As the festive season approaches, the UK transforms into a magical winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, festive music, and bustling Christmas markets. Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, delicious food, or simply want to soak up the holiday atmosphere, these Christmas markets are sure to get you in the festive spirit.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most enchanting and largest Christmas markets that the United Kingdom has to offer in 2024.
Edinburgh Christmas Market 2024
- Dates: November 15, 2024 – January 4, 2025
- Location: East Princes Street Gardens, St Andrew Square, and George Street
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market is one of the most iconic in the UK. Set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, this market offers over 80 stalls selling handcrafted gifts, festive food, and drinks. The market will once again feature its famous Big Wheel, offering breathtaking views of the city. New for 2024 are additional stalls and attractions throughout the city centre, including a family-friendly funfair in West Princes Street Gardens.
For families, don’t miss Santa’s Grotto at St Andrew Square, where children can meet Santa and his elves. The market also features an ice rink on George Street and a Festival of Kindness at St Andrew Square’s Kindness Tree, where visitors can donate gifts to those in need.
Bath Christmas Market 2024
- Dates: November 23 – December 10, 2024
- Location: Bath Abbey and surrounding streets
Bath’s award-winning Christmas Market returns with over 200 chalets lining the streets around Bath Abbey. Known for its charming atmosphere and high-quality local products, this market is perfect for finding unique gifts. It’s free to enter and offers a wide range of artisanal crafts, handmade jewellery, and festive food.
For those looking for more than just shopping, head to Royal Victoria Park, where you’ll find an ice rink and glow-in-the-dark mini-golf from November 17 until January 3. Whether you’re sipping mulled wine or enjoying a Yorkshire pudding wrap, Bath’s market is a must-visit during the festive season.
Nottingham Winter Wonderland 2024
- Dates: November 7 – December 24, 2024
- Location: Old Market Square
Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland is renowned as one of Europe’s top Christmas markets. With its stunning ice rink, observation wheel, and tobogganing run, it offers much more than just shopping. The market features a wide selection of independent traders offering everything from handmade crafts to gourmet food.
New for 2024 is the Sky Skate Ice Path, which lets visitors skate through a magical winter landscape above the market stalls. Be sure to book your tickets in advance for activities like ice skating or rides on the observation wheel.
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market 2024
- Dates: November 1 – December 24, 2024
- Location: Victoria Square and New Street
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside Germany and Austria. With over 80 stalls offering traditional German food like bratwurst, schnitzels, pretzels, and glühwein (mulled wine), this market brings a taste of Bavaria to Birmingham.
In addition to shopping and food stalls, visitors can enjoy ice skating at Centenary Square or take a ride on the big wheel or city flyer. While pets aren’t allowed at this busy market, it’s perfect for families and friends looking to enjoy some festive fun during the week when it’s less crowded.
Glasgow Christmas Market 2024
- Dates: Mid-November – Early January
- Location: St Enoch Square and George Square
Glasgow Christmas Market transforms St Enoch Square and George Square into a festive wonderland, with bustling hubs of festive cheer. This completely free event has lots of market stalls to explore with a range of specialities on offer such as haggis balls, Scottish pies, venison burgers, whisky infused fudge, hot toddies and Irn Bru pulled pork!
George Square will host an ice rink along with fairground rides like a double carousel. For those seeking more traditional fare or quirky gifts from Scotland’s finest producers, Glasgow’s market is not to be missed.
London Christmas Markets 2024
There are too many Christmas Markets to count in London this year, despite this they all have their own unique appeal.
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (November 15 – January 5): London’s biggest festive event with over 100 market stalls alongside rides like roller coasters and an ice rink.
- Covent Garden (November 12 – Early January): Famous for its giant Christmas tree and boutique shops offering artisanal crafts.
- Southbank Centre Winter Market (November 12 – January 5): A global affair with international cuisine and handmade gifts.
- Christmas by the River at London Bridge City (November 12 – January 5): Offers stunning views of Tower Bridge alongside cosy pop-up stalls selling festive treats.
Each market has its own unique charm—whether you’re after gourmet street food or high-quality crafts—making London one of the best cities for festive shopping.
Bristol Christmas Market 2024
- Dates: November 1 – December 23, 2024
- Location: Broadmead Shopping Quarter
Bristol’s Christmas Market is back with over 35 wooden chalets offering everything from local crafts to seasonal treats like mulled cider and Somerset brie bites. Located in Broadmead Shopping Quarter, this market is known for its lively atmosphere with live music performances at the Jäger Barn Bar.
New for this year is the addition of a children’s train ride called the Christmas Express, as well as an exciting escape room experience called The Candy Factory. You can also book private gondolas or igloos at Jäger Barn Bar for a cosy retreat with friends or family while enjoying mulled wine or hot chocolate.
For more traditional shopping experiences, head over to nearby St Nicholas Market, which will be open daily from mid-November until Christmas Eve. This historic indoor market offers a wide range of local goods—from Banksy prints to Bristol Blue Glass—making it perfect for finding unique gifts.
Are you an independent market trader?
Make sure you are prepared for this Christmas season and are insured by experts. CMTIA’s Public and products liability insurance starts from only £65 per year*. Apply online to protect your business today.
