Best Christmas markets in Europe and the UK
A look at some of the best Christmas markets to visit… home and abroad
Whether you’re staying close to home for your Christmas shopping or travelling abroad, Christmas markets are about just more than just picking up new dangly things for the tree – they’re about socialising, enjoying festive fare and immersing yourself in the Christmas spirit (while picking up new dangly things for the tree). Here’s our pick of some of the best places to experience the fun.
EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Nuremberg
The city’s famed Christkindlesmarkt has been running since the middle of the
16th century making it one of the oldest in the world – several others are spread out around the main streets. ‘Rauschgold’ angels are popular on the stalls, as well as the famous Nuremberg gingerbread and wooden nutcrackers.
1 to 24 December
Frankfurt
With a history stretching back for centuries, the Frankfurt Christmas market was traditionally accompanied by the performance of ecclesiastical mystery plays, held on the Römerberg. The Römerberg still hosts one of the most iconic markets with others found at St Paul’s Square and around the city.
27 November to 21 December
Budapest
A favourite in Best Christmas Market reader polls, Budapest is considered to be one of the most beautiful Christmas destinations in Europe. The main market is located at Vörösmarty Square in the heart of the city, there’s a market and ice rink at St Stephen’s
Basilica and smaller markets further out. Shop for traditional Hungarian handicrafts and local foods, including Chimney cake. 17 November to 31 December
Gdansk
Poland’s favourite Christmas market, located on the coast, with markets in the city’s main square and surrounding streets in the old town. Look out for the Advent calendar gate, Angels’ Mill windmill of saints and angels, and processions of the Three Kings. And yes, there will very likely be snow.
17 November to 23 December
Copenhagen
The city’s main market in Tivoli Square is visually stunning with snowy chalets, an ice rink and the second oldest amusement park in the world. You can even have dinner in a sleigh, wrapped in furs. The Hans Christian Andersen market at Nytov Square is another good one, with stalls named after his stories. Bag yourself a traditional Nisse from Nordic mythology, with long white beard and tall hat.
17 November to 31 December
Salzburg
The hills are alive with the sound of music – and a dusting of snow, overlooking Salzburg’s beautiful Christmas markets laid out in front of Salzburg cathedral and surrounding streets, courtyards and squares. The cathedral market dates to the 15th century, make time to stop for roast chestnuts and baked apples.
23 November to 1 January
UK CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Bath
Step inside a Jane Austen novel at Christmas as you weave your way past golden-hued Georgian buildings, the backdrop to one of the UK’S prettiest Christmas markets. Browse wooden chalets stocked with festive buys from makers and crafts people throughout the southwest and beyond.
23 November to 10 December
York
Catch carols at York Minster, then step into St Nicholas Fair outside, its festive Alpine chalets winding through the cobbled streets of the old city. Browse handmade goods from local businesses and this year enjoy an even bigger area for food and drink.
16 November to 22 December
Birmingham
If you can’t make it to Germany, Birmingham is the next best thing. Its Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest authentic German market outside Germany or Austria, with authentic German food and drink, traditional decorations and gifts. There’s also a Big Wheel and ice rink, and the city’s famous singing Christmas moose (Chris) in front of the Council building.
2 November to 24 December
London
All the favourites are back this year, including Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park featuring a Christmas market with over
100 wooden cabins, festive shows, a funfair and the biggest outdoor ice rink in the UK, an atmospheric market at the Southbank, great for a riverside wander and mug of mulled wine, as well as cosy markets in Leicester Square, Convent Garden, London Bridge City and Greenwich.
November to December 2023
Winchester
Winchester’s 1,000-year-old cathedral is the backdrop to this charming Christmas market, choral music drifting out from inside as you browse, with an outdoor performance stage hosting local and visiting acts. As well as the usual festive stalls, there’s a makers’ market showcasing a range of handmade goods from the local area and beyond.
17 November to 21 December
Glasgow
The city will be running two Christmas markets: St Enoch Square will have the usual festive stalls as well as a marshmallow toasting station and Bavarian moose bar, while the market at George Square has an ice rink, observation wheel, Venetian flying chairs and a 50-foot Christmas tree. November to January 2023
Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s Winter Festival includes a big Christmas market in Princes Street Garden with funfair and Santa Land, all magically illuminated. The city’s Hogmanay festival sees out the old year with a bang (in fact, many, many bangs), when the concert in the Gardens welcomes some of the world’s biggest acts, performing underneath Edinburgh Castle.
November to January 2023
Belfast
Belfast’s global Christmas market returns to City Hall Gardens this year, with the iconic 100-year-old building as a backdrop and an emphasis on local crafts and foods. Nearby, the Victorian St George’s Market will be beautifully decked out for the festive season with late night shopping in the run up to Christmas.
November to December 2023
TOP: Bath Christmas Market. 2ND ROW (LEFT): Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market. (RIGHT): London City Bridge. 3RD ROW (LEFT): A family visit the food court at the Belfast Market. (RIGHT): Winchester Christmas market.