Best 10 Christmas Markets In The UK 2021
After finding the best Christmas markets across Europe last week, we’re back to help you out if you’re looking to stay closer to home. While most Christmas markets were cancelled last year (both Bath and Leeds have also cancelled theirs this year) it’s good to get back to your local Christmas market to find some stocking fillers and gifts or just to get you in the Christmas spirit. No matter what you’re looking for we’re here to help out and have narrowed it down to our top 10 to go to this year again in no particular order.
1 - Edinburgh
We also put this in our list for Europe last week but in our opinion it is that good and is helped by the Christmassy feel across the city at the time. Edinburgh’s world-renowned Christmas Market mixed with it’s Hogmanay celebrations makes for great festive atmosphere across the city for the two months its on. Taking up the entirety of East Princes Street Gardens which sits between the old and the new town makes for an incredible visual display of lights and decorations and that’s before you step in. A number of rides and attractions line either side and stand over the sprawling market. The market has something for everyone with local produce and bespoke and handmade gifts to mulled Irn Bru and warm tasty treats. The Christmas celebrations in Edinburgh aren’t limited to the market as well, there’s Lidl on Ice on George St, A Christmas Tree Maze and a Santa’s Grotto amongst other things.
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market opens 20th November to 4th January 2022.
2 - Winchester
Set around the historic Winchester Cathedral, this Christmas market is inspired by traditional German ones. With well over a hundred chalets filled with handpicked high quality exhibitors you’re sure to find something you’ll love. These chalets produce sights and smells which are sure to get you in the Christmas mood. This year the Christmas market is spread over a wider area within the cathedral grounds to ensure plenty room to be more COVID measures and people are encouraged to go earlier or later in the day to avoid the busiest times.
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market runs from Friday 19th November to Wednesday 22nd December
3 - Manchester
Manchester has a number of Christmas markets across the city and this makes it a city full of Christmas cheer. Piccadilly Gardens will take centre stage for festivities in the city with a family friendly feel and offering Christmas bars offering locally brewed ales, food stalls, craft sellers and more. There will also be Christmas festivities across six other sites. St Ann’s and Exchange Square will focus on food with pizza, burgers, Yorkshire pudding wraps all available.
Manchester Christmas Markets run from 12th November until 22nd December.
4 - Birmingham
The Frankfurt Christmas Market has become a stalwart for Birmingham and is one of the largest and most popular in Britain. It runs along many of the city’s streets offering a number of traditional gifts as well as food and drink. It is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria. This year there is less stalls to create more space and make sure the market is safe for everyone involved.
Frankfurt Christmas Market runs from 4th November to 23rd December
5 - York
York’s St Nicholas Fair is full of Christmas charm, winding through the medieval streets only adds to the Christmassy feel. Taking over Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square are dozens of alpine themed chalets filled with festive gifts, treats and drinks. You can also check out the Shambles Market which is full of local independent traders selling all manner of things. Kings Square is also home to a vintage carousel which is great fun for all the family.
York’s St Nicholas Fair runs from 18th November to 23rd December
6 - London
Taking over Hyde Park, London’s Winter Wonderland goes big like only London can. To keep everyone safe this year you have to book in advance so that they can safely limit numbers. With everything from ice skating and stalls to circuses there’s definitely no shortage of things to do here and it can take you far more than the allotted 5 hours to do everything here. To get a view over it all take a ride on the giant wheel or have a drink in bar ice to give your drinks a chilling feel.
Winter Wonderland runs from 19th November to 3 January 2022
7 - Belfast
Set in the City Hall grounds, Belfast’s Christmas Market brings a mix of local and international food to this years fair. With food stalls from 32 countries as well as local delicacies, you’re sure to find something to take your fancy as well as the stalls offering gifts and handmade crafts. To give your child a view to remember visit the vintage Helter Skelter or jump across to the much-loved carousel.
Belfast’s Christmas Market runs from November 20th to December 23rd
8 - Nottingham
Located in Nottingham’s historic Old Market Square, the 60ft Christmas tree along with the Observation Wheel are the focal points of this market. Chalet style market stalls fill the square serving treats from steaming mugs of Gluhwein to sausages and other drinks served from the Après Ski themed bar. Along with the observation wheel providing great views of the city you can also slide down the Helter Skelter or jump on the carousel.
Nottingham Christmas runs from 15th November to 31st December.
A newcomer to the Christmas market scene celebrating its fourth year, Shakespeare’s home town goes Victorian with its Christmas market with all of its tradespeople dressed era appropriately. With over 300 stalls selling a wide range of food, gifts and seasonal products takes over the town centre. Unlike those mentioned before it Stratford-upon-Avon’s Christmas market only runs for a long weekend from the 9th to the 12th December, this makes it perfect to drop in for a day or two to make sure you don’t miss out.
10 – Lincoln
Following on from our last entry Lincoln’s Christmas market also only runs for long weekend as well. This market who’s one way system snakes around the city’s Cathedral quarter has loads of stalls which culminate in the centre of the castle. One of the largest markets in Europe in terms of scale, the setting of this market is really what sets it apart. As the stalls take you past Lincoln Cathedral and end up in the centre of the castle, both of which lit up provide a truly festive site.
Lincolns Christmas runs 2nd to the 5th December
So there it is, is local one not on there and should it be? Let us know. Hopefully we’ve given you plenty to choose from and inspired a couple of your December weekends.