The best Christmas markets in the UK

It’s almost time to untangle those fairy lights and snip off some sprigs of holly! With December close on the horizon, you may be craving a little festive magic. What better way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year than a trip to one of the best UK Christmas markets?

The North of England and Scotland are blessed with some truly fantastic options – all of which offer the perfect opportunities to sample a few festive delights and pick up some gorgeous gifts for your loved ones. Some are set to open as early as the first week of November this year, so now’s the time to start planning a visit.

To get into the festive spirit, here’s our round-up of what we believe to be the best Christmas markets in the UK for 2025 (and yes, we may be a little biased!).

1. Leeds Christmas Market

When: 21st November – 21st December
Where: Leeds city centre: Millennium Square, City Square and an additional weekend market on Bond Court 

City Square will sparkle with festive charm from November with up to 60 dazzling stalls open up to spread joy across the city. After visitor feedback in 2023, Leeds Christmas Markets brought all the stalls together in 2024 and that continues this year as Millennium Square and City Square are the spots to find this year's seasonal cheer. 

Highlights of Leeds Christmas Market will include Bavarian-style market stalls, the family favourite Carousel, Big Wheel and even Ice Cube ice-skating. With food stalls and alpine-style bars dotted around the location, there's plenty of opportunities to enjoy festive drinks, bright decorations and comfy seating where you can sip, snack and socialise with friends.



2. Manchester Christmas Markets

When: 7th November – 22nd December (some stalls remain open until 4th January 2026)
Where:  Albert Square, Piccadilly Gardens, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Street, Market Street, King Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, The Corn Exchange, Cathedral Gardens

It wouldn’t be a list of the UK’s best Christmas markets if it didn’t include Manchester. As the host of the largest Christmas market in the North, the city never fails to wow with its festive offering which takes place across the city centre from early-November.

Returning to this year's seasonal celebrations is Albert Square which will host 'A Taste of Christmas' - a mini festive market selling food, drinks and crafts and it'll be home to a Big Wheel and a Helter Skelter! One of the most popular Manchester Christmas Market zones is the super-central Piccadilly Gardens, which is where you’ll be able to pick up homemade gifts, plenty of tasty grub and, of course, festive mugs filled with mulled wine.

With over 200 stalls across ten city centre sites, there's plenty of places to get wrapped up in the festive atmosphere and soak up the spirit of Christmas. Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens will also remain open until the New Year, giving visitors even more time to enjoy the magic. 



3. York Christmas Market

When: 13th November – 21st December
Where: St Sampson’s Square, Parliament Street

Thanks to its winding cobblestone streets and medieval monuments, York always looks like a postcard regardless of the time of year! Nevertheless, the city is particularly photogenic by the end of November thanks to its glittering festive lights and lively Christmas market.

York’s St Nicholas Fair is charmingly traditional and is now in its 33rd year. Prepare to browse 75 alpine-style chalets, jam-packed with shops and tempting street food stalls. With 80% of this year’s traders being Yorkshire-based, the York Christmas Market is a fantastic way to support the local economy whilst securing top-quality, locally made produce. And make sure you don’t miss the magical vintage carousel – a fabulous spot to take the family. 



4. Edinburgh Christmas Market

When: 15th November – 4th January
Where: East and West Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh

Edinburgh famously pulls out all the stops for Hogmanay – but that doesn’t mean the Scottish capital scrimps when it comes to Christmas. The entire city looks like something out of a festive movie come December, with the majority of its decorations and seasonal attractions concentrated around its two major shopping streets.

For a host of around 80 colourful stalls selling artisan gifts and exquisite edible treats, check out the main Edinburgh Christmas Market around East and West Princess Street Gardens. In the East Gardens, you’ll find the traditional Christmas market, festive food and the Big Wheel – the perfect place to see the city from up high. In the West Princes Street Gardens, there’s a family-friendly zone with funfair-style rides for kids to enjoy. Don’t miss the free shows and other entertainment at the Ross Bandstand too. Ice skaters will find the usual rink set-up on bustling George Street in the New Town and, for the first time there's also The Polar Ice Bar which you can find on George Street - the coolest place in the capital to enjoy a festive beverage! 

