Which? magazine has named the top nine Christmas market cities in the UK, heaping praise on certain festive fairs and completely ignoring large parts of the country
The nine best Christmas markets in the UK have been named, with large stretches of the country totally missing out.
As the nights draw in, the temperature drops, and the desire to wrap your hands around a steaming mug of hot chocolate reaches breaking point, there’s little more fun to be had than heading to a Christmas market.
Unfortunately, your access to a top-quality festive fair very much depends on where you live in the UK, if Which?’s annual ranking of the best Christmas market cities is to be believed. Those living in Wales, the West Midlands, the East Midlands, and London live in top-quality Christmas market deserts. While there is one of the top nine in Scotland, if you live in the large part of the country that isn’t in Edinburgh, then you’re out of luck.
Here are the best of the best, according to Which?
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Bath: More than 200 wooden chalets line the cobblestone streets of Bath during one of the UK’s biggest and best-known Christmas markets, which marks its 25th anniversary this year. With Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths as a picturesque backdrop, stallholders sell handmade wooden furniture, garden sculptures, Bristolian knitwear and indie fragrances. Seasonal treats are also a highlight, including festive bakes from Flapjackery and the Pudding Wagon. You can continue the celebrations at nearby Royal Victoria Park with a turn on the ice rink or a winter stroll along the city’s famous Royal Crescent.
Chester: This year, Chester’s market has grown to include 80 stalls around the Victorian Gothic town hall and medieval cathedral, offering handcrafted candles, upcycled cutlery, artisan liqueurs and more. Independent traders can also be found in the double-deck shopping arcades known as the Rows, which date back to the 13th century and remain one of the city’s most distinctive features. Across the city, Roman ruins, ancient gatehouses, Tudor buildings and Georgian and Victorian architecture add to Chester’s enduring appeal.
Durham: Durham’s Christmas market is a quiet and peaceful event, made up of around 30 stalls spilling out of the Market Hall and into nearby flagstone streets. Visitors can browse locally made hot sauce, reworked vintage clothing, sweet treats and handmade decorations. A crafts and gifts marquee with more than 120 extra stalls is also available, although it requires paid entry. After sampling the festive food, you can climb the 325 steps of Durham Cathedral for a rewarding view.
Winchester: Set within the grounds of the stunning Winchester Cathedral, the city’s Christmas market features wooden chalets offering silk scarves, wooden toys, pet portraits and handmade homeware. Local choirs and musicians provide the soundtrack as you shop. Seasonal food such as artisan cheese, a traditional hog roast and handmade scotch eggs adds extra indulgence. Winchester’s independent shops are also worth exploring, and a visit to the cathedral itself is highly recommended.
Wells: This market takes place on just one Saturday in mid-December, so timing is key. More than 100 stalls fill Bishops Palace Green and Wells Market Place on Saturday 6 December, making it a worthwhile festive outing. The medieval city has plenty to offer for a weekend escape, including a wide selection of independent shops and eateries.
Liverpool: Liverpool’s Christmas market sits in front of the fairy-lit St George’s Hall, with stalls styled as gingerbread houses and grottos. Visitors say it is less traditional than some markets, with fewer artisan crafts and mince pies and more 80s Christmas pop, fairground rides and comforting street food such as roast ham baps and mac and cheese. Beyond the market, Liverpool offers plenty to see, including the museums at Albert Dock, the Walker Art Gallery and the city’s two cathedrals.
Edinburgh: One of the UK’s most striking cities becomes even more enchanting at Christmas. Wooden chalets line East Princes Street, selling Yuletide gifts and cosy stocking fillers. A mini funfair features a helter-skelter, a swing carousel that nearly brushes the Gothic Scott Monument, and a big wheel with views of Edinburgh’s medieval castle and Arthur’s Seat. After browsing, you can explore the winter gardens, go ice skating or wander the New Town for more shopping in a city famous for its Hogmanay celebrations.
York: Known as St Nicholas Fair, York’s Christmas Festival has been a seasonal favourite for more than 30 years and is ideal for finding gifts. Alpine chalets decorated with twinkling lights fill Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, where shoppers can pick up art prints and Christmas decorations. Which? praises the market’s strong focus on accessibility, with initiatives for visitors with limited mobility and quiet shopping times from 10am to 12pm for those who prefer a music-free experience. The city’s rich history offers even more to explore, including York Minster and the Shambles, a medieval street lined with half-timbered houses, independent shops and a market.
Belfast: Now in its 21st year, Belfast’s Christmas market fills the grounds of the City Hall and is a favourite with food lovers. Visitors can sample flavours from around the world, including ostrich, wild boar and crocodile burgers, along with classic sausages, beer and speciality cheeses. With more than 100 traders, there is plenty to explore, along with a funfair for children. Additional food options can be found at St George’s Market, which is packed with local producers on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, or you can visit Cathedral Square for bars, restaurants and galleries.
