Whether wrapping up for bratwurst and steins in chalet pop-ups or supporting local artisans with some stocking filler shopping, Christmas markets are a staple on the UK’s festive calendar.
While Europe has often stolen the spotlight with its festive spectacles in cities like Bruges, Berlin, Lille and Zagreb, there’s plenty of Christmas cheer to be found at home, with high streets and squares across the country transforming into twinkly winter wonderlands with ice skating, indulgent eating and traditional trips to Santa’s grotto.
From London’s big and boozy mulled wine hotspots to York’s cobbled, cosy offerings, there’s a cinnamon-scented fair for merriment setting up in most corners of the UK. Markets tend to kick off in November (with some starting as early as the first of the month) and continue through December until the big day itself.
To help navigate the mass of markets, here are the cathedrals, palaces and historic city centres with stalls set to sleigh this Christmas.
Read more: The best Christmas markets in the world
Bath Christmas Market, Bath
Bath bottles the spirit of Christmas into its historic heart with 230 traders in twinkling chalets highlighting the best of South West produce, from scented candles to gin and jewellery. The festive fairytale comes complete with the Bath on Ice rink and immersive “12 Tales of a Georgian Christmas” of No 1 Royal Crescent – all best enjoyed with a winter warmer from one of 20 food and beverage stalls.
When: 28 November-15 December
Read more: A Bridgerton-inspired Bath guide: Where to stay and what to do for a slice of Regency life
Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham
The biggest German market outside Germany and Austria, Birmingham’s festive fixture is the place for bratwurst, stollen and gluhwein. Stalls on Victoria Square and along New Street sell handcrafted wooden decorations, glass baubles and crystal lamps to tick gifts from your Christmas shopping list as live music falalalalalas from the bandstand.
When: 1 November-24 December
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