9 Wonderful Christmas Markets in England (2023 Dates)
Looking for some inspiration for Christmas markets in England this festive season? Here are 9 of the best for you to add to your wish list.
The festive period is fast approaching and what better way to celebrate than with a trip to a Christmas market in England? Christmas markets in England mean sparkling lights, gorgeous presents, carol singers, ice rinks, and mugs of mulled wine, making the winter holiday season a delightful time of year.
England’s cities host some of the most magical Yuletide celebrations, each with a unique look and feel. We’ve compiled a list of the top Christmas markets in England for you to visit during the festive season.
Best Christmas Markets in England
Read on, and let us know if we’ve missed your favourite Christmas market below!
- Best Christmas Markets in England
- 1. Manchester Christmas Markets
- 2. Winter Wonderland in London
- 3. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
- 4. Leeds Christkindelmarkt
- 5. Bath Christmas Market
- 6. York’s St Nicholas Christmas Fair
- 7. Bristol Christmas Market
- 8. Chester Christmas Market
- 9. Winchester Christmas Market
- Christmas Markets in England
- Quick List: 9 Wonderful Christmas Markets in England (2023 Dates)
1. Manchester Christmas Markets
Albert Square, Manchester
2023: 10th November to 21st December 2023
Manchester is home to some of the best Christmas markets in the country and is known as one of the best markets in Europe. There are usually more than nine of them scattered throughout the city centre, which makes it a true paradise for Christmas enthusiasts!
You’ll find a diverse range of food and drink stalls at all of them, each offering a unique experience. The largest market is usually in Albert Square, which features a German village packed with food and drink stalls. If you’re visiting Manchester in December, it’s a must do!
This could be the perfect opportunity to pick up some great gifts for ‘him’ too.
Manchester Christmas Market locations and opening dates and times for 2023 have not yet been confirmed, but some of the previous locations include Albert Square, Cathedral Gardens, Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street, Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street, King Street, and St Ann’s Square.
2. Winter Wonderland in London
Hyde Park, London
2023: 17th November 2023 to 1st January 2024
The annual Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is situated in one of the city’s most spectacular parks. You’ll find over 100 illuminated wooden chalets decorated in Bavarian style selling handicrafts and gifts from around the world. You can also enjoy traditional German street food and mulled wine.
Other festive activities at this, one of England’s top Christmas Markets, include rides, the largest outdoor ice-skating rink in Britain, Santa’s Cave, a Ferris wheel, circus shows, and themed bars with live music are also available on the premises. We’d recommend trying to go on a weekday to avoid queues, or in the evening early on in the festive season.
3. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
Victoria Square, Birmingham
2023: 2nd November – 24th December 2023
In Birmingham, you can find the largest authentic German Christmas Market outside of Germany. Anyone looking for some Christmas gifts will find beautiful decorations and handcrafted items to choose from, but the real reason to go is for the fab food and drink.
Victoria Square is filled with the most delicious smell of Christmas as stalls sell traditional German food. You can sample authentic bratwurst, pretzels, schnitzels, and hot chestnuts. You can even get half-metre sausages, if that sounds good to you – and if you’re thirsty there are four pint jugs of beer or sweet little mugs of flavoured gluhwein too.
Birmingham is one of the best Christmassy days out in England and the perfect place to enjoy a truly festive Christmas in England.
“Until the 1870s and 1880s, parents would usually buy all their children’s toys at the Christmas Market. Even then, Christmas Markets were places to see and be seen. They were an opportunity to meet friends and swap news and gossip. This social aspect of the Christmas Markets has survived to this day.“
– Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
4. Leeds Christkindelmarkt
Millennium Square, Leeds
2023: 24th November – 17th December 2023 (dates reported but unconfirmed)
Leeds Christkindelmarkt is one of the oldest German Christmas markets in England, but the market was cancelled due to the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, and failed to return in 2022. Reportedly back for 2023, it’s a fantastic day out that you should definitely attend if you’re near the area.
Throughout the square are wooden stalls selling beautiful toys, jewellery, crafts, decorations, and other items. A jingling carousel ride with lively Christmas music and vibrant coloured lights creates a festive mood throughout the entire Christmas village.
The fairground style rides for children and its previous ‘Breakfast with Santa’ Experience are among its most popular attractions. While this experience hasn’t been confirmed for 2023, fingers crossed this ticketed event comes back too.
In the past, the Bavarian style restaurant Alp Chalet was in the centre of Millennium Square, so this is one you could spend all day and night exploring.
5. Bath Christmas Market
Abbey Churchyard, Bath
2023: 23rd November to 10th December 2023
Bath hosts one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in England every year.
During the winter months, Bath is wonderful due to its gorgeous architecture, but it’s even more beautiful thanks to its festive atmosphere, and the excellent Bath Christmas Market. A day out in Bath is always a good idea, particularly in winter when it’s definitely one of the best festive days out in the Cotswolds.