     

5. Newcastle Christmas Market

When: 15th November – 23rd December
Where: Grey’s Monument, Grainger Street, Old Eldon Square

Heading to the North East this festive season? Don’t miss Newcastle Christmas Market. Set to be bigger and better than 2024, Newcastle is home to a wonderful Christmas extravaganza in mid-November. The spectacular stalls will be back with a focus on local vendors selling amazing gifts and delicious goodies.

This year you'll be able to cosy up in an igloo at the North Pole Terrace in Old Eldon Square which is also home to Marshmallow Land and Festive Flix as well as the ever-popular Moosenwirth alpine bar. Grainger Market continues to support local businesses this Christmas with stalls primarily run by local vendors so whether you're soaking up the atmosphere or on the hunt for the present gift, Newcastle will have it all! 

 

6. Glasgow Winterfest Christmas Market

When: 6th November – 24th December 
Where: St. Enoch Square, Glasgow Green

Nestled in the heart of the city, the Christmas Markets are set to transform the centre of Glasgow into a festive delight once again. With the closure of George Square, the markets have found a new home in Glasgow Green with St. Enoch Square also returning to host the festivities.  

Alongside the market stalls, there’ll be plenty of Christmassy activities to get involved in. Ride the big wheel for views across the city, skate the glorious ice rink for memories that will last a lifetime, and if you’re feeling particularly carefree, join the silent disco to let go and truly get in the Christmas spirit. There's also the world's first solar-powered observation wheel at the Glasgow Christmas market and it's not only the first unveiled in the UK but the first of its kind in the world! 

Visitors will also find a fully licensed festive bar for the first time in Scotland as well as live music throughout the markets to really add a special dose of seasonal cheer. 



7. Sheffield Christmas Market

When: 13th November – 24th December
Where: Fargate, Barkers Pool, Peace Gardens, The Moor

For a Christmas market that truly demonstrates the community spirit of its host city, Sheffield is a must. With local traders selling their wares across more than 60 log cabins, the Sheffield Christmas Market is the perfect place to pick up unique and locally sourced festive gifts for loved ones. Alongside the stalls, you’ll find four buzzing alpine bars where you can warm up with hot chocolate or treat yourself to something stronger – it is Christmas after all!

For family trips, be sure to take a ride on the Big Wheel. And if your little ones have a visit to Santa on their wish list, the man himself will be there – head to his Grotto for a magical meet and greet.



8. Durham Christmas Festival

When: 5th December – 7th December
Where: Durham Market Hall, Palace Green, Durham Market Place

Set against the stunning backdrop of Durham Cathedral and Castle, this festival offers a unique blend of history and holiday cheer. Only available to visit across the one weekend, we recommend you get it in the diary now as this market is not to be missed. With more than 200 independent traders selling gifts, homeware, festive decorations and much more, there’s so much to discover at the Durham Christmas Festival.

The stalls are spread across three core locations in the city: Durham Market Hall, Craft & Producers’ Marquee on Palace Green, and the Festive Outdoor Market in Durham Market Place. There is a small entry fee for the Craft & Producers’ Marquee, so keep that in mind before you visit.

If you plan to visit on Saturday afternoon, then don’t miss the Children’s Lantern Parade at 3pm – you can even take part for just £6.

 

9. Liverpool Christmas Market

When: 15th November – 24th December
Where: St George’s Plateau

Located at St. George’s Plateau, the Liverpool Christmas Market is a vibrant hub of holiday cheer. The market boasts a fantastic mix of local crafts, international cuisine and unique gifts, available over more than 40 stalls. There’s a fab fairground with a big wheel offering stunning views of Liverpool, and you can take on a festive classic at the Karaoke Ski Lifts located at the Alpine Bar – who doesn’t love to give Mariah’s high notes a go at Christmas!

With live musical performances, roasted chestnuts and mulled wine galore, what more could you want from a Christmas market?

Feeling inspired to visit one of these fabulous festive markets? Journey there by train with us and enjoy discounted prices and seat reservations when you book in advance online or via the TPExpress app.

We’ve also got plenty more Christmas inspiration over on our blog. From the best Christmas light trails to the most fun Christmas days out, there’s so much on offer in the North to make this festive season even more magical.