Looking Ahead – The Best Christmas Markets in the UK and When They Open

29 October 2017

Like it or not, Christmas is on the horizon and one of the things that we love most about the festive season is the abundance of Christmas markets that pop up across the country.

Here are some of the best, so be sure to check them out if you’re in the area this Christmas!

Edinburgh

November 18^th – January 6^th

If you live in Edinburgh, you’re extra lucky because the city is home to not one, not two, but three Christmas markets this year, so you can really make a day of it!

For the little ones, you’ll want to head to Santa Land, in Princes Street Gardens, which will feature crafts and face painting.

You’ll also find a traditional Christmas market at Princes Street Gardens, as well as along George Street too.

Promising the best in Scottish food and drink, as well as some mysterious sounding “gastronomic surprises”, you could easily spend hours trawling the various stalls.

Liverpool

November 17^th to January 8^th

Pier Head in Liverpool sees the return of the Liverpool Ice Festival, with amazing attractions such as a triple-lane ice slide, a huge ice rink and a Ferris wheel.

Of course, the traditional German Christmas market will feature as well, with over 50 stalls lining the docks.

There’s also going to be an ice bar and après lodge for you to chill out in after a long day of shopping.

York

November 16^th – December 22^nd

York’s St. Nicholas Market will return this year with the usual Medieval market, featuring various crafts and gifts from years gone by.

There’s also the Made in Yorkshire and Castle Howard markets which are worth checking out too, so you’re really spoiled for choice in York.

Bath

November 23^rd – December 10^th

With its beautiful Georgian streets, Bath is the ideal place for a magical Christmas market, with over 170 chalets packing out the areas around the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey.

One of the great things about the Bath markets is that the stallholders are mainly local businesspeople, offering goods such as handcrafted toys, jewellery and, of course, lots of local cheeses!

Southbank

November 10^th – January 4^th

London is home to its share of great Christmas markets too, but the Southbank Winter Festival is one of the best.

Found right on the banks of the Thames with the London Eye in the background, it’s one of the most popular markets in the country (which can be both a blessing and a curse!)

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas market is known as one of the biggest German markets outside of the country itself, with hundreds of stalls selling great food and drink and a host of live music on offer too.

The markets have been running for over 15 years and came about as a result of the ‘Frankfurt-Birmingham Partnership Agreement’ in 1966, which has seen the two cities come together in collaboration over the last 50 years.

Exeter

November 16^th – December 17^th

Another ideally located market, the Exeter Christmas Market can be found in the shadow of the magnificent city cathedral.

With all of the usual exciting traders and food stands, there’s a new West Front bandstand this year to showcase local bands and carol singers to keep you entertained while you shop.

Manchester

November 10^th – December 20^th

Manchester’s Christmas markets continue to grow each year and are among the first to open too, perfect for if you really can’t wait for the big day to roll around!

While the market is mainly focused around the Albert Square area, in truth, it takes over much of the city centre, with exact details of the size and scope yet to be announced.

Belfast

November 18^th – December 19^th

If you live in Northern Ireland or are visiting this year, be sure to head to the Belfast markets. Drawing inspiration from all over Europe, stalls can be found from German, Spanish, French, Italian and, of course, Irish traders.

Lincoln

December 7^th – December 10^th

It’s only on for one weekend, so be sure to catch it while you can! Lincoln Christmas market is one of the best in the UK. With over 250 stalls centred around the city’s famous Norman Castle, having grown drastically from the eleven stalls that it started out with!

What’s more, if you’re at our Silverhill or Tydd St Giles parks, you won’t have too far to travel if you want to enjoy the Lincoln markets.

Leeds

November 10^th – December 17^th

The German-themed ‘Christkindelmarkt’ in Leeds is one of the most famous in the country, taking over the Millennium Square with a host of gorgeous chalet huts decorated with sparkling lights.

With a horse carousel and handmade toys for younger visitors and an Alp Chalet for the grown-ups, there’s really something for everyone too!