6 Most Festive Christmas Markets to Visit in the UK This Year

1. Chester, England

 From 15th November to 22nd December 2024

This year, explore one of the UK’s top three Christmas markets by spending a festive evening at Chester Christmas Market! For those seeking a charming, nostalgic holiday atmosphere, Chester’s market is the perfect destination. With more than 70 traditional wooden chalets encircling the sparkling Christmas tree in the heart of the city, you’re in for a truly magical experience.

Warm up with a cup of mulled wine as you browse the selection of unique, locally crafted gifts and treats, including handmade jewelry, clothing, accessories, and specialty foods. Don’t miss the mouthwatering hog roast bap, and stop by the Real Ale Bar for a festive cocktail or a pint of local cask ale to complete the evening.

Located in the picturesque Town Hall Square, directly across from Chester Cathedral, Chester Christmas Market is open daily throughout the season. Looking for more travel ideas? Discover England’s hidden gems, historic castles, and top attractions to experience the best the country has to offer.

Need more inspiration? Discover Chester Zoo: Lanterns and Christmas Lights  or just a Chester: Half-Hour City Cruise

 Opening dates: From 15st November to 22th December 2024.

🛏 Where to stay: Chester Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses & Hotels | Bed and Breakfasts Guide

2. Birmingham, England

From 1st November to 24th December 2024

Experience the festive magic of Birmingham Christmas Market, recognized as one of the finest Christmas markets in the UK.

Located in the heart of the city, the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market lights up Victoria Square and New Street with over 100 stalls, making it the largest traditional German market outside of Austria and Germany. Organized with support from Frankfurt, Birmingham’s sister city, this enchanting market offers a wonderful selection of toys, ornaments, and handcrafted items. Visitors can enjoy the festive spirit under the 65-foot Christmas tree while savoring German specialties like hot Gluhwein, schnitzel, bratwurst, and stollen.

Just a short stroll away, Christmas in Cathedral Square offers a cozy setting with wooden chalets featuring artisan gifts, as well as food and drink crafted by local Birmingham vendors. Centenary Square also invites guests to enjoy seasonal fun on its popular ice rink and big wheel.

While in England, take the opportunity to discover some of its most beautiful spots, including breathtaking natural wonders, charming hidden gems, historic castles, vibrant attractions, and stunning beaches. Plan your accommodations, and tours for a memorable holiday experience at the UK’s most beautiful Christmas markets.

Need more inspiration? Discover Birmingham: Christmas Market and Festive Lights Walking Tour or see the new ride at Cadbury World 

 Opening dates: From 1st November to 24th December 2024.

🛏 Where to stay: Birmingham Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses & Hotels, West Midlands UK | Bed and Breakfasts Guide

3. Edinburgh - Scotland

From 15th November 2024 to 4th January 2025

For three years running, Edinburgh has celebrated its title as the UK’s Best Christmas Market, attracting visitors from around the globe. Located in East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh’s Christmas Market is a must-see, blending traditional charm with modern festive treats. From the Scottish twist of mulled Irn Bru to vegan pigs in blankets, the market offers delights for every taste. You’ll also discover unique Harry Potter-inspired gifts and locally crafted items, ensuring a memorable holiday shopping experience.

Santa Land returns to East Princes Street Gardens with rides for all ages, while Santa’s Grotto on Castle Street creates a magical moment for children eager to meet Santa himself. The Royal Mile lights up with the reimagined Light Night, launching the festivities with an impressive display. Edinburgh’s Community Christmas adds to the holiday magic with special projections and performances across 12 city locations, celebrating local talent and spreading holiday cheer.

 Need more inspiration? Discover what you can do in Edinburgh. 

 Opening dates: From 15nd November to 4th January 2025.

🛏 Where to stay: Edinburgh Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses & Hotels, Midlothian, Scotland UK | Bed and Breakfasts Guide

4. Leeds, England 

From 22nd November to 22nd December 2024

The highly anticipated Ice Cube@Christmas outdoor skating rink returns to Millennium Square in Leeds this winter, setting the stage for a festive season filled with family-friendly fun at one of the UK’s Best Christmas Markets.

Starting in late November, Millennium Square, along with Victoria Gardens and Cookridge Street, will transform into a winter wonderland. Open daily (excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day) until New Year’s Eve, the event’s centerpiece will be a spacious 400-square-meter ice rink with a clear, marquee-style roof, ensuring skating sessions continue regardless of the weather.

Visitors can also enjoy an array of local and international street foods and drinks served from Alpine-inspired chalet huts and festive stalls. A beautifully decorated Christmas Tree Bar, nestled near the iconic owls of Leeds Civic Hall, completes the holiday ambiance.

 Need more inspiration? Discover what you can do in Leeds . 

 Opening dates: From 22nd November to 22nd December 2024.

