The Ultimate Guide to Christmas Markets in the UK for 2024

Top 10 Christmas Markets Across the UK

1. Winter Wonderland - Hyde Park, London

History: Established in 2007, Winter Wonderland has grown into one of the UK's biggest Christmas attractions, drawing millions of visitors annually.

Expected Visitors: Over 2 million people are anticipated for 2024.

Features: The event is famed for its blend of a traditional Christmas market and theme park. Highlights include the Giant Observation Wheel, the UK's largest open-air ice rink, and an ice sculpture exhibition.

Stalls and Shopping: Over 200 stalls offer high-quality crafts, holiday decor, jewellery, and unique gifts.

Food & Drink: Bavarian Village offers German bratwursts, mulled wine, and seasonal sweets.

Special Attractions: The Magical Ice Kingdom features an intricate ice sculpture display, and Bar Ice offers an immersive experience with frozen glasses and furniture.

Visitor Experience: Ideal for families, couples, and friends. Winter Wonderland is packed with rides and stalls but can get crowded, especially during peak hours.

Overall Rating: 9/10

2. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market

History: Running since 2001, it's a sister market to Frankfurt's renowned fair, bringing authentic German Christmas charm to the UK.

Expected Visitors: Around 5 million visitors, making it one of the busiest markets outside of Germany.

Features: This traditional German market is known for its extensive range of German goods, including toys, candles, ornaments, and more.

Stalls and Shopping: Traditional German stalls sell unique items like wooden nutcrackers, cuckoo clocks, and handcrafted decorations.

Food & Drink: Bratwursts, schnitzels, German beer, and glühwein.

Visitor Experience: Known for its family-friendly vibe, festive live music, and a large variety of authentic German food and goods.

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

3. Manchester Christmas Markets

History: Began in 1998 and has grown significantly, now covering multiple areas of the city centre, each with a unique theme.

Expected Visitors: Approximately 9 million people across six weeks.

Features: The market is split into sections like the family-friendly Cathedral Gardens, which includes an ice rink, and the more vibrant Exchange Square.

Stalls and Shopping: Over 300 stalls offering local and international goods, including jewellery, winter clothing, ceramics, and art.

Food & Drink: A vast range of global cuisines, from traditional pies to international dishes, mulled wine, and award-winning cheese stalls.

Visitor Experience: Highly popular for its festive variety and expansive layout, ideal for all ages.

Overall Rating: 9/10

4. Edinburgh Christmas Market

History: Established in 1999, the market has become a landmark event, attracting visitors with its European-inspired setup against Edinburgh Castle.

Expected Visitors: Roughly 3 million people each year.

Features: Attractions like the iconic Ferris wheel, an ice rink, and carousels create a carnival feel.

Stalls and Shopping: Featuring over 80 stalls with European crafts, Scottish jewellery, and festive decorations.

Food & Drink: Scottish delicacies, German sausages, and mulled wine.

Visitor Experience: A romantic setting rich in Scottish culture and festive warmth.

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

5. Bath Christmas Market

History: First held in 2000, Bath's Christmas Market has grown steadily, known for its focus on local artisans and craftsmen.

Expected Visitors: Around 400,000 annually.

Features: With over 150 chalets, the market prides itself on the "Made in Bath" ethos, showcasing high-quality, locally made products.

Stalls and Shopping: Handmade jewellery, candles, and festive homewares by local artisans.

Food & Drink: Mulled cider, artisan cheeses, roasted nuts, and homemade fudge.

Visitor Experience: Ideal for those seeking an intimate, traditional market experience in a historic setting.

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

6. York Christmas Festival

History: Held annually since 1992, it's one of Yorkshire's most loved winter festivals.

Expected Visitors: About 1 million visitors.

Features: The St. Nicholas Fair features charming chalets offering Yorkshire-themed products.

Stalls and Shopping: Regional gifts, holiday trinkets, and cosy winter wear.

Food & Drink: Yorkshire puddings, mince pies, and mulled cider.

Visitor Experience: Quintessentially British with a historic ambience, making it a hit among families and visitors looking for a relaxed experience.

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

7. Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

History: Since 2006, this market has been celebrated for its scenic backdrop and selection of British-made goods.

Expected Visitors: Approximately 300,000.

Features: Market located in the cathedral's inner close, adding a traditional feel.

Stalls and Shopping: Crafts, ornaments, and holiday decor.

Food & Drink: Local seasonal dishes, pastries, and mulled wine.

Visitor Experience: Picturesque and traditional, excellent for a cultural and festive experience.

Overall Rating: 8/10

8. Nottingham Winter Wonderland

History: Nottingham has hosted its winter market since 2009, adding new attractions yearly.

Expected Visitors: About 500,000 people.

Features: An ice rink, Ferris wheel, and rooftop bar.

Stalls and Shopping: Christmas gifts, clothing, and handmade crafts.

Food & Drink: Classic British winter foods and festive drinks.

Visitor Experience: Perfect for family outings or date nights.

Overall Rating: 8/10

9. Cardiff Christmas Market

History: A staple of Cardiff’s festive season since the 1980s.

Expected Visitors: Around 250,000.

Features: Primarily showcases Welsh-made products.

Stalls and Shopping: Welsh crafts, art, and seasonal gifts.

Food & Drink: Welsh cakes and traditional mulled wine.

Visitor Experience: Perfect for sampling Welsh culture.

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

10. Leeds Christkindelmarkt

History: Modeled after a German market, Leeds has been hosting this since 2002.

Expected Visitors: Estimated 750,000.

Features: Traditional German foods, games, and live music.

Stalls and Shopping: Authentic German goods and unique gifts.

Food & Drink: Bratwurst, pretzels, and German beer.

