Best Christmas Markets in the UK: 10 Festive Spots You'll Love

British Christmas markets have come a long way in the past two decades. What started as a few imported continental events has grown into a brilliant winter scene that now stretches from the Highlands of Scotland to the south coast of England. The best UK Christmas markets combine the warmth of a traditional German market with the charm of a British city in winter — and there is no shortage of mulled wine, mince pies, or handmade gifts.

Here are the ten best Christmas markets in the UK, when to visit, and where to stay nearby.

Birmingham hosts the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany itself. Set up along New Street and Victoria Square, the Frankfurt Market features more than 80 stalls staffed by traders from Germany, serving everything from authentic bratwurst and gluhwein to handmade Christmas decorations and wooden toys.

The market runs from early November to just before Christmas, and it gets enormously busy on weekends. Go on a weekday afternoon if you want a bit more breathing room. Birmingham city centre also has the Craft Market on Centenary Square running alongside, with more handmade and British craft stalls.

When to go: Early November to 23 December Where to stay: Hotels near New Street station put you right in the middle of the action.

Manchester's Christmas Markets have grown into one of the biggest events in the north of England, with stalls spread across multiple sites in the city centre. Albert Square is the traditional heart of the market, but you will also find stalls in St Ann's Square, King Street, and around the Cathedral.

What makes Manchester special is the sheer variety. There are food stalls from across Europe, an excellent selection of British craft, a Santa's grotto, and the iconic giant Santa overlooking Albert Square. The atmosphere is buzzing and the city's pubs and restaurants are full to bursting.

When to go: Mid-November to 22 December Where to stay: Hotels in the Northern Quarter or near St Peter's Square give you easy access.

Edinburgh's Christmas Market in Princes Street Gardens is probably the most picturesque of any UK Christmas market. The setting beneath the castle, with the Royal Mile and Old Town as a backdrop, is genuinely breathtaking. The market features traditional stalls, an ice rink, a Christmas tree maze, and thrilling fairground rides like the Star Flyer that towers over the city.

Combine the market with a walk up Calton Hill at sunset for one of the best views in the UK, then warm up in a cosy Old Town pub. Edinburgh in December is freezing, beautiful, and unforgettable.

When to go: Mid-November to early January Where to stay: The Old Town or New Town both put you within easy walking distance.

Bath's Christmas Market sets up around the Abbey and the Roman Baths, and it is one of the most charming markets in England. The Georgian honey-stone buildings, lit up at dusk, give it a fairytale atmosphere. The market focuses on quality British craftspeople and local food producers, so it is the place to go for genuinely good Christmas presents.

Bath in December is particularly atmospheric. After the market, head to the Thermae Bath Spa for an evening soak in the open-air rooftop pool, or have dinner in one of the city's many excellent restaurants.

When to go: Last week of November to mid-December Where to stay: Boutique hotels in the city centre put you steps from the market.

Winchester's Christmas Market is set around the magnificent Cathedral Close, and it has been voted the best Christmas market in the UK on numerous occasions. The setting alone makes it worth the trip — the cathedral provides a stunning backdrop, and the wooden chalets selling artisan food, crafts, and gifts create a properly festive atmosphere.

Winchester is also one of England's most historic cities, with Roman walls, a magnificent cathedral, and the legendary King Arthur's Round Table on display in the Great Hall. Combine the market with a walk along the River Itchen and a visit to one of the city's traditional pubs.

When to go: Mid-November to 22 December Where to stay: Hotels in the historic centre of Winchester are within walking distance of everything.

Belfast's Christmas Market in the grounds of City Hall is one of the largest in the UK and Ireland. It runs for around six weeks, has more than 100 stalls from countries across Europe, an ice rink, a Santa's grotto, and a brilliant selection of street food.

What makes Belfast special is the combination of the market with the city's growing food and culture scene. Visit Titanic Belfast, walk the Cathedral Quarter, and have dinner at one of the city's excellent restaurants. Belfast is also a gateway to the Antrim Coast and the Giant's Causeway for a longer trip.

When to go: Mid-November to 22 December Where to stay: The Cathedral Quarter for atmosphere, the Linen Quarter for modern hotels.

York's St Nicholas Fair is one of the most atmospheric Christmas markets in England, set in one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Europe. The market spreads across Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square, with chalets selling Yorkshire food, handmade gifts, and the obligatory mulled wine.

York itself is the real attraction. The Shambles in winter, with its medieval buildings, narrow lanes, and Christmas lights, is the closest thing to walking through a Dickens novel you will find anywhere. Combine the market with a visit to York Minster, the Jorvik Viking Centre, and an evening ghost walk.

When to go: Mid-November to 23 December Where to stay: Hotels within the city walls give you easy access to everything.

Bristol's Christmas Market on Broadmead has been growing in size and quality over the years and is now one of the best in the southwest. The market features a mix of European traders and Bristol's own brilliant craft and food makers, with the city's strong independent scene shining through.

Bristol is a great Christmas city — the harbourside is lovely in winter, the SS Great Britain is decorated for the season, and the city's restaurants and pubs are second to none.

When to go: Late November to 23 December Where to stay: Hotels on the harbourside or near Park Street are the most convenient.

Lincoln's Christmas Market is set in the medieval Cathedral Quarter, and the cobbled streets, the cathedral, and the castle make it one of the most atmospheric in the UK. It is held over four days in early December and draws huge crowds, so book accommodation early.

The combination of the medieval setting, the market stalls, and the steep hill leading up to the cathedral makes Lincoln feel particularly festive. Wrap up warm and bring a hot drink.

When to go: Early December (long weekend only) Where to stay: Hotels in the Cathedral Quarter or up the hill are best for the market.

Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk hosts one of the most charming Christmas fayres in England. The market sets up around the Abbey Gardens and the medieval streets of the town, and it has a distinctly British, slightly old-fashioned feel that is genuinely lovely.

The town itself is beautiful, with one of the prettiest market squares in England, a magnificent cathedral, and the ruins of the abbey. It is the perfect place for a quiet Christmas market weekend without the crowds of Birmingham or Manchester.

When to go: Late November (long weekend) Where to stay: Bury St Edmunds has several lovely heritage hotels in the centre.

UK Christmas markets get extremely busy on weekends, particularly the last two weekends before Christmas. If you can, visit on a weekday or in the late afternoon when families with kids are heading home. Markets are at their best in the early evening, when the lights come on and the atmosphere is most festive.

Pack warm clothes — UK winters are cold and damp, and you will be standing around outside for hours. Waterproof shoes are essential.

For accommodation, book well in advance. The best hotels in market cities sell out by October or even earlier. A Getaway Gift Card is the perfect Christmas present for anyone planning a UK market trip — it gives them total flexibility to pick their own city, dates, and hotel.