Revealed: Full list of 2023 Christmas markets in Britain and when they will open
Now that Halloween is almost behind us, the holidays are on everyone’s minds, especially the delicious food and fun that comes with it.
Christmas markets will be popping up across Britain from north to south in the coming weeks, with stallholders getting ready to sell handmade gifts, hot mulled wine and freshly baked mince pies.
Most places in Britain have a festive celebration going on, whether it’s a month-long celebration in cities like Birmingham and Manchester, or a one-day market like Litchfield Christmas Fayre.
According to the Local Government Association, the growth of these markets has been enormous over the past fifteen years. There were an estimated 30 Christmas markets operating in Britain – now there are more than 100.
Read on to find out what this year’s biggest Christmas markets are and when they’re open, including a full list of the markets that have announced their opening and closing dates.
From north to south, Christmas markets will be popping up all over Britain, with stalls gearing up to sell handmade gifts, hot mulled wine and freshly baked mince pies.
Christmas market in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s world famous Christmas market is a firm favorite that people travel to from all over the UK and beyond.
This year, which lasts seven weeks from November 17 to January 6, it will be as magical as ever.
Located in the historic city center, it is home to traditional Christmas markets, fairground rides, live outdoor events and delicious food and drink.
No tickets are required for the market itself and you can buy tickets for everything at the door.
However, if you would like access to certain attractions at certain times, such as ice skating, the Ferris wheel and ‘Santa’s stories’, you can book in advance online.
The market is open daily from 10am to 10pm, with opening times slightly different on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, with an earlier closing time of 8pm.
Edinburgh’s world famous Christmas Market is a firm favorite with people traveling from all over the UK and beyond
Christmas market in Birmingham Frankfurt
The Frankfurt Market in Birmingham is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside Germany and Austria.
Bratwursts, pretzels, schnitzels and roasted almonds are among what you can get, as well as classics like Glühwein (mulled wine) and hot chocolate.
There’s plenty to do, with an ice rink and Ferris wheel, as well as hundreds of stalls selling gifts including handmade wooden decorations, baubles, candles, toy jewelery and more.
You have from November 2 until Christmas Eve to make the most of the market before it fills up for another year.
Opening hours are Monday to Thursday: 11am – 9pm, Friday 11am – 9:30pm, Saturday 10am – 9:30pm and Sunday 10am – 9pm.
The Frankfurt Market in Birmingham is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria
Winter wonderland Hyde Park
London Winter wonderland Hyde Park is not just a Christmas market – it also has its own fairground, ‘magic ice kingdom’, circus and more.
It is a hugely popular destination not just for Londoners, but for people all over the world who travel to see it.
It runs for six weeks from November 17 to January 1 and promises to be ‘the world’s ultimate destination for festive fun’.
It also dominates in terms of size, with an area of no less than 350 hectares.
However, unlike the other markets, you will need to pre-book tickets for a specific entry slot, as well as booking specific attractions that you don’t want to miss.
It is open every day from 10am to 10pm and the last entry is at 9.30pm.
London’s Hyde Park Winter Wonderland isn’t just a Christmas market, it also has its own fairground, a ‘magical ice kingdom’, a circus and more
Christmas markets in Manchester
This is a special year for Manchester as it marks 25 years since the city hosted its very first Christmas markets in 1998.
Now guests can expect more than 225 stalls spread over nine locations throughout the city, as well as a festive ski chalet and an ice skating rink.
Manchester also hosts an annual Christmas parade which this year takes place on Sunday 3rd December – the markets are open from 10th November and close on 21st December.
Food options are varied at the markets, including fresh churros, Korean corn dogs, fresh gyros, paella, bratwurst, and salt and pepper chicken.
You can also get your hands on a wide range of gifts, including candles, jewelry and even cheese gift sets.
Food and drink stalls open at 11am and close at 9pm every day, Monday to Sunday.
Craft stalls open at 10am and close at 8pm every day, Monday to Sunday.
This is a special year for Manchester as it marks 25 years since the city hosted its very first Christmas markets in 1998
Cardiff Christmas Market
Cardiff Christmas Market returns from November 9 to December 23, with more than 70 stalls playing host to an ongoing program of more than 200 businesses.
The market is organized by Craft*Folk, which is committed to providing a platform for craftsmen, artists and food and drink producers.
So if you’re looking for unique gifts, this is a great place to find them. They guarantee that each stall is staffed by a talented craftsman, selling original work.
The market takes place on St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street and the Hayes – all pedestrianized shopping areas in central Cardiff.
Trading hours are Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm and on Sunday from 10am to 5pm.
Cardiff’s Christmas Market returns from November 9 to December 23, with more than 70 stalls hosting an ongoing program of more than 200 businesses
Bad Christmas market
Baths picturesque and historic Christmas market returns from November 23 to December 10.
The town welcomes more than 170 chalet stalls featuring ‘some of the finest artisans the South West and beyond has to offer’.
Visitors can expect home accessories, handmade jewelry, personalized gifts and plenty of festive food.
The illuminated cathedral is located in the heart of the market and offers the perfect photo opportunities.
Opening hours are: Monday to Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Bath’s picturesque and historic Christmas Market returns from November 23 to December 10
Below is a full list of the UK Christmas markets that have announced their dates: