Christmas Markets Worth Visiting This Christmas
Published: 29/11/2023
The countdown to the BIG day is officially underway! The festive season is a magical time of year for everyone, and to start getting in the Christmas spirit, we look at some of the many fantastic Christmas markets worth visiting throughout the UK this November and December!
Liverpool
Christmas markets make a welcome return to Liverpool starting from Saturday 18th November, through to Sunday 24th December 2023.
The Christmas markets will be located on St George’s Plateau, just outside St George’s Hall (opposite Liverpool Lime Street Station) and will be open everyday from 11am to 10pm. On Sunday 24th December, the market will close at 5pm.
The markets will feature a range of stalls selling a range of Christmas themed gifts, stocking fillers, personalised decorations, photo prints and jewellery. There will also be a range of food stands, ranging from Yorkshire pudding wrap stalls, hotdog and burger stands, vegan stalls, pancake stands and more!
If you are a young family visiting the stalls, then you will be interested and happy to hear about Santa’s Village, the big wheel and snow slides that make a return to keep the kids entertained. Whilst there is also a new Bavarian bar available for the parents and people wanting to have a Christmas tipple.
The Christmas market is free to enter. More information about the market can be found here.
Manchester
Recently crowned the best Christmas Market in the UK, the markets throughout Manchester will be one you want to experience this festive period!
With approximately 225 stalls scattered across nine different sites throughout the Manchester City Centre including Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street, Cathedral Gardens and The Corn Exchange, there is sure to be something to suit all needs and requirements, whether you’re going solo, as an older couple, or with a young family.
From a festive skate on the ice rink in Skate Manchester, to visiting Father Christmas, the Manchester Markets has it all!
The markets open early this year starting from Friday 10th November, through to Thursday 21st December. There will also be a Manchester Christmas Parade taking place on Sunday 3rd December. Food and drink stalls will be open at 11am and close at 9pm, Monday to Sunday, with gift and crafts stalls opening at 10am and close at 8pm, Monday to Sunday.
More information about the markets can be found here.
Birmingham
Boasting the largest authentic German Christmas Market, outside of Germany or Austria, Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market on Victoria Square and New Street, offers a wide range of traditional goods, foods and gifts for everyone to experience and enjoy!
If you’re a foodie, you will definitely want to try out the pretzels, schnitzels, bratwurst and more that is on offer throughout the market stalls.
Whether you want to take in the amazing Christmas sights by going on the Big Wheel, or go on a fun and romantic Christmas skate, you can do all this and more when visiting Birmingham’s Market.
The Christmas Market opened on Thursday 2nd November, and will remain open until Sunday 24th December, with the following open times: Monday – Thursday (11am – 9pm), Friday (11am – 9:30pm), Saturday (10am – 9:30pm), Sunday (10am – 9pm).
More information about the markets can be found here.
York
Located on Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, York Christmas Market opens from Thursday 16th November, through to Friday 22nd December.
There is expected to be around 75 stalls on offer throughout the two locations, offering a range of charming and locally crafted treasures and artisan gifts should you be looking for some Christmas gift ideas!
If you’re a local from York, you will receive an exclusive offer when visiting the markets with 10% discounts available! All you need to do is present your valid York Card or identity card with proof of a York address.
The market stalls will be open Monday to Sunday at 10am to 7pm. More information can be found here.
Cardiff
Get into the Christmas spirit by visiting the markets in the Cardiff City Centre this year!
There is a range of gifts available with bespoke silver jewellery, wooden turned gifts, artwork and more on offer when you check out the various stalls, with a range of festive foods and drinks to check out, including mulled wine.
The market has already opened, opening from Thursday 9th November through to Saturday 23rd December, opening everyday at 10am to 6pm. More information can be found here.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh plays host to some spectacular Christmas Markets and a winter festival this year!
Starting from late November through to early January, The Castle of Light returns to light up and dazzle the dark wintery nights, with a range of brilliant light displays on offer across Edinburgh’s Castle walls.
Arriving at Waverley Station, you are invited to experience The Polar Express Train Ride! Based on the 2004 hit movie, families of all ages are sure to enjoy magical experiences when travelling aboard the legendary train.
On Saturday 30th December, the Night Afore Disco Party takes place beneath Edinburgh Castle for anyone wanting to experience a massive party filled with a range of entertainment!
The markets take place starting from Friday 17th November through to Saturday 6th January 2024. More information about the exciting Christmas Market’s, Night Afore Disco Party and more, please click here.
Belfast
At Belfast City Hall on Donegal Square, the award-winning Christmas Market returns from Saturday 18th November to Friday 22nd December.
Inside the festive village, there will be over 100 stalls on offer to bring some festive joy to day trippers, city shoppers and more! There are various food stalls dotted throughout, should you want to experience a hog roast, cheeses, Italian chocolates and more.
If you’re a young family planning on visiting, you can visit Santa and his magical grotto, or if you fancy something a bit different, take a ride on the vintage carousel, or take in the views of the market and surrounding areas from the top of helter-skelter.
For more information about the markets on offer, please click here.
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