It’s almost Christmas, and if you’re organised enough to have bought and wrapped all your presents already, you might be looking for something to do this weekend.
Well, don’t worry, there’s plenty of festive fun still to be had, as many of the UK’s Christmas markets are staying open right up until the big day. ‘Tis the season of glühwein, bratwurst, roasted chestnuts, gingerbread cookies, and Wham’s! iconic hit being played on repeat, after all.
Proving to be a hit for all ages, the markets provide family fun (what kids don’t like meeting Santa?!), romance (mulled wine and marshmallow first dates, anyone?), and even hangout spots for teens (it’s all about the dodgems, duh).
So, if you’re looking to soak up the last bit of Christmas magic, here’s the Christmas markets that are still open for a few days more.
Chester
Date: November 15 to December 22
Where: Chester Town Hall Square
Chester’s free Christmas market kicked off earlier this month, welcoming visitors near and far to its festive extravaganza.
Christmas or not, the city feels like a magical place to visit thanks to its Tudor-style half-timber buildings and ancient Roman walls, so with an added dose of fairy lights, pretty wreaths and Christmas trees, it almost feels as if you’re stepping onto a Harry Potter set.
In terms of what the market has to offer, Visit Chester and Cheshire dubs the event a ‘handmade, historical, and magical experience.’
Boasting 70 stalls built temporarily in the shadow of Chester’s Victorian Gothic town hall and medieval cathedral, visitors will find traditional German Christmas market offerings like bratwurst and mulled wine. Plus, local independent traders selling scented candles, fudge, and much more.
Winchester
Date: November 22 to December 22
Where: Outside Winchester Cathedral
Throughout the year, visitors come from all over the country – and world – to visit the majestic Winchester Cathedral, so it only makes sense that the city’s free Christmas market is located directly outside the iconic building. The location alone could be enough to land it on this list!
Winchester Christmas market is really unique because you could be perusing the stalls, mulled wine in one hand, crêpe in the other, and the next thing you know, you’re being serenaded by local choirs performing both Christmas classics and more religious hymns.
Then, once you’re done checking out the products from local entrepreneurs, you can head into the Cathedral to attend some of the live events that are running throughout the festive season. Heads up, though – you’ll need to book in advance and pay a fee.
Liverpool
Date: November 16 to December 24
Where: St George’s Plateau and William Brown Street
Liverpool’s Christmas market is another ‘must-see’ attraction. The free Christmas market is located against the fairy-lit St George’s Hall, where visitors can really immerse themselves in the festive experience.
Complete with stalls built to resemble grottos and gingerbread houses, it’s the ideal market for those who prefer a bit of Mariah Carey over choral Silent Nights when they’re munching on their bratwurst!
Winter Wonderland
Date: November 21 to January 5
Where: Hyde Park
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland has been welcoming guests through the door since 2007, and from that time, it has grown from a small attraction with a small number of fairground rides to one of the most popular festive destinations in the capital.
At the centre of it all though is the festive market – where you can stock up on unique gifts, handmade Christmas decorations and other festive treats from the stalls, all located in special wooden chalets. Ticket prices vary, and you’re strongly advised to book in advance.
Southbank Centre Winter Market
Date: November 1 to December 26
Where: Southbank Centre
Southbank’s Christmas markets are another of London’s markets staying open late in December. Visitors can browse the independent craft traders, street food stalls and pop-up bars along the stretch of the River Thames. From truffle burgers and lobster buns to Dutch pancakes and churros – you certainly won’t leave hungry.
Edinburgh
Date: November 15 to January 4, 2025
Where: East Princes Street
Edinburgh is another one of those cities that just oozes magical vibes all year round. But when it comes to Christmas, it’s a whole other world.
According to the Edinburgh Winter Fest website, the city is transformed into a festive fun-derland boasting ‘traditional Christmas Markets, funfair rides, spectacular live outdoor events, delicious food and drink.’
Though the actual market is free (where you’ll find the wooden chalets, traditional food items, crafty bits, etc.), other parts of ‘Edinburgh Christmas’ are ticketed.
This includes things like the Christmas Tree Maze, ice skating, and Santa’s Stories. But you can find all of the prices and extra bits of information online.
York
Date: November 14 to December 22
Where: Parliament Street
Whether it’s the perfectly traditional alpine chalets that line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square (all selling your favourite festive food and drinks), to the many local business owners selling sweets, original art, and handcrafted decorations, the free market has a quintessentially Christmas feel. If you could bottle this feeling, you’d be happy all year round!
Then, once you’ve Christmas-ed yourself out, check out the equally stunning York attractions, including the Shambles, York Minster and the City Walls.
Manchester
Date: November 8 to December 22
Where: Various locations including Cathedral Gardens, Market Street and Piccadilly Gardens
Manchester’s Christmas Markets are a highlight of the festive season, offering a blend of traditional charm and modern vibes. As the city streets transform into a winter wonderland, visitors can explore over 10 different market locations scattered across the heart of Manchester, from Albert Square to the bustling Exchange Square.
Belfast
Date: November 16 to December 22
Where: Belfast City Hall
Belfast Christmas market is celebrating a special birthday this year. That’s right, the Northern Irish event is turning 20 in 2024.
As part of the celebrations, the Visit Belfast website says ‘the Christmas Market will transport you to the Victorian era with its Dickensian-themed Christmas market experience.’
This includes Victorian-era inspired performances (only on the first and third weekends), where ‘you’ll be immersed in the charm of Dickens’ world.’
Alongside this themed event, market-goers can also expect an unreal feast, with food offerings catering to literally every taste. From classic festive cheeseboards, sausages and beer, the braver foodies amongst us might want to try out the controversial ostrich, wild boar and crocodile burgers.
Cardiff
Date: November 14 to December 23
Where: St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street and Hills Street
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Located in the centre of the historic city, the Christmas markets have been lighting up Cardiff for the past 30 years. With over 200 stalls to browse, there’s no chance of getting bored.
‘You can find everything from handmade jewellery, ceramics, candles, and textiles to local cheese, honey, gin, and chocolate,’ Visit Wales notes on its website.
Glasgow
Date: November 9 to January 5
Where: St Enoch and George Square
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Glasgow’s Christmas markets, or ‘Winterfest’ transforms St Enoch Square and George Square into a festive paradise. This year you can enjoy mulled, Bratwurst and festive treats until long after Christmas day. The markets close on January 5, so there’s plenty of time to get your fill.
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