Best Christmas Markets in the UK | 2022 Opening Dates Released

Will the Energy crisis affect Christmas markets in the UK?

While this Christmas may not be filled with as many twinkling lights as last year due to the energy crisis, some councils in the UK have been debating cancelling their town’s Christmas market altogether. The council of Guildford Borough, for example, said they simply cannot justify the cost of celebrating a twinkling Christmas with the current energy prices in the UK.

However, some UK cities are trying to think outside of the box in ways they can celebrate Christmas while still being cost and energy efficient. Oxford, for example, will display its Christmas lights with LED lights, which are 75% more efficient than standard lightbulbs. Thus, even amidst the energy crisis, there are still many UK cities that are going through with their Christmas markets.

The best Christmas Markets in the UK – 2022

So, get ready to kick off the festive season in the UK with their world-renowned Christmas markets, with some starting as early as November 5th. Usually, the UK sees an average of 156.2 rainy days per year. Yet, somehow in the Christmas season, the grey skies, slushy streets, and the smell of hot chocolate and mulled wine work cohesively to create the perfect festive atmosphere. With the thrill of hunting from stall to stall to find the perfect gifts for your loved ones and the laughter coming from the outdoor ice rinks, the UK is the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit.

That being said, there are dozens of Christmas markets to choose from, making it hard to narrow down which Christmas market should be on your ¨do not miss list¨. So we´ve taken the liberty to make a list for you, checked it twice, and we must say they are really quite nice. From the main features unique to each Christmas market to different regions and countries within the UK, we have everything you need to make your choice covered.

1. Edinburgh Christmas Market, Scotland

From – 19th November 2022 to 3rd January 2023
Best for – Those looking for unique gifts and Scottish traditions

Edinburgh’s winter festivals combine Christmas and Hogmanay over the November to January festive period in the Scottish capital. From mulled Irn Bru to Santa Land, Edinburgh´s Christmas market has something for all ages.

You will find different markets spread out across the town, from Scottish markets to the traditional European markets, with a wide variety of festive food, rides, lights shows and even Harry Potter gifts.

2. Manchester Christmas Market, England

When  –  November 8th to December 19th, 2022
Best for – Those looking for a good Christmas party

Manchester hosts one of the largest Christmas markets in the UK, with a great party atmosphere. 300 wooden and festive stalls spread out across 3 main areas within the city, so if you´re looking for a lively Christmas party scene, look no further. They even have a special gin bar with over 100 different types of gin. But don´t worry, you´ll be able to find mulled wine there as well.

In Manchester´s Christmas market, you´ll be able to find traditional German and Austrian food and gift selections from across the continent. The city even provides free internet connection hotspots, so no worries about getting lost in this massive Christmas market.

3. Winter Wonderland, London, England

When – November 13th to January 2nd, 2023
Best for – Those wanting to get the maximum holiday spirit

Unsurprisingly, London makes the list as one of the best Christmas markets in the UK. Hyde park is converted into a full-blow winter wonderland for the Christmas season, featuring the biggest outdoor ice rink in the UK. Admission into this winter wonderland is free, with over 100 rides and plenty of on-site attractions and entertainment.

Of course, you´ll also be able to shop through the traditional German Christmas market, for special gifts and festive foods.

4. Winchester Christmas Market, England

When – 18th November to 22nd December, 2022
Best for – Cathedral lovers and foodies

Winchester´s Christmas Market is one of the most famous Christmas markets in Europe, with its unique location in the shadow of Winchester´s Cathedral with the melody of the cathedral’s choir encompassing its surroundings. With just over 100 chalets, there are plenty of unique hand-crafted gift options and lots of festive treats to munch on, from French raclette cheese to mince pies and German sausages. And yes, of course, mulled wine, hot chocolate and craft beer. For those wanting to get a bit more active, you can hit up the open-air ice rink.

5. Bath Christmas Market, England

When – 24th November to 11th December, 2022
Best for – History lovers and those who want to support local communities

Bath hosts one of the most popular Christmas markets in the UK. The historical and beautiful city, known for its roman baths, cobbled streets and historic landmarks, hosts their Christmas market in the centre of Bath´s World heritage site.

With over 150 wooden chalets, you´ll be sure to find locally sourced products, crafts, and foods. They are also especially known for hosting local charities with free charity chalet rentals.

6. York Christmas Market, England

When – November 17th to 23rd December, 2022
Best for – Those wanting to experience a picturesque hallmark movie setting

York´s iconic attractions, such as Clifford´s Tower, York Minster, and The Shambles, make it the perfect destination for a heartwarming Christmas market. Take a stroll from The Shambles to Parliament Street, where the smell of chestnuts in the air and the Christmas lights displayed along the street will surely get you into a festive mood.

Pop into some of the alpine-style chalets for locally made gifts from carters and makers, or find some more traditional gifts near Parliament. Either way, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to find the perfect gifts for your loved ones. When you’re all shopped out, you can hit up the food market, with food from around the world.

7. Chester Christmas Market, England

When – November 18th – December 22nd, 2022
Best for – Those who want a traditional Christmas in a gothic setting

If you’re looking for something more traditional and quaint, the Chester Christmas market is a great option for you. You’ll find 70 wooden chalets in front of the Victorian gothic town hall and the medieval cathedral, filled with locally produced treats and gifts.

8. Belfast Christmas Market, Northern Ireland

When – November 19th to December 22, 2022
Best for – Those looking for a traditional Christmas market

You’re looking for a great Christmas market but want a break from the city? Belfast might be the perfect place for you. The wooden chalets and twinkling lights covering the streets of Belfast give the location a traditional Christmas market feel. Belfast even has free wifi networks around the city, ensuring you won’t be spending all of your data posting pictures of Santa Claus, the Christmas display at Titanic Belfast, and more.

9. Birmingham Christmas Market, England

When – November 5th to December 23, 2023
Best for – Those looking for a traditional German Christmas market

Birmingham Christmas market is the biggest authentic German Christmas market outside of Austria and Germany, and one of the most popular markets in the UK as well. Here you can listen to live music and carol signers while you eat traditional german food such as schnitzels, and bratwurst. The live music also makes for a festive shopping atmosphere while you shop through a selection of over 80 wooden chalet stalls.

The Birmingham Christmas market also offers fun activities such as the Big Wheel and Ice skating. You can even buy your tickets through the internet on the Ice Rink Birmingham website.

10. Nottingham Christmas Market, England

When – November 14th to December 31st, 2022
Best for – A holiday family outing

The Nottingham Christmas market is locally known as Nottingham Winter Wonderland, and it certainly lives up to its name. Participants can gather around the Christmas tree in Nottingham’s Old Market Square and drink mulled wine while listening to carolers. You can expect to find over 70 traditional rustic chalets, selling German decorations, handmade gifts, and food. A Ferris wheel, carousel and ice rink are also there to provide entertainment for the young ones, making it a great choice for a family outing.