Prime 13 Greatest UK Christmas Markets for 2022 (with secret suggestions for visiting!)

In search of the most effective UK Christmas Markets? Questioning which metropolis has the most effective one? You are in the precise place!

Among the best issues concerning the run as much as Christmas is visiting a Christmas Market. One thing concerning the cute wood chalets, 1000’s of fairy lights and the mouth watering smells of mulled wine, hog roast and chestnuts is simply magical.

We have been fortunate sufficient to get pleasure from lots of the finest and largest Christmas Markets in Europe on our travels, however I happy to say the UK has some great ones too- properly value a go to.

A notice on COVID: None of us actually know what is going on to occur subsequent week, not to mention over Christmas. I am making an attempt to maintain this publish as up-to-date as attainable, however please do verify with the related council web site earlier than travelling.

However there is not any hurt in planning! So seize a mug of spiced wine (it is Christmas!) and let’s begin our journey into the most effective UK Christmas markets.

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For those who discover this publish helpful, you too can deal with us to a espresso on the backside of this page- we promise to get pleasure from it whereas creating extra helpful content material like this- we’d even take pleasure in a biscuit (or two!)

Winchester- constantly voted one of many UK’s finest Christmas markets

For those who’re in search of lovely and distinctive UK Christmas market, look no additional than Winchester.

Winchester is considered one of our favorite cities at any time of the 12 months (I truly went to school right here), however at Christmas time it actually comes alive. Constantly voted the most effective within the UK, Winchester Christmas Market is unquestionably value a go to. 

The market is ready within the grounds of the well-known Winchester Cathedral and has every thing you may want for to get you within the festive spirit (together with festive spritis! 😉 ) There are over 100 conventional wood stalls, with exhibitors from everywhere in the world. You should buy every thing from personalised decorations, handmade indicators, rugs, blankets, shawls, images, jewelry, decorations, glassware and exquisite items for others and your self! 

There are additionally loads of meals stalls promoting crepes, bratwurst, mince pies, chestnuts and plenty of locations to get pleasure from a mug of heat spiced wine or native beer. There’s additionally a life-size nativity, usually full with dwell animals. 

One other spotlight is the implausible open-air ice rink (reserving tickets upfront is important). Skating contained in the Cathedral grounds trying on the unimaginable environment and the large tree is unquestionably definitely worth the cash. 

The market is open each day from the top of November till simply earlier than Christmas, from 10am till 6.30pm. You’ll be able to see the precise dates for Winchester Christmas market right here.

In addition to the Christmas market, take time to discover the town of Winchester. There’s loads of mainstream buying on the excessive avenue, plus delightfully distinctive outlets and boutiques everywhere in the metropolis. Remember to head contained in the Cathedral as properly, residence to Jane Austen’s grave and one of many oldest Bibles on the planet! 

The place to remain

We extremely suggest staying on the great Winchester Resort and Spa, which is near the practice station, on the high finish of the town. Nevertheless, it is a few 15-20 minute stroll to the market from right here, so if you wish to keep nearer, the Mercure overlooks the Cathedral.

For those who’ve by no means been to at least one earlier than, listed below are some suggestions for visiting a Christmas Market within the UK and Europe

Birmingham- one of many largest UK Christmas Markets

Really useful by Karen | Marvellous Center England

Birmingham is constantly one of many largest Christmas markets within the UK. There are a number of markets across the metropolis, however probably the most well-known is the Frankfurt market- the most important genuine German market outdoors of Austria or Germany.

Right here, you will discover over 80 stalls promoting conventional, hand-crafted items comparable to lovely leatherwork and fragile glassware. The meals stalls nonetheless have the most important queues- and for good motive. You’ll be able to attempt genuine German bratwurst, pretzels, schnitzels, and scorching chestnuts. There’s even a stall promoting half metre sausages. For those who’re thirsty you will get 4 pint jugs of beer or candy little mugs of flavoured gluhwein. Good for warming up on a chilly night. 

The Frankfurt Market in Birmingham is free to enter. Food and drinks are slightly costly however properly value it to benefit from the festive ambiance. 

