You should know about the best seven Christmas markets in the UK for 2024.
Manchester Christmas Market
8 November – 22 December
Manchester’s Christmas Market is one of Europe’s biggest and most famous Christmas markets. It is split between nine sites across the city as Manchester streets, squares and shopping centres get the full festive makeover. Now in its 26th year, expect bustling Bavarian-style markets with live music, DJs and bands, as well as an ice rink, a lights trail and a parade. Find more info here.
Southbank Winter Festival
Until 5 January
The banks of the River Thames turn into a twinkly wonderland as the Southbank Winter Market sets up shop. There are craft stalls galore, seasonal pop-up bars, alpine-themed curling and the most enormous of Christmas trees. Illuminated wooden cabins sell steaming mulled wine, spiced cider, fondue and raclette. This year, Southbank Centre performances include the London Gay Men’s Chorus Christmas Bop and Sir Byrn Terfel’s Christmas. Find more info here.
Birmingham Christmas Market
Until 24 December
Birmingham is positively booming during yuletide. Craving a schnitzel, bratwurst and glühwein? Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market, that pops up in Victoria Square and New Street, is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Austria or Germany. Listen to the live music and carol singers at the bandstand in Victoria Square and browse the 80 craft stalls filled with traditional leatherwork, crystal lamps and delicate glass baubles. Meanwhile, there’s outdoor skating at Centenary Square. Find more info here.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Until 5 Jan
Wrap up warm and brace yourself. The annual favourite that is Hyde Park Winter Wonderland requires stamina. There is the biggest ice rink in the UK, two circuses, an observation wheel, quaint Christmas markets and the Magical Ice Kingdom, plus themed bars for the grown-ups. Little ones will delight in the fact that Justin Fletcher – aka Mr Tumble – is back again for 2024, while you can even scratch any creative itches by learning how to make ice sculptures. Thrill-seekers rate the usual line-up of rollercoasters and fairground rides and this year, there is the Real Ice Slide, ice sculpting workshops and a German-style Bavarian Village full of frothing steins and live music. Find more info here.
York Christmas Market
Until 22 December
The award-winning St Nicholas Fair has been gracing York’s streets during the festive period since 1992. The medieval city is overrun by alpine-style chalets selling foodie treats, festive decorations and traditional gifts. Aside from retail therapy, there is the Victorian-style helter-skelter at Kings Square, ice-skating around a 30-foot-high Christmas tree at York Designer Outlet or panto at York Theatre Royal. Plus The Take A Seat Initiative ensures that everyone, including those with reduced mobility, can comfortably enjoy the festivities around the city, while the Safe Space Scheme for women offers peace of mind for those who might need it. Find more info here.
Bath Christmas Market
Until 15 December
Another picturesque city, another stunning Christmas Fair. For a few weeks only, a sparkling Christmas wonderland lines Bath’s cobbled Georgian streets around Bath Abbey. Local artisans from the South West gather to show their wares alongside festive food stalls. The city has plenty to offer for a festive weekend, such as Santa’s Grotto and an array of orchestras and choirs. Find more info here.
Illustration: Finola Stack, Copyright: Bath and North East Somerset Council 2022
Edinburgh Winter Festival
Until 4 January
The windy city has always made for a hotspot destination over the winter period, due to the Christmas market and Hogmanay celebrations. This year, expect the classic attractions in the city centre, including ice-skating, a Christmas tree maze, and stories with Santa. The traditional markets hosting around 70 chalets selling craft and street food will overtake East Princes Street Gardens. Fun. Find more info here.
