Plan your festive getaway with hand-picked guides to the UK’s brightest markets, updated for 2025–26.
Tap a marker to jump straight to a market guide, or browse the list to compare dates and highlights across the UK.
Confirmed 2025 dates with highlights, travel pointers and official links so you can plan with confidence.
Birmingham, West Midlands · 1 Nov – 24 Dec 2025
The largest authentic German Christmas market outside Germany and Austria returns to Victoria Square and New Street with bratwurst, pretzels, glühwein and live music.
Manchester, Greater Manchester · 7 Nov – 22 Dec 2025
More than 300 stalls return across the city centre, with Albert Square back in the mix alongside Exchange Square, St Ann’s Square and Piccadilly Gardens.
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire · 12 Nov – 31 Dec 2025
Old Market Square becomes a festive village with a 200m ice rink, Sur La Piste alpine bar, observation wheel, ice bar and over 60 market stalls.
Cardiff, Wales · 13 Nov – 23 Dec 2025
Craft Focus Wales curates more than 70 independent Welsh makers across St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street and the Hayes.
York, North Yorkshire · 13 Nov – 21 Dec 2025
Alpine chalets line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square with Yorkshire traders, cosy tea huts and entertainment in the shadow of York Minster.
Woodstock, Oxfordshire · 14 Nov 2025 – 3 Jan 2026
The Great Court hosts a traditional artisan market while the palace interior transforms into “The Palace of Oz” and the parkland glows with an illuminated trail.
London · 14 Nov 2025 – 1 Jan 2026
A ticketed festive theme park featuring the UK’s largest open-air ice rink, 150+ attractions, circus shows, rides, alpine bars and the iconic Bavarian Village.
Edinburgh, Scotland · 15 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026
Princes Street Gardens, George Street and St Andrew Square host Edinburgh’s festive extravaganza with a double-decker big wheel, ice rink and alpine food huts.
Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear · 15 Nov – 23 Dec 2025
Grey Street, Grainger Street and Old Eldon Square host around 40 traders championing North East food, drink and crafts.
Chester, Cheshire · 19 Nov – 22 Dec 2025
Eighty wooden chalets circle the town hall and cathedral, blending artisan produce with Chester’s Roman-meets-medieval backdrop.
Winchester, Hampshire · 21 Nov – 22 Dec 2025
Once voted one of Europe’s best, this atmospheric market surrounds Winchester Cathedral with handpicked exhibitors and a towering Christmas tree.
Bath, Somerset · 27 Nov – 14 Dec 2025
Twinkling chalets fill the cobbled streets surrounding Bath Abbey, with more than 170 traders and a strong focus on local makers and sustainable gifting.
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire · 29 Nov – 7 Dec 2025
Victorian-costumed traders, live entertainment, a traditional funfair and nearly 300 stalls fill Stratford’s historic streets across two weekends.
Use this quick guide to lock in the essentials and make the most of your market visit.
The earliest major markets open on 1 November (Birmingham) with the majority launching mid-November. Cathedral and city markets usually wrap up between 21 and 24 December, while Winter Wonderland and Edinburgh continue into early January.
Most markets are free to enter, but premium experiences—Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Blenheim’s light trail, York’s Santa events—may require timed tickets. Always check the official site for booking details and cancellation policies.
City-centre markets often recommend using park & ride or rail connections to avoid congestion. Compare train and coach fares early, and look for festive shuttle services (e.g. Stratford-upon-Avon, Winchester Cathedral).
Most have accessible routes, but surfaces can be uneven. Review organiser accessibility guides (linked above) for details on wheelchair access, quiet hours, accessible parking and toilet facilities.
The Lincoln Christmas Market 2025 remains cancelled after City of Lincoln Council shelved the event. Traditionally it illuminated the first weekend of December, but the shutters stay down again this year.
Lincoln’s market ran for four decades, drawing more than a quarter of a million visitors with its mix of cathedral views, castle courtyards and independent makers. Its closure leaves a real gap for festive trips to the East Midlands.
We still believe the Lincoln experience deserves a place in every Christmas itinerary, so we’ve collected travel advice, park & ride details and stall memories to help you plan a festive visit even without the official market.