Discover the Best British Christmas Markets

    and continue the magic through Europe's most merry hotspots

    Best Christmas markets in Europe and the UK

    Best Christmas markets in Europe have a rich tradition dating back to the Middle Ages in Germany and Austria. The festive atmosphere, complete with twinkling lights, jingling bells, and the enticing aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, has become a cherished part of the season. Cities and towns across the UK now host their own celebrations, each infused with a special local charm. Explore a delightful array of traditional crafts, mouthwatering festive treats, and lively entertainment. Staying in a cosy B&B nearby, means you can have yourself a very merry Christmas!

    Christmas Markets for Everyone to Enjoy

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    Best British Christmas Market for Families

    Edinburgh, 15th November - 4th January.
    Edinburgh Christmas Market is an enchanting place for families, especially those with smaller children. Located at East Princes Street Gardens, Parliament Square, and Castle Street, it features rows of wooden huts selling handmade crafts, Christmas puddings and mince pies. Various fun activities will delight the little ones, including a Santa’s grotto, traditional fairground rides, ice skating, a Christmas tree maze and even a little Santa train to take them on a ride around the market.

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    Best Markets in a Unique Setting

    Winchester Cathedral, 22nd November - 22nd December.
    The Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is celebrated for its whimsical setting within the historic grounds of one of Europe’s finest medieval cathedrals. Over 100 wooden chalets inspired by traditional German markets, offer an array of crafts, jewellery, clothing, food, and drink. Nestled in the Cathedral’s Inner Close, the market features beautiful decorations, festive lighting, and Christmas carol services. A highlight is the open-air ice rink, where visitors can skate under the stars.

    bed and breakfast Bath Christmas Markets

    Best British Romantic Christmas Markets

    Bath, 28th November - 15th December.
    Bath Christmas Market is a top choice for couples, set against the enchanting backdrop of Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths. The cobblestone streets are lined with over 200 chalets offering high-quality gifts, local food, and drink stalls. Live entertainment from local brass bands and choirs enhances the romantic ambience. For an extra magic touch, the Bath on Ice event returns for its 11th year, where couples can practice skating, enjoy wintery music, and sip on seasonal cocktails at a cosy bar.

    Bed and Breakfast Birmingham

    Best British Christmas Market with Friends

    Birmingham, 1st November - 24th December.
    Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is the perfect spot for a fun night out with friends, embodying the spirit of the traditional German markets. Indulge in delicious foods like bratwurst, pretzels, and stollen, complemented by festive drinks such as glühwein and weissbier. The market also features a free live music programme on the stage in the heart of Victoria Square. For extra excitement, hop on the big wheel for stunning views or try your hand at skating at the ice rink.

    Christmas Markets in London

    Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park

    21st November - 5th January. Combine your Christmas shopping with a visit to the spectacular Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, one of the biggest and most popular markets in the country. It features a staggering range of attractions, including the UK’s largest open-air ice rink, circus shows, a giant observation wheel, and a bar made entirely of ice. As well as hundreds of stalls, lots of live performances, from family-friendly shows to festive singalongs, ensure endless entertainment for everyone.

    Covent Garden

    6th November 2024 - 3rd January 2025. Booking a B&B for the Covent Garden Christmas Market is designed to get you feeling Christmassy! Built around an iconic 60-foot Christmas tree adorned with over 30,000 lights, the market features upscale artisanal foods, boutique brands, and bespoke stalls, with plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Sip mulled wine, explore the mysterious Wonder Wood, and capture those memories with a photo with the fabulously decorated Christmas sleigh.

    Camden Market

    14th November - 24th December 2024. Fashionable Camden’s quirky Christmas market offers an eclectic blend of London’s diverse culture and festive traditions. Visitors can enjoy a popular ice rink, Santa’s Grotto, whimsical snow flurries, and lively seasonal music. The vibrant atmosphere is perfect for holiday celebrations, with a variety of food stalls serving locally made doughnuts, vegan sushi, traditional British pies, and plant-based bites. Don’t forget to warm up with delicious mulled wine or hot cider!

