The Biggest & Best Christmas Markets in the UK
As we head into winter, the UK is spoilt for choice with bustling festive markets cropping up across most of its towns and cities.
So, to get you in the festive mood as December approaches, we’ve sought out the biggest and best Christmas markets coming to the UK this year, complete with dates, events, parades, and all of the extra festive toppings on top!
1. Bath
Date: 24th November – 11th December 2022
This year, the picturesque Bath Christmas Market is returning with promises of ‘over 150 twinkling chalets’, a wide range of festive treats, handmade personalised gifts, and much, much more.
It also wouldn't be a Christmas market without your favourite winter warmers to heat up your mitts as you wander around the market and take in everything on offer. Thankfully, Bath also has a whole host of gourmet local producers serving up their wares. It has something for everyone!
2. Birmingham
Date: 3rd November – 23rd December 2022
Known as the Frankfurt Christmas Market of the UK, Birmingham boasts ‘the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria’. This year’s festivities are expected to be bursting with traditional German gifts, snacks, and drinks – including their very popular Gluhwein and Weissbier!
3. Nottingham
Date: 14th November – 31st December 2022
Nottingham Christmas Market is well-known for being one of the largest of its kind, specialising in traditional German treats, artisan cheese, locally made stews, ice-skating, and of course the 32-metre Big Wheel for the best spot in the city to oversee it all.
4. Chester
Date: 18th November – 21st December 2022
This year, Chester is celebrating its 10th anniversary of Christmas Markets with hot Mulled Gin, Gold Award winning cumberland sausages, pulled pork rolls, and many more tasty festive treats to indulge in. With over 70 traders, you’ll be sure to find the perfect gift – with local handmade crafts, jewellery, and stocking fillers to choose from!
5. York
Date: 17th November – 23rd December 2022
York Christmas Festival is returning this November with the city’s cobbled streets transformed into an immersive winter wonderland. 2022 marks the 30th Anniversary of the St Nicholas Fair – promising a huge array of local traders and artisan products to choose from.
6. Winchester
Date: 18th November – 22nd December
The ancestral home of King Arthur, the historic cathedral city of Winchester is a must-visit for anyone seeking a festive weekend away this Christmas!
Renowned for its ‘handpicked high-quality exhibitors’ in cosy wooden chalets, Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is returning this year with Christmas services, carol concerts, and events. With strict rules on Chalet renters – stipulating that only unique products which ‘cannot be readily bought on the high street’ are to be sold – Winchester will be perfect for picking up those extra special gifts this year.
7. London
Date: 18th November – 2nd January 2022
The huge Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is returning this year for six exciting weeks, packed with over 100 rides and attractions and over 200 chalets for shoppers. The event is a huge attraction for locals and tourists alike, guaranteeing a brilliant family-friendly trip. It has also been a favourite among a number of A-List celebrities over the years from Simon Cowell to Tom Daley and Jonathan Ross.
Tickets are required for this event and are on general sale now!
8. Newcastle
Date: 2nd December – 24th December 2022
Centred around Grey’s Monument, Newcastle’s ‘Winter Wonderland’ is gearing up for another year of locally sourced treats and drinks. The streets in the centre of Newcastle will be bustling with market stalls – there are even rumours of Mr Claus himself making an appearance at his Grotto before the big day!
9. Leeds
Date: 4th November – 17th December 2022
Also celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year, Leeds Christkindelmarkt will soon be preparing to host its much-loved festive family festival. Seasonal treats and drinks will be available in the Alps Chalet to enjoy with the authentic festive entertainment, with fairground rides and attractions for children too!
10. Edinburgh
Date: 19th November – 3rd January 2022
Less than 5 miles from our beautiful development Highbrae at Lang Loan, Edinburgh boasts one the biggest and most highly anticipated Christmas Markets of the year, with stunning decorations across the already gorgeous city packed full of exciting stalls and attractions. The festivities are set to be spread over 12 locations in the city, with talks of exciting projections and performances for attendees.
If a new build home is just the present you’re hoping for this Christmas, then why not coincide your visit to your Christmas market of choice with a trip to one of our many stunning developments across the UK? You can view our full list of available show homes here.