The stalls open at 10am and shut at 9pm on a regular basis other than eighth November when it’s closed within the morning.

Predicted Dates for 2021

Birmingham Christmas Markets ARE scheduled to be open in 2021. Most markets shall be open from Thursday 4th November to Wednesday twenty second December.

• The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is scheduled for Nov 5 – Dec 23, 2021
• The market in Cathedral Sq. is scheduled for Nov 17 – Dec 19, 2021

Stalls shall be open every day between 10am and 9pm (besides Remembrance Sunday: 1pm – 9pm.)

Please verify earlier than journey in case of final minute restrictions or adjustments

There aren’t any particular COVID restrictions deliberate, however masks are really useful.

The best way to get to Birmingham Christmas Market

I like to recommend getting the practice to the market, each New Road and Snow Hill stations are lower than 5 minutes stroll from the stalls. In case you are driving then there’s loads of safe parking on the Mailbox. The Frankfurt market covers Victoria Sq. and stretches all the best way down New Road in direction of the Bullring. You will discover it at Victoria Sq., Birmingham, B3 3AA.

The place to remain

Guide a room at Malmaison lodge within the Mailbox which is 5 minutes stroll to the market and surrounded by loads of bars and eating places for an ideal festive mini-break. 

Manchester- 9 UK Christmas Markets in a single!

Really useful by Pauline | Bee Beloved Metropolis

For those who love Christmas lights and meals, visiting Manchester Christmas markets ought to be on the high of your bucket checklist! 

Not like most cities within the UK, Manchester would not function one large Winter Wonderland however 9 Christmas markets! They take over the whole metropolis centre from the start of November till Christmas Eve.

The markets are situated at: Albert Sq., Cathedral Gardens, Piccadilly Gardens, Market Road, Trade Sq., New Cathedral Road, King Road and St Ann’s Sq. and the ambiance is completely different in every considered one of them.

Piccadilly is situated within the coronary heart of Manchester metropolis centre and options probably the most spectacular lights. The one on King Road has great stands with native craft merchandise. However the principle one to go to is on Albert Sq.. It options Manchester’s large Santa and is a superb place to eat and drink. There’s additionally an enormous German bar the place you may eat inside.

If you would like to go ice-skating (to burn off the bratwurst), head to Cathedral Gardens. 

Predicted dates for 2021 Manchester Christmas Markets

This has been a late affirmation, however dates are actually being printed as:

• Albert Sq. – Friday 8 November to Sunday 22 December, 10am to 9pm.
• Cathedral Gardens – Friday 8 November to Sunday 5 January, 10am to 9pm
• Piccadilly Gardens – Friday 8 November to Sunday 22 December, 10am to 9pm
• Market Road  – Friday 8 November to Saturday 21 December, 10am to 9pm
• Trade Sq. – Friday 8 November to Saturday 21 December, 10am to 9pm
• New Cathedral Road – Friday 8 November to Saturday 21 December, 10am to 9pm
• King Road  – Friday 8 December to Saturday 21 December, 10am to 9pm
• St Ann’s Sq. – Friday 8 November to Saturday 21 December, 10am to 9pm

There’s an excellent map right here with extra info

Suggestions for visiting Manchester Christmas Markets

All Christmas Markets in Manchester are free, you may simply swing by and have a wander round. Parking in Manchester might be costly which is why it is really useful to park your automotive in Ancoats and stroll from there.

It doesn’t matter what, be certain to withdraw money beforehand. Most locations will not take playing cards and the queue to the ATMs is insane on the town, so come ready and save your self lots of time.

The place to remain

There are such a lot of festive issues to do in Manchester round Christmas, so keep just a few nights to profit from it. Just about wherever within the metropolis centre is close to one of many markets, however if you wish to get pleasure from some enjoyable night time life, keep close to Canal Road. Resort Brooklyn is a superb possibility.

Cardiff- largest Christmas Market in Wales

Really useful by David | Delve into Europe

Cardiff is a little bit of a hidden gem in the case of the festive season, however it’s one of many finest Christmas cities in Europe.

