Is it too soon to talk about Christmas? Not a chance!
The countdown to Christmas is on. Which means it’s officially time to embrace the Christmas market sparkle.
Ask me what makes a Christmas market feel like Christmas and I won’t say the lights or the Ferris wheel. I’ll say the smell. Cinnamon and mulled wine, obviously, but also the handmade soap hitting you as you queue for a bratwurst. Nobody buys a posh bar of soap in July. That’s the whole point of Christmas markets: one glorious time of year when you’re allowed to buy things you’d never otherwise dream of.
With most markets opening in November, there’s plenty of time to shop, snack, and soak up the festive atmosphere.
No Scrooges allowed!
Bath Christmas market
Bath does Christmas like a perfectly poured mulled wine – elegant, warm, and a little indulgent. Over 150 chalets line Bath’s Georgian streets and iconic landmarks like the Abbey, offering gifts, decorations and a hearty dose of festive cheer.
Personalised presents, Christmas decorations, and handcrafted jewellery from local makers can be found around some of the city’s most iconic monuments, bringing the spirit of Christmas into the heart of the city.
When: 26 November – 13 December 2026.
Where: In the streets around Bath Abbey, Abbeygate Street, York Street and Milsom Street.
Food highlight: Local cheeses, fudge, roasted chestnuts and mugs of steaming mulled wine.
Getting there: Just 80 minutes from London by train. Drivers can reach Bath via the M4/M5; buses and Park & Ride also make it easy. Find plenty of public transport options on the Travel West website.
More about the market and opening times on the dedicated Bath Christmas Market website
Belfast Christmas Market
Belfast goes continental with style: Belfast City Hall lawn is transformed with over 100 wooden chalets, lights, carol singers, street theatre, Santa’s grotto, Glühwein, and enough festive food to work up an appetite before you’ve even browsed half the stalls.
Perfect for those who like their Christmas markets big on atmosphere and variety, with a hint of nostalgia provided by the vintage carousel and helter-skelter.
When: 14 November – 22 December 2026.
Where: Grounds of Belfast City Hall, Donegall Square North, City Centre
Food highlight: French cheese wheels, Spanish churros, Belgian waffles, bratwurst, hot cider, chimney cakes, artisan chocolates and plenty more sweet-and-savoury stalls to keep you warm and happy.
Getting there: Fly into Belfast City Airport or Belfast International; city centre is easily reached by bus/Glider. If coming overland, ferry + rail or bus routes link through Northern Ireland. Once in the city, the market is walkable from Belfast Grand Central/Northern station.
Visit Belfast has more details.
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas market
The biggest German-inspired Christmas market outside mainland Europe, Birmingham’s version brings Bavarian vibes to Victoria Square and New Street. Pretzels, bratwurst, schnitzels and glühwein flow freely, while choirs and German musicians perform daily on the stage on Victoria Square.
Accessibility is good; the whole market can be accessed by wheelchair users, as it is possible to take a route that avoids steps.
This year ongoing roadworks have changed the layout but the ice rink and big wheel will be back in Centenary Square.
When: 5 November – 24 December 2026.
Where: Victoria Square and New Street.
Food highlight: Bratwurst, pretzels, roasted almonds and Weissbier.
Getting there: Well connected by rail, road and Birmingham Airport. Right in the city centre, so everything is walkable.
All the details are on the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market website
Brighton Christmas market
Brighton does things differently. Instead of one big market it offers dozens of smaller, more bespoke makers and winter fairs.
Dates haven’t yet been announced for the annual ice rink at the Royal Pavilion, but it usually opens late October through to January. We’ll let you know when we know!
But definitely on, back after a year off, is the extraordinary Burning of the Clocks which takes place on the shortest day, 21st December. This year’s theme is Magicada, and is based on a noisy awakening afer a period of rest. Very symbolic!
When: Various dates.
Where: Various locations throughout Brighton and Hove.
Food highlight: Everything you can think of is available!
Getting there: Under an hour by fast train from London. Well linked by bus and road.
Take a look at Visit Brighton website for more details.
Edinburgh Christmas market
Edinburgh’s Old Town sets the stage for a festive extravaganza. Market stalls fill East Princes Street Gardens with crafts, gifts and food, while rides, an ice rink and light shows add to the spectacle.
All overlooked by the castle, it’s hard to beat for atmosphere.
When: 14 November 2026 – 3 January 2027.
Where: East Princes Street Gardens and George Street.
Food highlight: Scottish shortbread, hot toddies, mulled cider and locally smoked salmon.
Getting there: Trains and flights from across the UK. Or go full romance with the Caledonian Sleeper.
