There’s a moment each year, just as daylight fades and the first frosty evenings roll in, when the UK begins to glow. Fairy lights stretch across town squares, the smell of cinnamon and mulled wine hangs in the air, and the gentle hum of festive music drifts between rows of wooden chalets. Suddenly, Christmas isn’t just on its way. It’s here. Alive.
Across the country, Christmas markets turn cities into storybook scenes, each one offering a blend of nostalgia, indulgence and pure festive joy. Whether you’re browsing for handcrafted gifts, meeting friends for a hot chocolate under twinkling lights, or planning a winter weekend with the family, these markets promise a magical escape from the everyday.
- Manchester Christmas Markets (7 November – 22 December). Manchester transforms into a sprawling winter village, with more than 300 stalls scattered across Albert Square, Cathedral Gardens and St Ann’s Square. Sip, shop and stroll through one of the UK’s largest and liveliest festive events.
- Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market (Early November – Just before Christmas). Britain’s most authentic German-style Christmas market brings the spirit of Frankfurt to Victoria Square and New Street. Expect traditional bratwurst, pretzels, wooden toys and plenty of glühwein.
- Edinburgh Christmas Market (15 November – 4 January). Few backdrops compete with Edinburgh’s. Nestled in Princes Street Gardens, this market glows beneath the castle, offering classic chalets, fairground rides and atmospheric winter lighting.
A European Christmas escape
If your festive spirit stretches beyond the UK, Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets are just a train ride away.
- Brussels’ Winter Wonders (28 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026), regularly voted one of Europe’s best markets, offers a dazzling blend of light shows, skating, shopping and over 200 chalets; all just 1 hour 53 minutes from London.
- Strasbourg Christmas Market (26 Nov – 24 Dec 2025), known as the “Capital of Christmas”, transforms its medieval centre into a glowing festive village with more than 300 stalls and the magnificent Great Christmas Tree in Place Kléber. The journey from London takes just over five hours with a simple change in Paris.
- Amsterdam (15 Nov 2025 – 3 Jan 2026) delivers canals shimmering with lights, ice rinks and cosy markets; all reachable in 3 hours 57 minutes on a direct Eurostar.
Tips for a merrier visit
- Pick your moment: Weekdays or early evenings help you dodge the heaviest crowds.
- Bring cash: Most stalls take cards, but not all. Cash keeps things simple.
- Eat adventurously: Warm yourself with bratwurst, mulled wine, hot chocolate and seasonal favourites.
- Mix and match: Pair your market visit with ice-skating, a light trail or a scenic winter walk.
- Go greener: Use public transport—big city markets are well-connected.
- For Eurostar trips: Book early; seats fill fast during the festive rush.
