Christmas Markets Are a HUGE Thing in the UK, and We're Ready to Book Our Tickets
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Christmas markets are one of the best things about the festive season, and there are plenty of them taking place up and down the UK. Should you happen to be visiting the area during the merriest time of year, you're in great luck! From Bath and London in the South to York and Manchester in the North, plus Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland, Belfast in Northern Ireland, Cardiff in Wales, and many more in between, we've rounded up the best Christmas markets across the nation.
Tick off the presents on your Christmas gift list, feast on mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, and generally get into the spirit of this most wonderful time of the year by heading down to your pick of the bunch. Browse the best festive markets right here, and get excited for the countdown to Christmas!
Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham
The Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham is held in New Street and Victoria Square and is open from Nov. 15 to Dec. 23 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
St. Nicholas Fair in York
York's St. Nicholas Fair is held at various locations, with alpine chalets on Parliament Street, festive food and drink in St. Sampson's Square, the Small Business Christmas Market at Judge's Lodging, and local sellers at the Made in Yorkshire Yuletide Village. It's on from Nov. 15 to Dec. 23, with opening times released nearer the event.
Southbank Centre Winter Market in London
The Southbank Centre Winter Market along Queen's Walk and under Hungerford Bridge in London takes place from Nov. 9 to Dec. 27 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays to Thursdays and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays (closed on Dec. 25).
Bath Christmas Market
Bath Christmas Market is held around Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths, and Abbey Green. It's on from Nov. 22 to Dec. 9, starting at 10 a.m. daily and ending at 6 p.m. on Sundays; 7 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays; and 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Christkindelmarkt in Leeds
Leeds' German Christmas Market Christkindelmarkt is held in Millennium Square from Nov. 9 to Dec. 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Mondays to Saturdays and 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sundays (6 p.m. on Dec. 22). It will open at 12 p.m. on Nov. 11, in respect of Remembrance Day commemorations.
Lincoln Christmas Market
Lincoln Christmas Market is held between the cathedral and the castle in the medieval square. It's open from Dec. 6 to 9. On Dec. 6, it's on from midday to 9:30 p.m.; on Dec. 7 and 8, it's open from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and on Dec. 9, it's open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Glasgow Christmas Markets
Glasgow Christmas Markets take place in two locations, both of which are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays to Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays (ending at 6 p.m. on each last day). St. Enoch Christmas Market is on from Nov. 9 to Dec. 23, and George Square Christmas Market is on from Nov. 25 to Dec. 31 (closed on Dec. 25).
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market takes place from Nov. 17 to Dec. 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sundays to Wednesdays and 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays to Saturdays.
Edinburgh's Christmas Market
Edinburgh's Christmas Market is held in East Princes Street Gardens from Nov. 16 to Jan. 5 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (except on Nov. 17, when it opens from 1 p.m.; on Dec. 24, when it closes at 8 p.m.; on Dec. 25, when it is closed all day; and on Dec. 26 and Jan. 1, when it opens at 12 p.m.).
Cardiff Christmas Market
Cardiff Christmas Market is held on St. John Street, Working Street, Hills Street, Trinity Street, and the Hayes from Nov. 15 to Dec. 23. Opening times will be released nearer the event.
Manchester Christmas Markets
Manchester Christmas Markets take place from Nov. 9 to Dec. 22 at nine locations across the city, with the market in Albert Square open until Dec. 23. Opening times will be available nearer the event.
Nottingham Christmas Market
The stalls at Nottingham Christmas Market at the Old Market Square and Long Row are open from Nov. 15 to Dec. 24.
Swansea Christmas Market
Swansea Christmas Market is expected to open again in 2018 on Oxford Street from mid November to just before Christmas — stay tuned for details.
Belfast Christmas Market
Belfast Christmas Market takes place against the backdrop of Belfast City Hall from Nov. 17 to Dec. 22 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays to Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursdays to Saturdays, and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.