10 Christmas Markets to Visit in the UK in 2025

The days are getting shorter and the weather a bit chilly, which can only mean one thing: Christmas is coming, and the best way to enjoy it is by visiting Christmas markets. Traditionally, Christmas markets in the UK weren’t a patch on the ones you’d find in mainland Europe - in cities like Cologne or Brussels.

But recently, they have upped their game, and now fit the image of ‘traditional’ rather than ‘tacky'... If you’d prefer to stay closer to home this year while checking out some market fun for all the family, we’ve got some cracking selections for you all over the UK.

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York’s award-winning Christmas market is back! It kicks off in mid-November. With its cobbled streets and the stunning Gothic York Minster at the heart of the action, this market couldn’t look more picture-perfect. Over 75 alpine-style chalets line the streets, packed with local crafts, boutique goodies, and unique gifts.

Foodies, get ready! Alongside winter favourites like tartiflette and mulled wine, this year brings something extra special: The Winter Hutte, a Swiss-style chalet restaurant run by Michelin-starred chef Andrew Pern. Expect a fine-dining twist with Swiss flair—it’s a treat you won’t want to miss.

Families can enjoy a vintage carousel in King’s Square, adding a dash of old-timey charm to your festive wanderings. And for those craving a bit of thrill after browsing the stalls, the York Dungeon is just around the corner. Perfect for older kids or anyone who loves a good fright!

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With over 170 twinkling chalets, Bath Christmas Market is a dream if you’re hunting for gifts. From handmade homewares and unique jewellery to personalised presents, you’ll have plenty to choose from. Also, this year they’re putting a special focus on sustainability too.

Foodies you’ll find all the winter favourites like mulled wine and mince pies, but don’t miss the artisanal cheese and homemade infused gin to take home.

The Bath Market is all about supporting local charities, so while you’re shopping, you’re also helping spread a little Christmas cheer.

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As the second largest city in the UK, Birmingham’s famous Frankfurt Christmas market is no slouch. It also kicks off very early on the 1st of November and has over 100 stalls selling a range of handcrafted ornaments, traditional toys, leatherwork and everything else you can think of. 

All the usuals are here to help you put on some holiday weight early this year, but with the market's German theme, it’s only right that firm favourites like gluhwein and schnitzel are on the menu. 

Returning this year are Frankfurt's big wheel and ice rink, to help bring out your family's festive cheer. Just remember, it’s never too late to learn to skate… 

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We love this one. The entire Christmas Market takes place on the grounds of the Winchester Cathedral. This beautiful market has over 120 chalets filled with carefully chosen stalls. You’ll find handmade soaps and toiletries, unique art and textiles, and fun Christmas items like hats, jumpers, and scarves.

With the heavy influence from traditional German Christmas markets, you’ll find classics like bratwurst and mulled wine to keep your energy high and keep you warm.

The Winchester market has a strong focus on the traditional so you’ll find a number of Christmas services, caroling and festive light shows throughout its run. 

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While the Nottingham Christmas Market is on the smaller side, with just 40 Nottinghamshire-based local businesses. Fingers crossed for some snow. You can expect all the usuals, with a wide choice of gifts, crafts, and speciality foods on offer. 

The market will have dozens of street food options to keep you sated, and if it’s a tipple you’re after, there’s a fully licenced bar dishing out the mulled wine.  

The market's bandstand will play host to festive music and carol services throughout the days, but uniquely, visitors are also invited to explore the castle’s galleries and grounds, for the low, low price of £1. 

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Late-night shoppers and fashionistas looking for some last minute gifts will be in heaven, as all the usual luxury fashion and beauty stores are open for business, with a uniquely beautiful Christmas setting as Covent Garden is transformed into a winter wonderland. 

Whether it’s some simple street food to give you a boost, or fine dining Garden staples like Margot or Heliot Steak House, Christmas in Covent Garden has it all. Wash it all down with champagne or mulled wine. 

