The best Christmas markets in England

As the festive season approaches, English towns are decked out in lights, the streets come alive and historic squares are filled with wooden chalets, decorations and seasonal specialities. Visit the Christmas markets in England is a brilliant way to discover a different side to the country, combining its heritage, British traditions and a festive atmosphere.

From London to the historic towns of northern England, via Bath and the Midlands, some Christmas markets are particularly worth a visit. You can also check out our guide to Southern England: the ideal itinerary so that you can combine several of these destinations in a single trip.

Dates of Christmas markets in England in 2026

Here are the official dates announced for the 2026 season, market by market. They come from the organizers' websites and tourist offices, and allow you to plan your stay for the best weeks.

UP TO YOU

What kind of traveler are you for? The best Christmas markets in England "?

5 quick questions to see what suits you best.

Question 1 of 5

What appeals to you the most?

The atmosphere and the showHistory and traditions

Question 2 of 5

Once there, you are more like…

At the heart of the actionObserve and take photos

Question 3 of 5

You like arriving…

A little early, no stressJust in time to begin

Question 4 of 5

For the organization, you prefer…

Plan everything in advanceMaintain some flexibility

Question 5 of 5

Ultimately, what you really want is…

It was a feast for the eyes.To have truly understood the event

Walk	Dates 2026	Place
Bath Christmas Market	November 26 – December 13, 2026	Historic center, around Bath Abbey
Manchester Christmas Markets	November 6 – December 22, 2026	Piccadilly Gardens, Albert Square and city center
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market	November 5 – December 24, 2026	Victoria Square and New Street
York Christmas Market	November 12 – December 21, 2026	Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market	November 20 – December 22, 2026	Cathedral courtyard
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (London)	November 19, 2026 – January 3, 2027	Hyde Park
Chester Christmas Market	November 18 – December 22, 2026	Town Hall Square
Nottingham Winter Wonderland	Mid-November – December 24, 2026 (to be confirmed)	Old Market Square
Christmas at Blenheim Palace	November 13, 2026 – January 3, 2027	Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

The Bath Christmas Market

With its Georgian architecture and honey-colored stone buildings, Bath already boasts a particularly elegant setting throughout the year. During the Christmas season, the city becomes even more captivating.

Le Bath Christmas Market It takes place in the heart of the historic center, around Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths. The 2026 edition runs from Thursday, November 26 to Sunday, December 13, 2026. It brings together more than 200 chalets in the city streets, between Bath Abbey, Milsom Street and Southgate.

To prepare for your visit, please see the official website of the Bath Christmas Market.

Bath's appeal lies primarily in the combination of its market and exceptional heritage. This makes it easy to combine the festivities with exploring the Roman baths, Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, or the shopping streets of the city center.

If you’d like to extend your stay, do have a look at our article What to do in Bath in two days.

Bath is therefore an excellent destination for a Christmas weekend in England, particularly for travellers looking for an elegant and easily accessible city.

The Manchester Christmas Market

Manchester hosts one of England's largest Christmas events. Its markets are spread across several areas of the city center and offer numerous stalls dedicated to food, gifts, and handcrafted goods. Visit Manchester, in particular, features over 200 stalls across multiple locations.

The 2026 markets open on Friday, November 6th and run until December 22nd, 2026. However, the Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens locations will remain lively until January 3rd, 2027. Visit Manchester announces 210 stalls spread throughout the city center: find practical information on the website. Visit Manchester’s official website.

A stay in Manchester also gives you the chance to enjoy the city’s iconic neighbourhoods, such as the Northern Quarter, and to discover its industrial and cultural heritage.

It is a particularly interesting destination for those who wish to combine shopping, Christmas markets and city breaks.

The Birmingham Christmas Market

Every winter, Birmingham hosts its famous Frankfurt Christmas Market, Inspired by German traditions, the 2026 edition takes place from Thursday, November 5th to Thursday, December 24th, 2026, on Victoria Square and New Street.

The streets of the town center are lined with numerous chalets offering culinary specialties, hot drinks, decorations, and gifts. The atmosphere is particularly pleasant in the evening when the Christmas lights are at their most vibrant.

Birmingham is also an interesting stop-off on a trip through the centre of England.

Christmas in York

York is also probably one of the English cities best suited to the Christmas atmosphere.

Its medieval center, narrow streets, and historic buildings provide a particularly attractive setting during the holidays. York Christmas Market, The St Nicholas Fair, also known as the St Nicholas Fair, takes place from Thursday, November 12th to Monday, December 21st, 2026. It is open from 10:30 am to 7 pm, on Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square. The market is closed on Tuesdays.