It is unfold over two places within the metropolis centre. The principle market is unfold across the streets near fifteenth century St John’s Church and Cardiff Market, together with the favored Hayes buying space. That is Christmas with a Welsh twist, the place you’ll find items produced from Welsh slate and a few implausible Snowdonia cheeses within the meals stalls.

Then there’s Cardiff Winter Wonderland, lower than ten minutes’ stroll away, outdoors the luxurious Edwardian Metropolis Corridor and Nationwide Museum of Wales. This contains a preferred ice rink and several other fairground rides, in addition to foods and drinks stalls.

The Market and Winter Wonderland run on completely different dates, the latter usually starting in early November and persevering with till round January sixth.
There is no such thing as a entrance payment to the Christmas Market or Winter Wonderland, however you do want to order your time on the ice rink upfront.

Predicted dates for Cardiff Christmas Markets in 2021?

Cardiff is one other UK Christmas Market confirmed to happen in 2021 (topic to any Covid related laws/tips present on the time)

Dates open: Thursday 11 November to Thursday 23 December 2021

The place to eat and keep in Cardiff

Resort Indigo is constantly voted the most effective locations to remain in Cardiff. For those who’re in search of someplace yum to eat, head to Cafe Citta on Church Road, only a minute’s stroll from the Christmas Market.

Edinburgh- Scotland’s well-known Christmas Market

Explored by Anuradha from Nation Hopping Couple

As a pageant metropolis, Edinburgh is aware of precisely the best way to put up an excellent present – be it the Worldwide Fringe Competition, or Christmas and New Yr Celebrations. Go to the Christmas markets, purchase handmade Scottish souvenirs, trip on the scariest rides or take a gradual trip on Ferris wheel having fun with the panoramic views of previous city and new city.

Throughout Christmas, there are numerous occasions, pantomimes and reveals that run throughout Edinburgh Theatres. For adrenaline seekers, head to Holyrood Park and hike the Salisbury Crag or Arthur’s seat and benefit from the 360 diploma views of Edinburgh.

The principle and largest Christmas Market is held within the Princes Road Gardens (East aspect). You may also see comparatively small Christmas market and rides in St.Andrew Sq. and George Road.

There aren’t any entrance payment to get pleasure from Christmas Markets. However there are entry charges for Santa’s Grotto. It’s advisable to purchase tickets upfront for Santa’s Grotto, or rides, or theatre occasions. They do get booked up actually fast. Verify the Edinburgh Christmas web site for contemporary info.

Predicted dates for Edinburgh Christmas Market in 2021

Edinburgh Christmas Markets are opening in 2021! Dates are printed as Friday, November 12 2021- Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Do not miss the well-known choirs, the Citadel of Mild, the superb tree and 1000’s of regionally produced meals and items.

Suggestions for visiting Edinburgh Christmas Market

Christmas season is fairly busy time in Edinburgh, as vacationers flock from all of the world to expertise the magic of this pageant and to soak within the celebrations of Hogmanay. Preserving these in thoughts, we actually don’t recommendation taking vehicles to the town centres. Having lived in Edinburgh for 9 years, we often want bus or tram to discover the Christmas Markets. Plus you may drink as many Gluhweins you need 🙂

Pay and show parking is out there on Frederick Road, George Road, Hanover Road and Waterloo Place.

Really useful locations to remain and eat in Edinburgh 

Whether or not you need a fancy dine-in restaurant or a takeaway, Edinburgh has a plethora of eating places in North Bridge and Rose Road, each of that are near Edinburgh Christmas Markets. Our private suggestions are Witchery by the Citadel, Hendersons and David Bann, the final two being vegan eating places. 

To remain within the coronary heart of the motion, we suggest the Apex Metropolis of Edinburgh Resort or No.11 Brasserie & Boutique Resort.

Bury St. Edmunds Christmas Market

Really useful by Anisa | Two Touring Texans

The Bury St. Edmunds Christmas Market is without doubt one of the largest vacation occasions in East Anglia. Whereas it often solely lasts 4 days, it has greater than 300 stalls. They’ve a parade and fireworks on the opening night time.

The market covers a number of streets within the metropolis centre. There are additionally levels offering leisure close to the Cathedral and the Abbey Gardens. Kids will benefit from the carnival rides.

