenary Square
Outdoor Ice rink - Also located in Centenary Square, this popular attraction is also due return
Cheapest Accommodation Nearby
> Easyhotel Birmingham City Centre (4 minute walk) rooms from £24.99 book here
> Travelodge Birmingham Central Bull Ring (10 min walk) prices from £33.99 book here
> Premier Inn Birmingham City - Aston hotel (9 minute walk) prices from £33.50 book here
The prices above are based on 2 adults on a Sunday night in December. It's recommended to wait until the chains release their regular room sales to get the very best prices.
If you fancy something a bit special, check out Groupon and Wowcher and set your search area to Birmingham. You can get hotels with extras such as breakfast, evening meal, early/late check-in and wine for as little as £59 per night.
For more information visit the official Birmingham Christmas Market Page
2 - London
If you're looking for a Christmas market with plenty to see and do for the kids too, then London is a MUST! With ice skating, a magical ice kingdom, a Christmas circus, an ice bar, ice sculpting, Cirque Berserk, Santa land, the giant wheel, a REAL ice slide, rides and so much more!
Note: You now need to pre-book entry! Entry is free during off-peak hours and costs £5. £7.50 during peak hours, for an unlimited time.
Entry is also free off-peak and peak if you spend £20 online in advance on any attractions, rides or games.
Location - London, England. Hyde Park
Opening Dates - Friday 19th November 2021 - Monday 3rd January 2021
Opening Times - Daily from 10am to 10pm
Festive Things to do Nearby
At London's Christmas Market, everything is located inside Hyde Park including:
> Ice Skating
> Zippos Magic Circus
> Magical Ice Kingdom
> Ice Sculpting Workshops
> Ice Bar
> Giant Wheel, ice Slide & MANY more rides
> Santa Land
Cheapest Accommodation Nearby
> Easyhotel London Paddington (12 minute walk) rooms from £33.30 book here
> Travelodge London Central Marylebone (11 min walk) prices from £33.99 book here
The prices above are based on 2 adults on a Sunday night in December. It's recommended to wait until the chains release their regular room sales to get the very best prices.
If you fancy something a bit special, check out Groupon and Wowcher and set your search area to London. You can get hotels with extras such as breakfast, evening meal, early/late check-in and wine for as little as £59 per night.
For more information visit the official London Christmas Market Page
3 - Brighton
Brighton Christmas Festival & Market is the mother of all Christmas trips. Brighton is known for being extra, with Christmas time being no exception, with the whole city lit up beautifully. There are SIX zones around Brighton (all really close) including...
Zone 1 > Victoria Gardens Christmas Village - The Christmas Market spans the complete length of the festival site with 100s of stalls and festive food and drink options in every zone.
Zone 2 > Community Celebration Square - Giant Christmas tree and one of the main entertainment areas, the community stage with choirs & more.
Zone 3 > Santa’s Workshop - Meet Santa and his Elves
Zone 4 > Après Ski - Bar, live entertainment, comedy & dancing day and night
Zone 5 > Christmas Fair - A stunning traditional funfair
Zone 6 > The Royal Pavilion Ice Rink - Beautifully lit at night for a truly magical Christmas skate right in front of the former royal pleasure palace.
Location - Brighton, England. Victoria Gardens, extending south from St. Peter’s Church, York Place to the Victoria Fountain in Old Stein.
Opening Dates - Friday 26th November 2021 - Friday 31st December 2021
Opening Times - Daily
Festive Things to do Nearby
Panto - For the first time in 2021, Aladdin is at The Brighton Centre and it is tipped to be the biggest show in the festival line-up.
Cheapest Accommodation Nearby
> Travelodge Brighton Seafront (12 min walk) prices from £34.99 book here
> Premier Inn Brighton City Centre (6 min walk) prices from £35.50 book here
The prices above are based on 2 adults on a Sunday night in December. It's recommended to wait until the chains release their regular room sales to get the very best prices.
If you fancy something a bit special, check out Groupon and Wowcher and set your search area to Brighton. You can get hotels with extras such as breakfast, evening meal, early/late check-in and wine for as little as £59 per night.
For more information visit the official Brighton Christmas Festival Page
4 - Manchester
The UKs biggest Christmas market is located in Manchester with more than 300 stalls tempting you with gifts, crafts, jewellery, clothes, and toys. The location is famed for its delicious food stalls where you can snap up bratwurst to Hungarian goulash, Spanish paella, or a good old-fashioned hog roast.
Location - Manchester, England. Albert Square, Greater Manchester, M2 5PF
Opening Dates - Saturday 11th November to Friday 22nd December 2023.
Opening Times - Daily, 10am to 9pm
Festive Things to do Nearby
Magical Woodland - An outdoor experience with dazzling light effects and sound in the depths of Cheshire woodland.
