Are you hearing the distant sound of carol singers and catching a whiff of cinnamon on the breeze? The festive season is fast approaching and if you are looking for the best Christmas markets UK in 2024, this guide explains all you need to know.
We are ranking the Christmas markets using five factors:
- Overall Festive Offering.
- Accessibility and Parking.
- Entry Cost.
- Variety of Stalls.
- Additional Activities.
Each factor will be scored out of 10 and then aggregated to give each Christmas market a total score.
Let’s explore the best Christmas Markets UK in 2024.
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
Runs from: 1st November until 24th December 2024
Where: Victoria Square and New Street
As the name suggests, the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is a British take on the large European (German) Christmas markets.
With over 200 stalls and plenty of tasty European food on offer, the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas market has become a staple among the Best Christmas Markets UK 2024.
There is no entry fee, and eager shoppers are free to move around the large open space, which is particularly good if you require disabled access. The market can get busy, especially at weekends so if you prefer a less crowded visit, it is recommended you attend midweek during the festive season.
Due to its size and renown, the market can be difficult to reach with congestion and parking issues during peak times. Public transport networks are usually good, however, this year there are a number of planned strikes. The advice is to plan well in advance.
Ultimately, the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas market is not as traditional as other markets on this list, opting for a more contemporary festive affair with countless twinkling lights and something for all the family.
Best Christmas Markets UK 2024 – Birmingham in a Snapshot
Overall Score: 7 out of 10
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is a hybrid market celebrating cultural diversity. It is somewhat commercialised compared to other more traditional markets but is still worth attending if you are in the area.
Bath Christmas Market
Runs from: 28th November until 15th December 2024
Where: Bath City Centre
The historic Roman town of Bath has plenty to visit outside of the Christmas season and even more to do when the Bath Christmas Market is open.
Open for a limited time compared to other Christmas markets, the Bath Christmas market aims to pack as much festive cheer into their timeframe. Unfortunately, this means the market can get very busy from start to finish.
Wheelchair access is good with disabled toilet facilities available in three locales close to the market. Parking, however, is not as readily available and Bath Christmas market organisers advise you make use of the Park and Ride service which has added capacity while the market is on.
There are over 170 stalls, a small portion of which are dedicated to local charities and all carry a merry sense of Christmas cheer. The market benefits from Bath itself, giving it a more traditional and British feel.
Best Christmas Markets UK 2024 – Bath in a Snapshot
Overall Score: 7 out of 10
A charming festive treat with the backdrop of historic architecture and plenty of other attractions nearby to visit alongside the Christmas Market.
Belfast Christmas Market
Runs from: 16th November until 22nd December
Where: City Hall Gardens
Belfast is a historic city with a deeply rich culture. It is little wonder then that there is a Belfast Christmas market operated each year. It’s not one to miss!
Compared to other offerings on this list, the Belfast Christmas market is smaller with only 100 or so stalls due to the space in the location.
What it lacks in size, it makes up for with a few additional treats like the vintage helter-skelter and variety of British and European vendors. Unfortunately, because the area is tightly packed and popular with festive crowds, those who are mobility impaired may find the experience daunting.
If you are planning to drive into Belfast, you should be aware that parking facilities are not fantastic, and the costs vary widely between providers. It is best to book parking in advance.
Like most metropolitan cities in the UK, Belfast boasts reasonably good public transport links to help you get about the city.
Best Christmas Markets UK 2024 – Belfast in a Snapshot
Overall Score: 5 out of 10
If you are in Northern Ireland, the Belfast Christmas Market provides for a great day out without boarding a ferry. With that said, there are other Christmas markets in the UK with much more to offer – if you’re willing to make the trip.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Runs from: 15th of November 2024 until 4th January 2025
Where: East and West Princes Street Gardens, George Street, St Andrew Square
By far the most extensive of best Christmas markets UK 2024, the Edinburgh Christmas market spans multiple locations all within easy walking distance and provides a diverse range of activities.