You can find every kind of meals all through the market as properly. We had hog roasts. Alternatively, if you want to have a extra upscale meal, take a look at 1921 Angel Hill. They serve European and British fare and are vegetarian pleasant.

Predicted dates for the Bury St Edmund Christmas Market 2021

Sadly, it would not seem like the native council are permitting the market to go forward in 2021. Fingers crossed for 2022.

Suggestions for visiting the Christmas Market

There is no such thing as a admission cost to go to the Bury St. Edmunds Market. It is best to take the practice to the Bury St. Edmunds practice station, then stroll to the market as there’s restricted parking close by. Alternatively, there’s a park and trip service from the Saxham Enterprise Park.

For those who plan on spending the night time in Bury St. Edmunds, the Angel Resort is a historic four-star lodge conveniently situated within the metropolis centre.

Belfast- considered one of Eire’s finest Christmas Markets

Picture Courtesy of Eire’s Content material Pool

Really useful by Emer & Nils | Lets Go Eire

Belfast in Northern Eire is a fabulous metropolis, brimming with tradition and historical past. Additionally it is a implausible vacation spot if you wish to get pleasure from one of many UK’s finest Christmas Markets.

The Belfast Christmas market is located within the grounds of Belfast Metropolis Corridor proper within the coronary heart of Belfast. The opening instances are Monday to Wednesday from 10am to 8pm, Thursday to Saturday from 10am to 10pm and Sunday from 1pm to 6pm. There is no such thing as a entrance payment, so you may be happy simply cease by Belfast Metropolis Corridor, wander round and benefit from the illuminated spectacle as usually as you want to.

There’s a variety of issues on provide for all ages together with worldwide meals stalls, kids’s leisure, a beer tent, dwell music occasions and Santa’s grotto. Benefit from the festive ambiance and chances are you’ll even discover some additional particular Christmas presents on your family members.

Predicted dates for the Belfast Christmas Market in 2021

Excellent news- the Belfast Christmas Market is going on in 2021. Dates are printed as twentieth November – twenty third December 2021.

Suggestions for visiting the Belfast Christmas Market

Because the climate in Eire in December generally is a little bit unpredictable, it is strongly recommended to put on waterproof gear and to carry an umbrella. Among the best accommodations solely about 0.2 miles from Belfast Metropolis Corridor is The Fitzwilliam Resort– properly value a go to.

York Christmas Market

Really useful by Sinead | Greatest in York Information

The centrepiece of the six week lengthy festive St. Nicholas Truthful within the historic metropolis of York is the York Christmas market. The free-to-enter market begins on mid-November and runs till simply earlier than Christmas.

The market is open seven days per week from mid-morning until late at night time. Guests don’t must pre guide or maintain a ticket to enter. The market is well reached on foot from a number of metropolis centre automotive parks or is a twenty-minute stroll from York railway station.

Over 100 alpine type wood chalets line York’s pedestrianised metropolis centre specializing in the central Parliament Road close to the well-known cobbled Shambles. The stalls promote a wide range of distinctive, regionally made arts and crafts and a spread of regionally produced treats comparable to fudge, luxurious chocolate and Yorkshire Gin. There are many free samples on provide to tempt you and the market can also be an excellent place to eat dinner. 

Is the York Christmas Market on in 2021?

Sure, York Christmas Market is again on for 2021. Dates are Thursday 18^th November – Thursday 23^rd December 2021.

Leisure in York Christmas Market

Busy buyers are entertained by bands and buskers and at night time, the illuminated market appears to be like magical. The focus of the market is the specifically erected huge canvas bar, Thor’s Tipi. Weary buyers can recharge with a mulled wine or scorching chocolate on sheepskin lined seashores in entrance of a warming open hearth.

The place to remain in York for the Christmas Market

Keep at Dean’s Courtroom Resort or The Greatest Western Lamb and Lion Resort, each a brief stroll from the market and each provide implausible views of York Minster. 

Lincoln – the UK’s oldest Christmas Market

Really useful by Chris | 48 Hours Someplace

Lincoln is broadly thought-about the longest-running mainstream Christmas market within the UK, because it began in 1982. Attracting practically 250,000 guests over its 4 day interval, there are round 200 stalls with all method of handmade crafts and meals.

