The best Christmas markets in the UK 2024: 8 of the best in the UK’s top rated cities

Which city in the UK has the best Christmas markets? You could pick the 200 chalets that will line the Georgian cobbles of Bath, the nostalgia of York’s 30-year-old St Nicholas Fair or visit the Christmas Market in the UK’s best-rated city, Liverpool.

We’ve picked the eight best Christmas markets in the UK based on the cities that were rated highest in our best UK cities survey of more than 4,000 visitors. Each of the eight cities below have great food and drink, fantastic cultural attractions, or both – scoring at least four out of five in those categories.

So, whether you’re strolling through York’s Shambles to the sound of festive choirs or feasting on stollen at Belfast’s Dickensian performance pop-ups, you’re sure to find plenty to keep you entertained – even after you’ve had your fill of gluhwein and bratwurst.

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What are the best Christmas market in the UK in 2024?

Bath Christmas Market 2024

Date: 28 November to 15 December 2024
Where: Bath Street, Milsom Street and Abbey Quarter
Is it free? Yes.

Bath – voted Which? readers’ favourite medium-sized city this year – has one of the UK’s biggest and most established Christmas markets. The city got four stars for both its food and drink offerings and cultural sights in our survey – and things get even better at Christmas time, when more than 200 chalets will line its Georgian streets. 

Most stallholders are local, hailing from the South West, with a pretty staggering selection of goods – from garden sculptures to handmade wooden furniture,  Bristolian knitwear to indie fragrances, and gifts for your furry companions. You can also expect local food, including foraged jams, festive baked goods at the ‘Flapjackery’ and more. After you’ve had your fill, you can explore towering Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths, which date back to 75AD. 

Next, glide around the ice rink in Royal Victoria Park or stroll along the city’s famous Royal Crescent – a terrace of grand honey-coloured homes. On the outskirts of town, the gardens of the American Museum – a Georgian manor – are bedecked with festive illuminations until the end of December.

Chester Christmas Market 2024

Date: 15 November to 22 December 2024
Where: Chester Town Hall Square
Is it free? Yes.

For a peaceful festive day out, consider Chester’s Christmas Market. Though it was pipped to the post for the title of best medium-sized city by Bath, it scored higher for its ease of getting around, parking and lack of crowds. 

With a more modest 70 stalls – spiralled around Chester’s Victorian Gothic town hall and medieval cathedral – visitors to Chester market will find scented candles, upcycled cutlery, artisan liqueurs and much more, all underneath a sparkling Christmas tree. There are more independent traders to be found in the double-deck shopping arcades – known as the Rows – which date back to the 13th century and are the city’s most distinctive sight.

There’s also plenty of history to dig into elsewhere in Chester, from Roman ruins to ancient gatehouses, Tudor buildings, and Georgian and Victorian architecture. Work up an appetite for the market’s edible treats by walking the two miles of Roman and medieval city walls, which offer views of the River Dee.

Planning a festive cottage stay? Make sure to book with a reputable provider.

Durham Christmas Market 2024

Date: 6th to 8th December 2024
Where? Durham Market Place
Is it free? The Festive Outdoor Market is free, but admission to the crafts and gift marquee costs £4.50 (early-bird price).

Another quiet yet lovely affair is Durham’s Christmas Market. This verdant, historic city – just over ten minutes from Newcastle on the train – won second place in our small-cities category, and was rated highly for its cultural sights and lack of crowds. The free part of the market comprises 70 stalls that spill out of the Market Hall and into the surrounding flagstone streets. 

There, you’ll find gift wrapping, sweet treats, hobby supplies and imaginative gifts, including locally made hot sauce, reworked vintage clothing and handcrafted home decorations. If you purchase a ticket, you’ll be able to enter the additional crafts and gifts marquee, with over 150 more stalls to browse. 

There’s also street food, hot drinks and other festive snacks across the whole market. Walk off those festive treats afterwards by taking a trip up Durham Cathedral’s 325 steps for an unbeatable view of the city.

Winchester Christmas Market 2024

Date: 22 November to 22 December 2024
Where: Outside Winchester Cathedral
Is it free? Yes, but if you want to visit or attend some live events at the Cathedral, you’ll need to book a ticket.

Winchester’s most famous landmark is its cathedral, which hosts this ancient city’s charming market on its grounds. The wares range from handmade scotch eggs to hand-painted buttons and silk scarves, and visitors are serenaded by local choirs and musicians as they shop. Don’t miss the vast 11th-century nave, pre-Raphaelite windows and Jane Austen’s grave inside the cathedral.

Like York market, Winchester is also working towards being a more ‘climate friendly Christmas market’, by steering clear of generator power, opting for all-LED lights and collaborating with greener vendors and responsible waste-management services. You can finish your Christmas shopping in Winchester’s upscale and independent shops, such as the 290-year-old bookshop, PG Wells. 

