Nothing beats getting into the festive spirit than grabbing your woolly hat and gloves and heading to one of the UK’s many Christmas Markets. Colourful lights illuminate traditional wooden chalets, while the smell of chocolate, mulled wine and Bratwurst sausages fill the air, all adding to the festive atmosphere.
While there are some amazing markets all over the world, there are some equally as magical Christmas markets right on your doorstep here in the UK.
So why not treat yourself to a staycation this year and enjoy the following great little breaks in the some of the UK’s most vibrant cities.
Birmingham
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
Birmingham city hosts the largest authentic German Christmas Market outside of Germany or Austria and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the UK every year.
This year will be a particularly special one as the Frankfurt Christmas Market will be celebrating the 50 year anniversary partnership between Birmingham and Frankfurt – a collaboration which has resulted in many exciting projects and initiatives.
Where and when
Dates: 17 November to 29 December 2016, except Christmas Day
Times: 10am to 9pm
Location: Victoria Square and New Street
Edinburgh

Photo Credit – Alasdair (Flickr)
Edinburgh European Christmas Market
Edinburgh is a city steeped in history, providing visitors with the perfect place to embrace the magic of Christmas while enjoying the sights. Offering an array of tasty European treats (including traditional foods such as haggis), fairground rides, circus performances and a wealth of live music, this market has plenty of things going on to keep you entertained!
Where and when
Dates: 19 November 2016 to 7 January 2017, except Christmas Day
Times: 10am to 10pm (please note markets close at 8pm on 24 December and open at 11am on 26 December and 1 January).
Location: East Princes St Gardens
Manchester
Manchester Christmas Market
With over 300 stalls spread across several markets in the city centre, Manchester’s Christmas Market is a great place to soak up the festive atmosphere while hunting for those last minute presents. Unlike most markets, Manchester embraces an international approach offering crafts, clothes, toys, gifts and food from all corners of the globe.
Where and when
Dates: 10 November to 21 December
Times: 10am to 9pm
Location: Main market is found on Albert Square (visit website for other locations)
York
York St Nicholas Fair
York is a truly great destination at any time of year, but there is something particularly Dickensian about the city during the festive season. As the city transforms into a winter wonderland you’ll almost certainly feel as though you have taken a step back in time to the real life version of A Christmas Carol.
Where and when
Dates: 17 November to 23 December
Times: Sunday to Wednesdays: 10am – 6pm and Thursdays – Saturday: 10am – 8pm
Location: Parliament Street, St Sampson’s Square and The Judge’s Lodging.
Which UK Christmas Markets will you be visiting this year? I’d love to hear your recommendations below!
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6 Comments
chrysoula
December 6, 2016 at 3:04 pmI have been to the Edinburgh Christmas market and was amazing. Looking forward to visiting the rest!
Nikki Godwin
April 11, 2017 at 7:52 amEdinburgh’s is simply magical!
Abhinav Singh
December 7, 2016 at 9:47 amNice blog. I have not been to Christmas markets. Hope to see onee in Europe soon, maybe next year!
Nikki Godwin
April 11, 2017 at 7:52 amIf you love Christmas, it’s a great way to get into the festive spirit!
Jessie
December 8, 2016 at 12:31 amI absolutely love Manchester Christmas markets, but I’ve never been to any others. Liverpool has a little one, but its not very good.
Would love to check out York though.
Jessie
Nikki Godwin
April 11, 2017 at 7:53 amYork is such a great place for getting into the Christmas spirit!