Without doubt, the highlight of the Covent Garden Christmas Market is its world-famous festive installation with over 40 gigantic bells with bows, 12 giant baubles and 8 spinning mirror balls, all garishly displayed in the iconic Market Building. Bigger is always better!

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One of London’s most famous squares gets a festive makeover again this year, with scores of stalls selling handcrafted goods and crafts, as well as artisanal food. It can be hard to move in Leicester Square for people on a normal day, so this market does tend to pack out. Our advice is to head early to beat the crowds. 

All the usual winter staples are here, but we have to give special mention to the mouthwatering piles and piles of homemade chocolate orange and flavoured fudge. Too tempting to resist…

As gorgeous as the dazzling lights and decorations are, the Leicester Square Christmas Market is in the heart of London’s Theatreland, and so its main draw is a theatrical affair. Every year, the market goes all out with its pop-up Belgian Spiegeltent, a 1920s style event space, playing host to cabaret shows all throughout the winter months. Performed by La Clique, this adult alternative cabaret is a veritable assault on the senses and sure to get you on Santa’s naughty list this year…   

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The Cardiff Market has been a mainstay for over 30 years, and with its commitment to always featuring the best new and returning artists and crafters, it’s easy to see why. With over 70 stalls to browse, we’re sure you’ll find that special something. 

With the market fully outdoors, there’s a huge selection of hot food and drink to warm your cockles and help you spread Christmas cheer. All the usuals are on offer, but keep an eye out for Silly Season spins on hearty Welsh favourites like Rarebit and cawl. 

One thing we love about the Cardiff market, is that its fully organised and curated by Craft*Folk, an organisation committed to providing a platform for artists, and crafts people to exhibit and sell their bespoke work directly to the general public, with no middle man taking a cut; thus directly promoting and protecting Wales’ rich arts and crafts heritage.

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With a mixture of local and national traders, Cambridge Christmas Market is one of the UK’s most visited by tourists from outside the country, creating a diverse combo of cultures. You’ll find everything on offer here, from locally crafted arts and trinkets, boutique jewellery and a huge supply of second hand records for the music junkies in your family. 

The Cambridge Market’s main bar, the Alpine Lodge, is really going all out this year. Don’t miss the chance to drink from steins of beer, beer towers, and of course, lovingly made mulled wine. There’s even unique ski gondola seating booths and a heated Christmas Tipi. Not a bad place to get festive.

There’s no shortage of family fun to get stuck into at the Cambridge Market. From a 36-metre Big Wheel to get a birds eye view of this University city’s architectural marvels and lush greenery, to Santa’s Grotto where your little ones can meet the Big Man himself (hopefully it won’t be as trauma-inducing as our childhood visit to the grotto was). There’s even a Christmas Tree Maze, where you and the kids can get lost on the trail of 300 Christmas trees. Because, why not!

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Celebrate Hogmanay in style at one of the UK’s biggest and best Christmas Markets. With over 80 chalets to choose from and the city and castle all done up in dazzling lights, Edinburgh’s market is truly magical. From handmade gifts, clothing and handicrafts, to bespoke products, you’re sure to find something as you amble through Auld Reekie’s charming cobbled streets. 

There will be a mix of traditional Yuletide tasters like tartiflette and bratwurst on offer, along with Scottish specialities like tatties and haggis. Don’t forget to protect yourself from the cold, Scottish nights with a nip of hot Scotch whiskey.

Definitely the highlight every year, the festival's Torchlight Procession, which kicks off Hogmanay every year, is a sight to behold. The procession weaves its way through the historic Old Town where the streets will come to life with street theatre and fire performers, pipe bands, drummers and even Vikings from Shetland making an appearance. One for all the family. 

Christmas markets aren’t just about lights and gifts, they’re at the heart of so many festive memories, from sharing mulled wine with friends to picking out that perfect ornament. And whether you’re exploring them close to home or visiting from abroad, staying connected makes those moments even more special. With a UK eSIM plan from Sim Local, you can choose from top networks like EE, Three UK, Lyca and more, making it easy to share the magic, keep in touch, and make your Christmas memories last forever.

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