The smell of gingerbread and the sound of carols are in the air, this means only one thing – the Christmas markets are coming. German-style Christmas markets are starting to pop up across the UK, and with their festive atmosphere and amazing range of food and stalls, it's a great excuse for a weekend away with the family.
With most of us choosing to buy the majority of our Christmas gifts online these days, we've forgotten the joy of browsing shops and stalls for magical presents; a Christmas market is the perfect place to feel the magic of shopping for special items that you just won't find while scrolling on your phone. Visiting a Christmas market is a full experience, bringing together shopping, street food, festive drinks, and Christmassy entertainment.
Whether you're planning on visiting a Christmas market with friends and indulging in some mulled wine as you browse, or taking the children and enjoying Christmas activities with them too, there are loads of fantastic Christmas markets in the UK. Sure, you could hop on a plane or the Eurostar and visit an authentic European market, but the UK versions are stepping up and providing just as much festive fun as our Continental counterparts.
With all of the best Christmas markets in the UK, expect busy traffic and difficulty parking – preparation is key. Check out the websites for each location before you travel, as most provide details about parking and if there are any park and ride systems in place.
So if you're looking for the best Christmas markets in the UK, we've rounded up our favourite 11 markets, with details about why they're so special for children, and even featuring places to stay that welcome families.
Birmingham Christmas MarketThis annual Birmingham-based event claims to be the biggest authentic German Christmas market outside Germany or Austria, and is one of the best Christmas markets in the UK. As you wind your way through the stalls on Victoria Square and New Street you’ll see a huge range of traditional German treats to tempt your tastebuds – pretzels and hot chocolate always goes down well with the little ones. Kids will love the traditional carousel and make sure they look out for the singing moose. There will be free live music to enjoy on the main stage in Victoria Square.
When? 1st November to 24th December 2024.
Opening hours: Monday – Thursday 11am – 9pm; Friday 11am – 9.30pm; Saturday 10am – 9.30pm; Sunday 10am – 9pm
Why go? Kids will love the authentic German food and chocolate, and the live music performances.
Where to stay? There are plenty of hotels in the city centre, including the Premier Inn on Exchange Square - right in the centre so not far to walk.
Manchester Christmas MarketMulti award-winning, this Christmas market in the heart of Manchester has more than 200 stalls across nine locations, and a family friendly atmosphere throughout. Each chalet is full of festive delights, from crafts to home-made decorations. Alongside the markets is the Christmas lights trail, with giant baubles, the iconic Manchester bee, and Father Christmas high above St Peter’s Square – take your children on a fun walk around the city spotting all the highlights and taking lots of keepsake selfies. There’s also Skate Manchester’s covered ice rink in Cathedral Gardens from 8 November to 1 January if you want to take part in ice skating after your shopping.
When? 8th November to 22nd December 2024.
Opening hours: Craft stalls 10am – 8pm, food & drink stalls 11am – 9pm
Why go? Kids will love the Christmas lights trail and the ice rink.
Where to stay? Fancy staying overnight and want a unique hotel? Check out the Innside Manchester hotel - it's next door to the Home arts centre; kids will love the doodles in the Reception area, and the Gino D'Acampo restaurant often has 'kids eat free' offers.
Bath Christmas MarketIf it’s a traditional Christmas shopping experience you’re after, historic Bath is the place to visit. Its picturesque Christmas market features more than 200 wooden chalets packed with Christmas presents for the kids, family, and friends. Look out for the handmade items that will make a truly unique gift. There are plenty of festive foods stalls to fill tummies with delights, and mulled wine for the grownups too.
When? 28th November to 15th December 2024.
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday: 10am - 7pm; Thursday to Saturday: 10am - 8pm; Sundays: 10am - 6pm
Why go? For the truly traditional Christmas spirit.
Where to stay? Right in the centre of Bath, making it easy to get around, consider the DoubleTree by Hilton Bath hotel. Special 'Family Experiences' are available in school holidays.
Edinburgh Christmas MarketThere’s plenty to enjoy in historic Edinburgh if you plan a visit with the children this Christmas. There’s the main Christmas market in East Princes Street Gardens; with more than 70 stalls selling festive gifts and goodies, and Scotland’s largest ferris wheel. There’s also West Princes Street Gardens Family Funfair, open from 15th November, with funfair rides, food stalls, and family friendly entertainment on the Ross Bandstand. There’s also an ice rink on George Street, which is undercover to protect you from chilly weather; plus, fairground rides, and events such as wreath-making and ice carving. Finally, head to St Andrew Square Winter Garden for the UK's largest illuminated Christmas Tree Maze.
When? Dates and opening times vary, please check the website for up-to-date details.
Why go? There is so much to see and do, it's so much more than a Christmas market - you'll easily spend a whole weekend.
Where to stay? If you're planning to stay overnight in Edinburgh, why not go full luxury and stay in one of the most famous hotels in the city, the Balmoral Hotel. Families are made welcome with loads of baby products available on request, a teddy turndown service, and baby meals are complimentary. There's also a 24-hour babysitting service available at an additional charge.
Winchester Cathedral FacebookIf you’re looking for a traditional and historic Christmas market, then it doesn’t get much more authentic than Winchester Cathedral, where you’ll be surrounded by more than 1,000 years of history. There are arts and crafts stalls, festive gifts, and plenty of food and drink to enjoy. Other festive events at the Cathedral include carols and choir services.
When? 22nd November to 22nd December 2024.
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday: 10.00am – 6.00pm; Friday and Saturday: 10.00am – 8.00pm
Why go? The historic surroundings are awe-inspiring for even the youngest children, plus the chance to listen to the choir.