Skate Manchester - The real ice rink is returning to Cathedral Gardens this winter.
Christmas Light Trail - Magical, after-dark, illuminated Christmas trail at Dunham Massey.
Cheapest Accommodation Nearby
> Easyhotel Manchester City Centre (9 minute walk) rooms from £26.28 book here
> Travelodge Manchester Ancoats (11 min walk) prices from £24.99 book here
> Premier Inn Manchester City Centre (5 min walk) prices from £35.50 book here
The prices above are based on 2 adults on a Sunday night in December. It's recommended to wait until the chains release their regular room sales to get the very best prices.
If you fancy something a bit special, check out Groupon and Wowcher and set your search area to Manchester. You can get hotels with extras such as breakfast, evening meal, early/late check-in and wine for as little as £59 per night.
For more information visit the official Manchester Christmas Market Page
5 - Edinburgh
Edinburgh's Christmas features shows, rides and attractions, Christmas markets, and free events in the heart of the city. At the Christmas market, there will be 62 trading stalls, 15 concession stands, 11 attractions including a Christmas Tree Maze and a Santa’s Grotto, four fairground attractions, including the big wheel. The popular ice-skating rink is also set to return after a three-year absence.
More than 60,000 lights illuminate either Royal Mile or George Street in what is named the Street of Light which is absolutely beautiful to walk through.
Location - Edinburgh, Scotland. This year the attractions will be spread out across the city in and around East Princes Street Gardens, The Mound, West Princes Street Gardens, and George Street.
Opening Dates - Friday 17th November 2023 to Saturday 6th January 2024
Opening Times - Daily 10am - 10pm
Festive Things to do Nearby
Royal Botanic Gardens - The magical, botanical and festive illuminated trail. Lights and lasers light up the mile-long trail and you'll be able to toast marshmallows along the way in the purpose-built fire pits.
Cheapest Accommodation Nearby
> Travelodge Edinburgh Central Queens Street (7 minute walk) rooms for as little as £24.99 book here
> Premier Inn - hub by Premier Inn Edinburgh Haymarket (10 minute walk) prices from £35.50 book here
> Easyhotel Prince Street Edinburgh (1 minute walk) rooms from £35.99 book here
The prices above are based on 2 adults on a Sunday night in December. It's recommended to wait until the chains release their regular room sales to get the very best prices.
If you fancy something a bit special, check out Groupon and Wowcher and set your search area to Edinburgh. You can get hotels with extras such as breakfast, evening meal, early/late check-in and wine for as little as £59 per night.
For more information visit the official Edinburgh Christmas Market Page
6 - Cardiff
Cardiff's Christmas market's beautifully decorated wooden stalls are a firm favourite with shoppers. The market is located outdoors in Cardiff City Centre, and although it's relatively small compared to other Christmas markets around the UK, winter wonderland more than makes up for it. There will also be a new light show on the walls of Cardiff Castle for 2021.
Location - Thursday 11th November to Thursday 23rd December 2021
Opening Dates - St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street and the Hayes
Opening Times - Monday – Saturday: 10am – 6pm. Sunday: 10am - 5pm
Festive Things to do Nearby
Winter Wonderland - at this venue you will find fairground rides, festive eateries, and outdoor ice skating can all be found at Cardiff's winter wonderland.
Santa's Grotto at Cardiff Castle - you can visit Santa in a stunning traditional setting in the Black Tower.
Bute Park Light Show - The biggest Christmas lights and laser show trail Wales has ever seen.
Cheapest Accommodation Nearby
> Travelodge Cardiff Queens Street (1 minute walk) rooms for as little as £33.99 book here
> Easyhotel Cardiff City Centre (8 minute walk) rooms from £33.30 book here
> ibis budget Cardiff Centre (15 minute walk) prices from £50.40 book here
The prices above are based on 2 adults on a Sunday night in December. It's recommended to wait until the chains release their regular room sales to get the very best prices.
If you fancy something a bit special, check out Groupon and Wowcher and set your search area to Cardiff. You can get hotels with extras such as breakfast, evening meal, early/late check-in and wine for as little as £59 per night.
For more information visit the official Cardiff Christmas Market Page
7 - Bath
Bath's Premier Christmas Market is in the centre of the stunning city. There are festive wooden chalets offering handmade gifts, decorations, and traditional foods. The market is located at Abbey Square and around the Roman Baths creating a stunning festive Christmas experience of lights, food, entertainment and music.
