The most wonderful time of the year is almost upon us. Now that Halloween is over, it’s officially time to heat up the mulled wine, begin collecting stocking fillers and take to the iceskating rink. And what’s one magical place where you can do all those things and more? A Christmas market.
Soon, twinkling wooden huts will pop up all over the UK, serving up festive food, warm cinnamon-y booze and artisanal gifts. But which Christmas markets really stand out above the rest? According to the Independent, there are 12. The paper has revealed its pick of the best Christmas markets in the country, featuring cobbled high streets, cathedrals and a palace.
Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham is the biggest German market outside of Germany and Austria, so it only makes sense that it’s on the list. The Independent calls it ‘the place for bratwurst, stollen and gluhwein’.
For those who enjoy a cathedral, Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market or Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market are solid options. The Independent says that the former is ‘undeniably one of the UK’s most magical markets’ while at the latter ‘over a hundred twinkling festive chalets, global street food and themed bars showcase the best of West Country produce and handcrafted gifts’.
Or, for a more regal experience, the paper recommends the market at Blenheim Palace. Besides the usual gift stalls, you’ll find an illuminated trail through the gardens and (brand new for 2024) an ice skating rink around the stately home’s Great Court.
The UK’s best Christmas markets, according to the Independent
- Bath Christmas Market
- Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham
- Cardiff Christmas Market
- Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
- Edinburgh Christmas Market
- York Christmas Market
- Belfast Christmas Market
- Canterbury Christmas Market
- Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
- Spitalfields Christmas Market, London
- Holkham Hall, Norfolk
- Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market
Christmas with Time Out
We've got our very own pick of the most magical Christmas markets in the UK (and when they begin), plus a bunch of other lists to help you get in the festive spirit. Take a look at the most beautiful Christmas light trails, best Christmas movies (Die Hard included), the most festive Christmas towns, the best places for gift-shopping and the best festive events and activities across the country.
Did you see that the price of pints could go down?
Plus: The UK’s Tree of the Year has been crowned for 2024.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.