Christmas markets are one of the best things about the festive season [1], and there are plenty of them taking place up and down the UK. From Bath and London in the South to York and Manchester in the North, plus Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland, Belfast in Northern Ireland, Cardiff in Wales, and many more in between, we've rounded up the best Christmas markets across the nation.
Tick off the presents on your Christmas gift list, feast on mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, and generally get into the spirit of this most wonderful time of the year by heading down to your pick of the bunch. Browse the best festive markets on home soil right here, and get excited for the countdown to Christmas with our roundup of beauty advent calendars [2].
Birmingham
The Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham [3] is held in New Street and Victoria Square and is open from Nov. 15 to Dec. 23, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
York
York's St Nicholas Fair [4] is held at various locations, with alpine chalets on Parliament Street, festive food and drink in St Sampson's Square, the Small Business Christmas Market at Judge's Lodging, and local sellers at the Made in Yorkshire Yuletide Village. It's on from Nov. 15 to Dec. 23, 2018, with opening times released nearer the time.
London
The Southbank Centre Winter Market [5] along Queen's Walk and under Hungerford Bridge in London takes place from Nov. 9 to Dec. 27, 2018 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays to Thursdays, and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays (closed on Dec. 25).
Bath
Bath Christmas Market [6] is held around Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths, and Abbey Green. It's on from Nov. 22 to Dec. 9, 2018, starting at 10 a.m. daily and ending at 6 p.m. on Sundays; 7 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays; and 8.30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Leeds
Leeds' German Christmas Market Christkindelmarkt [7] is held in Millennium Square from Nov. 9 to Dec. 22, 2018 from 10.30 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. on Mondays to Saturdays, and 10.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. on Sundays (6 p.m. on Dec. 22). It will open at 12 noon on Nov. 11, in respect of Remembrance Day commemorations.
Lincoln
Lincoln Christmas Market [8] is held between the cathedral and the castle in the medieval square. It's open from Dec. 6 to 9, 2018. On Dec. 6 it's on from midday to 9.30 p.m.; on Dec. 7 and 8 it's open from 10 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.; and on Dec. 9 it's open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Glasgow
Glasgow Christmas Markets [9] take place in two locations, both of which are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays to Wednesdays, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursdays to Saturday (ending at 6 p.m. on each last day). St Enoch Christmas Market is on from Nov. 9 to Dec. 23, 2018, and George Square Christmas Market is on from Nov. 25 to Dec. 31, 2018 ( closed on Dec. 25).
Winchester
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market [10] takes place from Nov. 17 to Dec. 20, 2018, from 10.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. on Sundays to Wednesdays, and 10.30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays to Saturdays.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh's Christmas Market [11] is held in East Princes Street Gardens from Nov. 16, 2018 to Jan. 5, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (except on Nov. 17 when it opens from 1 p.m.; on Dec. 24 when it closes at 8 p.m.; on Dec. 25 when it is closed all day; and on Dec. 26 and and Jan. 1 when it opens at 12 p.m.).
Cardiff
Cardiff Christmas Market [12] is held on St John Street, Working Street, Hills Street, Trinity Street, and the Hayes from Nov. 15 to Dec. 23, 2018. Opening times will be released nearer the time.
Manchester
Manchester Christmas Markets [13] take place from Nov. 9 to Dec. 22, 2018 at nine locations across the city, with the market in Albert Square open until Dec. 23. Opening times will be available nearer the time.
Nottingham
The stalls at Nottingham Christmas Market [14] at the Old Market Square and Long Row are open from Nov. 15 to Dec. 24, 2018.
Swansea
Swansea Christmas Market [15] is expected to open again in 2018 on Oxford Street, from mid Nov. to just before Christmas — stay tuned for details.
Belfast
Belfast Christmas Market [16] takes place against the backdrop of Belfast City Hall from Nov. 17 to Dec. 22, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays to Wednesdays; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursdays to Saturdays; and 12 noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.