 There is no such thing as a entrance payment to the market which takes over the Lincoln Citadel grounds and its surrounding space all the way down to Steep Hill.

Is Lincoln Christmas Market on in 2021?

Sure, Lincoln Christmas Market is happening in 2021 (topic to any adjustments in authorities tips). Dates are 02-05 December 2021 (first weekend in December)

Opening hours are 10.00- 21.30, besides the primary Thursday which is 12-21.30

Suggestions for visiting Lincoln Christmas Market

The easiest way to go to the Christmas Market, open between 10.00 and 21.30 each day, is to get a practice in from simply outdoors the town or use the park and trip amenities for a small cost.  There’s parking accessible within the metropolis centre however plan to reach early to keep away from the crowds.

While having fun with looking the numerous stalls, a go to to the fairground space simply behind the citadel can provide you spectacular views throughout the town, taking within the citadel and Lincoln’s Cathedral proper all the way down to the Brayford Wharf and River Witham.

When visiting the Christmas Market the White Hart Resort places you proper on the centre of the motion. Step out of the door and you’re a part of the market crowds.  After strolling round all of the Christmas Market has to supply Ole Ole Spanish Tapas (on the alternative aspect of the citadel to the Resort) is a cheap place to seize nice meals.

Cambridge Christmas Market

Really useful by Rai | A Rai of Mild

Simply when the winter chill units in over the Cam River, the Christmas markets in and round Cambridge carry a festive ambiance to the town. The town’s squares and streets are lit up and there’s no higher strategy to get into the cheerful spirit than a go to to the market.

Right here you will see over sixty vigorous, carefully packed stalls which can be a delight to wander by in your seek for that good present. Discover every thing from native arts and crafts to handmade jewelry, books and vinyl information. 

I notably benefit from the vast collection of good foods and drinks stalls, sampling delicacies from world wide. The market is frequented by a wide range of individuals creating an excellent mix of various cultures and completely different languages.

Is Cambridge Christmas Market on in 2021?

Frustratingly, I can not seem to get a transparent reply on this but. I am unsure if the council have determined whether or not to run a Christmas Market in 2021 or not. If you recognize extra, please do let me know so I can replace this data.

Suggestions for visiting Cambridge Christmas Market

Thankfully, there isn’t any entrance payment and the market is open on daily basis from the second week in December till the primary week in January. The placement adjoining to the St. Mary’s Church makes for a handy cease as you’re by no means too removed from it irrespective of the place within the metropolis you end up. There’s additionally one of many finest locations for espresso in Cambridge close by.

The North Pole Cambridge pageant, which takes place on the identical time, additionally encompasses a pop-up ice rink, fairground rides, and an alpine bar. Put together to get into some severe festive cheer all whereas sipping on scorching chocolate or hot-spiced wine properly into the night time.

Oxford Christmas Market

Really useful by Rose | The place Goes Rose

A lesser-known UK Christmas market that’s properly value visiting is within the metropolis of Oxford, only a 1-hour journey from London. Whereas there are many issues to see and do in Oxford, if you happen to’re simply eager to go to the market, you may simply take an Oxford day journey from London or another UK metropolis, becoming in just a few different Oxford sights in addition to some Christmassy foods and drinks on the market.

Is Oxford Christmas Market on in 2021?

Yep. Open 9-Nineteenth December 2021.

Suggestions for visiting the Oxford Christmas Market

Like lots of the finest UK Christmas Markets, there isn’t any entrance payment and no must buy tickets upfront. The market might be discovered on Broad Road, stretching all the best way from the nook of Cornmarket to the well-known Sheldonian Theatre. You might be free to wander the market between its opening hours of 10am to 8pm Thursday to Saturday and 10am-6.30pm Sunday to Wednesday.

The most effective issues to eat and drink on the market together with mulled wine, bratwurst sausages, native cheeses, crepes and waffles. You’ll be able to store for Christmas decorations and trinkets in addition to items from native Oxford companies like soaps and jewelry. 

