The best Christmas markets in the UK and London for 2024

There are so many little elements that make this a special time of year - a good old Christmas dinner, snow, family gatherings, and festive music on the radio. It’s also a chance for all of us to come together at a local Christmas market and shuffle around eating mince pies and glugging down horns of gluhwein. Some might say, that’s what Christmas is all about.

As well as warm food and drink, UK Christmas markets are a chance for local traders and craftspeople to show off their wares. Many of them are a great opportunity to get handmade presents and cute stocking fillers for friends and family and to support local businesses at the same time.

Where is the best Christmas market in the UK? There’s a question that’ll divide opinion. Truth is, there are loads of great markets and festive events happening all over the UK. London Christmas markets like Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, and Birmingham’s famous German Christmas Market attract festive revellers from all over the country, and even from overseas. The former especially makes a fantastic way to spend a day - not only is Hyde Park packed with quality street food and snacks over the Christmas period, but Winter Wonderland also functions as a miniature amusement park in the middle of the capital.

As other London Christmas markets show, the best Christmas market isn’t necessarily the biggest. Something small can be just as magical - we often have a strong nostalgic connection with Christmas at home after all, and really, all you need is a glass of something warm in hand and some good company.

We’ve rounded up some of the best Christmas markets the UK has to offer, from the massive Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park to the magical after-dark illuminations of Blenheim Palace Gardens. Scroll down and take a look!

Best Christmas markets in London

Walk the streets of the capital and you'll find Christmas markets all over the city, from the funfair rides of Winter Wonderland to dinky little neighbourhood food markets

Southbank Christmas Market

What: One of the best Christmas markets London has to offer, the twinkling lights of the Southbank festival are worth a visit for anyone in Central London, even if you’re just taking a stroll along the river. There are food and drink stalls all along the Thames - you can chomp on a few toasted marshmallows and warm yourself with a cup of mulled wine - or sign up for one of the many exhibitions, shows and pop-ups, like the alpine-themed Curling Club.
Where: Southbank, London
When: 1 November - 26 December
Where to eat nearby: OXO Tower; Spring; Limin 
Where to stay nearby: St Martins Lane London; Native Bankside; ibis Styles

Winter Wonderland Hyde Park

What: This list wouldn’t be complete without the enormous Winter Wonderland, which attracts hordes of festive revellers each year to Hyde Park in Central London. The sheer size of Winter Wonderland eclipses most other London Christmas markets, and in addition to a huge variety of food and drink, Hyde Park hosts a load of rides, games and spectaculars over the Christmas period. Keep an eye out for deals and bundles to get the most bang for your buck!
Where: Hyde Park, London
When:21 November - 5 January
Where to eat nearby: Corrigan’s; The Lanesborough Grill; The Colony Grill Room at The Beaumont; Park Restaurant; Bonzai
Where to stay nearby: Royal Lancaster; Hilton Park Lane; Brown's Hotel; Sheraton Grand London Park Lane;

Winter by the River

What: If you're lining up a little Christmas jaunt along the river, head on over to the little South Bank stretch between London Bridge and Tower Bridge and stroll under the fairy lights of Winter by the River (formerly Christmas by the River). As well as your usual Christmas market, complete with traditional themed wood cabins lit by fairy lights, the market this year will occupy space within the Hays Galleria so there’s more products, treats, and mulled wine to sample. The best part, it’s all free to attend!
Where: London Bridge, London
When: 12 November - 5 January
Where to eat nearby: Swan at the Globe; Legare; TING Restaurant & Lounge; The Coal Shed; BRIX; Savage Garden;
Where to stay nearby: The LaLit; The Dixon; Hilton Tower Bridge

Borough Market

What: Everyone’s favourite London food market is set to get even busier this festive period, with a Christmas programme centred around quality food. Borough Market’s iconic Victorian arches will echo with the sound of Christmas choirs and bands in the run up to the big day, and there’ll be plenty of eating and imbibing to do. Borough Market at Christmas is also one of the best spots to seek out luxury Christmas gifts and experiences, whether it be artisanal cheeses, chocolate truffles, or gift experiences.
Where: Borough Market, London
When: TBC
Where to eat nearby: Bancone Borough Yards; Kolae; BAO Borough; Padella; TING; Oblix; Florattica Rooftop
Where to stay nearby: Shangri-La The Shard; London Bridge Hotel; CitySpace Borough

Canopy Christmas Market King’s Cross

What: You’ll find plenty of festive frivolity going down at Canopy Market in King’s Cross, as the famous canopy is strewn with star lights and tinsel. Stalls at this rain proof Christmas market dole out everything from spiced mulled wine and sweet treats to handmade stocking fillers. There are also some good special events here, including live jazz, folk, bluegrass, and traditional Irish music. This 2024 Christmas market is also home to Liliane Lijn’s much-loved ‘Temenos’ installation, an 11-metre tall structure which sees 19 neon poles gradually change colour.
Where: King’s Cross, London
When: 29 November - 22 December
Where to eat nearby: Isla; Rails Restaurant and Little Bar; Midland Grand Dining Room; The Lighterman; BAO King's Cross;
Where to stay nearby: Great Northern Hotel; Pullman London St Pancras

