Best UK Christmas Markets for 2021
Christmas is coming to a city near you! That’s right. The festive season is upon us, which means Christmas markets are opening their doors up and down the UK.
There’s nothing quite like a Christmas market. As the winter chill starts to hit, their enchanting charm will fill you with plenty of festive cheer. They’re the perfect place for a get together with friends and family, as you can enjoy food, drink, plenty of activities and even live music!
With so many options, choosing the best UK Christmas markets to visit can be tricky. But don’t worry. We’ve picked out five fantastic options that you should consider when planning where to go this year.
Manchester Christmas Markets
Opening dates: 12th November to 22nd December
Opening times: 10am to 9pm
There’s a new hub for all the festive fun in Manchester this year. With Albert Square out of action, Piccadilly Gardens will be transformed into the fantastic Winter Gardens.
You’ll find plenty of your favourite Christmas market stalls from previous years. Get your hands on one of Porky Pig’s mouth-watering Yorkshire Pudding Wraps, or indulge in Elsie Mays’ famous hot cookie dough. There’s also a wide selection of fantastic drinks stalls selling locally brewed ales, cocktails, wine, rum and lots more. There really is something for everyone!
The fun doesn’t stop there either, as loads of other markets are scattered across the city. Grab a hand-pulled pizza in St Ann’s Square or take to Skate Manchester’s ice rink by Cathedral Gardens. It’s all going on in the UK’s capital of Christmas!
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market
Opening dates: 4th November to 23rd December
Opening times: 10am to 9pm
Birmingham’s Frankfurt market is a must-visit as the world’s largest German Christmas market outside Germany and Austria. Located on Victoria Square, New Street and Centenary Square, you’ll find 180 seasonal stalls and a buzzing atmosphere in the Second City this year.
A fantastic range of German classics will be on offer. You’ll be able to tuck into some delicious cuisine, including half-metre bratwursts, Berliner doughnuts, pretzels and Frankfurter sausages. You can wash all that down with a glass of glühwein (traditional German mulled wine) or a traditional German beer.
But it’s not just food and drinks you’ll find in these markets. You can also do some Christmas shopping, with gift stalls selling everything from small ornaments and baubles to handmade soaps and bath salts.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London
Opening dates: 19th November to 3rd January
Opening times: 10am to 10pm
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is so much more than just a Christmas market. As well as all the traditional stalls, you’ll find a whole host of unique places in this magical setting. Enjoy a drink in the Viking inspired Thor’s Tipi, sample a taste of Germany in the Bavarian Village or chill out in Bar Ice.
The fun doesn’t stop there! You can skate on the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, gaze at the iconic London skyline on The Giant Wheel or visit one of two circuses. And with ice sculpting, fairground rides and live music also available, you’re guaranteed entertainment at this incredible festive event in London.
Cardiff Christmas Market
Opening dates: 11th November to 23rd December
Opening times: Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm
Enjoy a lush festive experience by visiting Cardiff’s Christmas market. It’s a unique market where talented locals can showcase their outstanding original work. That makes it the perfect place to buy presents for your loved ones! You can get your hands on anything from bespoke silver jewellery to stunning artwork and handknitted scarves.
Once you’ve finished Christmas shopping, wander over to the food stalls for a bite to eat. You’ll find a variety of seasonal treats, both savoury and sweet, that cater for all. There’s all the traditional German grub, as well as marshmallows dipped in hot chocolate and even hot Welsh cakes – what’s not to love?
Edinburgh Christmas Markets
Opening dates: 20th November to 4th January
Opening times: 10am to 10pm (except selected dates – SEE HERE)
After a two-year hiatus, the Edinburgh Christmas markets are back! And we’re sure you’ll love this traditional market in the Scottish capital. Located in both East and West Princes Street Gardens, the Edinburgh markets feature over 75 stalls across both sites.
There will be some tasty treats on offer, from giant sausages from the Original German Sausage stand to mac ‘n’ cheese from the Mac Shack. And you have to try a glass of mulled Irn Bru to get an authentic taste of Scotland.
On top of the wonderful selection of stalls, you’ll also find 15 attractions. As ever, the Big Wheel will be open for visitors to take in beautiful panoramic views of the Edinburgh skyline. But there’s also ice skating, bumper cars, Santa Land and a Christmas Tree Maze to entertain the whole family!
Looking for something to watch over the festive period? Check out our 9 festive rom-com films here
