Updated on November 12th, 2025
With the festive season upon us, it's time to get into the spirit of things and visit one of the many fabulous UK Christmas markets. While you're at it, why not make a weekend of it and explore a part of the country you've never visited before? Alongside our selection of the best Christmas markets to browse, we've chosen some fantastic places to stay this Xmas in each area, ranging from city centre hotels and apartments to boutique B&Bs and self-catering boltholes.
Edinburgh
Head to Edinburgh's historic centre and find a traditional market and an abundance of seasonal goodies across various areas, including East Princes Street Gardens. Elsewhere, there's an ice-skating rink, a big wheel, the world's largest transportable Starflyer, and 'Santa's Stories' for littluns. If you're with a group, hire luxurious self-catering townhouse 94DR. Meanwhile, couples wanting to escape the bustle after a day's shopping should consider The Bridge Inn at Ratho, a contemporary canalside pub with rooms. Christmas market is open from November 15th 2025 to January 4th 2026.Hyde Park is once again hosting the famous Winter Wonderland, with rides, skating, live music and street food. Check out the magical ice kingdom, giant wheel and festive circus, plus much more, including Christmas sing-alongs. Across the river, head to the free Southbank Centre Winter Market for a seasonal stroll along the Thames with a glass of mulled wine. Fancy staying in the capital? We love Hazlitt's, a characterful hideaway in the heart of Soho, or for somewhere a short train ride away, check out sleek bolthole Brama. Winter Wonderland is open from November 14th 2025 to January 1st 2026 / Southbank Centre Winter Market November 3rd to January 4th 2026.
Bristol
Situated in the heart of Bristol, expect over 40 stalls plus visits from Santa and his elves. There’s live music and refreshments in the Jäger Barn and Bar Glissè, or you can book a private gondola or hot air balloon basket for food, drinks and a rest after all the festivities! It'd be rude not to stay the night – Artist Residence Bristol is a quirky and uber-comfortable hotel, while Brooks Guesthouse is a central choice – and for something a bit different, they have Airstreams on the roof. Christmas market is open from November 7th to December 23rd 2025.
Birmingham
Head to Birmingham and this fab Frankfurt-themed Christmas market for traditional wares plus yummy food and drink, including bratwursts, pretzels and schnitzels. Why not wash all that down with a glass of gluhwein or weissbier? Oh, did we mention it's the largest German version outside the country itself or Austria? For a place to stay, make your way to Edgbaston Park Hotel in the city's leafy southern side for modern rooms and apartments. Christmas market is open from November 1st to December 24th 2025.Blenheim Palace
How about enjoying a Christmas market with Oxfordshire's Blenheim Palace as a backdrop? After checking out the stalls, there's also The Palace of Oz, The Great Skate and The Illuminated Trail to explore, plus their themed Emerald City Afternoon Tea and Observation Wheel. After ticking some festivities off the list, hop in the car to Heath Farm or Five Bells Cottage, wonderful self-catering choices sleeping between two and six, for some well-earned rest. Christmas market is open from 15th November 14th 2025 until January 3rd 2026Manchester
Manchester's Christmas markets are legendary, spanning nine locations, including Exchange Street and Square, King Street, and Cathedral Gardens. Enjoy tasty food, drinks and seasonal gifts – available at over 200 stalls. After some comfortable budget accommodation? Check in to the YHA or head to Whitworth Locke, a contemporary yet wallet-friendly apartment hotel. Christmas market is open from November 7th to December 22nd 2025 (some until January 4th 2026).
Nottingham
What
doesn't this Nottingham Christmas market have? Their Winter Wonderland boasts bars, street food, an
ice rink, the 'Sky Skate Ice Path', tobogganing and an observation wheel, plus an array of entertainment and seasonal stalls. A quick car journey north into the countryside takes you to Sherwood Forest, where you can stay at Forest Holidays. The home of Robin Hood awaits... Or, go south just 20 minutes to Birdholme Glamping, where you'll find luxury lodges with hot tubs. Christmas market is open from November 12th to December 31st 2025.
Exeter Cathedral Christmas market is Devon's biggest, with more than 100 festive chalets, a food village and bars mixing up warming tipples. You also get entry into the Cathedral when you make a donation. Afterwards, head to Weeke Barton, a stylish six-room B&B. Christmas market is open from November 20th to December 19th 2025.
York
Stroll
York's medieval streets and enjoy seasonal cheer this festive season, with the Christmas market featuring an array of charming Alpine chalets along Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, with over 80% of the traders coming from Yorkshire. Accommodation-wise, there's the excellent-value YHA. For something a bit quirkier, take a short drive northwards to Rufus' Roost, a secluded, eco-friendly escape. Christmas market is open from November 13th to December 21st 2025.Winchester's Cathedral offering is 'recognised as one of the best Christmas markets in Europe because of
its unique location, high-quality exhibitors and bustling atmosphere'. Expect German-inspired wooden chalets, festive lighting, Christmas carols and oodles of mulled wine. For a stay in rural surrounds, a little out of the centre, head to Forest Holidays Blackwood – self-catering cabins in the countryside. Christmas market is open from November 21st to December 22nd 2025.
With that, our best Christmas markets post draws to a close. For more fantastic recommendations, head to our Inspiration page. If you're looking for a top accommodation offer, browse our Hot Deals. And for more first-rate places to stay in particular areas, check out our destination guides.
