It’s that time of year again – bells, glitter, carols, mince pies…. Yes, Christmas is coming, and wherever you happen to be in the UK, there are plenty of festive events nearby. Below are ten of the many Christmas markets happening around the UK this month.
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
If you can’t make it to Germany or Austria, for one of their famed Christmas markets, Birmingham’s is the largest and most authentic that you find here at home. You can enjoy all the traditional German favourites – schnitzel, bier, brats, etc. – as well as bandstand performances of live music and carol singers.
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market runs from 7th November to 23rd December.
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
The event at Winchester Cathedral attracts as many as 350,000 visitors each year and is considered one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. You’ll find plenty of handcrafted ornaments and gift ideas, and of course a warming glass of mulled wine.
Winchester Christmas Market runs from 21st November to 22nd December.
Cardiff Christmas Market and Winter Wonderland
Five streets filled with more than 200 stalls of crafts, gifts, and food, Cardiff’s market is also crammed with lights, music, and live entertainment.
Cardiff Christmas Market runs from 14th November to 23nd December.
Padstow Christmas Festival
Cornwall celebrates Christmas with a four-day festival that includes local chefs, local food, and much more. And if you feel as if you might have overindulged, take part in Saturday’s Santa Fun Run; you’ll help raise funds for a worthwhile cause and burn off a few of those sausage rolls.
The Padstow Christmas Festival is from 5th to 8th December.
Leeds Castle Christmas Market
Kent’s Leeds Castle rounds out a year of 900th birthday celebrations with a Christmas Market set in the grounds of this magnificent historic attraction. In addition to food, shopping, and musical entertainment, visitors can ride a Victorian carousel or enjoy the views from the big wheel.
The Leeds Castle Christmas Market runs weekends from 23rd November to 15th December.
Winter Wonderland, London
Escape the hustle and bustle of London’s streets and enjoy Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. There are lights galore, not to mention entertainment stages, an ice rink, food stalls, and shopping opportunities. Ride the big wheel to look out over the Christmassy expanse and, this year for the first time, see Paddington on Ice.
Winter Wonderland runs from 21st November to 5th January.
Belfast Christmas Market
In true Irish style, Belfast’s Christmas Market is alive with music, dancing, and good food and beer. And while you indulge in local cheeses, cakes, and perhaps partake of the hog roast, the kids can enjoy the amusement rides.
Belfast Christmas Market runs from 16th November to 22nd December.
Bath Christmas Market
Wander the festive Georgian streets of Bath while browsing more than 150 stalls, filled with seasonal goodies. The market is proud of its local products (80% from the southwest of England) and its eco-friendly designation (99% Fairtrade).
Bath Christmas Market runs from 28th November to 15th December.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Edinburgh’s market is part of the city’s six week calendar of Christmas events, and it is even open Christmas Eve, giving you a last chance to buy a gift or an opportunity to kick off the celebrations in style.
Edinburgh Christmas Market runs from 16th November to 4th January.
Manchester Christmas Market
Manchester’s festive market has been operating for 20 years now. This year, more than 300 stalls will pop up all around the city, with the heart of the event in Albert Square. There’s a French market, a German market, a World market, an Arts and Crafts market… in short, no excuse to say you couldn’t find something.
Manchester Christmas Market runs from 8th November to 22nd December.