Are you crazy about Christmas or a bah humbug? We sit in the former camp and love embracing the Christmas spirit. The last couple of years we have combined the festive season with a trip overseas to a European city, somewhere we have never been before, to soak up the Christmas market atmosphere.
There was our trip to Bruges and then Copenhagen where we got festive at Tivoli Gardens and discovered the best things to do in Copenhagen as well as a sneaky few hours in Malmo. But this year, with the constraints of the school term, we have abandoned a trip elsewhere in Europe. Instead we are looking at what the UK has to offer in the way of Christmas Markets which are becoming more and more popular here. We are very keen to squeeze in a visit but have yet to decide definitively on a city. Here’s my top Christmas markets which are currently in the running for us to visit. What other suggestions do you have?
Winchester Christmas Market
Set in the grounds of Winchester’s Gothic cathedral, the Winchester Christmas market attracts around 350,000 visitors every year. My friend Vicky, who is from the city, very enthusiastically sold it to me and it is currently our top choice of Christmas markets to attend.
It looks magical with over 100 huts which are selected by the cathedral team to ensure the upmost quality. There is a strong emphasis on British handicrafts and the usual mulled wine, mince pies and stollen. A large ice rink is also there. Distance wise it’s around an hour by car or train from London.
London
You are spoilt for choice for Christmas Markets in central London and the surrounding area. The Southbank always has a great vibe with Scandinadian-style wooden huts lining the banks of the Thames and fairground rides and a carousel too.
Wander further along and the Tate Modern has a selection of huts selling gifts, children’s toys and gingerbread while London Bridge and Greenwich have festive offerings too. There’s Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park for markets and plenty more Christmassy fun. For more Christmas market inspiration have a look at Visit London’s list and for other festive things to do in London check out my post.
Bath
The spa city of Bath is beautiful anytime of the year but add an award-winning Christmas market into the mix and there’s even more reason to visit.  During the festive season, there are 170 wooden huts of stalls which line the area around the ancient Roman Baths and Bath Abbey.
There is a strong emphasis on supporting the local community with 85% of stallholders from Bath and the surrounding area. Plus, 89% of the stalls sell handmade products. Sounds like a great place to pick up some gifts while soaking up the historic city’s sights.
Leeds
Leeds has one of the oldest established German Christmas markets which takes place in the city’s Millennium Square. Leeds is my husband’s home city so he has raved about the ‘Christkindelmarkt’ a lot. It has over 40 stalls and a carousel ride which will keep younger children entertained while you sip mulled wine. It also has a Santa breakfast experience (for the kids) and an apres-ski style bar (for the adults).
There are plenty of Christmas markets going on in towns and cities throughout the UK. I have listed just a few that have caught  my eye. Where is your favourite Christmas market? What else do you think I need to add to my list?
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OOh I’m excited about the Bath market! We were just there last year and it was so beautiful, add a market and I bet its wonderful!! #CityTripping
Lolo recently posted…The Splendor of the Munich Residenz and Why You Should Visit It
I know, I’m keen to visit during the festive season. Bath is a stunning city.
I love Christmas markets too:) what about Edinburgh? I’ve never been in the winter but I’d imagine it has a great Christmas market cause I’ve heard of their big New Year’s celebrations
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) recently posted…New travel article app giveaway
Oh I’m sure the Edinburgh one would be brilliant.
I didn’t realise the South Bank has a Christmas market – how daft am I as that’s my favourite place in London the rest of the year.
The nearest one to us is Lincoln which is meant to be very good but it was last weekend and I’ve missed it! I really must do better next year.
#citytripping
Trish @ Mum’s Gone To recently posted…Falling in love with Seville
Haha. I find the festive season goes so quickly once it gets started. Is the Lincoln one only on for one weekend?
Birmingham is also pretty good #citytripping
Wandermust mummy recently posted…48 hours in Henley with a baby – photo itinerary
Great.
We went to St Albans Christmas market a couple of weeks ago, and that was really lovely too. It even had a kids’ theatre company to keep the little ones happy! I should try out Leeds when we’re next in Harrogate to see D’s parents – sounds good. #Citytripping
Nell (the Pigeon Pair and Me) recently posted…Skating at the Tower of London ice rink with the stars of Disney’s Frozen on Ice
Oh, that’s a great idea to have a theatre company there to entertain the little ones!
I am warming to the markets in the U.K. A little despite my latest article! Winchester especially looks excellent. London I can do without but love Covent Garden during the festive season.#citytripping.
Just read your post! I think Winchester looks pretty good. I shall report back on UK markets when I finally make it to one
Having never been to England, I’d love to go at any time … but Christmas seems particularly wonderful! Thanks for sharing all of the wonderful Christmas markets to explore there! 🙂
Mandy recently posted…Enchanting Evening at the Palace of Versailles
You’re welcome but you HAVE to come to England!!
