Top 3 Christmas Markets in the UK

With winter fast approaching we’re sure you’re starting to get excited about the festive period. Christmas is a great opportunity for you to get out of the house and visit places in the UK with your family and friends. 

The UK is certainly no stranger to creating the magic of a Christmas market. From north to south and east to west, the UK has lots of great Christmas markets as well as many great getaway opportunities. Mulled wine and excellent Christmas gifts are among the many things you will find in some of these magical festive themed markets. Why not make a short break of your Christmas market visit and rent a car to explore the surrounding areas.

Filled with endless tradition and activities for children, these are some of the best Christmas markets in the UK that you should visit this year. 

Birmingham Christmas Market

The German-themed Christmas market is officially called the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas market and it runs from the beginning of November until just before Christmas. This is plenty of time for you to visit and feel the magic.  This is the largest authentic Christmas market in Europe outside of Germany and Austria. 

The market takes place in New Street, Victoria Square and the Centenary Square. It has a wide array of stalls selling all types of products that make perfect gift ideas. From handcrafted jewellery, carved wooden toys, Christmas decorations, Christmas gifts,  to sausages, beer and pretzels, you’re sure to find the perfect gift. The craft market offers soaps and candles made by local artisans, handmade crafts and a range of quirky items from around the world.

With plenty of food and drink stalls, this makes a great afternoon out. Discover the German-pub style beer stalls as well as places to sip Gluhwein –  the traditional German style mulled wine. Plus, you can enjoy being part of the Christmas magic by going on the popular big ice rink and big wheel. 

Enjoy a raw taste of Germany this winter without having to travel far and visit the Birmingham Christmas Market.

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

Slightly smaller but nonetheless exciting, in the south of the UK, an hour’s drive from London, you’ll find the Winchester Cathedral Christmas market. Renowned for being one of the best in the whole of Europe, this market runs from mid-November to just before Christmas. Set, as the name suggests, in the beautiful shadow of Winchester Cathedral, this creates a magical setting.

With inspiration from traditional German markets, you can explore the many chalets selling a wide variety of exclusive gifts and products. You’ll find unique gifts here such as glassware, jewellery, blankets, scarfs and rugs.

In this lively UK market, you’ll feel the Christmas magic as you walk around the cathedral grounds. With delicious snacks to eat and warm drinks to toast with, this makes a lovely trip for families during the Christmas period.

Entry to the Christmas market is free when you buy an ice rink ticket in advance or on the day. The atmosphere at the Winchester Christmas market is what makes it such a special event for everyone.

Bath Christmas Market

The Bath Christmas market, located in the heart of Bath’s World Heritage Site, is certainly a must-go destination. 

This event delivers a magical shopping experience that’s hard to find elsewhere. Bath loves the tradition of keeping the Christmas market distinctively British and as local as possible. This means that each chalet is filled with high quality artisan products (over 60% of goods are handmade in the UK). As well as its local products, the Bath Christmas market is proud of the fact that 70% of its stall holders are from the city and the surrounding local region, giving it a real family and community feel. 

Every year this romantic and magical atmosphere attracts thousands from all over the UK. Set in the picturesque streets around Bath Abbey it makes for the most perfect Christmas shopping experience. You can indulge in seasonal snacks and drinks as well as picking up gifts for your loved ones.

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the market, so it will be a memorable one for you to experience for sure!

Why not do something new with your family and loved ones this year and visit a Christmas market right here in the UK? Discover the magic of Christmas at one of these special Christmas markets and take the opportunity to visit the nearby towns and villages in a rental car.