There’s nothing quite like a Christmas market to get the whole family in the festive mood. Wrapping up warm, wandering between twinkling stalls, sipping something hot, and maybe even squeezing in a go on the ice rink — it’s a proper start to the countdown to Christmas.
The UK is home to some brilliant Christmas markets, big and small, each with its own mix of festive food, handmade gifts, entertainment, and grotto visits for the little ones. Here’s our pick of some of the merriest UK Christmas markets to add to your family’s Christmas to-do list.
What to Look Out for at a UK Christmas Market
No two Christmas markets are quite the same, but the best ones for families tend to have a similar festive magic. When you’re planning your visit, it’s worth checking whether the market has:
- A Santa’s grotto or Santa Land for younger children
- Ice skating or a big wheel for older kids and teens
- Street food stalls and hot drinks to warm up with
- Local makers selling handcrafted gifts and decorations
- Live music, carol singing, or other festive entertainment
Because opening dates, ticket prices, and individual attractions can change from year to year, it’s always worth checking the official market website closer to the time you plan to visit, so you know exactly what’s on and when.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market takes over East Princes Street Gardens each winter, with traditional chalets showcasing the best in festive products from local makers — think handcrafted decorations, unique gifts, and little treats to pick up for yourself along the way.
The Forth 1 Big Wheel usually makes a return too, giving families breath-taking views over Edinburgh’s winter skyline and the market below. For rumbly tummies, there’s normally a good spread of street food vendors serving up Bavarian favourites alongside Scottish delicacies, plus bars serving warming winter tipples and hot chocolates for the grown-ups and kids alike.
There’s typically also a covered ice rink on George Street, along with Santa Land in West Princes Street Gardens — home to a Christmas Tree Maze, traditional fairground rides, and Santa’s Stories sessions for the youngest visitors.
Because dates and details can shift from year to year, it’s worth checking the official Edinburgh’s Christmas website before you travel to confirm this year’s opening dates and what’s included.
More Merry Markets to Explore
Edinburgh is just the start — the UK has a wonderful spread of Christmas markets across its cities and towns, each with its own festive character, from grand cathedral squares to cosy market towns strung with fairy lights. Whether you’re after a big-city spectacle with a giant wheel and ice rink, or a smaller, more intimate market with local crafts and mulled wine, there’s likely to be one within reach of your family this Christmas.
The rest of this guide continues with more of our favourite UK Christmas markets — see Editor Notes for details on completing this section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best time to visit a UK Christmas market?
Most UK Christmas markets run from mid-November through to just before or after Christmas Day, sometimes into early January. Weekday visits and earlier in the day tend to be quieter than weekend evenings, which is worth bearing in mind if you’re bringing younger children.
Are UK Christmas markets suitable for young children?
Many markets are very family-friendly, with Santa’s grottos, gentle fairground rides, and family entertainment alongside the food and craft stalls. It’s worth checking each market’s website in advance, as facilities like buggy access, quiet areas, and age-appropriate rides can vary from market to market.
Do UK Christmas markets have ice skating?
Several of the larger markets include a
