The UK is packed full of festive Christmas experiences and the markets in particular are some of the best in Europe. Spending Christmas in the UK will fill you with festive cheer and joy as you explore the packed pubs, cosy dining spots and Christmas markets dotted all of the UK.

Each city in the UK celebrates Christmas in it’s own way from the huge Christmas markets of Manchester to the small cosy markets of Bath and Cambridge. There is festive spirit at every opportunity.

The stalls themselves sell everything from clothing, hats, scarfs and gloves to jewellery and handmade gifts such as candles and trinkets to spark awe and wonder in all those you need to purchase a gift for.

The classic German Christmas vibe is always in full swing and bratwurst and beer can be purchased and enjoyed to get the full taste of German Christmas. Traditional British food can also be sampled with pork and stuffing baps, roast turkey and chestnuts.

The whole country comes alive and the best markets can be found through the North, Midlands and South East we have captured the best places for you to join in the festivities.

London Christmas markets 

The biggest Christmas markets and events are held in London. from Winter Wonderland with it’s huge Christmas market plus fair ground rides, ice experiences and ice skating opportunities to Winterville with it’s backyard cinema through the labyrinth there is a Christmas market for everyone in London.

Small markets in the heart of London such as Leicester Squares Christmas market and the South bank market are all great for a mulled wine whilst browsing the stalls.

Top London markets include;

Winter wonderland

Winter wonderland is the largest Christmas market in London and the UK as a whole. It’s also far more than just a Christmas market and is also packed full of some of the largest fair ground rides in London, ice rinks and ice kingdoms, a circus and a selection of shows. Fully stocked bars are everywhere and themed bars can also be found for a jolly time with bars such as carousel bars, karaoke bars and themed bars to suit lots of taste.

Christmas by the river

A Christmas market located with the backdrop of London Bridge and along the river Thames is Christmas by the river. The market has some one of a kind features such as Jimmy’s igloo’s where you can dine and drink in Igloo’s with the view of the Thames and London Bridge.

Southbank Centre winter market

The Southbank houses one of the larger Christmas markets in London and the market is accompanied by fair ground rides and multiple street food vendors and bars for the festive feeling in London.

Winter Forest at Broadgate circle

This winter Broadgate circle near London’s Liverpool Street has been transformed into a winter forest full of Christmas market stalls, food and wine trucks and the forest vibe will transport you to the likes of Narnia.

Leicester Square

Leicester Square houses a traditional Christmas market in one of London’s most iconic squares. The Leicester square Christmas market has all of the festive favourites you would imagine such as handmade crafts, gift ideas and food and drink stalls to cater or everyone.

Birmingham Christmas market

The second largest market other than the London Christmas markets is located in Birmingham. Frankfurt Christmas markets boasts stalls, restaurants, bars, amusement rides and a huge ice rink.

The market will be the one North of London that will rival Winter Wonderland for all  it has to offer. You can spend hours wandering the Christmas market whilst also purchase tickets to ride the fair ground rides and skate on the ice rink overlooking the huge Christmas tree.

 

Manchester Christmas market 

The largest Christmas market in Manchester is in Albert Square with the picturesque town hall in the back drop of the whole market.

Market and food stalls sell an assortment of traditional gifts and souvenirs as well as local stalls selling cured meats, cheese and wines to stock up for your festivities at home.

The bars are in full swing at the Manchester Christmas markets and Albert Square market offers a top level bar with a huge balcony give an almighty view over the entire Christmas market and the town hall taking centre stage.

Smaller Christmas markets in Manchester can also be found and Christmas in Manchester is always a cheerful occasion as bars are packed full of festive patrons all  completing trips to the Christmas markets.

 

Newcastle Christmas market

In the bustling town of Newcastle the Christmas market takes centre stage outside the main shopping centre, There are food options aplenty as you taste German sausages, Italian dishes, oriental and traditional Indian dishes.

You will have a genuine cosy Christmas feel as you take in the heart of Newcastle central and the outgoing vibe of the city.

The market is the perfect place to do your Christmas shopping due to it’s close proximity to the shopping mall or the perfect place to stop and enjoy some food and a glass of mulled wine after shopping.

 

York Christmas market

The traditional English town of York provides a small but cosy Christmas market. Surrounded by the traditional architecture that the city boats this is a Christmas market not to be missed.

Bask in English history as you wander city of York and sit down in traditional tea rooms for a spot of afternoon tea.

The Christmas market is located in the centre of the city and is one of the smaller markets within the UK. It’s small size does not take away from the Christmas vibe as you eat festive foods and drink festive drinks.

Bath Christmas markets

The entire city of Bath is bathed in lights over the festive season as the traditional buildings and roman baths are decorated to bring the feel of Christmas to the city. The Bath Christmas market offers everything you need for a traditional Christmas market in the UK.

Like the others you will find festive food and drink stalls serving traditional British street food as well as hot chocolates, mulled wines and beers to suit the needs of all visitors.

Stalls will also be found selling unique gifts and handmade crafts lots of which from local artists that can be personalised for your friends and family.