Central Oxford is proscribed by way of parking however there are three Park & Rides across the outskirts of the town the place you may park your automotive and bounce on a fast bus into the town centre.

Do not restrict your time in Oxford to only one day- there are a great deal of issues to do in Oxford other than the market. Among the best locations to remain is the Malmaison Oxford, a refurbished jail with luxurious suites! There are numerous locations to eat in Oxford just like the White Rabbit Pub identified for its wood-fired pizzas and craft ales.

Nottingham Christmas Market

Really useful by Amy | The Journey Fairies 

Nottingham is one other of the most effective Christmas markets within the UK. What I really like most about it’s that each stall is completely different and there are numerous small, unbiased companies promoting distinctive merchandise as a substitute of the same old Christmas knickknacks that you’ll find wherever. With stalls promoting every thing from real consuming horns to home-brewed mead to native cheese and handcrafted items, there’s one thing for everybody. 

There’s dwell leisure on the weekends, an open-air ice skating rink, a helter-skelter (which additionally doubles as a bar), numerous fairground sights, a ski lodge bar and even an ice bar with a special theme every year. 

Is there a Nottingham Christmas Market in 2021?

One other one with no clear reply they usually have not up to date their web site for 2021. My guess might be not or they’d be selling it by now.

Suggestions for visiting Nottingham Christmas Market

The Christmas market takes place within the Outdated Market Sq. (NG1 2DT) and is open from 10am till 10pm on Sundays, 11pm on Mondays – Thursdays and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. There is no such thing as a admission payment for the market itself however you do must guide on-line and pay upfront to go to the Ice Bar or ice skating rink.

There are a number of pay and show automotive parks close to to the market sq. with the closest being the Lace Market automotive park (NG1 1QE) however it’s usually a lot simpler to make use of one of many park and trip automotive parks simply outdoors of Nottingham and catch the tram into the town centre. 

The place to eat whenever you go to the Nottingham Christmas Market

There are numerous meals choices on the market itself from bratwurst sausages, to pulled pork burgers, bubble waffles and grilled cheese sandwiches however there’s additionally the close by Road Meals Membership situated within the Intu Victoria Centre which options Christmas themed meals choices.

For those who fancy one thing a bit extra substantial, Nottingham is famend as a foodie heaven and residential to some nice unbiased eating places like Annie’s Burger Shack, Oscar and Rosie’s and George’s Nice British Kitchen. And you may’t neglect to go to Doughnotts for dessert!

To be within the coronary heart of the motion, keep on the Lace Market Resort and make a weekend of it! Do not forget to go to the Robin Hood statue simply down the highway!

London Winter Wonderland

Really useful by Caroline | CK Travels

Christmas in London is a superb time of 12 months with many ornamental lights and markets dotted across the capital. Essentially the most well-known market to go to in the course of the run-up to Christmas is situated inside Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park – a massive open-air pageant with heaps of sights. 

Right here you will see a big conventional German type market the place you may store for handmade crafts and items and luxuriate in scrumptious avenue meals together with raclette, bratwurst and mulled wine (glühwein).

In addition to the market there are different festive issues to do together with an ice skating rink, Santa’s grotto, an enormous remark wheel, fairground rides, reveals/circuses and themed indoor and outside bars serving massive steins of beer with dwell music. There’s additionally an enormous outside space referred to as the Ice Kingdom with kids’s movie character ice sculptures together with ice sculpting workshops.

Is London Winter Wonderland occurring in 2021?

After all it’s! Opening dates are Nineteenth Novmber 2021- 03 January 2022.

The best way to get to London’s Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland is open 10am – 10pm on daily basis. The easiest way to go to is by public transport  – there are numerous buses that cease close to the entrance- or take the London Underground tube to both Knightsbridge, Inexperienced Park, Marble Arch or Hyde Park Nook stations.

Attempt to go to the venue outdoors of peak hours (evenings and weekends)  as winter wonderland is extraordinarily standard with each locals and guests. Entry is free however among the sights inside must be booked upfront so verify their web site earlier than you go to.

There are, in fact, MANY different UK Christmas Markets, however these are among the finest. I hope that, whichever you select, you might have an exquisite and enjoyable festive journey.

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