The best Christmas markets in the UK for 2023
As the nights draw in and our thoughts begin to turn to all things sparkly, we take a look at some of the best Christmas markets in the UK for winter 2023.
From traditional German-style markets, to more arty and innovative affairs selling local produce, our roundup will help you track down the best Christmas market in the UK for you and your family to glug some mulled wine at this winter.
Manchester Christmas Markets
Totalling eight markets across the city centre, Manchester Christmas Markets 2023 promises shoppers a real seasonal spectacle. Along with all the usual stalls and food traders, this year’s market promises a festive ice rink in the central green space Cathedral Gardens. Then there are the giant decorations and a hotly anticipated Winter Gardens in Piccadilly Gardens, a 10-minute walk away, hosting live bands, festive-themed bars and tons of covered seating for tired shoppers in need of a pick-me-up.
The Manchester Christmas Markets 2023 will take place from 10 November – 21 December, from 10.00 am until 9.00 pm every day. Entry is free, although popular activities like ice skating will need to be booked in advance.
St Nicholas Fair, York
York’s wonderful Christmas market, known locally as the St Nicholas Fair, never fails to deliver the Christmas spirit. This year promises to be extra special, as the market celebrates 30 years of bringing its iconic alpine chalets to York’s Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square.
As always, the 70 chalets sell everything from high-end stationery to Yorkshire Pudding beer. But new for 2022 is a unique Swiss dining experience created by Michelin-starred chef Andrew Pern, serving the likes of fondue and raclette, pheasant with smoked garlic, ‘spätzle’ dumplings and baked tartiflette in a two-storey apline chalet. Local residents will also be offered a discount on purchases for the first time this year.
The York Christmas Market returns 16th November to 22nd December 2023. Daily opening times are Sunday to Thursday 10am to 6pm, and Friday and Saturday 10am to 8pm. Adult Return ticket is just £3.60 and up to three children go free.
Go to the best attractions in York
Southbank Centre Winter Festival, London
Many in the capital will be delighted to hear that the Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival is back for 2023. Offering all the usual festive knicknacks and food delights under twinkling lights along the Thames, the Southbank Winter Festival also offers a whole host of cultural add-ons including art exhibitions, live music, theatre and pop-ups.
Highlights include the Winter Light exhibition, alpine-themed curling and a procession of classical music performances designed to light up the crowds.
The Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival runs from 28 Oct 2023 – 7 Jan 2024, with the stalls along the Thames open from 3 November to 26 December. It’s open from 11am to 10pm every night, staying opening until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Entry is free, with individual events requiring booking.
Kingston Christmas Market
Looking for a magical Christmas market experience in London, minus the hustle and bustle? Head to Kingston-upon-Thames, a short train ride west of the capital.
In the London borough’s ancient marketplace, Kingston Christmas Market is pleasingly traditional with carol singers, vintage carousels and Nordic vibes. The Kingston market attracts retailers and food vendors from all over Europe, so you can snap up gifts and sample nibbles not easily found elsewhere.
Kingston’s Christmas market will run from Thursday 10 November to Saturday 24 December, 2022. Daily opening times are Sunday to Wednesday 10am to 6pm, and Thursday to Saturday 10am to 8pm. Entry is free.
Chatsworth Estate Christmas Market, Bakewell
The home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, set in a 105-acre garden, transforms into a breath-taking winter wonderland every Christmas. The 2023 Chatsworth Estate Christmas Market promises to be more spectacular than ever, as the grounds have been given a magical Nordic makeover.
You can expect to find a glorious range of artisan goods plus some exclusive Chatsworth designs and products. There will also be mouthwatering food from around the world, including churros and hot pork-stuffed rolls, plus a programme of live music.
Admission to the market is included in all Christmas at Chatsworth and Christmas in the Garden tickets booked for visits between 4 – 26 November.
Opening times
Monday – Thursday | 10am – 5.30pm
Friday – Sunday | 10am – 6pm
Maps
2023 Christmas market parking guide
Christmas market stalls (4-15 November)
Christmas market stalls (16-26 November)
Celebrate Christmas at the Chatsworth Estate
Belfast Christmas Market, Belfast
Belfast Christmas Market is now in its 15th year and in 2023 it will return again to its much-loved home in the grounds of Belfast City Hall, in Donegal Square.
Offering over 100 chalets selling everything from artisan cheeses to beard-grooming must-haves, this year promises to make you feel extra warm and fuzzy, as local producers will make up over 40 per cent of the retailers.
On top of the buzzy atmosphere and a warm seasonal welcome, visitors can expect imaginative food and drink. Try the lobster burger from local restaurateurs Mourne, or ice-cream from Belfast favourites, Rossi’s.
The Belfast Christmas Market will run from 18 November 2023 to 22 December 2023.
- Monday to Wednesday, 10am to 8pm (bars open until 9pm)
- Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10am to 10pm (bars open until 11pm)*
- Sunday, 12 noon to 6pm
*Market will close at 6pm on Friday 22 December.
Edinburgh Christmas market, Edinburgh
The Edinburgh Christmas Market returns for 2023 with a programme of exciting attractions in both East and West Princes’ Street Gardens, and on the Mound. In addition to all the standard festive food and arts and crafts stands, there will also be an ice-rink and new lighting and projections on George Street to look forward to, plus a vintage funfair.
will be running for seven magical weeks from 17 November 2023 – 6 January 2024 and will see a whole host of events, festivities, markets, shows and more, bringing the city to life for the most wonderful time of the year.
Swansea Christmas Market, Swansea
Gifted makers, talented foodies and traditional traders all rub shoulders at Swansea’s Christmas Market, on Oxford Street. Even as the temperature drops, you’ll be kept warm in the city centre transformed into a Scandi wonderland filled with sparkle and delicious, Christmas-spice smells.
Christmas shopping highlights for 2023 include a vintage carousel, specialist ports and wines and handmade soaps.
The Swansea Christmas Market will run from Friday 24 November – Wednesday 20 December 2023. Daily opening times are Mondays to Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sundays 10am to 4.30pm. Entry is free.
Christmas markets in the UK FAQs
What Christmas markets are on in London?
The Southbank Centre Winter Festival is probably the most high-profile Christmas market in London, but there are many more, including markets in Covent Garden, Selfridges, Leicester Square and Borough.
When do Christmas markets in the UK start?
Most UK Christmas markets tend to start in mid-November and carry on until Christmas Eve, although some continue until January.
What is the biggest Christmas market in the UK?
This is a tricky one to answer, but in terms of sheer size, it’s likely to be the Manchester Christmas markets, which are actually eight separate markets spread across the city centre. Return One way Multi-city
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