Alternatively, admire the Arthurian round table in the Great Hall – the only remnant of a castle built by William the Conqueror – or amble through the pretty water meadows on the banks of the River Itchen.

Wells Christmas Market 2024 

Date: 14 December
Where: Wells Market Place and on the Bishop's Palace Green
Is it free? Yes.

Short but very sweet, Wells Christmas market takes place on a single Saturday in mid-December. That said, this medieval mini-city is worth taking a full weekend to visit. 

On account of its stunning gothic cathedral and lush patches of greenery, Which? readers voted it as their favourite small city of 2024, giving it five stars for its attractiveness and tourist attractions. On Saturday 14 December, you’ll find over 100 Christmas market stalls lining the grounds of Bishops Palace Green – including the famous reflecting pool – and Wells Market Place. 

Rather than the sprawling, brightly lit markets of larger cities, expect something a little more intimate and community-focused from Wells. You'll find traditional festive treats and gifts from local artists and crafters, all amid stunning surroundings and a friendly atmosphere.

Afterwards, take a stroll down the enchanting 14th-century houses of Vicar’s Close, go for a hike in Storberry Park or even take a 20 minute bus ride to visit neighbouring Glastonbury.

Liverpool Christmas Market 2024

Date: 16 November to 24 December 2024
Where: St George's Plateau and William Brown Street
Is it free? Yes

Liverpool didn’t just take home the trophy for top big city in the UK, according to Which? members – it also got five stars for its cultural sights, and further high ratings across the board for its food and drink options, accommodation and value for money. It was rated joint best for shopping, too – crucial for Christmas. Its average hotel room rate is £50 less per night than in London, and cheaper than Manchester, too. 

Against the dramatic backdrop of a fairy-lit St George’s Hall, Liverpool’s Christmas Market’s stalls take the shape of gingerbread houses and grottos. Visitors say it’s not such a nostalgic affair: less choral music, artisan crafts and mince pies; more 80’s Christmas pop, fairground rides and down-to-earth menus – like roast ham baps and mac and cheese. 

If tradition and history is a dealbreaker for your trip, you could also plan a visit to the museums at Albert Dock, the Walker Gallery and the city’s two cathedrals – all recommended by Which? Readers.

Edinburgh Christmas Market 2024

Date: 15 November 2024 to 4 January 2025
Where: East Princes Street
Is it free? Yes, but some areas at the wider ‘Edinburgh’s Christmas’ are ticketed.

Edinburgh was the runner-up in our city-break survey, and it scored top marks for cultural sights. You could argue that nowhere embraces the festive season quite so wholeheartedly as Edinburgh, with the smell of mulled wine (and the sound of delighted screams from fairground rides) present from the East to the West of the city centre, giving it a uniquely Christmassy feel. 

No other UK city parties as hard as Edinburgh on New Year’s Eve, either – Hogmanay is a three-day knees-up. For the iconic Edinburgh Christmas markets, head to East Princes Street. There, you’ll find wooden chalets selling all the usual wintry fare and cosy stocking fillers, along with a helter-skelter, a swing carousel that nearly grazes the Gothic Scott Monument, and a big wheel that offers a view of Edinburgh’s hulking medieval castle and ancient hill – Arthur’s Seat. When you’re finished, you can head to the New Town for more shopping, a visit to the winter gardens or a turn on the ice rink.

The Scottish capital ranked third in our survey, scoring top marks for its accommodation and food options, as well as its cultural sights. Unsurprisingly, this hugely popular city only got two stars for 'lack of crowds' for the second year running, but you can escape to its excellent galleries or to the trendy port district of Leith, which is home to the former Royal Yacht Britannia – the best-rated tourist attraction in the UK. 

York Christmas Market 2024

Date: 14 November to 22 December 2024
Where: Parliament Street
Is it free? Yes

York may have won bronze this year in the big-cities category but it also scored five stars for cultural sights, thanks to Jorvik Viking Centre, the National Railway Museum and – of course – the historic centre itself.

Part of York Christmas Festival, and otherwise known as St Nicholas Fair, this market has been going for over 30 years and is a great place to find gifts. Dozens of alpine chalets with twinkling lights pop up in Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, selling art prints and Christmas decorations – as well as hot chocolate, and sweet and savoury snacks. 

There’s great attention to detail when it comes to accessibility, with initiatives to help those with limited mobility, and designated quiet shopping times from 9am to 12pm for those who prefer a music-free experience. It also prioritises traders with eco-friendly and ethical practices and materials. 

Away from the tinsel, you can also marvel at the mighty Gothic Minster or explore the Snickleways (tiny lanes) and the Shambles – a long medieval lane of half-timbered homes, independent shops and a market.

