10 weeks til the big day. Can you believe it? We’ve rounded up 10 of the UK’s favourite Christmas markets so you can get in the spirit. Keep reading to discover some of the best Christmas Markets in the UK.
The 10 best Christmas Markets in the UK
Edinburgh
Where: Princes Street Gardens
When: 15th November 2024 – 4th January 2025
Edinburgh Christmas Markets has something for everyone. Fancy a festive treat? Try the infamous Christmas roast wrap!
Enjoy the lovely atmosphere and show off your ice-skating skills under the Christmas lights on George Street. Head to St Andrews Square Winter Garden to listen to stories from Santa, browse the festive stalls and jump on classic rides at East Princes Street Garden.
The markets transform Edinburgh from a stunning city to a festive wonderland for all to enjoy.
Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh – Royal Mile is a 15-minute walk away and Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh – City West is a 15-minute drive.
Manchester
Where: Albert Square
When: 8th November 2024 – 22nd December 2024
Need a Christmas shopping spree? With over 200 stalls worth of festive gifts and treats on offer, there’s guaranteed to be something for everyone. Walk through the Winter Wonderland-themed streets and get some family Christmas presents ticked off the list.
Soak up the unique atmosphere at multiple market points or test your skills on the ice at Cathedral Gardens.
A 15-minute drive from Holiday Inn Express Manchester – Salford Quays and Holiday Inn Express Manchester East is a 20-minute drive.
Glasgow
Where: Glasgow City Centre
- Glasgow Winterfest – 9th November 2024 – 6th January 2025
- George Square Christmas Market – 23rd November 2024 – 5th January 2025
- St Enoch Square Christmas Market – 9th November 2024 – 29th December 2024
When: 9th November 2024 – 5th January 2025
Glasgow transforms into a Winter Wonderland for all to enjoy. Shop at over 50 unique chalets that offer everything from handcrafted jewellery to international food dishes that’ll warm you up on a chilly winter’s evening.
Listen to live entertainment while you look through the markets or make a quick pitstop at one of many festive drink bars. Want to meet Santa Claus? Climb onboard his train.
Don’t miss the annual Christmas light switch-on, on the 17th of November 2024.
Just a few minutes walk from Holiday Inn Express Glasgow Theatreland and a 20-minute walk from Holiday Inn Express Glasgow – City Centre Riverside
London
Where: Hyde Park
When: 21st November 2024 – 5th January 2025
Join in the festive fun at the iconic London Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. For the thrill seekers, jump on as many rides as you want and take in the views from the Ferris Wheel then go down the Helter Skelter!
Winter Wonderland offers endless festive activities like Bar Ice, an apres-ski-themed bar made entirely out of ice. Drink your festive cocktail whilst you sit and listen to the live music inside.
Fancy a bit of shopping? Winter Wonderland contains hundreds of stalls and chalets for you to find that perfect present. Stroll through the grounds and try street food from all over the world, then finish it off with a nice drink in one of the many taverns.
Tune into one of the many live shows, including circus performances or make your way over to Santaland where you’ll be able to meet Santa at his grotto.
A 20-minute tube ride from Holiday Inn Express London Hammersmith and a 30-minute train journey from Holiday Inn Express London – Wandsworth
Newcastle
Where: Greys Monument
When: 16th November 2024 – 5th December 2025
The Newcastle Christmas Markets are set to return and will bring along a festive atmosphere. A small village made out of stalls and chalets is created in the centre of Newcastle that’s filled with festive spirit and Christmas magic.
Fancy a festive drink? Escape from the busy street and find a seat inside the cosy Moonsenwirt Alpine bar. Shop one-of-a-kind gifts from the countless stalls, or grab a festive bite and enjoy the Christmas.
A 15-minute walk from Holiday Inn Express Newcastle City Centre
Birmingham
Where: Victoria Square
When: 1st November 2024 – 24th December 2024
Ready to get some festive shopping done? Stroll through Victoria Square and along New Street to discover all the different stalls lined up.
Grab tasty European snacks like pretzels and bratwurst as you wander around the Christmas-themed streets. Treat yourself to a lovely hot chocolate fresh from one of the Stalls.
Live music makes the evening special with bands playing live at Victoria Square. Pick up a copy of the stage programme so you don’t miss out.
A 15-minute walk from Holiday Inn Express Birmingham Snow Hill and Hampton by Hilton Birmingham Jewellery Quarter
Bicester
Where: Blenheim Palace
When: 15th December 2024 – 22nd December 2024
Escape from busy Christmas shopping and experience the festive atmosphere in Blenheim Palace. Shop for exclusive, hand-made festive items to give to family and close ones.
Grab a drink as you stroll through the stalls and chalets, set up to provide a festive atmosphere. Mulled wine or hot chocolate in the crisp evening air will be a treat! Walk through the illuminated trails and make festive memories with the family that’ll last a lifetime.
A 20-minute drive from Holiday Inn Express Bicester
Statford Upon Avon
Where: Bridge Street
When: 7th December 2024 – 8th December 2024 & 14th December – 15th December 2024
Containing more than 200 stalls and chalets, it’s one of the biggest Christmas Markets in the West Midlands. Shop for unique items or enjoy the experiences that the funfair has to offer or sit back and relax while taking in the festive atmosphere.
A 20-minute drive from Holiday Inn Express Warwick – Stratford Upon Avon
Bristol
Where: City Centre
When: 1st November 2024 – 23rd December 2024
Stroll through the festive stalls that sell a variety of goods from crafts, seasonal treats and unique customised presents. Make sure you pick up a velvety hot chocolate or mulled wine.
If you’re hungry, there is plenty of food on offer, from hog roasts, Yorkshire pudding wraps, churros and so much more. Enjoy live festive music and wander through the festive-themed streets of Bristol.
Take advantage of the festive selfie spots that are situated throughout the markets as they are perfect for making memories with friends and family.
A 10-minute walk from Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Centre and a 20-minute drive from Bristol Filton
Exeter
Where: Exeter Cathedral
When: 15th November 2024 – 15th December 2024
Ready for some Christmas shopping? Find exactly what you’re after as they have over 100 festive stalls and chalets. Find gifts from locally sourced produce and street food that’ll put you in the festive mood. Pay a small charitable donation to go into the Cathedral!
Take pictures to remember your time at Exeter Christmas Markets, the perfect place for festive memories.
A 15-minute drive from Holiday Inn Express Exeter East and a ten-minute walk from Exeter City Centre