The best Christmas markets in the UK in 2026

It’s time! Pop on your warmest woolly hat and cosiest coat and take a trip to one of the best Christmas markets in the UK. From home-made food, hand-crafted goods, live music and entertainment, there’s lots to discover at your local Christmas market. But if you’re looking to make a day of it and want to discover the best Christmas markets in the UK for 2026, read on…

The best Christmas markets in the UK in 2026

1. Bath

Dates: Thursday 26^th November 2026 – Sunday 13^th December 2026

First up on our list of the best Christmas markets in the UK for 2026 is Bath! Take a walk through the delightful, cobbled streets and soak up the festive atmosphere at the Bath Christmas market. With a backdrop of the stunning cathedral and lots of lovely independent makers to discover, it’s no surprise Bath is one of the best Christmas markets for 2026.

2. Blenheim Palace

Dates: Friday 13^th November 2026 – Sunday 20^th December 2026

Step into Christmas at Blenheim Palace and stock up on festive goodies with their fantastic Christmas market. Perfect for a lovely date day, a trip with the family or an afternoon with friends, Blenheim Palace also boasts an impressive festive light trail and an ice skating rink too so you can really get into the festive spirit.

3. Chatsworth House

Dates: Saturday 7^th November 2026 – Friday 13^th December 2026

Tick off your gift list with Chatsworth House’s stunning Christmas market. With over 100 wooden chalets offering lots of lovely artisanal gifts and decorations, this Christmas market also features live music to soak up as you take a meander. A handy tip; you’ll need to pre-book parking to make sure you get a spot and to avoid missing out on this brilliant festive market.

4. York

Dates: Thursday 12^th November 2026 – Monday 21^st December 2026

Next up on our list of the best Christmas markets in the UK for 2026 is York. Their award-winning Christmas market is back for 2026 and is one not to be missed this year! Grab a cup of mulled wine and peruse the alpine chalets that line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square. With most of the traders hailing from Yorkshire, there’s tonnes of local crafts and gifts on offer, meaning you can not only pick up the perfect present but also support your local businesses this Christmas too.

5. London

Dates: Thursday 19^th November 2026 – Sunday 3^rd January 2027

One of the best Christmas markets in the UK, and probably one of the busiest, is Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. A fun fair, a Christmas market, a circus and an ice rink, you can make a day of it and explore all Winter Wonderland has to offer for 2026. Make sure to pre-book your tickets to guarantee entry and explore their delightful Bavarian Village and Christmas market filled with unique gifts and festive fun.

6. Manchester

Dates: Friday 6^th November 2026 – Tuesday 22^nd December 2026

Manchester’s famous Christmas market is coming back for 2026 and will be home to an impressive 200 stalls spread across nine different locations. One of the best Christmas markets in the UK, you can discover lots of home-made goodies and festive treats all across Manchester’s most popular city centre spots, from King Street West to Piccadilly Gardens.

7. Bristol

Dates: Friday 6^th November 2026 – Wednesday 23^rd December 2026

If you’re local to Bristol or are planning a festive trip, make sure you don’t miss their incredible Christmas market in Bristol’s city centre. Home to over 35 stalls, you can get into the Christmas spirit by browsing the gorgeous gifts the stalls have to offer, soak up some festive tunes from the live band and enjoy a delicious warm treat from the many food stalls. Want to escape the hustle and bustle? Book a private gondola or hot air balloon style seating area for a little rest!

8. Edinburgh

Dates: Saturday 14^th November 2026 – Sunday 3^rd January 2027

Next up on our list of the best Christmas markets in the UK for 2026 is in Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh. Nestled in East Princes Street Gardens you’ll find a delightful Christmas market free to enter. Home to over 70 woodland stalls selling personalised gifts and tasty festive treats, Edinburgh’s Christmas market is a must-visit this year!

9. Winchester

Dates: Friday 20^th November 2026 – Tuesday 22^nd December 2026

One of the best Christmas markets in the UK for 2026 is Winchester’s! Located just outside the breathtaking cathedral, Winchester’s Christmas market is one to not be missed. From Christmas workshops where you can make your own decorations to lantern parades, there’s plenty on to make this more than just a visit to their traditional Christmas market. Why not take a step in from the cold to enjoy a Christmas service as sung by their acclaimed choir in the cathedral too.

10. Coventry

Dates: Friday 13^th November 2026 – Sunday 3^rd January 2027

And last up on our list of the best Christmas markets to visit in the UK is Coventry. In the heart of the bustling city centre, you’ll find not only a brilliant Christmas market but a big ferris wheel and plenty of festive food and drinks to keep you warm as you meander around the market to soak up the atmosphere.

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So step into Christmas and get into the festive spirit by visiting some of the best Christmas markets in the UK in 2026. Which will you be going to? Let us know in the comments and if there’s any Christmas markets that are local to you that’ll you be frequenting this festive season.