The 8 best Christmas markets to visit in the UK revealed

It’s almost December, meaning ’tis the season of glühwein, bratwurst, roasted chestnuts, gingerbread cookies, and Wham’s! iconic hit being played on repeat.

While the above are all festive staples in the run-up to December the 25th, there’s a special place where they can all be found in one location: Christmas markets.

Yep, every year, major cities across the UK get their Christmas spirit on and transform their town squares into magical winter wonderlands.

Proving to be a hit for all ages, they offer family fun (what kids don’t like meeting Santa?!), romantic settings (mulled wine and marshmallow first dates, anyone?), and even unique hangout spots for teens on a weekend (it’s all about the dodgems, duh).

But like any public event – festive or not – there are always cities that go the extra mile for their punters. And it’s no different for Christmas markets, as you’re about to find out…

Which?, the largest consumer body in the UK, has taken one for the team and rounded up the best markets in the country, all available to visit this year.

Basing their research on the destinations that ranked highest in their ‘best UK cities’ survey of more than 4,000 visitors, it was concluded that eight locations reigned supreme.

Which? says: ‘Each of the eight cities below have great food and drink, fantastic cultural attractions, or both – scoring at least four out of five in those categories.’

Ready to get your Elton John on and Step Into Christmas? In no particular order, here are the best Christmas markets in the UK for 2024…

Bath

Date: November 28 to December 15
Where: Bath Street, Milsom Street and Abbey Quarter

‘Meander through the cobbled streets of the heritage city centre of Bath, soaking in the festive atmosphere whilst browsing some of the best independent makers for the South West and beyond,’ reads the official Bath Christmas Market website. OK, sold already.

And, if this description hasn’t hyped up the festive event enough, you’ll be sure to get into the Christmas spirit when we tell you that over 200 chalets will line Bath’s Georgian streets, offering everything from local foods like foraged jams to festive baked goods.

The Which? survey also reported the city received four stars for both its food and drink offerings and cultural sights. A near-perfect score definitely deserves a visit, right? Oh, and it’s also free!

Chester

Date: November 15 to December 22
Where: Chester Town Hall Square

Chester’s free Christmas market kicked off earlier this month, welcoming visitors near and far to its festive extravaganza.

Christmas or not, the city feels like a magical place to visit thanks to its Tudor-style half-timber buildings and ancient Roman walls, so with an added dose of fairy lights, pretty wreaths and Christmas trees, it almost feels as if you’re stepping onto a Harry Potter set.

In terms of what the market has to offer, Visit Chester and Cheshire dubs the event a ‘handmade, historical, and magical experience.’

Boasting 70 stalls built temporarily in the shadow of Chester’s Victorian Gothic town hall and medieval cathedral, visitors will find traditional German Christmas market offerings like bratwurst and mulled wine. Plus, local independent traders selling scented candles, fudge, and much more.

Durham

Date: December 6 to 8
Where: Durham Market Place

Despite only running for two days at the beginning of December (meaning you won’t have long to stuff yourself with toffee apples and pretzels), there’s a reason Durham’s Christmas market has made this list.

Sometimes smaller, understated affairs have more charm – and Durham’s offering definitely has this in bucket loads. While the free part of the market comprises of 70 stalls outside of the market hall, if you want to access the other 150+ inside, you’ll have to pay a small entrance fee of £4.50.

Regardless of whether you pay or not, you’ll find everything you want from a Christmas market, be it festive wrapping paper, candy cane stalls, and handcrafted tree decorations. But you’ll also find some niche stalls selling things from locally made hot sauce to upcycled vintage clothes (Christmas outfit = covered!).

Winchester

Date: November 22 to December 22
Where: Outside Winchester Cathedral

Throughout the year, visitors come from all over the country – and world – to visit the majestic Winchester Cathedral, so it only makes sense that the city’s free Christmas market is located directly outside the iconic building. The location alone could be enough to land it on this list!

Winchester Christmas market is really unique because you could be perusing the stalls, mulled wine in one hand, crêpe in the other, and the next thing you know, you’re being serenaded by local choirs performing both Christmas classics and more religious hymns.