Greenwich Christmas Market

What: During the Christmas season, this historic spot changes from a regular market to a Christmas market, featuring festive parades, over 100 vendors and lots of food stalls to choose from. There's even Christmas carolling from Sunday 1 December through to Tuesday 31. As it’s not in Central London, this market is usually a little less crowded than the big markets so ideal if you aren’t one for hordes of people.
Where: Greenwich Market, London
When: From 20 November
Where to eat nearby: Sticks 'n' Sushi; Honest Burgers; Hullabaloo; Riverside Kawagashi Japanese
Where to stay nearby: Admiral Hardy; Novotel London Greenwich; The Mitre

Leicester Square Christmas Market

What: Located slap bang in the middle of Leicester Square, pay a visit to one of London’s most centrally located Christmas markets. With lots of glittering stalls filled with Christmas goodies to choose from, you can give this market a quick visit if you are passing by, as it's only small compared to others around the city. If you have kids, get some tickets for Santa's Grotto too. The highlight as ever is the fabulous cabaret show La Clique, which runs for about two months through to early January.
Where: Leicester Square, London
When: 6 November - 5 January
Where to eat nearby: J Sheekey; Panton Yokocho; 64 Old Compton Street; Forty Dean Street; Bardo St James's; Gouqi; Maine Mayfair
Where to stay nearby: Leicester Square One; Flemings Mayfair; Hotel Café Royal; One Aldwych

Best Christmas markets in the UK

Throughout the UK Christmas markets are popping up in every corner of the country. From traditional Christmas fairs with sparkly stalls, food, and gifts to those with unusual entertainment and charitable aims, these are the best UK Christmas markets for 2024.

Birmingham German Christmas Market

What: Birmingham’s famous Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest of its kind outside of Germany or Austria - that means over 80 stalls of weissbier, crispy schnitzels, pretzels, bratwursts and some hot gluhwein or hot chocolate to wash it all down. There’s also the opportunity to buy some last minute Christmas presents - the market is full of craftspeople making handcrafted wooden decorations, toys, as well as jewellery and leatherwork
Where: Victoria Square & New Street, Birmingham
When: 1 November - 24 December
Where to eat nearby: Tattu Birmingham; Opheem; Adam’s; Isaac's; Afternoon Tea at The Grand Hotel; Black & Green
Where to stay nearby: The Cube Hotel; Crowne Plaza; No.8 Waterloo Street

Leeds Christmas Market

What: Leeds Christmas market brings a buzz to the city centre, and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Two central locations are set to transform, with various festive stalls selling tasty treats, goods, gifts and crafts. You’re also in for pop-up performances, and for the first time ever every Saturday and Sunday offers an artisan market with stalls to celebrate independent producers.
Where: Millennium Square and City Square, Leeds
When: 22 November - 22 December
Where to eat nearby: Cut & Craft Leeds; Iberica; Tattu Leeds; OBA Kitchen & Bar; Tharavadu
Where to stay nearby: Park Plaza Leeds; Jurys Inn Leeds; Novotel Leeds Centre

Manchester Christmas Market

What: With over 200 stalls across nine different markets, Manchester knows how to throw a good Christmas. Six weeks is almost not enough time to experience all the fun, from the ever-popular ski chalet market booths and the ice rink at Skate Manchester to the Manchester Christmas lights trail to create the perfect picture backdrop. As usual, there are hot treats galore, from churros and pancakes to warm cherry gluhwein.
Where: Various locations, Manchester
When: 8 November - 22 December
Where to eat nearby: Erst; Kala Bistro; Tattu Manchester; Hawksmoor; Shoryu Ramen; Namii Kitchen, Tast Catala, Zouk
Where to stay nearby: The Alan; Clayton Hotel; The Midland

Cardiff Christmas Market

What: Cardiff’s Christmas Market has been going for over 30 years now, showcasing the best work of local craftspeople, skilled artisans, as well as street food vendors. Over 200 stalls are set up all over the city and offer a huge variety of diverse arts and crafts, with lots of in-action demonstrations to enjoy. From wooden-turned gifts (including love spoons) to fused glass work and hand-thrown ceramics, this is one of the best locations for Christmas gifts galore.
Where: Various locations, Cardiff
When: 14 November - 23 December
Where to eat nearby: Heaneys; Terra Mare; The Sorting Room; The Potted Pig; Silures
Where to stay nearby: Citrus Hotel; Cardiff Marriott; voco St. David's Cardiff

