Hey, let’s hurry up—the best Christmas Market season is quickly approaching! And yet, you’re still wondering where to go this year. But don’t worry at all, because your friendly guide is right here to help you discover the best Christmas markets to visit across the UK in 2025. With so many magical options, festive attractions, and unforgettable holiday experiences awaiting you, consider this your go-to companion for planning the perfect Christmas adventure.
The Christmas holiday season always brings this special excitement, with glittering lights, beautiful streets in the winter, and that special feeling that it’s just what you feel in your gut when Christmas is here! So if the idea of planning for the holiday season causes you stress and anxiety, don’t worry, this guide is to help alleviate that stress. All of the best Christmas markets that will be found throughout the UK take a town or city and fill it with magical winter splendour, from handcrafted gifts, joyous music, delicious seasonal food, and the ambience of the festive Christmas spirit.
Whether your aim is mulled wine, shopping from wooden stall vendors, or even just basking in the festive atmosphere, the UK is bursting at the seams with beautiful options from every little nook and corner; urban or a seaside getaway, all Christmas markets offer unique charm. So let the festive planning begin with all of these Christmas markets in the UK—happy, bright, and wonderfully festive in the spirit of Christmas.
Winter Wonderland Best Christmas Market
Winter Wonderland is widely celebrated as one of the best Christmas markets in London, UK. This year, it opened on 14 November and runs until 1 January 2026, inviting visitors into a sparkling festive playground filled with magic and delight. Here, you can explore countless joy-filled moments, spend quality time with family and friends, and create happy memories that last long after the holidays end. From thrilling rides that set your heart racing to immersive icy attractions that transport you to a winter fantasy, every corner offers something new to discover.
Carnival games bring out your playful spirit, while enchanting live shows captivate audiences of all ages. And of course, no visit is complete without indulging in the cornucopia of festive food and drink—from traditional mulled wine and roasted chestnuts to global street-food flavors that warm you from the inside out. With its vibrant atmosphere, dazzling lights, and endless entertainment, Winter Wonderland truly offers something magical for everyone to enjoy throughout the season.
Southbank Centre Best Christmas Market
The Southbank Centre Winter Best Christmas Market is a favorite festive destination in London, located on the lovely Queen’s Walk by the River Thames. The market in 2025 will run from 3 November 2025 to 4 January 2026. The Christmas market will run from 25 December 2025 to 31 December 2025, giving visitors ample time to enjoy the Best Christmas Market Experience. Soak up the Christmas Market atmosphere whilst walking under twinkly lights and riverside sights.
There is a great variety of food and drink stalls serving festive favorites, warming mulled wine, and hot chocolate, and a variety of meals and snacks, including dumplings, Yorkshire pudding wraps, churros, and made-to-order Dutch pancakes. The market is full of opportunities for shopping and presents. There are rows of wooden chalets filled with handmade crafts, decorations, jewelry, and special creations made by local makers. You may have come to sample something tasty, buy a thoughtful gift, or simply enjoy the holiday spirit, and the Southbank Centre Winter Market is a cozy and relaxing festive experience for everyone.
Manchester Best Christmas Market
The 2025 Manchester Best Christmas Markets will return to the city centre a transforming it into a festive and inspiring winter wonderland from Friday 7 November – Monday 22 December 2025. Located in and around some of the many iconic sites, such as Albert Square, Exchange Square, Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, and St Ann’s Square, the markets are easily navigable and provide visitors with a wonderful opportunity to experience the seasonal cheer in Manchester.
You will not be disappointed with the delectable selection of foods and drinks on offer as you stroll the bustling streets with wooden chalets. Enjoy traditional bratwursts, Yorkshire wraps, fresh crepes, German pretzels, mulled wine, hot cider, and rich hot chocolate. The markets are also an oasis for shopping and gifts, with an abundance of local handmade crafts, winter accessories, Christmas decorations, local artwork, soaps, candles, and artisan goods, which are ideal souvenirs. Manchester’s Best Christmas Markets provide those who attend with a vibrant atmosphere, delectable foods, and seemingly endless gift opportunities for a truly warm and festive experience right in the city centre.
