Birmingham Council House glowing during Christmas market at blue hour

Paul Englefield|CC BY 2.0

Christmas Markets in United Kingdom

6 Cities45 Markets

Why Visit United Kingdom?

German-style Christmas markets first arrived in the UK in Lincoln in 1982, then in Birmingham in 1997. Frankfurt organizers played a key role in exporting the concept to British cities, with Birmingham hosting a Frankfurt Christmas Market. The tradition has since expanded to major cities nationwide. Birmingham's market is described as the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria, featuring over 100 stalls. Manchester's Christmas Market has grown to over 300 stalls spread across 10 different sites around the city. London's Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park includes the world's tallest transportable observation wheel, a Magical Ice Kingdom, and Britain's largest open-air ice rink. British markets blend German authenticity with British elements, creating a multicultural festive experience that combines bratwurst and schnitzel with British favorites.

Discover United Kingdom

Explore the charm and beauty of United Kingdom's top Christmas market cities

London Apple Market adorned with festive Christmas decorations in winter

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Paul Englefield|CC BY 2.0

Edinburgh Christmas market illuminated at blue hour featuring iconic landmarks

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London's Leadenhall Market adorned with red and gold baubles during Christmas

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Bath Abbey's Gothic spires reflect in a puddle during Christmas season

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London St Paul's Cathedral framed by festive lights in winter

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Edinburgh neoclassical architecture adorned with festive blue lights in winter

Graham Campbell|CC BY-SA 2.0

Manchester Christmas market at dusk with iconic architecture and festive Santa

David Dixon|CC BY-SA 2.0

Birmingham Council House illuminated during winter Christmas market

Chris Allen|CC BY-SA 2.0

Cities in United Kingdom

Explore Christmas markets by city

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London

24 Markets

Christmas markets in London

David Dixon|CC BY-SA 2.0

Manchester

11 Markets

Christmas markets in Manchester

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Edinburgh

2 Markets

Christmas markets in Edinburgh

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Birmingham

6 Markets

Christmas markets in Birmingham

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Bath

1 Market

Christmas markets in Bath

Johnny Durnan|CC BY-SA 2.0

Glasgow

1 Market

Christmas markets in Glasgow

Popular Markets in United Kingdom

Discover some of the most beloved Christmas markets

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Bath Christmas Market

Bath • Bath City Centre (Abbeygate Street, Bath Street, Milsom Street, York Street)

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025, Bath Christmas Market transforms the historic city centre into a winter wonderland with hundreds of twinkling chalets featuring artisan crafts, gourmet food and drink. The market spans the UNESCO World Heritage city centre, offering unique gifts from small businesses and emerging artisans alongside traditional festive treats.

Graham Campbell|CC BY-SA 2.0

Edinburgh's Christmas Market

Edinburgh • East Princes Street Gardens

A traditional Christmas market nestled in the heart of Edinburgh's historic city centre with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument, and the city's iconic skyline. Features around 70 stalls with local and international producers selling handmade gifts, bespoke products, tasty treats and delicious drinks. Also home to the LNER Big Wheel, Scotland's largest ferris wheel standing at 46m tall, and the Around the World Star Flyer.

Chris Allen|CC BY-SA 2.0

Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market

Birmingham • Victoria Square and New Street

The largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria, celebrating the partner city relationship between Birmingham and Frankfurt. Features traditional German food including bratwurst, pretzels, and glühwein, along with handcrafted gifts, live music, and the famous singing Christmas moose (Chris Moose). The market transforms Victoria Square and New Street into a festive German-style village with wooden chalets.

Johnny Durnan|CC BY-SA 2.0

Christmas Fair

Glasgow • George Square

A festive hub of activity with free, family-friendly entertainment seven days a week. Features popular Christmas lights, tree and festive displays, daily activities in the pavilion bar area, and fantastic fairground rides including the much-loved carousel. Part of Glasgow's Christmas celebrations with over 100 stalls.

Rajeev Singh|Pexels License

Winter Wonderland

London • Hyde Park

Follow the lights to Hyde Park and soak up the festive atmosphere of Winter Wonderland, one of the biggest Christmas markets in London. Discover more than 100 wooden cabins overflowing with fantastic gifts, including handmade crafts and beautiful pieces of jewellery. It's also home to the UK's biggest outdoor ice rink, a giant observation wheel and top Winter Wonderland Christmas shows.

David Dixon|CC BY-SA 2.0

Manchester Christmas Markets

Manchester • Manchester City Centre

Now in their 27th year, Manchester's Christmas Markets with their iconic wooden chalets have become legendary, drawing millions to the city centre each year. With over 200 stalls spread across nine locations, visitors can enjoy seasonal treats, mulled wine, and a wonderful festive atmosphere offering handmade gifts, craft items, and delicious food.

Chris Allen|CC BY-SA 2.0

Edgbaston Village Christmas Market

Birmingham • Greenfield Crescent, Edgbaston

Birmingham's largest artisan market set amid handsome Georgian architecture and shimmering fairy lights. Features multiple stalls including a farmers' market selling cheese, bread, fruit and vegetables. The market includes Christmas lights switch-on events, visits from Santa and Mrs Claus, and carol singing.

Graham Campbell|CC BY-SA 2.0

Winter Arts Markets

Edinburgh • Edinburgh

A three-day market event held December 6-8 featuring over 100 hand-picked local independent artists and makers selling a wide range of goods including paintings, prints, homewares, jewellery, textiles and ceramics. Different stalls appear on each of the three days, making it perfect for last minute Christmas present shopping.

Quick Facts

Tradition & History

German-style Christmas markets arrived in the UK in Lincoln in 1982, followed by Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market in 1997. Frankfurt organizers subsequently expanded the concept to Edinburgh (2000), Leeds (2002), and Manchester. Over two decades, these markets have become established in Britain's winter cultural landscape.

Food & Drink

Mulled wine, Mulled cider, Roasted chestnuts, Gingerbread, Bratwurst, Schnitzel, German beer, Mince pies, Hot chocolate, Yorkshire pudding wraps, British cheese, Fish and chips, Stollen

Market Season

November through December

Getting Around

The UK has an extensive rail network connecting major cities. National Rail and Trainline offer booking services for train travel. London serves as a main transport hub with connections to Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, and other cities. Cities have their own public transport systems including underground, tram, and bus networks.

Planning Your Trip

British Christmas markets vary in their closing dates, with some closing before Christmas Eve. Birmingham's market reflects its Frankfurt partnership with authentic German offerings. Manchester's markets spread across multiple city center locations. London's Winter Wonderland combines traditional market elements with entertainment attractions and requires advance tickets for certain activities like ice skating. British markets successfully incorporate both German traditions and British favorites, with offerings ranging from traditional Glühwein to British mulled cider. Weather can be rainy, making waterproof clothing advisable. Yorkshire pudding wraps have become a popular British innovation at northern markets.

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