I have been reading so many posts about European Christmas markets and it makes me think of the year I spent Christmas in Germany. I thought Christmas were just a German thing but I love that they’re all over Europe. I’d like to visit these some day. #citytripping
Allison recently posted…Why We Don’t Travel for the Holidays
I bet Christmas in Germany was a great experience. Yes, the markets are becoming more and more popular over in the uk.
Were so excited about Christmas and managed to catch a small market on Córdoba during our trip. Our favourite market in the UK is Manchester, such a great place to get in the Christmas spirit! #citytripping
Andrea @Topsy Turvy Tribe recently posted…Stunning Sierras
Great tip. I can imagine Manchester does a really good one.
I love Winchester’s market, as you know, but Leeds always sounds good – if only I was closer! – and Bath looks magical. Birmngham is supposed to have a really good one too.
Cathy (MummyTravels) recently posted…City Tripping #56
I may squeeze in a cheeky visit to the Leeds one so will report back Cathy.
With so many markets and all the beautiful decor I’m thinking I may need to spend Christmas in England next year!!! #citytripping
Hilary recently posted…40,000 Problems… A Holiday Gift Guide
For sure Hilary! Come on over!
Manchester is pretty good. A few friends tried out the Leicester Square one and said it was a bit rubbish…
kirstie recently posted…Making Travel Connections
Haha – yes, I heard that too so didn’t mention Leicester Square. I can imagine Manchester do a good one.
I hear good things about the Lincoln market too but Winchester definitely on my list #CityTripping
Catherine’s Cultural Wednesdays recently posted…VISITING THE LOUVRE WITH CHILDREN
Oooh you are the second person to mention Lincoln.
I think I’d love to visit Bath most as it’s somewhere I’ve never been and would absolutely love to. When better than at Christmas. #citytripping
Phoebe | Lou Messugo recently posted…24 hours in Hanoi
You simply must visit Bath Phoebe- a beautiful city !
I definitely love embracing the Christmas spirit and have a list of London things to work through with a few markets included too! 😉 #citytripping
Fantastic! Enjoy.
NOT A BIT A BAH HUMBUG! As you can see, I go all out for Christmas in Singapore even though it’s hot all year round hahaha Oh and Christmas Markets… we do have them here in Singapore too but the weather! It’s so hot and crowded, I get put off by them. Definitely will have to make a trip to a real wintery country for next Christmas! Or maybe Christmas in 2018 because we are already planning a Europe trip next year in Oct. #citytripping
Oooh definitely! Christmas in the cold is a very different experience.
Lucky you! I would love to have this kind of markets around. We have some holiday markets but appeal mostly to shoppers. I would like to visit something different. #citytripping
Ruth recently posted…Naschmarkt: Vienna’s Largest Outdoor Market
They have got better over the years here and they seem to offer more entertainment and food now as well as stalls.
Just love reading about all these English Christmas markets – though we have our fair share of Christmas galore in NY, these markets sound and look so beautiful and old world. I especially like the sound of the market in Bath. #citytripping
I know the Bath one appeals to me too. I can imagine NY at Christmas is totally magical !
Hi I would add Birmingham to the list.
I did go to Manchester’s last year but by the time we had gone out for a meal the market had closed! It was its last day too!!
I like the look of the market in Bath – may try to fit that in before Xmas if its still on.
Off to London to Hyde park Winter Wonderland on Saturday – can’t wait!
Tracy recently posted…40 Stocking Filler Gift Ideas for the Travel Lover
And Nottingham!!? We have a Christmas ice rink in the square and a few other rides, plus quite and extensive market. And if it’s old architecture you like then Hockley and the Lace Market are littered with old buildings, renovated to cool bars or restaurants! #citytripping
Alex recently posted…Wild About Pembrokeshire
Oooh – ok you’ve sold it! Nottingham sounds very good!!
I’ve never experienced a Christmas market in UK before but based on your list of suggestions, I would recommend, perhaps, Bath? Since Bath is a historical city, I reckon it will be fun visiting the city and the Christmas markets during this time of the year as well 🙂 Let us know which one you finally pick! #citytripping
I will do Kat! There will be a post no doubt. I’ll definitely go to Bath at some point. It is a wonderful city.
They all look pretty… You should visit all of them!! ;))
Umberta recently posted…Today we watch : Allied
I will try!
I’ve been thinking of revisiting London, its Christmas markets sound great! I’ll go check out your other post 😀
Vlad recently posted…A Quick And Minty Journey To Morocco
Thanks Vlad. Come back to London soon!
Aw I will have to check these out, although we are not far from Manchester which is beautiful too. This week I have been to Germany omg they were just magical x
Sarah Christie@gmail.com recently posted…Making A Family Christmas Eve Box With TK.Maxx
I have loved seeing your Instagram photos Sarah! I have to get to Germany next year!
I’ve realized Christmas markets are not my thing anymore… #citytripping
beatravelling recently posted…How Rude Can You Be?
Ah, I guess they aren’t for everyone.