Location - Bath, England. Queen Square, BA1 2HA
Opening Dates - Thursday 23rd November until Sunday 10th December 2023
Opening Times - n/a
Festive Things to do Nearby
> The independent Bath artisan market in Queen Square
> Traditional Christmas celebrations around the Abbey Quarter including street entertainment and carol singing
> An illumination trail of the iconic and historic buildings of Bath
> A number of festive stalls in Kingston Parade and Abbey Green
> A Victorian carousel ride outside the Roman Baths
Cheapest Accommodation Nearby
> Travelodge Bath Central (5 min walk) prices from £59.99 book here
The prices above are based on 2 adults on a Sunday night in December. It's recommended to wait until the chains release their regular room sales to get the very best prices.
If you fancy something a bit special, check out Groupon and Wowcher and set your search area to Bath. You can get hotels with extras such as breakfast, evening meal, early/late check-in and wine for as little as £59 per night.
For more information visit the official Bath Christmas Market Page
8 - Leeds Christkindlmarkt
Leeds Christkindelmarkt is a little piece of Germany in the heart of Leeds City Centre. There's authentic food, festive drinks and live entertainment from 6pm every day. There's also plenty of fairground rides dotted around the market for the children to enjoy
There is a free children's show every Sunday morning from 11am until 1pm with sing-alongs, interactive games, face painting and more.
Location - Leeds, England. Millennium Square, LS2 3AD
Opening Dates - Cancelled for 2021
Opening Times - n/a
Festive Things to do Nearby
Fairground Rides - The big wheel, Carousel and more can be found around the areas.
Panto -Leeds Playhouse hosts an annual panto every Christmas season.
Cheapest Accommodation Nearby
> Easyhotel Leeds City Centre (8 minute walk) rooms from £25.56 book here
> Travelodge Leeds Central Vicar Lane (9 min walk) prices from £30.99 book here
> Premier Inn Leeds City Centre (Leeds Arena) (6 minute walk) prices from £33.50 book here
The prices above are based on 2 adults on a Sunday night in December. It's recommended to wait until the chains release their regular room sales to get the very best prices.
If you fancy something a bit special, check out Groupon and Wowcher and set your search area to Leeds. You can get hotels with extras such as breakfast, evening meal, early/late check-in and wine for as little as £59 per night.
For more information visit the official Leeds Christkindelmarkt's Facebook Page
9 - Nottingham
The Christmas market in Nottingham hosts 40 chalet-style market stalls that offer shoppers a chance to purchase a choice of festive gifts, crafts, and seasonal foods. Kids can enjoy Ice Mountain's toboggan slide in King Street, and the traditional carousel and helter-skelter are firm favourites among the younger visitors.
Note: Alcohol is not served at Nottingham's Christmas Market
Location - Nottingham, England. Old Market Square, NG1 2LN
Opening Dates - Saturday 4th December to Friday 4th December 2021
Opening Times - Daily from 10am to 9pm
Festive Things to do Nearby
Christmas Lights trail - Enlightened Light Trail at Belvoir Castle
Cheapest Accommodation Nearby
> Travelodge Nottingham Central (10 min walk) prices from £31.99 book here
> Premier Inn Nottingham City Centre - Chapel Bar (3 minute walk) prices from £33.50 book here
The prices above are based on 2 adults on a Sunday night in December. It's recommended to wait until the chains release their regular room sales to get the very best prices.
If you fancy something a bit special, check out Groupon and Wowcher and set your search area to Nottingham. You can get hotels with extras such as breakfast, evening meal, early/late check-in and wine for as little as £59 per night.
For more information visit the official Nottingham Christmas Market's official website
10 - Belfast
Belfast Continental Christmas Market is located in the grounds of City Hall and boasts over 100 beautiful wooden stalls offering a festive collection of craft goods, food and drink. There's plenty on offer for the kids as well including Santa's grotto and an array of fairground rides.
Location - Belfast, Scotland. Donegall Square, BT1 5GS
Opening Dates - Saturday 20th November 2021 - Thursday 23rd December 2021
Opening Times - 9am to 8pm Monday to Wednesdays 9am - 10pm Thursday to Saturday. Sunday’s 12 noon to 6pm.
Festive Things to do Nearby
Fairground Rides - The Helter Skelter slide, vintage carousel and more can be found in and around the market
Santas Grotto -Children can visit Father Christmas in a magical grotto nestled among the market's brilliant stalls
Cheapest Accommodation Nearby
> Easyhotel Belfast Centre (2 minute walk) rooms from £38 book here
> Travelodge Belfast Central (4 min walk) prices from £47 book here
> Premier Inn Belfast City Centre - Alfred Street (7 minute walk) prices from £33.50 book here
The prices above are based on 2 adults on a Sunday night in December. It's recommended to wait until the chains release their regular room sales to get the very best prices.
If you fancy something a bit special, check out Groupon and Wowcher and set your search area to Belfast. You can get hotels with extras such as breakfast, evening meal, early/late check-in and wine for as little as £59 per night.
For more information visit the official Belfast Christmas Market's official Facebook Page