    Hidden Gem Christmas Markets in UK Villages

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    Grassington

    30th November and 7th December 2024.
    Located in the village of Grassington in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, this festival draws huge crowds over the first two weekends in December. The market embraces a Dickensian theme, with shopkeepers and locals dressing up in Victorian clothing, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that transports visitors back to the time of Scrooge and Oliver Twist. The cobbled streets come alive with alpine stalls, brass bands, carol singing, lantern processions, and even live performances of Dickensian stories.

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    Castle Combe

    2nd December - 3rd December 2024.
    The Castle Combe Christmas Market is a delightful festive event set in one of the prettiest villages in England. Nestled among beautiful stone buildings and scenic landscapes, the market is quite magical. Explore stalls offering handmade gifts, including bath bombs, soaps, jewellery, knitted items, and intricate woodwork. Enjoy delicious local treats like honey, chocolates and cakes, perfect for snacking while you stroll. The market is also dog-friendly, making it a great family outing.

    Aberglasney Gardens

    29th November - 1st December 2024.
    The Aberglasney Winter Fair is one of Wales' biggest festive events, showcasing an array of talented artists, makers, crafters, and designers. Visitors can discover unique gifts, handmade decorations, art, and beautiful homeware, along with a selection of artisan food and drink. The food marquee features regional treats, including decadent chocolates, festive spirits, Welsh cakes, and chutneys, while local artists perform against the stunning backdrop of Aberglasney Gardens.

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    York

    14th November - 22nd December 2024.
    While York is not exactly a small village, its medieval, higgledy-piggledy streets give it a unique small-town charm all of its own. The beloved Christmas market known as the St Nicholas Fair features 75 alpine chalets offering shoppers unique gifts and seasonal treats focusing on sustainability and supporting local businesses. Set against a backdrop of Harry Potteresque cobbled alleys and the majestic Minster, York feels Christmassy all year round!

    Popular Christmas Markets in Europe

    The best Christmas markets in Europe are enchanting destinations that come alive with festive spirit! Picture sparkling lights, traditional crafts, and delightful seasonal treats filling the air with joy. These charming markets are spread across the continent, each offering unique flavours and traditions, from cosy alpine villages to bustling city squares. Instead of doing your Christmas shopping locally, why not embark on a getaway in one of these timeless settings? It’s the perfect festive escape!

    Essential Tips for Bed & Breakfast Lovers Visiting Christmas Markets in Europe

    If you love staying in B&Bs and you're going to one of the Christmas markets in Europe, here are some tips to make it an even more holly jolly experience.

    • Location - Choose B&Bs within walking distance or just a quick drive from the market. Many cities have several markets spread across various squares, so having a place nearby means you can explore them all without worrying if you have a bit too much Gluhwein! You could also choose a countryside B&B out of the main town and combine your market trip with winter walks through snowy landscapes. Hopefully, your host will give you the inside scoop on the best stalls, hidden gems, and local delicacies.

    • Book early - Since Christmas markets are extremely popular in Germany, Austria, and the UK, it is highly recommended that you make your plans well in advance. All those cute little B&Bs get filled up rather quickly!

    • Good shoes - Christmas markets can be really quite big and spread out. Wear warm, waterproof, comfortable shoes because you will likely be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone streets. Many experienced visitors swear by trekking shoes!

    • Get a map - As well as the central event, many towns and cities have additional smaller, less touristy markets and special events, which can be equally charming and usually a lot less crowded.

    • Check your opening times - opening dates and times vary in different places. Some start as early as mid-November, while others begin in December.

    • Bring cash - Be sure to ask about payment options, as many markets are cash only, while others will take cards. Be prepared, and you’ll be able to soak in all of the festive spirit and magic moments with no inconvenient surprises!