Christmas Markets in England 2024-2025

Christmas markets had appeared in England just in the late 1990s and have quickly become a beloved holiday tradition. Mulled wine, delicious foods, crafts, and holiday decor are among the most popular items for sale. Carousels, Ferris wheels, ice skating, and fun competitions draw kids and adults, who are looking for Christmas magic and holiday spirit. Manchester Christmas market was the first to appear in England, and it's still one of the best, competing with over a dozen Christmas markets across England.

Manchester Christmas Markets (November 10–December 21, 2024)

Launched in 1998, Manchester Christmas Markets are among the top seasonal attractions in the country, drawing thousands of visitors every December. Beautifully decorated and adorned with shimmering lights, old-fashioned stalls and chalets offer delicious holiday treats, international foods, various crafts, and Christmas decorations. Thanks to a large variety of goods, from toys to jewelry and apparel, about eight Christmas markets in Manchester are an excellent destination for holiday shopping with friends and family. Piccadilly Gardens hosts one of the largest and most impressive Christmas markets in Manchester. Its iconic bars, food, and crafts stalls draw crowds every winter. The main highlights of the market are the huge LED-lit Santa as well as a globe bar where you can get some warm drinks.

Winter Wonderland in London's Hyde Park (November 21, 2024–January 5, 2025)

Winter Wonderland in London's Hyde Park is a free event for the whole family, which features tons of fun and activities like ice skating, a Ferris wheel, a Christmas market, and a circus. UK's largest outdoor rink in Hyde Park offers holiday music, illumination, and special shows. Magical Ice Kingdom’s Secret Forest has ice and snow sculptures on display. Exciting rides include Wilde Maus XXL, an action-packed traditional rollercoaster for the whole family, the jaw-dropping Munich Looping rollercoaster, and Aeronaut Starflyer, the largest transportable one of its kind in the world! Kids would love traditional carousels at the fairground. Other attractions include Teletubbies, Ice Sculpting Workshops, and a Comedy Club. Overall, Winter Wonderland features more than 100 rides and games for never-ending festive fun.

Liverpool Christmas Market (November 16–December 24, 2024)

Liverpool Christmas Market by St. George's Hall is one of the best places for getting into the holiday spirit in England. Savor the aroma of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine while taking a stroll through a festively illuminated historic center. Liverpool Christmas Market features about 60 stalls with various foods and crafts and three outdoor German-style bars serving mulled wine and festive drinks. Teepee Bar, the Ski Lodge, and Windmill Bar offer cocktails and beverages for any taste. Food includes traditional Bavarian cuisine as well as Yorkshire pudding wraps, pancakes, and waffles. Local artists present their works as well as Christmas decorations and candles for sale. A Ferris wheel and amusement rides for kids are among the main highlights at the market.

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market (November 1–December 24, 2024)

Birmingham is home to the biggest Christmas Market in England. It's called a Frankfurt market for a reason. Birmingham is the best place to indulge in German bratwurst, pretzels, schnitzels, and beer without leaving England. Held at beautiful Victoria Square, the market features over 180 stalls with apparel, leather, woodwork, and glass. The market is open from 11 am to 9 pm on Monday-Thursday, from 11 am to 9:30 pm on Friday, from 10 am to 9:30 pm on Saturday, and from 10 am to 9 pm on Sunday. The skating rink at the market usually operates from 10 am to 10 pm, November through early January.

York Christmas Market (November 14–December 22, 2024)

Medieval York is another great location for a holiday market. 75 alpine chalets are located along Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square. The stalls offer local crafts, artisan products, and yummy seasonal foods. 80% of the traders are local. The vintage carousel on King’s Square creates a festive atmosphere for families and tourists. Yorkshire Yuletide Village boasts a lot of attractions. York Theatre Royal’s Christmas pantomime is also highly praised as one of the best.

Nottingham Christmas Market (November 13–December 31, 2024)

Nottingham Christmas Market is held at Old Market Square in the center of Nottingham. It features about 70 market stalls with food, crafts, and Christmas gifts. Entertainment includes rides, a 105 ft (32 m) observation wheel, an outdoor ice skating rink, Santa’s grotto, live music, and an Alpine Ice Bar.

Leeds Christmas Market (November 22–December 22, 2024)

Leeds Christkindlmarkt, held in the city's Millennium Square, has a distinctly German character. Bratwurst and glühwein are some of the most popular items for sale at the market. Cozy Bavarian-style stalls also offer crafts, toys, jewelry, and decorations. The market is one of the best for families thanks to carousel rides, Breakfast with Santa in the Alpine Chalet, and various kid-friendly activities like face painting, treasure hunts, and balloon modeling.

Bath Christmas Market (November 28–December 15, 2024)

The city of Bath holds a stunning Christmas market, which surrounds ancient Roman Baths. The market features more than 200 traditional stalls with local foods, gifts, homeware, handmade jewelry, and decor. The fair was named UK’s favorite Christmas market by the National Outdoor Events Association in 2017. The market operates Monday to Wednesday from 10 am to 7 pm, and Thursday to Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm. Sunday hours are from 10 am to 6 pm.

Bristol Christmas Market (November 1–December 23, 2024)

Christmas Market in Bristol city center features over 50 stalls with delicious holiday foods, crafts, and unique Christmas gifts. Bavarian bratwurst, French crepes, Spanish churros, and other international foods spread delicious aromas throughout the market. Santa and his reindeer photo op, as well as some live music in the Jäger Barn Bar, will surely put you in the Christmas spirit. Festive stalls are open from 10 am to 7 pm, and food stalls and bars operate from 10 am to 10 pm. Located in Broadmead, Bristol's Shopping Quarter, the Christmas market is a perfect meeting spot or a weekend shopping destination during the winter.

Sheffield Christmas Market (November 14–December 24)

The Sheffield Christmas Market delights visitors with crafts from local traders and festive foods. With over 50 log cabins offering treats like chimney cakes and traditional German sausages, the market also features Santa's Grotto and the iconic Big Wheel. Running from mid-November to Christmas Eve, it transforms Town Hall Square, Peace Gardens, and The Moor into a holiday wonderland. Easily accessible by train and bus, it's perfect for a festive day out.

Chester Christmas Market (November 15–December 22)

Every year between late November and late December, Chester Christmas Market celebrates the holiday season in the heart of the city, near Chester Town Hall and Chester Cathedral. With nearly 70 glowing stalls, visitors can find Christmas gifts, arts and crafts, and enjoy festive foods like hot dogs, hog roasts, and mulled wine. Set against the stunning backdrop of Chester Cathedral, the market offers a festive atmosphere filled with handmade crafts, unique jewelry, and seasonal treats, making it a perfect holiday destination. Admission is free, and the market operates daily with varying hours.

Cornwall Christmas Markets (late November–late December)

Historic Cornwall, with its rugged coastline and beautiful beaches, is a fantastic place to get into the Christmas spirit. Cozy villages and towns, excellent seafood, and vibrant Christmas markets attract many visitors during the festive season. Highlights include the Fowey Christmas Market, Truro Christmas Market, and Saltash Christmas Festival, where you can enjoy unique gifts from local artisans, festive entertainment, and delicious local produce. These events offer a perfect blend of holiday cheer and Cornish charm.