“With over 130 twinkling chalets, soak up the sights and scents of Christmas as you meander through the cobbled streets surrounded by some of the South West’s most talented crafters. Enjoy a festive experience like no other, surrounded by some of Britain’s iconic architecture.”
– BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET
Christmas Markets with stalls are spread all over Bath, on its streets and in small squares surrounding Bath Cathedral. It’s possible to find independent producers selling their products on many stalls, and it’s a great place to find all kinds of handcrafted gifts and decorations, as well as some of the best food and mulled wine.
Festive streetlights are strung on the town’s most iconic buildings and streets. A major feature of Bath Christmas Market is the Victorian merry-go-round, suitable for children and adults on the horses or in carriages.
These Christmas markets make for some of the best days out in November for all.
6. York’s St Nicholas Christmas Fair
Parliament Street, York
2023: 16th November to 22nd December 2023
York’s Christmas Market is one of the most picturesque Christmas markets in England. Wooden, alpine-style chalets border York’s pedestrianised city streets, selling locally manufactured crafts, art, food, and drink. Shoppers can enjoy a range of tantalising free samples to try as well as one-of-a-kind presents to purchase. A big, decorated Christmas tree, live entertainment, and beautiful night time illuminations help to create a bright festive mood.
Thor’s Tipi, a massive canvas tipi specially created for the Christmas season, is often the show-stopper at the Christmas market. Foot-sore customers can relax on soft blankets in front of a roaring log fire and sip mulled wine or creamy hot chocolate and soak up the atmosphere. York Christmas Market is one of the best Christmas days out in Yorkshire!
7. Bristol Christmas Market
City Centre, Bristol
2023: 3rd November to 23rd December 2023
Bristol Christmas Market in England is more about spending time to appreciate the ambiance and allowing yourself the opportunity to relax or see friends. The Bristol Christmas Market takes place in the heart of the city centre, and it’s a compact but well structured market with a well-planned assortment of booths offering something unique, ensuring you’ll discover the ideal one-of-a-kind Christmas gift.
The bar at the heart of the market attracts families with a singing reindeer at the entrance, and while they do serve alcoholic drinks, you can also get a reasonably priced hot chocolate to keep you warm while listening to your favourite festive tunes and watching the frantic last-minute shoppers running past. Check out our itinerary for a great day out in Bristol to see what else there is to do while you’re there.
READ MORE: 10 Best Day Trips from Bristol You NEED to Try
“Nestled in the heart of Bristol City Centre is our wonderful Christmas market, where you will find over 35 festive stalls selling an array of unique gifts, crafts, and seasonal treats. Grab yourself a warming hot chocolate or mulled wine and wander through the market soaking up the holiday atmosphere.”
– BRISTOL CHRISTMAS MARKET
8. Chester Christmas Market
Northgate Street, Chester
2023: 17th November – 21st December 2023
This medieval city in northwest England is notable for its Roman fortifications and walls, as well as Tudor-style timber houses. Then there’s the magical Chester Christmas Market. This is one of the greatest English Christmas markets to visit if you’re looking for something a bit more traditional. Over 70 traditional wooden chalets are situated on the city’s Town Hall Square, with the magnificent Chester Cathedral as a backdrop. Visiting makes for a great day out in Cheshire.
Pick up some mulled wine or a tasty hog roast bap after browsing the stalls for handmade crafts, clothing, jewellery, and local produce. Stop by the Real Ale Bar for a Christmas drink or a local cask ale and take a photo in front of the spectacular Christmas tree to really make your Chester Christmas Market experience.
9. Winchester Christmas Market
Winchester Cathedral, Winchester
2023: 17th November – 21st December 2023
What better way to immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit than at Winchester Cathedral?
The monumental Gothic cathedral, in the centre of Britain’s former capital city, towers imposingly over the quaint English Christmas Market, which promises tidings of joy. Winchester has one of the best Christmas Markets in Hampshire, if not England.
Follow your nose to stalls touting fine food and drink. Mulled wine in hand, then follow your ears to join the gathered crowd singing along with the carolling choir that are often found in the area. And, full of golden festive spirit, mooch around the stalls and support local craftspeople and traders whilst you do your Christmas shopping. Winchester is a great city for a wintry day out.
READ MORE: 10 Best Christmas Days Out in Oxfordshire
Christmas Markets in England
Every big city has a Christmas Market, and England’s Christmas Markets are fun, they’re festive and the fragrance of mulled wine in the air keeps the punters coming.
Choose your local one, choose the best sounding one, and choose a wild card, and then have a great time exploring England via its fabulous Christmas markets!
Quick List: 9 Wonderful Christmas Markets in England (2023 Dates)
- 1. Manchester Christmas Markets
- 2. Winter Wonderland in London
- 3. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
- 4. Leeds Christkindelmarkt
- 5. Bath Christmas Market
- 6. York’s St Nicholas Christmas Fair
- 7. Bristol Christmas Market
- 8. Chester Christmas Market
- 9. Winchester Christmas Market
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