What Are The Best 5 Christmas Markets To See In The UK This Year?
Santa Clause may soon be coming to town, but this year's magical Christmas markets are on their way too! Whether you're based in the North, South, East or West, a bustling market adorned with twinkling lights and overflowing with sweat treats, intricate gifts and festive fun is surely located within a short distance from your front door. But with Christmassy celebrations taking place in so many cities up and down England, as well as across the UK, it's not always easy to know which markets are a real must, and which are a little lacklustre in comparison! So you don't miss out on next-level holly jolly enjoyment, we've taken the time to do our research and dwindle things down to a prime pick of 5 must-see Christmassy places across England. From cutesy and sparkling stall-lined streets, to big wheels and bold decorations, here's our handpicked selection of the top 5 merry markets to visit in 2023. It's time to embrace the mince pies and mulled wine, and soak up the seasonal cheer. So, throw on your cosiest christmas jumper, wrap-up warm in your snuggest coat, and let us guide you towards Britain's best Christmas markets.
Winchester: traditional Xmas spirit
Each year, Winchester's festive celebrations unfold beneath the gaze of the city's looming cathedral, and it is this lovable location in the shadow of age-old architecture that makes Winchester's Christmas market perhaps the most majestic of all those found across the UK. When services are in full swing, the pitch perfect melodies of the local cathedral choir echo into the streets, providing a heartwarming soundtrack to marvelling at handcrafted goods or tucking into seasonal delicacies! Composed of hundreds of charming wooden chalets run by specially selected traders, an authentic ambiance pervades this traditional, German-style market. It offers all the classics you'd expect, as well as unique gifts that you won't find elsewhere. Once you've meandered from stall to stall, indulging to the max and picking up presents for your nearest and dearest, why not step into the historic cathedral to enjoy some Christmas carols while temporarily sheltering from the cold. Or, swap your winter boots for a pair of skates and brave the covered ice rink! If you're keen to soak up some Christmas spirit this winter, Winchester is where you need to venture!
London: for the biggest celebrations and most Christmassy place, where is better?
While, dotted throughout England, there are many idyllic small-scale Christmas markets to discover, it's not unfair to say that bigger is sometimes better. If you're looking for grand celebrations, an expanse of stalls, and lively entertainment, London's Christmas market offering is second to none. Chock-a-block but super buzzy, there is no place quite like the capital at Christmastime: angelic lights keep watch over frantic shoppers on Oxford and Regent Street, decorations galore adorn Covent Garden and a gigantic tree iconically illuminates Trafalgar Square. While a festive feeling therefore pervades the entire city, Hyde Park is officially home to all the merriment, as it's here that you'll find the ever-popular Winter Wonderland – Europe's biggest Christmas event. Back with a bang, and showcasing more entertainment in 2023 than ever before, this ginormous fairground of fun is worth a visit – especially if you've never been! Featuring the renowned Angels Christmas Market of London and well over 200 German Christmas market chalets, handcrafted toys, nativity scenes and delicately designed decorations (among a plethora of other goods) are in no short supply here! But that's not all... Over the years, London's Winter Wonderland has morphed into an extravaganza of ice skating, comedy shows, circus acts and roller coaster rides too. Whether you choose to tiptoe through the super-cold, -10°C Magical Ice Kingdom, partake in ice sculpting workshops or take a turn on the world's tallest transportable observation wheel, Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland really has it all. No matter if you go with friends or family, or head here on a romantic date with hopes of a smooch under the mistletoe, this market is the perfect place to celebrate the run-up to Christmas.
York: classic Christmas fun
Worth a visit whatever the season, the city of York shines ever brighter come Christmastime, when St Nicholas Fair transforms this charming mini metropolis into a festive fairyland. And the festivities seem to spill across the entire city centre! Lined with Scandinavian-style chalets, Parliament Street is one of York Christmas Market's prime centres of activity. Along with St Sampson's Square, it is the perfect place to shop delicately crafted items, while delectable produce is best found at the Made in Yorkshire Yuletide Village. If, after a wander around the latter location, your taste buds still aren't completely satisfied, then a trip to Shambles Market and Food Court should do the trick. For some post-eating entertainment, why not head off to King's Square for a ride around the vintage carrousel, or a head-spinning go on the Helter Skelter. Alternatively, you could combine your Christmas Market visit with an outing to York Theatre Royal or even the Grand Opera House to enjoy a spot of pantomime. Loved by children and adults alike, this feel-good festivity will bring merriment to the whole family. Wherever you venture and whatever you get up to, a good time is sure to be had by all in this quintessential English city!
Birmingham: German-style celebrations
As it's name in part suggests, Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market is the biggest Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria – making it a dream destination for people who are unable to make it over to the continent to see the real thing. Overflowing with glühwein, and offering abundant supplies of pretzels, bratwurst, schnitzels and Berliner doughnuts – along with the usual mulled cider and hot chocolate – it's no wonder visitors flock here in their hundreds every winter. But it's not only the delicious food that gives this traditional Christmas market an air of authenticity. From personalised trinkets, to origami-style paper Christmas decorations and fine woodwork, there's a wealth of unique and thoughtfully-conceived goods on offer here (housed in countless grottos that fill Victoria Square) that you won't find on the high street. Since there is something for everyone, you're guaranteed to find at least one people-pleasing present to place under the tree! Alongside the endless gift and food stalls, you'll also find plenty of bars, many of which are themed to add to the awe-inspiring atmosphere. The most notable ones feature an all-singing, all-dancing moose (characteristically christened Chris Moose) and a Glockenspiel of bells that play out Christmas tunes from the rooftops. Further contributing to the buzz, live music and carols emanate from the bandstand situated in the heart of the square where this annual German Christmas market unfolds, and a huge sparkling Christmas tree towers above all the fun-filled hustle and bustle too. As if all that's not enough to cast a festive spell, a big wheel experience and an outdoor ice rink also awaits if you visit Birmingham this Christmastime. So, put your skates on and plan a trip to the city – the celebrations will be underway from 2nd November to 24th December.
Bath: British goods and local delights
If a historic vibe and distinctively British feel is what you're after, we suggest heading to Bath Christmas Market. Taking place in the heart of the city for over 20 years – in the quaint cobbled streets that surround Bath Abbey and the ancient Roman Baths – this World Heritage Site-based market is one you won't want to miss, particularly since well over half the goods on sale here have been made in Britain. As usual, this year's market will welcome a number of new stall owners, many of them local to the South West. Being one of the UK's largest Xmas markets, you'll be spoilt for choice here when it comes to selecting handmade gifts for your loved ones, or tasty grub for yourself! And, while you're busy uncovering all the treasures that are hidden in the market's hundred-plus chic shacks, make sure you stop from time to time to lap up the bustling atmosphere too! With brass bands and local choirs providing enchanting entertainment, a visit to this world-class market promises hours of festive fun!
Which city will you head to for merrymaking this winter?
And that's that – the best 5 UK Christmas markets to visit this winter! Whether it's England's vibrant capital that's peaked your interest, or a cutesier more contained British city with a slightly calmer but ever-effervescent atmosphere, don your hat and gloves and get out there in quest of festive cheer! These handpicked locations are sure to add a sparkle to your winter season, and a market trip or two will make the build up to Christmas all the more special. So go on... join in on the joy! After all, 'tis the season for celebrations!