York Christmas Market

What: York is a picturesque old city at the best of times, but it really comes into its own at Christmas, especially if there’s a bit of snow around. From the picturesque alpine ski chalets that line Parliament Street, to the stalls in St Sampson’s Square, there’s something for everyone here. And, up to 80% of traders and artisans hail from Yorkshire, so it’s the perfect opportunity to support local businesses this year.
Where: Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, York
When: 14 November - 22 December
Where to eat nearby: The Cut & Craft York; Skosh; Roots; Lucia York
Where to stay nearby: Hampton by Hilton York; Staycity Aparthotels; The Grand

Bath Christmas Market

What: Often ranked as one of the UK’s most beautiful cities, Bath only gets more picturesque when covered in snow and lit up with fairy lights. Bath Christmas Market isn’t the biggest, but there’s still plenty to see and taste among the 229 stalls, which sell everything from local produce, gin, clothing and chocolates to handmade pots and candles. Bath Christmas Market strives to be ultra-sustainable too, supporting a number of charities and working towards a goal of being single-use plastic-free.
Where: Queen Square, Bath
When: 28 November - 15 December
Where to eat nearby: Gainsborough Brasserie; Beckford Bottle Shop; Olive Tree; The Circus Restaurant, Montagu Mews; Henry's
Where to stay nearby: The Gainsborough Bath Spa; The Z Hotel; Henrietta House; Francis Hotel

Cambridge Christmas Market

What: You'll find the main Christmas market in the historic Parker’s Piece which transforms into a festive Christmas Village, but there are lots of little markets dotted all over Cambridge and the surrounding area. The main square is home to over 60 arts and crafts stalls as well as hot food and drink, vintage clothing and more. You’ll also find rides and attractions, including a vintage carousel, Ferris wheel, and Christmas tree maze. Down at Parker's Piece, the usual North Pole ice rink is back for another year, so perhaps make a day of it and plan a bit of ice skating to work off the mince pies.
Where: Various locations, Cambridge
When: 14 November - 5 January
Where to eat nearby: Dishoom Permit Room Cambridge; The Tickell Arms; The Oak Bistro; The Old Bicycle Shop
Where to stay nearby: Hotel du Vin & Bistro; Graduate; The Regent

Edinburgh Christmas Market

What: Whether it’s special Christmas events on the Royal Mile or the family fun fair at West Princes Street Gardens, there is so much going on in Edinburgh during Christmas that it can be hard to keep up with all of it! Wherever you are in the Scottish capital you’ll find something exciting to do, see or eat - just don’t forget to visit the Edinburgh Christmas market stalls at East Princes Street. It’s hardly surprising this is one of the best Christmas markets in the UK.
Where: Various locations, Edinburgh
When: 15 November - 4 January
Where to eat nearby: Tattu Edinburgh; Eleanore; Noto; Fhior; Duck & Waffle; Hawksmoor
Where to stay nearby: The Roseate; YOTEL Edinburgh; Native Edinburgh; Point A Hotel Edinburgh

Winchester Christmas Market

What: Renowned for having a particularly quaint and beautiful Christmas market, Winchester’s wooden chalets are set up right in front of the stunning gothic Cathedral. Cram in all the mulled wine, bratwurst, mince pies and stollen you can, and make sure to catch a few of the Christmas services and carol concerts. It doesn’t get more festive than walking around a market, hot drink in hand, listening to carols in front of an ancient cathedral.
Where: Winchester Cathedral, Winchester
When: 22 November - 22 December
Where to eat nearby: Chesil Rectory; Wykeham Arms; Pi Pizza
Where to stay nearby: The Winchester Hotel and Spa; Mercure Winchester Wessex; Lainston House

Chester Christmas Market

What: Chester Christmas Market isn’t quite the size of some of the bigger festivities around the UK, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for with a much more close-knit, traditional experience. About 70 traders gather in little wooden chalets in the square, right in front of Chester’s handsome town hall, the new arcade and the forum surrounding the sparkling Christmas tree. Here, you’ll find stalls selling everything from food and drink to handmade gifts and stocking fillers.
Where: Town Hall Square, Chester
When: 15 November - 22 December
Where to eat nearby: Opera Grill; Covino; Sticky Walnut
Where to stay nearby: Leonardo Hotel; Hotel Indigo; Maison Claire

Christmas at Blenheim Palace

What: Where better to revel in festivities than on the grounds of one of Britain’s most famous palaces? The Duke of Marlborough gets increasingly festive with his gardens each year, sprinkling the grounds with ski chalets, plenty of food and drink in The Great Court, and a magical after-dark illuminated trail through the most beautiful parts of the gardens. This year, the theme is Neverland, and there’s no doubt - this is one of the prettiest Christmas markets in the UK.
Where: Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
When: 15 November - 22 December
Where to eat nearby: The Orangery at Blenheim Palace; The Killingworth Castle; Cygnet at the Swan Inn 
Where to stay nearby: The Crown; The Feathers; Macdonald Bear Hotel

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