The 10 best Christmas Markets for a festive day out in the UK

As the nights draw in and the scent of cinnamon and roasted chestnuts make us feel ever-more festive, UK towns and cities transform into twinkling havens of festive cheer.  Christmas markets line the streets and market squares of town across the UK and offer wonderful opportunities for cosy winter days out and the chance to find unique Christmas gifts.  Warm yourself up with hot chocolate, mulled wine or cider, try artisan food and support local crafts and makers.  Here are my top picks for Christmas markets across the UK.

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1. Bath Christmas Market

Set against the UNESCO Georgian architecture of Bath this market, which celebrates 25 years in 2025, boasts over 170 chalets offering handmade gifts, local produce, and festive treats. Don’t miss the immersive ‘12 Tales of a Georgian Christmas’ at No.1 Royal Crescent.

There’s plenty to do so beat the crowds by staying a while and one of these central Bath hotels:

• The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa , a landmark in the city.
• Hotel Indigo Bath which includes ‘Literary Hideaway’ rooms with décor inspired by Bath’s famous authors.
• No. 15 by GuestHouse is located on the iconic Great Pulteney Street and within a few metres of Sydney Gardens.

2. Beverley Festival of Christmas

This one-day extravaganza in East Yorkshire features 120+ stalls, Victorian fairground rides, live music, and a parade led by Santa and his reindeer. It’s a true winter wonderland in one of England’s prettiest towns.  There’s a wealth of things to see and do across various locations in Beverley so make the most of it and stay over:

• The Beverley Arms Hotel, an 18^th century coaching inn which offers a luxurious stay, close to the centre.
• The King’s Head, a lively town centre hotel.

3. Blenheim Palace Christmas Market

Churchill’s ancestral home offers a regal backdrop for a market filled with wooden chalets, gourmet street food, and a themed light trail. Ice skating and toasted marshmallows complete the experience.  This really is a full day out to consider booking somewhere cosy to stay nearby:

• The King’s Arms, a cosy local coaching inn.
• The Duke of Marlborough, a snug space to warm up.

If you want to make the most of a day trip to Blenheim Palace then consider combining with a visit to the Cotswolds and Downton Abbey on this highly rated, organised day trip from London.

4. Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

Nestled in the Cathedral Close, this European-style market features over 100 stalls and is consistently voted one of the UK’s best Christmas markets.  You can also join festive workshops and explore Winchester Cathedral at one of its most special times of year.

There are highly rated tours leaving from London that take in the Winchester and Salisbury Christmas Markets or consider staying close to Winchester Cathedral:

• The Winchester Hotel and Spa – just 5 mins from Winchester train station, modern hotel with luxury spa facilities.
• Winchester Royal Hotel – charming hotel in the heart of Winchester with elegant and spacious rooms, 5 mins walk from the cathedral.

5. Canterbury Christmas Market

Spanning Whitefriars to the Cathedral Precincts, Canterbury’s market includes 170+ stalls and, uniquely, Virtual Reality experiences. Extend your stay with a visit inside the famous Canterbury Cathedral or a guided walking tour to learn about the rich history of this beautiful city. 

Rest your weary legs and hunker down for a blissful night’s sleep at one of these top rated Canterbury hotels:

• Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, centrally located and full of character.
• Hampton Inn, central and well appointed.

6. Cardiff Christmas Market

Winding through the heart of the Welsh capital, Cardiff’s market showcases over 30 years of festive tradition with hand-thrown ceramics, silver jewellery, and warming street food.  Enjoy all that Welsh hospitality has to offer by staying a while:

• Try Parador 44, centrally located with an authentic Spanish restaurant.
• Hilton Cardiff, close to Cardiff Castle and all the city centre action.

7. York Christmas Market

Cobbled streets, medieval charm, and alpine chalets make York’s Christmas Market a must-visit. Expect artisan gifts, festive performances, and the glow of historic buildings.  Get in the festive spirit and enjoy a gin tasting experience at York distillery or join a chocolate bar making workshop at York Cocoa Works.

Rest your head after a day of adventure at one of York’s beautiful hotels:

• Malmaison, spectacular rooftop city views.
• Radisson Hotel York, riverside and 10 mins walk from the main sights.
• Hilton York, in the heart of historic York opposite Clifford’s Tower.

8. Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market

The largest German market outside Germany and Austria, Birmingham’s festive hub is perfect for bratwurst, glühwein, and handcrafted decorations.  In case you need even more Christmas chocolate you could combine with a visit to the local chocolate maker at Cadbury World.

All that food is bound to make you tired!  Choose one of these classy Birmingham hotels for the night:

• The Grand, an elegant hotel in a city centre location.
• The Burlington Hotel, city centre luxury in a beautiful Victorian building.

9. Glasgow's Winter Wonderland

Split across George Square and St Enoch’s Square, Glasgow’s Christmas markets offer fairground rides, ice skating, and artisan stalls. It’s a vibrant, friendly market.  Make a weekend of it and experience the festive magic of the Scottish Highlands, including the famous Harry Potter train steaming across the Glenfinnan viaduct.

In order to make the most of Scotland at Christmas you’ll want to stay so try one of these highly rated hotels:

• Leonardo Hotel, next to the railway station and overlooking the river Clyde.
• Clayton Glasgow City, smart, centrally located hotel.

10. Harrogate Christmas Fayre

This historic spa town’s compact market features 40 decorated chalets, boutique shopping, and gourmet treats. It’s ideal for a relaxed festive weekend in beautiful surroundings.  Make your visit extra special and explore the spectacular Glow Winter Illuminations at the RHS gardens at Harlow Carr in Harrogate.

The Yorkshire is a perfect hotel to spend a cosy night, in a historic building centrally located and close to all attractions.