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 nine markets across the city centre, Manchester Christmas Markets 2023 promises shoppers a real seasonal spectacle. Along with 225 ski chalet-style stalls and food traders, this year’s market is special as it marks 25 years since its first edition. Don’t miss the festive ice rink in the central green space Cathedral Gardens or the Scandi-style Winter Gardens in Piccadilly Gardens, a 10-minute walk away, which hosts live bands, festive-themed bars and covered seating for tired shoppers in need of a pick-me-up.
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The Manchester Christmas Markets 2023 will run from 10 November until 21 December, from 10am until 9pm 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, bringing its iconic alpine chalets to York’s Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square. Spot Santas, have a festive afternoon tea, watch panto at the theatre or settle in for a concert all throughout the celerbratory season. As always, the 70 chalets sell everything from high-end stationery to Yorkshire Pudding beer, and local residents will also be offered a discount on purchases.
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York’s St Nicholas Market will run from 16 November to 22 December 2023. Daily opening times are Sunday to Thursday 10am to 6pm, and Friday and Saturday 10am to 8pm. Entry is free.
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 an immersive reimagining of the Nutcracker, alpine-themed curling and even a New Year’s Day Ceilidh.
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The Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival runs from 28 October to 7 January 2024. 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.
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Kingston’s Christmas market will run from 16 November to 31 December 2023. 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, with over 100 stalls selling handmade stocking fillers, German beer, sausages, churros and more.
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The Chatsworth Estate Christmas Market runs from 4 to 26 November 2023. It’s open every day from 10am to 5.30pm, staying open until 6pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Entry is free although car parking charges apply.
Belfast Christmas Market, Belfast
Belfast Christmas Market is now in its 16th 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, the market promises to make you feel extra warm and fuzzy, as local producers make up almost half 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.
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The Belfast Christmas Market will run from 18 November to 22 December 2023. Daily opening times are Monday to Wednesday 10am to 8pm (bars stay open until 9pm), Thursday to Saturday 10am to 10pm (bars open until 11pm), and Sunday 12pm to 6pm. Entry is free.
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 lighting and projections on George Street to look forward to, plus a vintage funfair. Don’t miss the 30th-anniversary torchlit procession, to celebrate Hogmanay on 30 December.
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The Edinburgh Christmas Market will run from 17 November 2023 to 6 January 2024, allowing revellers to continue the festivities over Hogmanay. Opening times will be confirmed soon.
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.
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The Swansea Christmas Market will run from 24 November to 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
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.
Most UK Christmas markets tend to start in mid-November and carry on until Christmas Eve, although some continue until January.
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 nine separate markets spread across the city centre.
