When December rolls around (or sometimes even before that) people are keen to get into the festive spirit. One of the best ways to do this is to visit a market, and there are dozens of Christmas markets in the UK that people can head to.
Some people are drawn to sampling the hot chocolate and glühwein, some people just want to finally buy some gifts. People with kids might also take them along to see shows and decorations. Some even give you the chance to meet Father Christmas himself.
Christmas markets have been popular for hundreds of years in one way or another, but they have taken on a new life of their own in recent years and become a very popular festive activity. People even travel across borders to check them out. In this guide, we’re exploring some around the UK that have lots for people to see and do.
Blenheim Palace Christmas Market, Oxfordshire
- 🏘 Location: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire
Blenheim Palace offers one of the UK’s most magical Christmas market experiences, combining an amazing venue with enchanting Christmas lights and festive shopping.
Blenheim house is a truly amazing place. It was built between 1705 and 1722 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the 1980s. The location makes you feel like you could be in a Harry Potter novel.
Each year, wooden chalet-style stalls fill the Great Court, selling everything from artisan crafts to festive food and drinks. A standout feature is the palace’s light trail, which brings fairytale-inspired decor to each area of the massive grounds and featuring a glowing tunnel and art installations. Visitors can enjoy ice skating on the Great Skate rink and warm up afterward with hot drinks and snacks from the vendors.
While we’re not ranking the markets here, it is fair to say this is one of the very best Christmas markets in the UK, and maybe even further afield…
Bath Christmas Market
- 🏘 Location: Bath city centre, around the Roman Baths
There are not many Christmas markets that are so steeped in amazing history. Bath is a historic location, and the Roman influence is still there to be seen, even after centuries. The Christmas market further adds to the charm.
Bath’s Christmas Market is set among the city’s cobblestone streets and historic sites, like the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey. Known for its locally-made gifts, most of the market’s 250+ stalls feature goods from small businesses mainly from the southwest of England.
Visitors can find everything from hand-crafted jewellery and homeware to Christmas puddings and traditional food and drink. The city’s architecture and cobbled streets create a romantic setting for exploring the stalls, with hot drinks and treats available to keep you warm.
The market is also centrally located, so you can easily explore Bath’s other attractions or even book a spa day for a perfect winter weekend. The history of this place and the Roman Baths are stunning visits (you might even need longer than a weekend).
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
- 🏘 Location: Winchester Cathedral Close, Hampshire
Inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market features over 100 wooden chalets nestled around the historic cathedral. This market is known for its high-quality artisanal goods and it even has workshops.
In the Undercroft area, people can sign up for specific workshops for things like singing and candle making. If you’re local to the area you might even attend multiple times to take part in some of the activities.
The area also has a beautiful open-air stage where carolers and musicians perform, filling the market with festive cheer.
A nativity scene decoration, cosy seating areas, and the cathedral’s peaceful gardens provide space for relaxing away from the bustle. Winchester Cathedral itself offers additional tours and services during the season and can even be an option for school class groups, making it a top destination for a traditional Christmas experience.
Manchester Christmas Market
- 🏘 Location: Albert Square and other locations in Manchester
Manchester’s Christmas Market is one of the largest and best UK Christmas markets. It is spread across multiple festive zones with different themes. Albert Square, the market’s main hub, is lined with huts selling Christmas gifts and lots of other gifts and goodies.
The areas of the market include:
- King Street West
- St Ann’s Square
- Exchange Street
- New Cathedral Street
- Exchange Square
- Corn Exchange
- Cathedral Gardens
- Market Street
- Piccadilly Gardens
Some popular items include handmade candles and quirky crafts. Foodies can enjoy a wide array of delicious foods – traditional German bratwurst, French cheeses, and Belgian chocolates are just some of the options. In addition to gifts and food, the market also features cosy bars serving mulled wine and hot cider.
Manchester’s market doesn’t have the same mystique as some of the others on the list as it is a more modern surrounding, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a fantastic visit, and there are so many stalls and lots to do.
Skate Manchester is a covered rink that is in the Cathedral Gardens throughout the festive period. People can enjoy a skate under twinkling lights and plenty of Christmas songs to get in the mood.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
- 🏘 Location: East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market is a highlight of the city’s winter festivals, bringing a unique blend of Scottish and European holiday traditions.
The market takes place in the scenic East Princes Street Gardens, overlooked by Edinburgh Castle. Festive rides like the Big Wheel add to the market’s appeal, and Santa’s Stories sessions in St Andrew’s Square provide a magical experience for children. Independent retailers offer a variety of handmade goods and it’s a great place to find one-of-a-kind gifts.
Traditional Scottish food, mulled wine, and warm drinks are a must!
Edinburgh Christmas Market is another that ties in a lot of events, and this even includes comedy shows. Check out the amazing ice bar where you can even drink from an ice tumbler!
Edinburgh market is definitely one of the best known north of the border in Scotland.
Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham
- 🏘 Location: Victoria Square, Birmingham
It may be confusing to name this market after another city, but Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest German Christmas market outside Germany.
It ensures traditional Bavarian Christmas vibes and traditions in the heart of Birmingham. The market is filled with stalls selling German food and drinks, including bratwurst, schnitzel, pretzels, and Berliner doughnuts.
Several themed bars offer glühwein (mulled wine) and weissbier (wheat beer), with one even featuring a singing moose decoration. The market’s iconic Glockenspiel and a large Christmas tree make for perfect holiday photo ops, and the atmosphere is always lively with music and festive lights.
This is inspired by Frankfurt Christmas Market, one of the oldest in the world – the first historical record of the Frankfurt Christmas Market dates back to 1393.
St Nicholas Fair, York
- 🏘 Location: Parliament Street, York
St Nicholas Fair brings a cosy, festive atmosphere to the historic streets of York. York’s Viking history and olde-worlde feel are among the appeals all year round. At Christmas, the city takes on even more of a stunning, quintessentially British look.
Wooden chalets line Parliament Street and Sampson Square, offering a mix of local goods, from toys and crafts to Yorkshire-made treats like fudge and festive gin from The York Gin Company. One of the highlights is the Made in Yorkshire area, where local sellers and makers sell handmade items that make perfect stocking fillers.
York’s picturesque streets and amazing sites (such as the stunning York Minster) make it a charming backdrop for holiday shopping and exploring, with nearby attractions like York Minster adding to the city’s holiday appeal.
Cardiff Christmas Market
- 🏘 Location: St John Street, Cardiff
Cardiff’s Christmas Market is known for its handmade focus and proud history of makers and crafty businesses showcasing their wares in the heart of the Welsh capital. Vendors offer everything from ceramics and jewellery to handmade soaps and Welsh-themed gifts.
A highlight is the market’s taster scheme, which allows people to showcase their products for a short period. This gives shoppers access to unique finds that are not available year-round. Live entertainment and festive decor add to the market’s charm, and nearby coffee shops make it easy to relax with a warm drink.
The list of exhibitors includes pet portraits (an amazing Christmas gift), plenty of food and drink options, and lots of personalised gifts. Did you know you can even buy a decorated “dragon egg” which can make an amazing Christmas decoration in any home?
Learn More With Superprof
Many teachers are looking for new and interesting angles for teaching about Christmas in school. This includes a lot of different ways that people celebrate Christmas with traditions and, of course, Christmas markets.
For help and support with planning lessons and workshops around Christmas and the festive period, reach out to a tutor here on Superprof today. Our range of knowledgeable teachers and tutors can help you to find a unique and engaging approach.
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