Belfast Christmas Market 2024

Date: 16 November to 22 December 2024
Where: Belfast City Hall
Is it free? Yes

Belfast’s Christmas market celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2024, and this year’s edition takes on a Dickensian twist, with Victorian-era inspired performances taking place on the first and third weekends. It’s no surprise to see the city prioritising entertainment – it won a commendable four stars for its cultural offerings, and was a runner-up in our survey.

Foodies are also well catered for at the Christmas market in the grounds of Belfast’s City Hall, with global and regional flavours on offer. The notorious ostrich, wild boar and crocodile burgers are back for another year – as well as the standard sausages and beer. Or, you can get cracking on your festive cheeseboard with a massive international selection of specialty cheeses. 

For a taste of modern Belfast, head to St George’s market, which is chock-a-block with local food producers on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Or join the throng at Cathedral Square, enjoying the reasonably priced bars, restaurants and galleries. 

Belfast's cultural attractions were also rated highly by Which? readers – the Titanic Belfast is its biggest draw. If you are planning to travel to Belfast from England or Wales, Stena Line from Liverpool is the most comfortable ferry journey

How to get cheap rail tickets this Christmas

How did other Christmas market cities stack up?

Newcastle Christmas Market 2024

Date: 16 November to 22 December
Where? Grey's Monument, Grainger Street
Is it free? Yes.

Though Newcastle was outranked by a number of other big cities, it was the only city across the entire survey to be given top marks by readers for its food and drink options. It’s also one of the cheapest cities in the UK for a hotel room – an average of just £90 per night – and only ten minutes’ train ride from Durham Christmas Market. Newcastle might just be our favourite Christmas market underdog. 

The Christmas Markets mostly take place on Grainger street, with convenient proximity to many high street shops and restaurants, meaning you can dip in and out of the market as you please. You’ll find international street food, sweet treats, festive gifts and handmade cosmetics – but you’ll also find weird and wonderful twists, like igloo pods suspended above the market and a log cabin-inspired ‘Moosenwirt’ alpine bar, complete with cosy fire pits.

Beyond Christmas pop-ups, the food scene has plenty to offer, whether you nip to Ouseburn’s acclaimed Cook House for some award-winning cuisine, tuck into a vegan Sunday roast at The Ship Inn or try speciality coffee at one of the city’s acclaimed coffee shops, like Pink Lane Coffee or Tiny Tiny.

Glasgow Christmas Market 2024

Date: Christmas Fair at George Square: 23 November 2024 to 5 January 2025; Christmas Fair at St Enoch Square: 9 November 2024 to 29 December 2024
Where: George Square & St Enoch Square
Is it free? Yes.

Glasgow didn’t make our top five big cities in the 2024 survey, and only scored three stars out of five for value for money – in part, because hotel stays are pretty expensive. 

That said, the city did swing four stars both for food and drink and cultural sights. Details of the Glasgow Winterfest Christmas market stalls haven’t yet been announced, but last year’s markets featured a supersize illuminated ice rink, enough rides to rival its Easterly cousin Edinburgh, and an array of international and fusion food options from Christmas gyros to cinnamon chimney cakes.

If you’re in the area, pay a visit to Glasgow Cathedral – the oldest building in Glasgow – and its accompanying Necropolis, inspired by Paris’s iconic Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris. Or peruse the collections at the red-brick Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA). 

Considering booking a UK city break? Here's Which? Travel readers' list of the best cities for a short break in the UK.

London Christmas Markets 2024

London hosts many Christmas markets each year, across Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, the Southbank and beyond. It’s probably easier to ask where there isn’t a Christmas market in London during the festive season.

However, despite being rated the second most expensive city after St Andrews, London didn’t even make the top three big cities in our survey – almost certainly, in part, because people didn’t think it was very good value for money (it received just two stars out of five in this category).

Even in the food and drink category – where the capital  should shine – London scored a slightly disappointing three stars out of five. 

So, while there are plenty of Christmas markets to choose from in London, you and your wallet will have a better time in Liverpool, Edinburgh or Belfast. 

Where is the most Christmassy place in the UK?

The question of what is the most Christmassy town, village or city really depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for a cottage stay in a chocolate-box location, complete with beautiful scenery and traditional architecture, you might consider a trip to Avebury, Corfe Castle, Llangollen or Melrose. These spots were all top-rated in our survey of the UK’s best towns and villages, and all scored the maximum five stars for scenery and attractiveness, meaning they were considered some of the UK’s prettiest towns and villages.

Do I need cash for Christmas markets?

Many Christmas markets now accept card payments, but it’s wise to carry cash – particularly if you’re going to a smaller market or buying something from a small, independent business.

Can you haggle at Christmas markets?

There’s divided opinion about whether it’s appropriate to haggle at Christmas markets. Though haggling has long been part of market culture, the practice is becoming less common – especially at Christmas markets. A vendor will usually let you know if they have special offers or deals – otherwise, it’s safer to take the price tag as a final offer.