UK Christmas Markets 2023

The days are becoming shorter and colder. With Halloween and Bonfire Night firmly behind us, it can only mean one thing…CHRISTMAS IS COMING!

To get you in the mood and spark some inspiration, we’ve listed a few places which would be worth visiting in the UK:

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market

Where? Victoria Square and New Street, Birmingham

When? 2^nd November to 24^th December 2023

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria, no wonder it’s one of the best Christmas markets in the UK. With almost 200 stalls on Victoria Square and along New Street, you can indulge in traditional beverages and food, whilst browsing handcrafted Christmas decorations, toys, toiletries, and jewellery (just to name a few).

Victoria Square’s bandstand has a variety of live music and carol singers to really help you get into the festive spirit. With its ice rink you can also show off your skating skills to friends and family.   

Whatever, your reasons for visiting, there is sure to be something there for everyone.

Nottingham Winter Wonderland

Where? Old Market Square, Nottingham

When? 7^th November 2023 - 31^st December 2023

The magical Winter Wonderland has returned to Nottingham this year and they have extended the Christmas fun for an extra week.

There are over 70 stalls where you can browse and purchase a range of gifts or homemade food and drinks.

Nottingham’s Christmas festivities will include the popular ice rink, Sky Skate ice path, Ice Bar and Altitude Ski Bars. Skaters will be able to glide around the Old Market Square, metres above the crowd. Those who are not so keen on heights can enjoy the ground level ice rink. Younger visitors can also enjoy the festivities on the toboggan ride and Frozen Swing.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Where? Hyde Park, London

When? 17^th November 2023 – 1^st January 2024

One of the biggest Christmas attractions in London is Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. Being in a centrally accessible part of London and home to the tallest, transportable Ferris Wheel and largest open air ice rink, it’s no wonder.

You’d need at least a day to enjoy all the attractions, rides, stalls, and eateries. While exploring make sure you see the amazing circus acts at Cirque Berserk and the creative ice sculpture workshops. There is also a venue to hear live bands and watch performers.

Southbank Winter Festival

Where? Southbank Centre, London

When? 28^th October 2023 – 7^th January 2024

The Southbank Centre’s popular Winter Festival is back. As the darker evenings approach Christmas Market stalls begin to pop up and the lights begin to twinkle all along the banks of the river Thames.

Southbank’s Winter Festival brings the Christmassy feel to anyone who visits. Enjoy festive shows and singing, as well as browsing Christmas gifts ready to be purchased.

Manchester Christmas Markets

Where? Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester

When? 10^th November 2023 – 21^st December 2023

This year is an extra special occasion for Manchester’s Christmas Market as it will be the 25^th year it’s been running. With around 300 market stalls across nine sites in the city, shoppers can enjoy browsing and purchasing from local traders.

Each market section has a distinctive theme, a traditional European market, world markets, a French theme, and a German market.

Visitors will be able to get into the festive spirit skating on the ice rink and watching the Christmas parade. There will also be entertainment for children with kids’ shows and craft fayres.

Winchester Christmas Market

Where? Winchester Cathedral. The Close, Winchester

When? 17^th November 2023 – 21^st December 2023

The Winchester Christmas Market is widely regarded as one of the best in Europe. Set in the beautiful grounds of Winchester Cathedral, visitors will be able to browse through over 100 chalets offering hand-crafted products and festive treats. An ice rink is also provided if you want to give skating a go or show off your skating skills.

While visiting don’t forget to step inside the Cathedral to explore over 1,000 years of history and listen to the choir.

Whether you’re shopping for gifts, decorations or wanting to soak up the festive atmosphere, spending time at Winchester Cathedral Market will be time well spent.

York Christmas Festival

Where? Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, York

When? 16^th November 2023 - 22^nd December 2023

York’s Christmas festival really comes to life with their alpine-style chalets along Parliament Street and St. Sampson’s Square, each offering an assortment of festive decorations, food, and traditional Christmas gifts.

While visiting you really need to make sure you stop by York Minster to see the festive lights.

Rochester Christmas Market

Where? Rochester Castle, Kent

When? 25^th November 2023 to 10^th December 2023

Another great Christmas market to visit is in the historic Medway town of Rochester. Set in the scenic grounds of Rochester Castle Gardens you will be greeted with an array of chalet style stalls where you can purchase a range of gifts and foods.

Children, and adults alike, will be able to enjoy fairground rides as well as live performances. Rochester Christmas market also coincides with the Dickensian Christmas Festival (2^nd – 3^rd December 2023), where you can meet costumed characters and enjoy open-air carol singing.

Bath Christmas Market

Where: Bath City Centre

When: 23^rd November 2023 – 10^th December 2023

When Christmas is on its way, Bath’s streets magically transform as the market arrives. It’s considered to be one of the most romantic Christmas markets to visit with its fairy-lit chalets and Christmas Carts displaying homemade crafts and decorations.

In the heart of the market, you will be able to enjoy delicious festive foods and warm drinks to keep you toasty while you’re browsing the sights.

Wherever you decide to go or whatever you decide to do, be sure to wrap up warm and enjoy the countdown to Christmas.