Off to market
Twinkling lights, mulled wine, a festive atmosphere, and fabulous gifts – Christmas markets are one of England's fondest traditions. Set in some of the country’s most picturesque cities, a visit is equal parts shopping experience and destination discovery. Here’s Visit England’s pick of the best for 2021.
Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park, London
Transforming one of London’s most spectacular parks, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland offers a festive paradise in the heart of the city. Home to the world’s tallest transportable observation wheel, a Magical Ice Kingdom and an array of comedic acts at its own Comedy Club, along with the UK’s largest open air ice rink and plenty of bars and food stalls, there’s something for all the family to enjoy. Enjoy jaw-dropping circus acts and don’t miss the arrival of Paddington on Ice, a stunning family-friendly show combining cutting-edge choreography, toe-tapping music and impressive costumes.
Bath Christmas Market
Abbey Churchyard, Bath
For historic-ambience-meets-winter-style, head to Bath Christmas Market, as pop-up chalets set up on the city’s pretty Georgian streets. Visitors can expect a real treasure trove of gifts to take home, whether that’s jewellery, homewares, or decorations. On top of savvy shopping, you'll find a festive fairground (with a Victorian carousel ride) and lots of street entertainment. If you can't attend in person, the organisers will also be setting up a virtual market so you can grab some goodies online.
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
Victoria Square, Birmingham
A firm favourite on the city’s yuletide calendar, Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest authentic German market outside of that country or Austria. Expect a fine range of traditional, personalised gifts and products on its 80 stalls and get into the German spirit while feasting on schnitzels, bratwursts, glühwein and weissbeer. Another huge draw is its bandstand location in Victoria Square and the programme of live music and carol singers that bring the party atmosphere to festive shopping.
Southbank Winter Festival
Southbank Centre, London
The popular winter market returns to London’s Southbank Centre, a seasonal pleasure that sits alongside a range of family shows and festive fun as the banks of the River Thames become a winter wonderland. All along the South Bank are strings of decorations and cute illuminated wooden cabins selling Christmas gifts, from the quirky to the traditional, as well as mince pies, spiced cider and steaming mugs of mulled wine and hot chocolate. Make sure to grab a selfie by the huge Christmas tree!
Leeds Christkindelmarkt
Millennium Square, Leeds
Millennium Square in Leeds is transformed for the city’s annual Christkindelmarkt German Christmas Market, with the addition of more than 40 traditionally decorated wooden chalets. Browse through hand-crafted jewellery and festive decorations, tuck into authentic German food and feel extra festive with a ride on the popular Christmas Carousel. For those still feeling hungry, visit the Alp Chalet restaurant in the centre of the market, a Bavarian style eatery offering a delectable selection of traditional food and drink, alongside evening entertainment.
Manchester Christmas Markets
Albert Square, Manchester
The latest instalment of the Manchester Christmas Markets will take over locations across the city from mid-November, meaning visitors won’t be far from festive gifts and delicious food and drink stalls selling traditional bratwurst, hog roast, paella and much more. There will be more than 300 stalls and chalets across the city, with the heart of the markets found in Albert Square. Visitors can follow the trail and pick up jewellery, toys, plants, bags, homeware and fun, quirky gifts at a variety of markets, including a French market, a German market, a World Christmas market and a dedicated Arts & Crafts market.
Winchester Christmas Market
Winchester Cathedral
With its unique location in the shadow of a celebrated English icon, Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is widely regarded as one of Europe’s best. More than 100 chalets are home to hand-picked exhibitors offering exclusive gifts that visitors won’t find on the high street – from hand-crafted decorations and festive treats to craft beer and mulled wine.
The Victorian Christmas Festival
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Travel back in time for three days of festive fun at the Victorian Christmas Festival, held in the impressive surroundings of the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. This year marks 20 years of Christmas magic, with the festival home to 120 market stalls selling all sorts of festive treats, an array of Victorian street performers and the chance to meet Father Christmas.
Lincoln Christmas Market
Cathedral Quarter, Lincoln
This three-day market sets up shop for its fleeting run at Lincoln’s Cathedral Quarter. There will be 280 Bavarian-themed stalls selling a range of unique festive trinkets alongside a wide selection of hearty food, drink, and fairground rides. Shops across the city stay open later when the market is s in town too, giving you plenty of time to get all your gifts. Got the kids in tow? And make sure to stop by St Paul in the Bail where the little ones can write and decorate their letters to Santa, and even post them to him using the huge Christmas Postbox.
York’s St Nicholas Christmas Fair
Parliament Street, York
Soak up medieval charm at York’s award-winning Christmas fair. Alpine-style chalets take pride of place at the centre of Parliament Street, offering up an array of festive decorations, foodie treats and traditional Christmas gifts. For local Yorkshire produce, head for the Make in Yorkshire Yuletide Village, and for all the fun of the fair, fly down the Victorian-style Helter Skelter at Kings Square. After all that excitement you’ll be in need of a tipple or two, so stop by the rustic barn in St Sampson’s Square for a glass of mulled wine and a cup of hot chestnuts.
Norwich Christmas Markets and Events
Norwich, Norfolk
Norwich isn’t content with just one Christmas market, so it hosts several. Taking place across the same weekend in December, three distinct fairs open for business across the city. The largest, Norwich Global Village Christmas Market, takes over The Forum, with indoor stalls selling the region’s finest crafts, paintings and gifts. And on Saturday, you’ll be able to tuck into French crêpes, mulled wine and posh hot dogs just outside The Forum’s doors. Over in the Cathedral, Norwich Christmas Fayre will be filled with more festive joy and goodies.
Padstow Christmas Festival
Padstow, Cornwall
Food is at the heart of Padstow’s Christmas Festival, championed by high-profile chefs like Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth. Join them, and more than 60 culinary experts, at cooking demonstrations across the four-day event that showcases the best of British food and drink. The Christmas marquee market is also the best place to pick up some of the most celebrated West Country produce – from beers to beauty products and art. You can even stop by the festival’s literary talks and book signings – the perfect place to bag yourself an early Christmas pressie.