Visitor Experience: Ideal for an authentic Bavarian experience.

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

Top 10 Christmas Markets in the North West for 2024

1. Manchester Christmas Markets

See above for full details

Overall Rating: 9/10

2. Chester Christmas Market

History: A tradition since 2014, Chester's market is nestled in the historic city centre near the iconic Chester Cathedral, known for its charming, small-town feel and warm ambience.

Expected Visitors: Approximately 250,000 visitors each season.

Features: The market features over 70 wooden chalets, beautifully decorated with lights and greenery, offering an intimate, festive atmosphere. Santa's Grotto and choir performances add to the experience.

Stalls and Shopping: Local artisans sell handmade crafts, ornaments, and holiday goods.

Food & Drink: Traditional winter foods, mulled wine, and hot chocolate stalls.

Visitor Experience: Family-friendly, with an emphasis on quality goods and local crafts.

Overall Rating: 8/10

3. Liverpool Christmas Market

History: Set on St George's Plateau, Liverpool's Christmas market has been a festive staple since 2013, drawing both locals and tourists.

Expected Visitors: Close to 300,000 each year.

Features: Attractions include a Ferris wheel, Santa's sleigh photo spot, and live musical performances.

Stalls and Shopping: A mix of Liverpool-themed merchandise, unique crafts, and Christmas ornaments.

Food & Drink: Known for its variety, from Yorkshire pudding wraps and Belgian waffles to international foods. Warm up with mulled gin and cider.

Visitor Experience: Popular for its lively atmosphere and diverse food stalls.

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

4. Blackpool Winter Gardens Christmas Market

History: Blackpool's Christmas market inside the iconic Winter Gardens started in 2019, providing an indoor alternative with a Bavarian twist.

Expected Visitors: Estimated 50,000 visitors.

Features: Set indoors, this market includes a Bavarian Village, Santa's Grotto, and vintage fairground rides.

Stalls and Shopping: Crafts, toys, holiday decorations, and artisan gifts from local and national traders.

Food & Drink: Bratwurst, mulled wine, and festive treats.

Visitor Experience: Ideal for families, with live entertainment and a weatherproof venue.

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

5. Lancaster Christmas Market

History: A community-focused event, Lancaster's Christmas market is held in Market Square and typically opens for a weekend in early December.

Expected Visitors: Around 15,000.

Features: Local vendors line the square, offering a cosy market experience with live carol singers and a friendly, small-town vibe.

Stalls and Shopping: Handmade jewellery, local art, ornaments, and holiday goods.

Food & Drink: Lancaster hotpot, spiced cider, and baked treats.

Visitor Experience: Small, welcoming, and perfect for those seeking a community-focused market.

Overall Rating: 7/10

6. Preston Christmas Market

History: Running annually since 2018, Preston's market takes place over December weekends at the Flag Market.

Expected Visitors: Approximately 20,000.

Features: The Flag Market becomes a festive hub with holiday-themed stalls and family activities.

Stalls and Shopping: Crafts, handmade goods, clothing, and children's toys.

Food & Drink: Hot chocolate, local bakery items, and mince pies.

Visitor Experience: Intimate and family-friendly, with a laid-back atmosphere.

Overall Rating: 6.5/10

7. Morecambe Christmas Market

History: A local favourite, Morecambe's market is a one-day event that draws the community together for holiday shopping and festivities.

Expected Visitors: Estimated 5,000.

Features: It's a small-scale market held at Morecambe's central shopping area, with local crafts and holiday decorations.

Stalls and Shopping: Handcrafted gifts, sweets, and festive decorations.

Food & Drink: Local pastries, spiced hot drinks, and festive sweets.

Visitor Experience: Quaint and coastal, suitable for a quick visit and holiday shopping.

Overall Rating: 6/10

8. Kendal Christmas Market

History: A Lake District Christmas market, Kendal's festivities draw visitors with its local charm.

Expected Visitors: About 10,000.

Features: The market includes traditional stalls, Santa's Grotto, and entertainment in the town centre.

Stalls and Shopping: Local crafts, holiday decor, clothing, and unique gifts.

Food & Drink: Known for Cumbrian specialities like Cumberland sausage, mulled cider, and gingerbread.

Visitor Experience: Warm and inviting, capturing the spirit of a Lake District Christmas.

Overall Rating: 7/10

9. Bolton Winter Festival and Christmas Market

History: Bolton's winter festival includes a popular Christmas market, ice rink, and holiday-themed events for children.

Expected Visitors: Estimated 40,000.

Features: Attractions include an ice rink, a Santa's grotto, and a traditional Christmas village setup with beautiful holiday lights.

Stalls and Shopping: Seasonal gifts, wool products, and artisan goods.

Food & Drink: Mulled wine, hot cider, and regional winter dishes.

Visitor Experience: A true winter festival with activities for all ages and an upbeat, family-friendly vibe.

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

10. Carlisle Christmas Market

History: Carlisle hosts an annual market that showcases Cumbrian products, along with holiday celebrations and entertainment.

Expected Visitors: Around 15,000.

Features: Located in Market Square, this market has live music, local performances, and a warm community feel.

Stalls and Shopping: Local crafts, holiday gifts, artwork, and seasonal decor.

Food & Drink: Local favourites like Cumberland sausage, pies, and roasted nuts.

Visitor Experience: Quiet and charming, ideal for a relaxed day out.

Overall Rating: 7/10

Tips for the North West Christmas Markets

• Travel Connections: Many of these markets are within short travel distances, making day trips possible for a wider experience.
• Plan Ahead: Certain markets, especially Manchester and Liverpool, get crowded, so arrive early to avoid peak hours.
• Sample Local Specialties: Each town or city brings its unique flavours and local dishes – don't miss out on these local treats.