Leicester Square Best Christmas Markets
Leicester Square Best Christmas Market is located in London’s famous West End and offers tourists an exciting and festive holiday environment with shows, lights, and holiday spirit. It runs from 6 November to 5 January, so you have plenty of time to enjoy its relaxing vibe. While you stroll under the sparkling decorations, you will find a delightful array of food and drink offerings – from warm mulled wine and hot chocolate to bratwurst sausages, churros, and other delicious baked goods for the season.
This market is also an excellent shopping and gift experience, with cute wooden chalets selling handmade holiday ornaments, festive home decorations, artisan jewelry, children’s toys, scented candles, and many other amazing handmade gifts. Located in an easy-to-access area, make a theatre show, or a nearby restaurant, or maybe a stroll to Chinatown, an easy and fun family experience – Leicester Square is a perfect and fun holiday location for visitors to experience London at its joyous best!
London Best Christmas Market
The best Christmas markets in London can be found throughout the city, creating a cozy and festive energy during the season. Most markets will be open from early November to early January, giving tourists a chance to visit different locations. The markets are set up in well-known areas, such as Southbank Centre, Trafalgar Square, Greenwich, Kingston, and various squares throughout the neighbourhood.
The markets all have their own unique character, but you will find a great selection of food & drink – seasonal winter warmers and comfort food like global street food, baked pastries, rich hot chocolate, delicious mulled wine, warm spiced cider, and seasonal goodies to warm your insides. For shopping and gifts, tourists will find handmade crafts, winter fashion, luxury candles, wooden toys, art, jewelry, tree decorations, and other unique souvenirs, all created by local and international artisans. Whether you enjoy being on the riverside, amongst historical sites, or in bustling urban streets, the Best Christmas markets in London provide a festive journey with lights, delicious flavors, and enjoyable holiday experiences.
Edinburg Best Christmas Market
The Edinburgh Best Christmas Market sparkles with festive joy in the heart of the city, located beautifully in East Princes Street Gardens, heading towards George Street and St Andrew’s Square. Running from November 15 until January 4, it offers a long, magical winter season to explore for visitors. Tourists can stroll through its stunning displays against the backdrop of Edinburgh’s historic skyline, stopping off for delicious food and drink in the chalets that serve traditional bratwursts, gourmet hot chocolate, mulled wine, sweet pastries, Scottish artisan meals, and warming winter street food.
The market is also a great place for shopping and gifts, boasting a large range of handcrafted treasures, artisan jewellery, Christmas ornaments, winter accessories, quality crafts, Scottish souvenirs, candles, toys, and beautifully designed festive decorations. With the backdrop of a stunning city and festive ambience, this market is a wonderful place to visit for anyone visiting Edinburgh during the Christmas period.
Glasgow Best Christmas Market
The Glasgow Best Christmas market is in St Enoch Square and often spills into George Square, bestowing a merry festive atmosphere on the city centre. For 2025, the market season usually runs from late November to the end of the year, with no shortage of time for travelling to browse. Visitors can wander amongst an exciting array of food and drink, such as bratwursts, hot chocolate, mulled wine, marshmallow toasting stands, street food from a new country, and sweet and sugar-filled winter treats.
There is excitement in the air, with abundant seating facing the street, and the friendly hum of the Glasgow people filling the atmosphere. As far as shopping and gift giving, these markets offer both home décor for Christmas and handmade goods from local makers. Visitors can find everything from unique pieces of jewelry, personalized ornaments, handmade crafts, local art, and Christmas items. Every stall reflects Glasgow’s friendly personality, making the market an enjoyable and festive stop for holiday travellers.
Major Scots City’s Best Christmas Market
The Best Christmas Market in a Major Scots City brings festive wonder to the heart of Scotland during the winter months, when the central streets and squares are transformed into a sparkling wonderland. Conveniently hosted in the bustling centre of the city – usually around the main shopping area or the several public squares nearby – the market typically runs from just after mid-November to the first week in January, providing a long period of time for visitors to explore and savour its cosy stalls and seasonal attractions.