See their website for updates
Cardiff Christmas Market
Cardiff goes all-out with creativity.
Think wooden chalets adorned with lights, artisan makers, seasonal food and plenty of Welsh warmth. Walk through St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street and Hills Street, and you’ll discover everything from fused glass to hand-thrown ceramics, all set against the buzz of the city centre.
When: 12 November – 23 December 2026
Where: Cardiff city centre – St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street, Hills Street and The Hayes
Food highlight: Seasonal treats from food and drink producers – expect mulled wine, hot drinks, local cakes and other festive nibbles to warm up cold fingers.
Getting there: Cardiff is well-served by train from much of the UK. If you’re coming from London, it’s roughly 2 hours by train. Also, accessible by car and via flights to Cardiff Airport, with onward public transport or taxi to the centre.
Discover more here.
London – Southbank Centre Winter Market
Eat drink and be merry beside the River Thames, as Southbank’s riverside huts brim with festive flavours, crafts and mulled wine.
There’s street food galore and the dazzling Winter Light exhibition illuminating the walkway.
When: 2 November 2026 – 4 January 2027.
Where: Queen’s Walk, South Bank of the Thames.
Food highlight: Gourmet street food, hot chocolate, mince pies and Alpine-style treats.
Getting there: London is accessible from everywhere – Underground, national rail, coaches and airports.
More details of the market on Southbank Centre’s website
Manchester Christmas markets
Manchester spreads the festive cheer across the whole city, with a total of 210 stalls creating a festive trail through Manchester’s most iconic locations. Expect food, music, gifts and enough glühwein to float a sleigh.
A Ferris wheel, skating and a festive parade on Sunday 6 December are among the highlights.
And there’s a mouth-watering line-up of food and drink that also includes vegan bratwursts, cookie dough, and two bars serving continental and foreign ales.
When: 6 November – 22 December 2026
Where: Albert Square, St Ann’s Square, King Street, Exchange Street, Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street, Cathedral Gardens and more.
Food highlight: Bratwurst, Yorkshire pudding wraps, cookie dough, churros and craft ales.
Getting there: Just over 2 hours from London by train; also well served by Manchester Airport and road links.
More details as attractions are confirmed on the Visit Manchester website.
Norwich Festive Fairs
Norwich likes to ‘do different’ taking a more boutique approach, hosting a series of artisan markets, fairs and foodie events around the city.
From vegan street food to the Georgian Assembly House celebrations, there are plenty of pop-up festive markets and fairs to explore. Small but stylish.
New in 2026 is the Christkindl Market at Chapelfield Gardens, for lovers of the German market style.
When: Various dates from November to December 2025.
Where: Across Norwich city centre and Assembly House.
Food highlight: Vegan street food, mince pies and local Norfolk delicacies.
Getting there: Trains from London take under two hours and the city airport is just five miles out from the centre
If you miss these, there are plenty of other Christmas celebrations in the city. See Visit Norwich website
Winchester Christmas market
Renowned for its bustling atmosphere, it’s regularly voted one of Europe’s best. Inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, Winchester’s market sprawls through the Cathedral’s Inner Close.
Pretty wooden chalets sell crafts and gifts, while the city’s medieval setting adds timeless charm.
When: 20 November – 22 December 2026.
Where: Spread out around the Cathedral’s Inner Close.
Food highlight: Mulled wine, hog roasts, gingerbread and traditional stollen.
Getting there: Just one hour by train from London, Winchester is located just off Junctions 9, 10 and 11 of the M3, and a stone’s throw from the ferry ports at Portsmouth.
More information on the Visit Winchester website.
York Christmas market
York’s winding medieval streets look even prettier under fairy lights. Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square come alive with Alpine chalets, gifts and the scent of roasting chestnuts.
Throw in a glass of Yorkshire Pudding beer, and you’ve got Christmas, Yorkshire‑style. With more than 80% of stallholders hailing from Yorkshire, it’s a brilliant excuse to shop local while sampling the region’s very best.
When: 12 November – 21 December 2026 (but closed on Tuesdays).
Where: Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square.
Food highlight: Roast chestnuts, mince pies and Yorkshire Pudding beer.
Getting there: Trains from London take just under two hours. Well linked by road, too.
Keep an eye on Visit York’s website for updates.
From Brighton’s buzz to Bath’s Georgian elegance, Birmingham’s Bavarian beer halls to Edinburgh’s castle backdrop, the UK’s Christmas markets are as varied as they are festive. Whether you’re in it for the bratwurst, the baubles or the mulled wine, 2026 is set to deliver plenty of cheer.
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