🛏 Where to stay: Leeds Bed and Breakfast & Hotels, West Yorkshire | Bed and Breakfasts Guide 

5. London, England

From 21st November 2024 to 5th January 2025

Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland, London’s dazzling Christmas event, returns in November 2024, offering six weeks of festive excitement with free entry and even more entertainment than ever. Recognized as one of the UK’s top ten Christmas markets, it features over 100 rides and attractions to delight visitors.

Holiday shoppers can explore the traditional German Christmas market, where more than 200 charming chalets offer unique, handcrafted gifts like ceramics, candles, jewelry, wooden toys, nativity scenes, and holiday decorations. While you’re there, take the chance to discover England’s best castles, stunning natural wonders, hidden gems, and top attractions for an unforgettable English adventure.

 Need more inspiration? Discover what you can do in See the London Christmas LIght by open top bus or Festive London Christmas Day River Thames Lunch Cruise.. 

 Opening dates: From 21st November 2024 to 5th January 2025. 

🛏 Where to stay: Hotels, Guest Houses and Bed and Breakfasts near Winter Wonderland Hyde Park, London | Bed and Breakfasts Guide

6. Glasgow, Scotland

1st December 2024 to 7th January 2025 

Glasgow is home to one of the UK’s most enchanting Christmas markets, featuring chic shopping, fantastic food and drink options, and a bustling schedule of holiday events, all set against a backdrop of sparkling city lights.

The beloved Glasgow Christmas Markets showcase a vibrant array of stalls with unique gifts, handcrafted goods, and international foods, all nestled in a festive village of cozy, rustic cabins. Whether you’re on the hunt for a thoughtful present or just craving something delicious, Glasgow’s Christmas markets offer a memorable holiday experience for everyone!

 Need more inspiration? Discover the Glasgow: Vintage Bus Tour with Afternoon Tea or Gin and From Glasgow: Loch Lomond, Trossachs & Stirling Castle Tour. 

 Opening dates: From 1st December 2024 to 7th January 2025. 

🛏 Where to stay: Glasgow Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses & Hotels, East Lothian, Scotland UK | Bed and Breakfasts Guide

Christmas Baking Class for Families: Festive Biscuit Decorating in the Cotswolds

Christmas in the Cotswolds? There’s something magical about it. This season, you and your family have the chance to join an intimate, festive experience in Burford—a quintessential English town known for its charm and, now, for its unforgettable holiday baking class. Imagine the smell of spices, butter, and ginger wafting through a cosy upstairs studio, tucked away in a charming tearoom. If you’re looking for an experience that brings your family together and sends you home with treats you’ll be proud to display, this is it. And it’s not just baking; it’s an entire seasonal immersion!

Book the best Christmas day out here:- Family Christmas Baking Class 

The Festive Kickoff: Mince Pies and Royal Icing Demo

The session starts with a bang (and a dash of flour). You’ll dive into a live demonstration that demystifies royal icing—a skill that transforms biscuits into little works of art. From creating the right consistency to piping tips that make your designs stand out, this hands-on demo lets you see and try techniques that give professional results.

Next up: mince pies! Not only do you get to see how the classic spiced filling is made, but you’ll even make your own. Yes, your own, because there’s nothing quite like customising a mince filling to suit your family’s tastes. Maybe you’ll add an extra hint of clove or a splash of brandy? The choice is yours. By the time you’re done, you’ll have a rich, aromatic filling ready to meet its buttery, spiced pastry.

Roll Up Your Sleeves: Baking Time!

Here’s where the fun really starts. You’ll roll, cut, and shape your own shortcrust pastry—perfect for those mince pies—and work with gingerbread dough to create beautifully sculpted biscuits that you can hang on the tree or enjoy at home. This hands-on segment gives everyone a chance to get creative, with designs that range from classic stars to intricate Christmas trees. The dough is prepared with a blend of spices that evoke all the cosiness of the season, creating a holiday aroma that’ll linger long after the biscuits come out of the oven.

Sip, Relax, and Savour

Once the biscuits are baked and decorated, it’s time for a well-deserved break. You’ll be treated to a classic British afternoon refreshment: a warm mince pie alongside a pot of fine tea or a cappuccino. It’s the perfect moment to take in the festive atmosphere, unwind, and admire your creations with family by your side.

Take Home a Slice of Christmas

No baking class would be complete without taking home some of the holiday cheer. At the end of the class, you’ll pack up an assortment of your own beautifully decorated biscuits and tree ornaments, along with the scrumptious mince pies. They’re perfect for gifting, sharing with friends, or (let’s be honest) enjoying yourself.

This 2-hour workshop in Burford isn’t just a baking class—it’s a memory in the making.

Book the perfect festive getaway :-  Burford Bed and Breakfast, Hotels & Guest Houses, Oxfordshire UK | Bed and Breakfasts Guide

Book the best Christmas day out here:- Family Christmas Baking Class in Burford