Among festivities you can enjoy are:
- Full Christmas market with large range of stalls.
- Children’s Christmas market.
- Santa’s Grotto.
- Funfair amusements.
- Santa’s story sessions.
- Ice rink.
Edinburgh is beautiful to visit during the winter and the Christmas market stretches beyond Christmas, celebrating the New Year as well. Parking in Edinburgh is trickier than other places on the list so be sure to book parking in advance.
For accessibility, the main market and children’s Christmas market are fully accessible, and if you want that extra bit of space to enjoy your time, it is well worth a visit after Christmas Day. Some amusements are not suitable for those suffering mobility issues, and this is worth considering if you are planning to visit only one Christmas market this year as other markets provide a fuller experience.
Best Christmas Markets UK 2024 – Edinburgh in a Snapshot
Overall Score: 9 out of 10
The best Christmas Market hands down in the UK for 2024. The setting, the facilities and the wealth of Christmas attractions make this a MUST visit if you want to wrap up and head out for some festive cheer.
Cardiff Christmas Market
Runs from: 14th of November until 23rd December 2024
Where: Cardiff City Centre
Never a city to be outdone, Cardiff operates its own Christmas market, hoping to rival the likes of Belfast and Edinburgh. The trouble is, Cardiff is a wildly different city to the aforementioned and the Cardiff Christmas market is normally not as ostentatious.
There are benefits to Cardiff Christmas market though, with plenty of local facilities including disabled toilet facilities and an abundance of Welsh culture on display, it is a fantastic alternative experience.
Parking is akin to other cities mentioned and you should book your parking in advance.
Pricing in Wales is typically a little lower compared to the rest of the UK so if you are already on holiday in Wales or visiting family for the festive season, it is perfect for Englanders looking for a cost effective day out.
Best Christmas Markets UK 2024 – Cardiff in a Snapshot
Overall Score: 6 out of 10
Probably the most cost-effective Christmas market on the list with even parking rates being comparably cheaper compared to other locations. It doesn’t skimp on Christmas cheer though!
Rochester Christmas Market
Runs from: 29th November until 15th December
Where: Rochester Town Centre
For previous years, the Rochester Christmas market sometimes known as the Medway Christmas market has been a major annual attraction. However, this year Medway Council has already decided to ruin the overall atmosphere by refusing to pay for the yearly Christmas lights.
Given this is only a saving of £75,000 and the Christmas market attracts vast levels of tourism you have to wonder what the motivation is behind this. Perhaps Medway council is taking notes from the hometown hero of Charles Dickens and has decided to be the bureaucratic embodiment of Scrooge.
The market gets very busy and due to its short runtime, there are very few off-peak periods. Toilet facilities and parking in general are lacklustre and if you are disabled, you may find the experience overwhelming.
For able-bodied families local to the area, Rochester Christmas market is charming, filled with festive stalls and plenty of colourful Dickensian characters lining the streets. Just don’t bank on any sparkling Christmas lights this year!
Best Christmas Markets UK 2024 – Rochester in a Snapshot
Overall Score: 4 out of 10
Rochester is a wonderful place to visit, and the added Christmas Market will enhance the experience further. It gets extremely busy however so be prepared for the queues and crowds.
Summing Up the Best Christmas Markets UK 2024
For this guide to the best Christmas Markets UK 2024, we have tried to cover the breadth of the United Kingdom to help you find a market nearby.
There are other Christmas markets and most major towns and cities have Christmas themed markets. A notable omission from this list is the York Christmas market. This is because the actual space allocated to the York Christmas market is small, taking up a notoriously narrow street called the Shambles.
York however is a wonderful place to visit overall for Christmas shopping with the ability to spend an hour or so perusing the festive stalls.
Edinburgh without question provides the fullest Christmas Market experience in 2024 and is a treat for anyone visiting, young and old, able bodied and disabled.