The Best Christmas Markets in England for 2026

The Christmas market tradition arrived relatively late to England. While German-speaking countries have hosted Christkindlmarkt since the late Middle Ages, England’s embrace of the tradition only truly began in the 1990s, inspired by the success of Manchester’s Frankfurt Christmas Market in 1999. What started as an import has evolved into something distinctively English.

Today’s English Christmas markets have found their own voice. Twinkling lights reflect off honey-coloured Georgian terraces and medieval stone, wooden chalets nestle in cathedral closes that have stood for centuries, and mulled wine warms hands against the proper English cold.

The tradition has taken root here with genuine enthusiasm, and the 2025 season promises to be spectacular. England now offers some of Europe’s finest festive markets, each bringing local character to the celebration. From Bath’s architectural splendor to Winchester’s historic setting, from Birmingham’s Continental-scale markets to York’s medieval charm, here are the markets worth planning your winter escape around.

Regularly voted one of Europe’s best, Winchester’s Christmas Market runs from November 21 to December 22, 2025, set in the Inner Close of Winchester Cathedral. The backdrop alone makes this unmissable. Medieval stone architecture, carefully curated wooden chalets, and standards so high that exhibitors are vetted for quality and uniqueness before being allowed to sell.

This is not your average market with mass-produced ornaments. Winchester focuses on artisan quality, meaning you will find hand-thrown pottery, bespoke jewelry, locally made preserves, and handcrafted textiles rather than generic tourist trinkets. The cathedral provides a performance stage hosting carol concerts and seasonal entertainment throughout the run, with the Gothic architecture illuminated spectacularly after dark.

The market features around 100 chalets spread throughout the cathedral grounds, winding through the ancient pathways where pilgrims once walked. Local food producers showcase Hampshire cheeses, chutneys, and seasonal specialties alongside traditional German-style sausages and glühwein. The cathedral itself remains open for visits.

Bath’s award-winning Christmas Market runs from November 27 to December 14, 2025, with over 170 twinkling chalets set against the city’s stunning Georgian architecture. What distinguishes Bath is its commitment to local: more than 80% of stallholders come from the South West region, ensuring unique, handcrafted items you will not encounter elsewhere.

The market spreads through the city center, transforming already photogenic streets into something close to fantasy. The Roman Baths provide a dramatic backdrop, the Abbey towers overhead, and those famous honey-coloured buildings glow under thousands of lights. It is picture-perfect England doing what it does best.

The chalets wind through narrow streets and open squares, creating distinct zones each with their own character. Abbey Churchyard becomes the heart of the market, while quieter corners near the Guildhall offer more intimate browsing. The quality of craftsmanship is exceptional: you will find everything from hand-stitched leather goods to artisan chocolates, from original artwork to handmade Christmas decorations that actually feel special rather than mass-produced.

Street food stalls showcase the West Country’s culinary strengths alongside traditional market fare. Look for local ciders, Somerset cheeses melted into toasties, and proper mince pies from regional bakeries. The mulled wine here is particularly good, often made with local apple juice as a base.

The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market, the largest authentic German market outside Germany or Austria, runs from November 1 to December 24, 2025. With over 80 stalls spread across Victoria Square and New Street, this brings genuine Continental atmosphere to England’s second city.

Expect schnitzels, bratwursts, glühwein, and weissbier alongside traditional crafts, personalized gifts, and handmade decorations. The market’s German authenticity combined with Birmingham’s Victorian architecture creates a unique hybrid. Live music and carol singers provide constant entertainment, and the sheer scale means you can spend hours here without seeing everything.

The market has been running since 1997, making it one of England’s oldest, and Birmingham has perfected the formula. Stalls are arranged to create natural flow, with distinct zones for food, drink, and shopping. The German carousel adds a nostalgic touch, while the observation wheel provides views over the illuminated city. Traditional German craftspeople demonstrate their skills throughout the day, from wood carving to glass blowing.

Victoria Square becomes the centerpiece, with the Council House providing a grand backdrop. The Town Hall and other Victorian buildings frame the market beautifully, particularly when lit after dark. Despite the crowds (and there are crowds), the market maintains a festive atmosphere rather than feeling overwhelming.

York’s Christmas Market kicks off in mid-November, with over 75 alpine chalets selling local crafts and boutique products spread across the city’s idyllic cobbled streets. York Minster, one of Europe’s finest Gothic cathedrals, dominates the scene, providing an extraordinary backdrop for festive shopping.

