Taking the kids to a Christmas market is a lovely pre-Christmas activity, there’s usually music, treats, sometimes a Santa grotto, and plenty of twinkly lights.
Here are some Christmas markets in the UK that are fun to go to:

You’ll find Edinburgh’s Christmas market at East Princes Street Garden, with traditional chalets showcasing the best in festive products and goods from local makers, stocked full of handcrafted decorations and gifts for all the family, or little treats for yourself.

The Forth 1 Big Wheel is also back, bringing breath-taking views of Edinburgh’s winter skyline and the markets below. Then for those rumbly tummies, there are plenty of street food vendors with Bavarian produce and Scottish delicacies as well as bars serving warming winter tipples and hot chocolates.

There’s also a covered ice-rink on George Street and Santa Land in West Princes Street Gardens, with a Christmas Tree Maze, more traditional rides and Santa’s Stories for the wee ones – including a very special Santa’s Paws event.

Dates: 17th November 2023 – 6th January 2024

Each year the centre of Bath is transformed into a magical Christmas shopper’s paradise, as over 170 chalets packed full of gorgeous Christmas gifts line the streets surrounding the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey.

Bath Christmas Market also offers a full programme of entertainment including carol singers, children’s entertainers and musicians that all add to the fantastic festive ambience.

Dates: 23rd November – 10th December 2023

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Winchester’s Christmas Market is recognised as one of the best in Europe, renowned for its unique location, high quality exhibitors and bustling atmosphere. Wonderful Christmas gifts, decorations and festive foods can be found in abundance.

The Christmas Market is situated at the beautiful Winchester Cathedral where you can enjoy many Christmas services as well as an ice rink.

Dates: 17th November – 21st December 2023.

The Manchester Christmas Market offers over 250 stalls nestled with in Piccadilly Gardens and surrounding area.

Visitors can also enjoy the Manchester Christmas Lights Trail and Skate Manchesters’ covered ice rink in Cathedral Gardens.

Dates: 11th November to 22nd December 2023

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market and Craft Market can boast being one of the largest outdoor Christmas Markets. The Market is centred in Victoria Square in front of the Council House and along New Street.

The largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria, Birmingham’s Christmas Market offers a large range of traditional goods as well as tempting food and drink. Enjoy the live music programme on Victoria Square while you browse the stalls for a wide selection of gift ideas.

Dates: 2nd November – 24th December 2023

York’s Christmas Market gives a real sense of stepping into a scene from a Dickens tale with bustling Victorian market stalls selling everything from local produce to traditional gifts and crafts, all accompanied by the smell of roasting chestnuts and the sound of carol singers. This year marks the 30th Anniversary of St Nicholas Fair as it’s known locally.

70 alpine chalets line the streets of Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square from 16th November to 22nd December, creating a festive wonderland with an array of local produce and artisan gifts on offer from local traders. From luxury stationary to Yorkshire Pudding beer, there are lots of unique gift ideas to be found.

Dates: 16th November – 22nd December 2023

St Albans knows a thing or two about markets, having one of the oldest regular markets in the UK, dating back to the 9th century.

The St Albans Christmas Charter Market is located at St Peter’s Street and Market Place this year, with street food, drinks, fashion, flowers, crafts, produce, toys, music and more.

There’s also a Christmas Nutcracker Trail to enjoy, pick up a trail map at St Albans BID Office or at St Albans Museum and Gallery, then go on the hunt to find the 10 Nutcracker Soldiers marked on the map and enter a draw as well.

Dates: 1st – 22nd December 2023