Then, once you’re done checking out the products from local entrepreneurs, you can head into the Cathedral to attend some of the live events that are running throughout the festive season. Heads up, though – you’ll need to book in advance and pay a fee.

Wells

Date: December 14
Where: Wells Market Place and on the Bishop’s Palace Green

Next up is Wells Christmas market, which may not be on your radar compared to some of the other more well-known events. However, it’s definitely worth making the trip to Bishop’s Palace Green whether you’re local or not – especially as it only opens its doors (or stalls) for one day.

The small cathedral city and civil parish in Somerset was actually voted as the best small city of 2024 by Which? readers, who awarded it five stars for ‘attractiveness’ and ‘tourist attractions.’ So, the Christmas market appeals to both, really!

As for what to expect, the medieval city will adorn itself with over 100 festive market stalls, all packed closely together for a cosy, intimate atmosphere.

Liverpool

Date: November 16 to December 24
Where: St George’s Plateau and William Brown Street

From a small, quaint affair to a larger, more cosmopolitan pursuit, Liverpool’s Christmas market is another ‘must-see’ attraction. Named Which?’s top big city in the UK, the northwest jewel received some pretty great scores across the board.

Achieving five stars for cultural sights, Liverpool also topped the leader board for its food and drink options, accommodation and value for money. Sounds like the perfect recipe for those on a budget but who don’t want to sacrifice quality, especially at Christmas!

The free Christmas market is located against the fairy-lit St George’s Hall, where visitors can really immerse themselves in the festive experience.

Complete with stalls built to resemble grottos and gingerbread houses, it’s the ideal market for those who prefer a bit of Mariah Carey over choral Silent Nights when they’re munching on their bratwurst!

Edinburgh

Date: November 15 to January 4, 2025
Where: East Princes Street

Edinburgh is another one of those cities that just oozes magical vibes all year round. But when it comes to Christmas, it’s a whole other world.

According to the Edinburgh Winter Fest website, the city is transformed into a festive fun-derland boasting ‘traditional Christmas Markets, funfair rides, spectacular live outdoor events, delicious food and drink.’

Though the actual market is free (where you’ll find the wooden chalets, traditional food items, crafty bits, etc.), other parts of ‘Edinburgh Christmas’ are ticketed.

This includes things like the Christmas Tree Maze, ice skating, and Santa’s Stories. But you can find all of the prices and extra bits of information online.

York

Date: November 14 to December 22
Where: Parliament Street

Chester is often dubbed the ‘mini York,’ so it’s no surprise its fellow bigger northern sibling made the list, too. York Christmas market is actually part of York Christmas Festival, which has been going strong for over 30 years.

As someone who grew up in Yorkshire, and therefore frequented this particular market every year, I can safely say it deserves to be up here amongst these other greats.

Whether it’s the perfectly traditional alpine chalets that line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square (all selling your favourite festive food and drinks), to the many local business owners selling sweets, original art, and handcrafted decorations, the free market has a quintessentially Christmas feel. If you could bottle this feeling, you’d be happy all year round!

Then, once you’ve Christmas-ed yourself out, check out the equally stunning York attractions, including the Shambles, York Minster and the City Walls.

Belfast

Date: November 16 to December 22
Where: Belfast City Hall

Last but by no means least is Belfast Christmas market, which quite fittingly is celebrating a special birthday this year. That’s right, the Northern Irish event is turning 20 in 2024, so what a perfect present to receive!

As part of the celebrations, the Visit Belfast website says ‘the Christmas Market will transport you to the Victorian era with its Dickensian-themed Christmas market experience.’

This includes Victorian-era inspired performances (only on the first and third weekends), where ‘you’ll be immersed in the charm of Dickens’ world.’

Alongside this themed event, market-goers can also expect an unreal feast, with food offerings catering to literally every taste. From classic festive cheeseboards, sausages and beer, the braver foodies amongst us might want to try out the controversial ostrich, wild boar and crocodile burgers.

While personally, the latter doesn’t ‘scream’ Christmas, nor does it tickle my tastebuds, there’s no denying that Belfast Christmas market is one of the more unique – and interesting – events on the list. And for that, we salute it!

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