Itās almost Christmas, and if youāre organised enough to have bought and wrapped all your presents already, you might beš» looking for something to doš this weekend.
Well, donāt worry, thereās plenty of festive fun still to be had, as many of the UKās Christmas markets are staying open right up until the big day. āTis the season of glĆ¼hwein, bratwurst, roasted chestnuts, gingerbrāead cookies, and Whamās! iconic hit being played on repeat, after all.
Proving to be aą½§ hit for all ages, the markets provide family fun (what kids donāt liką·“e meeting Santa?!), romance (mulled wine and marshmallow first dates, anyone?), and even hangout spots for teens (itās all about the dodgems, duh).
So, if youāre lookź¦ŗing to soak up the last bit of Christmas magic, hereās the Christmas markets that are still open for a few days more.
Chester
Date: November 15 to December 22
Where: Chester Town Hall Square
Chesterāą“s free Christmas market kicked off earlier this month, welcoming visitors near and far to its feį©į©į©į©į©į©ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤į©ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤į©ā¤ā¤ā¤ā¤į©š±į©į©į©stive extravaganza.
Christmas or not, the city feels like a magical place to visit thanks to its Tudor-style half-timber buildings and ancient Roman walls, so with an added dose of fairy lights, pretty wreaths and Christmas trees, it almost feels as if youāre stepping onto a Harry Potter set.
In terms of what the market has to offer, Visit Chester and Cheshire dubs the event a āhaš ndmade, historical, and magical experience.ā
Boasting 70 stalls built temporarily in the shadow of Chesterās Victorian Gothic town hall and medieval cathedral, visitors will find traditional German Christmas maršket offerings like bratwurst anš °d mulled wine. Plus, local independent traders selling scented candles, fudge, and much more.
Winchester
Date: November 22 to December 22
Where: Outside Winchester Cathedral
Throughout the year, visitors come from all over the country ā and world ā to visit the majestic Winchester Cathedral, so it only makes sense that the cityās free Christmas market is located directly outside the iconic building. The location alone could be enough to land it onš this lź¦ist!
Winchester Christmas market is really unique because you could be perusing the stalls, mulled wine in one hand, crĆŖpe in the other, and the next thing you know, youāre being serenaš³ded by local choirs perforź¦ming both Christmas classics and more religious hymns.
Then, once youāre done checking out the products from local entrepreneurs, you can head into the Cathedral to attend some of the live events that are running throughout the festišve season. Hą¦eads up, though ā youāll need to book in advance and pay a fee.
Liverpool
Date: November 16 to December 24
Where: St Georgeās Plateau and William Brown Street
Liverpoolās Christmas market is another āmust-seeā attraction. The free Christmas market is located against the fairy-lit St Georgeās Hall, where ź¦ævisitors can reallā¤y immerse themselves in the festive experience.
Complete with stalls built to resemble grottos and gingerbread houses, itās the ideal market for those who prefer a bit of Mariah Carey over choral Silent Nights when theyšāre munching on their bratwurst!
Winter Wonderland
Date: November 21 to January 5
Where: Hyde Park
Hyde Parkās Winter Wonderland has been welcoming guests through the door since 2007ź¦æ, and from that time, it has grown from a small attraction with a small number of fairground rides to one of the most popular festive destinations in the capital.
At the centre of it all though is the festive market ā where you can stock up on unique šgifts, handmade Christmas decorations and other festive treats from the stalls, all located in special wooden chalets. Tź¦icket prices vary, and youāre strongly advised to book in advance.
Southbank Centre Winter Market
Date: November 1 to December 26
Where: Southbank Centre
Southbankās Christmas markets are another of Londonās markets staying open late in December. Visitors can browse the independent craft traders, street food stalls and pop-uąµ©p bars along the stretch of the River Thames. From truffle burgers and lobster buns to Dutch pancakes and churros ā you certainly wonāt leave hungry.
