Best Christmas Markets in Britain

‘Tis the season for mulled wine and bratwurst! Britain’s Christmas markets are becoming bigger and better, with most major cities hosting their own version of the winter market. Here is our selection of the best Christmas markets in Britain…

Bath – November 24th to December 11th

Charming and sizeable, this Christmas market boasts 170 stalls set amongst Bath’s historical buildings. Visitors can spend hours exploring what’s on offer, lots of which has been made in or supplied from the local area. On top of great shopping opportunities, the Bath Christmas Market is home to one of the best Christmas markets in Britain offers an ice rink AND a glow-in-the-dark crazy golf course near The Royal Victoria Park.

Find out more: http://www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk/

Manchester – November 10th to December 16th

For a duration of five weeks, Manchester hosts their annual award-winning Christmas Market in Britain which winds its way through the city’s most striking streets and squares (including Albert square and St Ann’s Square). Inspired by the spectacular markets in Europe, visitors will be greeted by an array of delicious international food, drinks and carefully crafted gifts.

Find our more: http://www.christmasmarkets.com/individual-christmas-market/manchester-christmas-markets/

London – various dates

Naturally, London makes an appearance on this list. With a number of Christmas markets taking place in the capital, visitors can take their pick. For a more traditional European-style market, head for the Southbank Centre Winter Market (November 30th to January 3rd), where you will find wooden chalets filled with festive food, drinks and novelties running along the picturesque riverside. For a more extravagant (and somewhat busier) Christmas market experience, the place to be is Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland (it even has its own app!). Visitors can wander freely around London’s largest German-style market, indulge in the plentiful food and warming mulled wine, or purchase tickets for one the numerous attractions on offer. From skating around the UK’s largest ice rink to watching an astounding circus show, there is something for everyone at Winter Wonderland.

Find out more: http://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/about/#gtfoz7cI2cmrrphR.97

Edinburgh – November 19th to January 7th

Those visiting the Christmas markets in Edinburgh can choose to meander around the traditional European Christmas Market located in East Princes St Gardens, or, Edinburgh’s Scottish Market (ends December 24th) which promotes the best locally-sourced food and drinks.

Find out more: http://www.edinburghschristmas.com/whats-on/european-christmas-market

Birmingham – November 24th to December 29th

So. many. Sausages. Birmingham is home to the largest German market outside of Germany and Austria, and the amount of stalls offering Bratwurst (selling by the half metre) is a telling sign. Heaven for food-lovers, this long stretching market is the ideal place to indulge in fresh pretzels, candied nuts, mulled wine and hot chocolate. Visitors can also expect a range of traditional gifts, handmade decorations, toys, jewellery and more.

Find out more: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/frankfurtmarket

…Windermere? December 10th to December 11th

I’ll admit the Windermere Christmas Market is really an unexpected addition to this list. Make no mistake, this market could potentially be the greatest festive market ever to grace the planet; however, 2016 is, in fact, its debut year, and Windermere is somewhat smaller than the cities mentioned above. Nevertheless, this brand new venture is a particularly exciting prospect for the little town of Windermere, with promises of over forty local produce stalls, live music and street entertainment, with festivities to continue into the evening in the bars and pubs of Windermere.

Find out more: http://windermere-ja.co.uk/