A visit to a good Christmas market is a brilliant way to get everyone in the festive mood. Wrap up warm, wander the stalls, try some delicious food and drink, take in the entertainment, and if you’re lucky there’ll be ice-skating or roasted chestnuts too.
Here are 7 of the merriest UK Christmas markets to visit with the family this year.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: 15 of the Best German Christmas Markets
Taking the kids to a Christmas market is a lovely pre-Christmas outing – there’s usually music, festive treats, sometimes a Santa grotto, and plenty of twinkly lights. Here are some of the best Christmas markets in the UK to add to your family’s festive calendar.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/edinburgh-christmas-market.jpg
You’ll find Edinburgh’s Christmas market at East Princes Street Garden, with traditional chalets showcasing the best festive products and goods from local makers, stocked full of handcrafted decorations and gifts for all the family, or a little treat for yourself.
The Forth 1 Big Wheel usually makes a return too, bringing breathtaking views of Edinburgh’s winter skyline and the market below. For rumbly tummies, there are plenty of street food vendors serving Bavarian produce and Scottish delicacies, along with bars pouring warming winter tipples and hot chocolates.
There’s typically a covered ice rink on George Street and a Santa Land in West Princes Street Gardens, complete with a Christmas Tree Maze, traditional rides and Santa’s Stories for little ones. Check the official Edinburgh Christmas market listings for this year’s opening dates and what’s included.
Bath Christmas Market
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/bath-christmas-market.jpg
Each year the centre of Bath transforms into a magical Christmas shopper’s paradise, with well over 100 chalets packed full of lovely Christmas gifts lining the streets around the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey.
Bath Christmas Market also offers a full programme of entertainment, including carol singers, children’s entertainers and musicians, all adding to the fantastic festive atmosphere. Visit the official Bath Christmas Market website for current dates before you plan your trip.
Winchester Christmas Market
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Winchester-Christmas-Market.jpg
Winchester’s Christmas Market is regularly rated among the best in Europe, thanks to its unique setting, high-quality exhibitors and bustling atmosphere. You’ll find wonderful Christmas gifts, decorations and festive foods in abundance.
The market is set at the beautiful Winchester Cathedral, where you can also enjoy Christmas services and an ice rink. Check the Winchester Cathedral website for this year’s dates and opening times.
Manchester Christmas Market
The Manchester Christmas Market spreads across Piccadilly Gardens and the surrounding streets, with plenty of stalls to explore.
Visitors can also enjoy the Manchester Christmas Lights Trail and take a spin on the covered ice rink in Cathedral Gardens. Check the official Manchester Christmas Markets site for current dates and locations.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: Best Christmas Markets in Ireland
Birmingham Christmas Market
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/birmingham-christmas-market.jpg
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market and Craft Market is one of the largest outdoor Christmas markets in the UK, centred on Victoria Square in front of the Council House and along New Street.
Often described as the largest authentic German Christmas market outside Germany or Austria, it offers a huge range of traditional goods alongside tempting food and drink. Enjoy the live music on Victoria Square while you browse the stalls for gift ideas. Check the official Visit Birmingham listings for this year’s dates.
York Christmas Market
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/york-christmas-market.jpeg
York’s St Nicholas Fair gives a real sense of stepping into a scene from a Dickens tale, with bustling market stalls selling everything from local produce to traditional gifts and crafts, all accompanied by the smell of roasting chestnuts and the sound of carol singers.
Alpine-style chalets typically line the streets of Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, creating a festive wonderland with local produce and artisan gifts on offer from local traders – from luxury stationery to Yorkshire pudding beer, there are plenty of unique gift ideas to be found. Check the official Visit York site for this year’s dates.
St Albans Christmas Market
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/st-albans-christmas-market-nutcracker-trail.jpg
St Albans knows a thing or two about markets, having one of the oldest regular markets in the UK, dating back to the 9th century.
The St Albans Christmas Charter Market is usually located at St Peter’s Street and Market Place, with street food, drinks, fashion, flowers, crafts, produce, toys, music and more.
There’s often a Christmas Nutcracker Trail to enjoy too – pick up a trail map locally, then go on the hunt to find the Nutcracker Soldiers marked on the map. Check the official Enjoy St Albans website for this year’s dates and trail details.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: 50+ Santa’s Grotto Experiences around the UK
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/7-of-the-Merriest-UK-Christmas-Markets-to-Visit.jpg
Frequently Asked Questions
When do UK Christmas markets usually open?
Most UK Christmas markets run from mid-November through to just before Christmas, though exact opening and closing dates vary by location and change year to year, so it’s always worth checking the official market website before you travel.
Are UK Christmas markets free to visit?
Many UK Christmas markets are free to walk around, though some attractions within them, such as ice rinks, big wheels or Santa’s grottos, may charge separately. Check each market’s official site for current pricing.
Are UK Christmas markets suitable for young children?
Yes, most UK Christmas markets are family-friendly, with wide pedestrian areas, food stalls, entertainment and often a Santa grotto or funfair rides. It’s worth checking individual market websites for buggy access and any age restrictions on rides.
What should we bring to a Christmas market?
Wrap up warm in layers, bring comfortable shoes for walking, and consider bringing cash as well as cards, since some smaller stalls may prefer one over the other.
Related Articles
- 15 of the Best German Christmas Markets
- Best Christmas Markets in Ireland
- 50+ Santa’s Grotto Experiences around the UK
Save These Ideas for Later
Christmas markets sell out of favourite stalls and fill up fast on weekends, so it’s worth bookmarking this article and browsing our other festive family days out while you plan your visit.
Don’t Miss a Festive Idea
Want more family-friendly Christmas ideas delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for the MyKidsTime newsletter for weekly inspiration on things to do, places to visit, and ways to make the season merrier with the kids.