Where to stay? Spend the night at Norton Park Hotel and - the best bit - kids stay free (under the age of 16 when sharing your room). It's a gorgeous spa hotel but really welcoming to families, with kids' menus, and dedicated family swimming times in the pool. Breakfast is also free for those aged under four.
Cardiff Christmas MarketWith more than 70 stalls selling unique gifts and presents for all the family from more than 200 businesses, the Cardiff Christmas market is a beautiful place to start your Christmas shopping. It’s heavily invested in supporting local and upcoming craftworkers and artists, so you’ll find loads of beautiful gifts that you won’t find elsewhere. There will also be street entertainers adding excitement to your visit.
When? 14th November to 23rd December 2024.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday – 10am to 6pm; Sundays – 10am to 5pm
Why go? For the unique local artists and craft work, plus the street entertainers to excite the kids.
Where to stay? Perfect for exploring the city, the Premier Inn on Queen Street has everything you need for a night's stay with the kids. There's also a funky restaurant called The Social which is ideal for breakfast, dinner, or a cheeky cocktail after enjoying the market.
York Christmas MarketYork is a beautiful city to visit at any time of the year, but becomes particularly magical at Christmas. With more than 75 stalls Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, there’s also a vintage carousel for the children to enjoy, before you wander off to The Shambles for more shopping. Remember to visit York Minster while you're there, it's simply spectacular (although little ones might not want to climb all the way up the tower).
When? 14th November to 22nd December 2024
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 10am – 7pm
Why go? The vintage carousel makes it extra special for children, while adults will love the Minster.
Where to stay? Fancy something a bit different for your stay in York? What about glamping in a 200-acre woodland, at Jollydays Glamping; you'll find proper beds, fires, hot showers, and loads of woodland for the kids to explore.
Belfast Christmas MarketA fabulous event with a Dickensian theme, full of charm. There’s not just craft stalls and shopping, but also Victorian performances and storytelling, all set outside the iconic Belfast City Hall. There will be more than 100 stalls to browse, plus the chance to meet Father Christmas in his grotto, and also a vintage helter-skelter for little ones to enjoy too.
When? 16th November to 22nd December 2024.
Opening times: Monday-Wednesday 10am-8pm; Thursday-Saturday 10am-10pm; Sunday 12pm-6pm.
Why go? The Victorian Dickensian theme really sets this market apart from all others and is fun for all ages.
Where to stay? For a budget-friendly break, choose a Premier Inn to stay overnight with the kids. You know what to expect and there's everything you need including breakfast for free for the kids (up to two children).
Blenheim Palace Christmas MarketEnjoy festive goodies at the Christmas market, but also plenty of other festive excitement at Blenheim Palace this year. Book tickets for Netherland at the Palace – an immersive trip about the state rooms with Tinkerbell; or, enjoy the Christmas lights trail; there’s also a covered ice skating rink to enjoy, and even a Netherland Afternoon Tea (all require tickets and pre-booking).
When? Christmas market: 15th November to 22nd December 2024 (please check the website for dates for other activities).
Opening hours: 10.30am - 8.30pm, except 1st and 2nd December when it will close at 5.30pm.
Why go? For the additional events you can combine with your market trip - kids will love the Tinkerbell activities.
Where to stay? Check in to the Premier Inn Oxford Botley, about a 15-minute drive away from Blenheim Palace, and just a short journey into the charming city of Oxford itself.
Holkham Hall Christmas MarketOne to mark the calendar for, as it’s only on for three days, but well worth a trip to Norfolk; you can also book for the Holkham Hall by Candlelight tour on the Saturday and Sunday too. With more than 60 stalls including plenty of festive street food, it’s a gorgeous setting for a Christmas market. Entry is free but you must pay for parking at the Hall. Holkham Hall is very close to the beach, so it's worth making a day of it and visiting Holkham beach for a bracing winter walk on the sand dunes while you're there, finishing the day with fish and chips.
When? 13th to 15th December 2024.
Opening hours: Friday: 12-7pm; Saturday and Sunday: 10am-4pm
Why go? Combine the market with the Candlelight tour for something special; plus the chance to visit the beach while you're there.
Where to stay? Enjoy a night's stay at The Hoste Arms in Burnham Market, just a 10-minute car journey from Holkham Hall, situated in a charming village. You can even arrange for a picnic to be prepared for you to take on to the beach.
Southbank Winter MarketInjecting some homely Christmas cheer into the hustle and bustle of London, the variety of food really steals the show at this market, with the addition of craft and jewellery stalls too. You can nibble on Bratwurst and sip on mulled wine while your little ones pick their favourite sweets and iced gingerbread.
When? 1st November to 26th December 2024.
Opening hours: Sunday–Thursday 11am–10pm; Friday and Saturday 11am–11pm
Tuesday 24th December 11am–3pm
Thursday 26th December 11am–3pm
Why go? All the delicious food to choose from, in particular the gingerbread.
Where to stay? There's obviously no shortage of hotels in London, so why not choose a fancy hotel near to Southbank and all the other London attractions nearby - try The Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, where kids get special goody bags on check-in, and there are plenty of child-friendly dining options.
Sophie Knight is a freelance journalist and hypnobirthing teacher. She has worked with Mother&Baby for the past 13 years, and has also edited and written for sister titles including WhatsTheBest, Closer, Grazia, CAR, Parkers, and Today's Golfer, among many others. She is a mum of two, and an experienced product tester. Passionate about maternal mental health, Sophie is also a Mental Health First Aider, and a Reiki healer. Sophie has been teaching hypnobirthing with Bourne Hypnobirthing since 2023, having studied it following using the techniques for her own two births.