The winter holiday season is a magical time of the year, with the Christmas markets in the UK bringing glittering lights, beautiful gifts, carol-singers, ice rinks and endless mugs of mulled wine. From Bath to Belfast, London to Leeds, and Glasgow to Cardiff, you\u2019ll find some of the most enchanting Yuletide celebrations in the region\u2019s cities. So where to go first? We\u2019ve put together our guide to the best Christmas markets in the UK to visit on your next winter holiday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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As one of the most beloved British Christmas markets and the biggest festive shopping event in the South West of England, you can\u2019t miss the Bath Christmas Market. You\u2019ll enter a gorgeous world of choirs and carolers and over 150 decorated wooden chalets lining the World Heritage Georgian streets surrounding the 16th-century Bath Abbey.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
There\u2019s everything from artisan jewellery and handmade knitted clothes, to delicious festive food like gingerbread and cheese. Even better, the majority of the stallholders come from Bath<\/a> and South West England, with most of the treasures handmade in the UK. So you can be sure you\u2019re supporting the real locals of Britain with your visit.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
GET INSPIRED BY: <\/strong>Best of Britain<\/a><\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
2. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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When London puts on a Christmas show, they don\u2019t hold back. The city pulls out all the stops in the merry season to deliver the Hyde Park Christmas market and it’s one of the best in the UK.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The incredible Winter Wonderland is home to the Magical Ice Kingdom, the largest open-air ice rink in Britain, and the world\u2019s tallest transportable observation wheel. You’ll also get to see all kinds of performances from funny acts in the Comedy Club to circus displays and the amazing Paddington on Ice.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
With over 100 rides and attractions, plenty of bars and food stalls, and even a traditional German Christmas market with over 200 gorgeous chalets, you could spend days exploring this Yuletide paradise.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
3. Manchester Christmas Markets<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Recently hailed as one of Europe\u2019s best Christmas markets, you know you\u2019re in for a treat when you head to the Manchester Christmas Market. It’s been bringing festive cheer to the city since 1999 and you’ll get to explore more than 300 twinkling stalls and chalets surrounding Albert Square, beneath the Town Hall.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
You’ll find it all here, from artisan jewellery and homewares to handmade toys, and you can even check out all the different themed markets. We love the German market, French market, World market and the impressive Arts & Crafts market.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Don\u2019t forget to stop at the mouthwatering food and drink stalls, with Yuletide treats like hog roast, paella, bratwurst and Belgian chocolate. And be sure to check out all the amazing performers, from magicians to street theatre.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
RELATED CONTENT: <\/strong>Why You Should Spend Christmas in the UK This Year<\/a><\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
4. Edinburgh Christmas Markets<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Set in the East Princes Street Gardens with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, the Scottish capital puts on one of the best Christmas markets in the UK. The Edinburgh Christmas Market runs from mid-November to early January, so there\u2019s plenty of time to check out all the market treasures.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
There are dozens of German-style wooden chalets lining the streets, with plenty of locally made gifts, and festive food and drinks including mulled Irn Bru! There’s even the Santa Land with rides for all ages and Santa\u2019s Grotto lighting up Castle Street. Whether you take a ride on the dazzling Big Wheel or check out the street performances and concerts, the Edinburgh Christmas Market is sure to be magical.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
GET INSPIRED BY: <\/strong>Best of Scotland<\/a><\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
5. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Looking for a slice of German Yuletide cheer at your Christmas markets in the UK? The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest authentic German Christmas market in Europe (besides Germany and Austria of course). You\u2019ll find over 180 dazzling stalls spread across Victoria Square, Centenary Square and New Street.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
It’s easy to get into the Christmas spirit as you soak up the atmosphere of carol singers and live music, all while sampling bratwursts, pretzels, schnitzels and gl\u00fchwein.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
If you\u2019re after some Christmas gifts, you\u2019ll find everything from carved wooden toys to handmade candles, soaps and jewellery by local artisans. You can even get your skates on the glittering ice rink or get a panoramic view of Birmingham on the Big Wheel.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
6. Belfast Christmas Market<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Set on the stunning grounds of the Belfast City Hall, the Belfast Christmas Market is one of the best festive affairs in Northern Ireland. You can wander dozens of stalls with handmade crafts and gifts and ride the glowing carousel. You can even visit Santa in his charming grotto, or zip down the vintage Helter Skelter!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
You\u2019re also in for a culinary treat, with the outdoor food court dishing up all kinds of international cuisine. Munch on hog roast or French crepes and cheeses, and if you\u2019re feeling brave, you can even try alligator, wild boar and kangaroo. For a true Northern Irish experience, head to Lavery\u2019s traditional Irish bar. Here you can sip a warm glass of gl\u00fchwein or local beer, and enjoy the live music.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
GET INSPIRED BY: <\/strong>Best of Ireland and Scotland<\/a><\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
7. Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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