Visitors can stroll through rows of twinkling chalets containing a fabulous variety of food and drink, including hot chocolate piled high with cream, mulled wine warmed with rich spices, gourmet burgers, bratwursts hot off the grill, pastries fresh from the oven, and traditional Scottish winter fare to provide a local flavour to the festive experience. The market is also a good location for shopping and gifts, with stalls selling handmade decorations, artisan jewellery, knitted scarves, custom accessories, candles, toys, seasonal home décor, and Scottish crafts that make for good mementos to take home.
Set in a welcoming environment with lots of festive lights and the backdrop of the beautiful historical city streets, the Best Christmas Market offers visitors a unique and special winter experience while exploring one of Scotland’s Major Cities.
Nottingham Old Best Christmas Market Square
From mid-November to 31 December, Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland fills the bustling Old Market Square with lights, festivities, and the spirit of the season. There’s more to discover than the market itself; the square becomes a festive attraction full of enjoyment. In addition to stalls, the market features cozy alpine bars, a themed ice bar, an ice rink, and seasonal entertainment.
The food and beverage menu is filled with winter warmers, such as mulled wine, hot chocolate, churros, street food-style dishes, bratwurst, and various tasty festive snacks. In terms of shopping and gifts, there is also a great selection, with more than sixty traditional chalets selling handmade crafts, winter decorations, locally made artisan food products, jewelry, candles, toys, and bespoke Christmas keepsakes. Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland boasts a lively atmosphere with diverse offerings that provide an experience for visitors looking for a cheerful Best Christmas Market.
Leeds Best Christmas Market
The Leeds Best Christmas Market, typically located in City Square and sometimes extending into Millennium Square, offers a festive village experience in the centre of Leeds. Running from 21 November-21 December, the market creates a warm and cosy atmosphere with wooden chalets, Christmas lights, and winter entertainment. Guests can experience a joyous selection of food and drink, including bratwurst and glühwein, Yorkshire favourites, hot beverages, sweet baked goods, and Christmas-specific delights throughout the day.
For guests looking to shop or something to give as a gift, the market includes a vast assortment of stalls filled with handcrafted items, Christmas ornaments, jewelry, artisan work, winter apparel, candles, and quaint seasonal gifts. With its combination of festive flavors, busy stalls, and welcoming atmosphere, the Leeds Best Christmas Market is a lovely place for tourists looking to experience the Christmas of the north.
Birmingham Best Christmas Market
The Birmingham Frankfurt Best Christmas Market, located throughout Victoria Square and New Street, is one of the largest and most famous German-style markets outside of Germany. Running from 1 November to 24 December, it transforms the city centre into a bustling world of festive scents, glowing lights, and traditional wooden stalls.
Visitors can indulge in classic food and drink such as German bratwursts, pretzels, schnitzels, roasted nuts, glühwein, hot cider, beer, and rich hot chocolate. The market’s lively atmosphere, combined with its authentic flavours, creates a true winter celebration. For shopping and gifts, tourists can browse an extensive selection of handcrafted ornaments, wooden toys, Christmas decorations, candles, glassware, arts, crafts, and festive souvenirs inspired by traditional European markets. Birmingham’s market is a joyful and energetic destination perfect for those wanting a full festive experience.
Conclusion:
Christmas in the UK is more than just a holiday—it’s a whole world of lights, markets, cozy streets, and wintertime ambience. Each year, throughout December, towns and cities in the UK turn into magical hubs of holiday cheer, with lights, decorations, handmade gifts, seasonal foods, and magical settings that could be taken from a postcard from winter. Each Christmas market, with its own traditions, flavors, and holiday cheer, takes our otherwise routine trips and turns them into one of the most festive locations for winter travelers looking for joy, warmth, and celebrations.
From historic squares glimmering in fairy lights to quaint market stalls filled with crafts and food, the best Christmas markets in the UK allow visitors to experience some of the most heartwarming and (hopefully) unforgettable moments.
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