Edinburgh
Date: November 15 to January 4, 2025
Where: East Princes Street
Edinburgh is another one of those cities that just ź¦oozes magical vibes all year round. But when it comes to Christmas, itās a wholš ŗe other world.
According to the Edināburgh Winter Fest website, the city is transformed into a festive fun-derland boasting š¹ātraditional Christmas Markets, funfair rides, spectacular live outdoor events, delicious food and drink.ā
Though the actual market is free (where youāll find the wooden chalets, traditional food items, crafty bits, etc.), other parts of āEdinbš¼urgh Christmasā are ticketed.
This includes things like the Christmas Tree Maze, ice skatš¤Ŗing, and Santaās Stories. But you can find all of the priź§ces and extra bits of information .
York
Date: November 14 to December 22
Where: Parliament Street
Whether itās the perfectly traditional alpine chalets that line Parliament Street and St Sampsonās Square (all selling your favourite festive food and drinks), to the many local business owners selling sweets, original art, and handcrafted decorations, the free market has a quintessentially Christmas feel. If you could bottle thiš°s feeling, youād be happy all year round!
Then, once youāve Christmas-ed yourself out, check out the eqš¦©ually stunning York attractions, including the Shambles, York Minster and the City Walls.
Manchester
Date: November 8 to December 22
Where: Various šlocations including Cathedral Gardens, Markešt Street and Piccadilly Gardens
Manchesterās Christmas Markets are a highlight of the festive season, ofšfering a blend of traditional charm and modern vibes. As the city streets transform into a winter wonderland, visitors can explore over 10 different market locations scattered across the heart of Manchester, from Albert Square to the bustling Exchange Square.
Belfast
Date: November 16 to December 22
Where: Belfast City Hall
Belfast Christmas māarket is celebrating a special birthday this year. Thatās right, the Northern Irish event is tuā¤rning 20 in 2024.
As pš¤Ŗart of the celebrations, the Visit Belfast website says āthe Christmas Market will transport you to the Victorian era with its Dickensian-themed Christmas market experience.ā
This includes Victorian-era inspirš²ed performances (only on the first anšd third weekends), where āyouāll be immersed in the charm of Dickensā world.ā
Alongside this š”themed event, market-goers can also expect an unreal feast, with food offerings catering to literally every taste. From classic festive cheeseboards, sausages and beer, the braver foodies amongst us might want to try out the controversial ostrich, wild boar anź¦æd crocodile burgers.
Cardiff
Date: November 14 to December 23
Where: Ā St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Strź¦eet and Hills Street
More Trending
Located in the centre of the historic city, the šChristmas markets have been lighting up Cardiffš for the past 30 years. With over 200 stalls to browse, thereās no chance of getting bored.
āYou can find everything from handmade jewellery, ceramics, candles, and textiles to local cheese, honey, gin, and chocolate,ā Visit Wales notes on āits website.
Glasgow
Date: November 9 to January 5
Where: St Enoch and George Square
Book your dream holiday now!
Set sail to tš he Mediterranean in 2025 ā here's all you need to know
Private beach clubs, Art Deco delights anād the worldās second-largest reef on the ultimate Caribbean cruise
Top ź¦10 traāvel brands you need to know about for tour next adventure
5 spectacular beach destišnations that give the Maldives a run for its money
The UK's āquieteš¼st airportā with stress-free travel and no qušeues
Glasgowās Christmas markeāts, or āWinterfestā transforms St Enoch Square and George Square into a festive paradise. This year you can enjoy mulled, Bratwurst and festive treats until long after Christmas day. The markets close on January 5, so thereās plenty of time to get your fill.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
MORE: Map shoį£ws areas ią¹n England where the most children are homeless this Christmas
MORE: Woman says she waš ·s offered Ā£1š¦©00 voucher after sexual harassment on TUI holiday
MORE: A gravy incident deprą± ived me of the perfect roast dinner
The Getaway
Fuel your wanderlust with travel deals, guidāes and inspiration.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the and apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy
