British Christmas markets and winter fairs in 2026

There are multiple Christmas markets that take place in Manchester – most in close proximity to the city centre such as: 

Piccadilly Gardens Christmas market: The Piccadilly Gardens Christmas market takes place from 7 November to 22 December 2025. You’ll find a variety of festive stalls offering food, drinks and more. 

Cathedral Gardens Christmas market: The Cathedral Gardens Christmas market often features its own ice rink and stalls with festive offerings. It takes place from 24 October 2025 to 4 January 2026. 

St. Ann’s Square Christmas market: Full of festive stalls, the St. Ann’s Square Christmas market (7 November to 22 December 2025) was Manchester’s first ever city-wide Christmas market, first taking place in 1999. 

The main Edinburgh Christmas market takes place in Princes Street Gardens in the heart of the city centre, featuring a variety of stalls and rides. Though, you’ll also find stalls and colourful decoration on George Street, just a stone’s throw away. This year the Edinburgh Christmas market will take place from 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026. 

Yes, London has many Christmas markets for visitors to explore and enjoy. Some of the most popular Christmas markets within London include: 

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: The Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is one of the largest and features a variety of rides, ice skating, and performances. It will take place from 14 November 2025 to 1 January 2026. 

Southbank Centre Winter Market: Taking place from 4 November to 14 December 2025, this market is located along London’s Thames and features a variety of stalls offering artisanal food, drink, and crafts. 

Leicester Square Christmas Market: This central Christmas market features food and drink, an ice rink, and entertainment, from 1 November 2025 to 4 January 2026. 

Winter by the River: Located near London Bridge, Winter by the River (13 November 2025 to 4 January 2026) offers festive stalls where you can purchase food, drink and gifts all within view of Tower Bridge. 

While dates vary, Christmas markets in London typically begin from November and last through to the end of December. Though some run until just after the New Year.

Great Britain has an abundance of festive Christmas markets towards the end of the year. Some of the most well-known Christmas markets in the UK include Manchester’s Christmas market, Birmingham’s German Christmas Market, Edinburgh, Bath and York’s Christmas markets. Each have their own vibe, but you can expect traditional wooden chalets, seasonal hot food and drink, crafts, festive decorations and plenty of holiday spirit.

Almost all cities, towns and villages bring their own festive charm through decorations and light displays. According to one independent survey, Bowness on Windermere in the Lake District is considered to be the most Christmassy town in Britain thanks to its average December snowfall, festive lights and events. Lookout for the Bowness Christmas Market on the 6 and 7 December 2026. Britain has plenty of other Christmassy towns, cities and villages to visit, including Bakewell, York, Buxton, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Britain has a huge offering of Christmas markets, all with their own charm. While it’s challenging to select only 10 of the best Christmas markets in Britain, the list would include: Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market, Manchester’s Christmas markets, Edinburgh’s Christmas market, York’s Christmas Market, Cardiff’s Christmas market, Glasgow’s Christmas fair, Bath’s Christmas market, Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas market, the Christmas market at Blenheim Palace and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.

Featuring over 300 stalls and spread over multiple sites across the city, Manchester Christmas Market is considered to be the largest Christmas market in Britain. While Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany.

Christmas markets in Britain start in early November with most starting mid-to-late November. Some close in late December while others run right through the festive period until early January.