The medieval streets, the Shambles in particular, look like they were purpose-built for Christmas markets. Half-timbered buildings lean companionably over narrow lanes, lights string between ancient facades, and the whole scene feels like stepping into a historical painting. York manages the rare trick of feeling genuinely historic rather than theme-park fake.

The market spreads across several key locations: Parliament Street hosts the main concentration of chalets, while St. Sampson’s Square offers overflow space. The smaller streets radiating from these central points feature independent shops that get in on the festive action, creating an extended market experience throughout the city center.

Local Yorkshire producers are well represented alongside traditional Christmas market fare. Look for Yorkshire cheeses, locally made chocolates from York’s famous chocolate heritage, and crafts from regional artisans. The mulled cider here rivals the wine, and the hog roast sandwiches are legendary among regulars.

Blenheim Palace’s Christmas Market runs from November 14, 2025, to January 3, 2026, set in the magnificent Great Court of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Around 50 decorated wooden chalets offer designer-maker gifts and gourmet treats from local producers, but the real draw is the setting.

This is where Winston Churchill was born, a baroque masterpiece set in thousands of acres of parkland designed by Capability Brown. The palace rooms receive a Christmas theme annually (2025’s is The Wonderful Wizard of Oz), with elaborate decorations transforming the State Rooms into something approaching fantasy.

The Illuminated Light Trail through the grounds creates a magical journey after dark, with installations, projections, and light sculptures winding through the formal gardens and parkland.

The new Great Skate ice rink adds another dimension to the festivities, positioned to offer views of the palace’s grand façade while you glide around. The market itself focuses on quality over quantity, with each stallholder carefully selected to offer something special. You will find artisan foods, handcrafted jewelry, original artwork, and luxury homeware rather than generic Christmas decorations.

The palace itself remains open for tours throughout the market period, allowing you to combine festive shopping with exploration of one of England’s finest stately homes. The combination of baroque architecture, formal gardens, festive illuminations, and curated market creates an experience that feels genuinely special rather than commercialized.

Manchester Christmas Markets run from November 7 to December 22, 2025, taking over multiple locations across the city with more than 300 stalls and chalets. For the first time since 2019, the markets return to Albert Square beneath the newly renovated Town Hall, complete with a giant Ferris wheel.

Manchester does Christmas markets on a grand scale. Six different market areas spread across the city center, each with its own character. Albert Square becomes the centerpiece, with the Gothic Revival Town Hall providing a spectacular backdrop. Cathedral Gardens offers a more intimate setting, while King Street brings luxury brands into the festive mix. St. Ann’s Square, Exchange Square, and Piccadilly Gardens complete the circuit.

The sheer variety means you could visit multiple times and still discover new favorites. Expect jewelry, toys, plants, homeware, and endless food options from bratwurst to paella, from crepes to gourmet burgers. The drinks selection goes beyond mulled wine to include craft beers, hot ciders, and specialty cocktails from dedicated bars.

London’s Christmas markets spread throughout the capital, with Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park running from November 14 to January 1, and Southbank Centre’s market from November 3 to January 4. The city offers everything from massive commercial operations to intimate neighborhood markets.

Winter Wonderland is the behemoth: fairground rides, ice skating, Santa’s Grotto, bars, and extensive Christmas markets including the new Luminarie Lane for premium gifts. It is spectacular if overwhelming. For something more refined, Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival lines the Thames with wooden chalets selling artisanal gifts and international food. The setting, with views of the London Eye and across to Westminster, adds considerable romance.

Leicester Square hosts its market with the famous 1920s Belgian Spiegeltent offering cabaret shows throughout the festive period. Covent Garden gets its annual Christmas makeover with markets, lights, and festive atmosphere spread across the piazza and surrounding streets. The mix of permanent shops and temporary chalets creates a unique shopping experience.

Borough Market, open year-round, becomes especially magical at Christmas with seasonal foods and decorations. The Victorian market hall, usually packed with food stalls, expands into the surrounding streets with additional vendors selling gifts and crafts. Greenwich Market adds a nautical Christmas theme with its historic maritime setting.

Trafalgar Square’s market sits in the shadow of Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery, creating one of London’s most iconic festive settings. Kingston upon Thames brings the market experience to southwest London with riverside chalets in the Ancient Market Place.

Experience the beauty of an English Christmas with Do Not Disturb. We’ll craft your festive itinerary through England’s most enchanting markets and historic towns. Get in touch and start planning your winter escape.