It’s almost time to untangle those fairy lights and snip off some sprigs of holly! With December close on the horizon, you may be craving a little festive magic. What better way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year than a trip to one of the best UK Christmas markets?
The North of England and Scotland are blessed with some truly fantastic options – all of which offer the perfect opportunities to sample a few festive delights and pick up some gorgeous gifts for your loved ones. Some are set to open as early as the first week of November this year, so now’s the time to start planning a visit.
To get into the festive spirit, here’s our round-up of what we believe to be the best Christmas markets in the UK for 2024 (and yes, we may be a little biased!).
When: 22nd November – 22nd December
Where: Leeds city centre: Millennium Square, City Square and an additional weekend market on Bond Court
After hosting its first large festive market in years in 2023, Leeds is back with a bang in 2024. Taking on feedback from the community on last year’s setup, this year, the markets will be focused on two core areas rather than spread across the city. By bringing all the stalls together in Millennium Square and City Square, it will make it much easier for you to fully immerse yourself in the festive spirit (and with a lot less walking!).
Highlights of Leeds Christmas Market will include Bavarian-style market stalls, indie producers and outdoor bar spaces serving up all the cosy vibes – think festive drinks, bright decorations and comfy seating where you can sip, snack and socialise with friends. There are loads of fun family activities to look forward to as well, from the Ice Cube skating rink to live carol performances.
When: 8th November – 22nd December
Where: Piccadilly Gardens, St Ann’s Square and Exchange Street, Market Street, King’s Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, The Corn Exchange, Cathedral Gardens, Spinningfields
It wouldn’t be a list of the UK’s best Christmas markets if it didn’t include Manchester. As the host of the largest Christmas market in the North, the city never fails to wow with its festive offering which takes place across the city centre from early-November.
One of the most popular Manchester Christmas Market zones is the super-central Piccadilly Gardens, which is where you’ll be able to pick up homemade gifts, plenty of tasty grub and, of course, festive mugs filled with mulled wine. Elsewhere, you’ll typically find a variety of high-end gifts for sale at the stalls around the sleek Spinningfields neighbourhood, plus vendors selling authentic European Christmas treats along King Street.
Want to combine your market wanderings with a festive activity? Make a beeline for Cathedral Gardens where an outdoor ice rink will be open until the 1st of January.
When: 14th November – 22nd December
Where: St Sampson’s Square, Parliament Street
Thanks to its winding cobblestone streets and medieval monuments, York always looks like a postcard regardless of the time of year! Nevertheless, the city is particularly photogenic by the end of November thanks to its glittering festive lights and lively Christmas market.
York’s St Nicholas Fair is charmingly traditional and is now in its 32nd year. Prepare to browse 75 alpine-style chalets, jam-packed with shops and tempting street food stalls. With 80% of this year’s traders being Yorkshire-based, the York Christmas Market is a fantastic way to support the local economy whilst securing top-quality, locally made produce. And make sure you don’t miss the magical vintage carousel – a fabulous spot to take the family.
When: 15th November – 4th January
Where: East and West Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh
Edinburgh famously pulls out all the stops for Hogmanay – but that doesn’t mean the Scottish capital scrimps when it comes to Christmas. The entire city looks like something out of a festive movie come December, with the majority of its decorations and seasonal attractions concentrated around its two major shopping streets.
For a host of around 80 colourful stalls selling artisan gifts and exquisite edible treats, check out the main Edinburgh Christmas Market around East and West Princess Street Gardens. In the East Gardens, you’ll find the traditional Christmas market, festive food and the Big Wheel – the perfect place to see the city from up high. In the West Princes Street Gardens, there’s a family-friendly zone with funfair-style rides for kids to enjoy. Don’t miss the free shows and other entertainment at the Ross Bandstand too. Ice skaters will find the usual rink set-up on bustling George Street in the New Town – so lace up those skates and let the Christmas spirit take over.
When: 7th and 8th December
Where: Market Place, Malton
Foodies rejoice! This charming Yorkshire market town has long been famed for its culinary offering and this December, it will host a two-day-long event that’s almost entirely dedicated to delicious Christmassy treats.
The festive version of Malton’s regular monthly food market will take place on the first weekend of December in 2024. Malton Christmas Festival will set up shop in the town’s attractive Market Place, with stalls selling a huge array of scrumptious edible and non-food items and gifts. Savour some of the town’s best street food and enjoy free, festive entertainment in the form of live choir performances and Christmas favourites delivered by local brass bands. An ideal day out for the family, this charming festival is not one to be missed.
When: 16th November – 22nd December
Where: Grey’s Monument, Grey Street, Old Eldon Square
Heading to the North East this festive season? Don’t miss Newcastle Christmas Market. Set to be bigger and better than 2023, Newcastle is home to a wonderful Christmas extravaganza in mid-November. The spectacular stalls will be back with a focus on local vendors selling amazing gifts and delicious goodies.
This year sees an addition to the festive line-up with a new family entertainment area on Old Eldon Square, where kids can meet Santa and get involved in an immersive storytelling experience. It promises to be a real-life winter wonderland.
When: 10th November – 4th January
Where: St. Enoch Square, George Square
Nestled in the heart of the city, Winterfest is set to transform the centre of Glasgow into a festive delight once again. Set across St. Enoch Square and George Square, you can peruse delights from around 50 local vendors, selling everything from baubles to burgers.
Alongside the market stalls, there’ll be plenty of Christmassy activities to get involved in. Ride the big wheel for views across the city, skate the glorious ice rink for memories that will last a lifetime, and if you’re feeling particularly carefree, join the silent disco to let go and truly get in the Christmas spirit.
So, whether hunting for the perfect present or just soaking up the festive vibes, Glasgow’s Christmas Market has something for everyone.
When: 14th November – 24th December
Where: Fargate, Town Hall Square
For a Christmas market that truly demonstrates the community spirit of its host city, Sheffield is a must. With local traders selling their wares across more than 50 log cabins, the Sheffield Christmas Market is the perfect place to pick up unique and locally sourced festive gifts for loved ones. Alongside the stalls, you’ll find three buzzing alpine bars where you can warm up with hot chocolate or treat yourself to something stronger – it is Christmas after all!
For family trips, be sure to take a ride on the Big Wheel. And if your little ones have a visit to Santa on their wish list, the man himself will be there – head to his Grotto for a magical meet and greet.
When: 6th December – 8th December
Where: Durham Market Hall, Palace Green, Durham Market Place
Set against the stunning backdrop of Durham Cathedral and Castle, this festival offers a unique blend of history and holiday cheer. Only available to visit across the one weekend, we recommend you get it in the diary now as this market is not to be missed. With more than 200 independent traders selling gifts, homeware, festive decorations and much more, there’s so much to discover at the Durham Christmas Festival.
The stalls are spread across three core locations in the city: Durham Market Hall, Craft & Producers’ Marquee on Palace Green, and the Festive Outdoor Market in Durham Market Place. There is a small entry fee for the Craft & Producers’ Marquee, so keep that in mind before you visit.
If you plan to visit on Saturday afternoon, then don’t miss the Children’s Lantern Parade at 2.30pm – you can even take part for just £5.50.
When: 16th November – 24th December
Where: St George’s Quarter
Located at St. George’s Plateau, the Liverpool Christmas Market is a vibrant hub of holiday cheer. The market boasts a fantastic mix of local crafts, international cuisine and unique gifts, available over more than 40 stalls. There’s a fab fairground with a big wheel offering stunning views of Liverpool, and you can take on a festive classic at the Karaoke Ski Lifts located at the Alpine Bar – who doesn’t love to give Mariah’s high notes a go at Christmas!
With live musical performances, roasted chestnuts and mulled wine galore, what more could you want from a Christmas market?
Feeling inspired to visit one of these fabulous festive markets? Journey there by train with us and enjoy discounted prices and seat reservations when you book in advance online or via the TPExpress app.
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