To plan your visit and find out about upcoming events, please visit Visit York, the city’s official tourism website.

A walk through The Shambles, one of England’s most famous streets, takes on a special atmosphere at this time of year.

While you’re here, why not take the opportunity to explore York Minster, the city walls and the many independent shops in the city centre?.

For a holiday combining Christmas, heritage and traditional English atmosphere, York is one of our favourite destinations.

The Winchester Christmas Market

Winchester, on the other hand, offers a different experience from major English cities.

Its Christmas market, set up in the courtyard of the majestic Winchester Cathedral, takes place from Friday, November 20th to Tuesday, December 22nd, 2026.

The chalets set in this historic location host artisans, creators, and producers. The atmosphere is more intimate than some large urban markets and is perfect for travelers seeking a traditional ambiance.

If you’re interested in Britain’s religious heritage, do take a look at our guide to the most beautiful English cathedrals.

Christmas in London

It’s impossible to talk about the Christmas markets in England not to mention London.

The capital offers several events and markets during the holiday season. The experience varies greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood: some focus on entertainment and attractions, while others offer a more traditional atmosphere.

Winter Wonderland, The Winter Carnival, in Hyde Park, is one of the most famous events. The 2026 edition takes place from November 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027. It features a Magical Ice Kingdom themed around Peter Pan, an ice rink, and numerous shows. To enjoy it without any planning, our Christmas markets holiday in London The 3-day package includes a 4* hotel and transfers.

To find out about the various markets and events held in the capital, visit the Visit London’s official Christmas guide. It notably lists Leicester Square, Southbank, Covent Garden, Greenwich, and Winter Wonderland. To get away from the most crowded places, our London's off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods offer a different perspective on the capital in winter.

Finally, don't miss the famous illuminations of Regent Street, Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, and Covent Garden. All the details are in our guide. Christmas markets in London.

The Chester Christmas Market

Chester also offers a great alternative to the more well-known destinations.

The town is famous for its half-timbered buildings, its Roman ramparts and the Chester Rows, these historic shopping arcades which give the town centre its very distinctive architectural character.

During the Christmas season, the chalets set up in Town Hall Square further enhance the town's historic atmosphere. The 2026 Christmas market is scheduled to run from November 18th to December 22nd, 2026.

Chester can also be included as part of a wider itinerary in the north-west of England, particularly in combination with Liverpool.

The Nottingham Christmas Market

Associated in the collective imagination with the legend of Robin Hood, Nottingham also takes on a new look as Christmas approaches.

Its winter event, Nottingham Winter Wonderland, takes place in Old Market Square with chalets, an ice rink, a Ferris wheel, and food stalls. The 2026 dates are not yet officially confirmed; the event usually runs from mid-November to December 24th.

This is therefore an interesting option for discovering a less touristy English city while enjoying the festive atmosphere of the holiday season.

The Blenheim Palace Christmas Market

To get away from the usual markets in the town centre, head for Oxfordshire and Blenheim Palace.

This monumental palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is illuminated from November 13, 2026 to January 3, 2027. The Christmas market is open until December 20, 2026. Visits are by time slot, as indicated on the website. Blenheim Palace official website. The experience thus combines English heritage and Christmas atmosphere in a spectacular setting.

Blenheim Palace is also situated on the outskirts of the The Cotswolds. It is therefore possible to integrate this visit into a winter stay in Oxford or into an itinerary among the the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds.

To continue exploring Britain’s heritage, do take a look at our article on England’s most beautiful castles.

Christmas markets elsewhere in the United Kingdom

Your trip can also extend beyond England. We provide details on the... Christmas markets in Scotland and Christmas markets in Ireland in two dedicated guides. Indeed, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own markets, often less frequented.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh's market sets up in East Princes Street Gardens, at the foot of the castle, from November 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027. It also continues until Hogmanay, the Scottish New Year. Find all our tips in our guide to... Edinburgh Christmas Market.

Cardiff, Wales

The Cardiff Christmas Market is open from Thursday, November 12th to Wednesday, December 23rd, 2026, in the city center. It primarily showcases Welsh crafts, according to the official website of the market. To extend your stay, see also What to see in Wales.

Belfast, Northern Ireland

In Belfast, the Continental Market takes place in City Hall Gardens from Saturday, November 14th to Tuesday, December 22nd, 2026. Admission is free. Afterwards, the Giant's Causeway is easily visited on a day trip: see our guide to...’Northern Ireland.

Which Christmas market should you choose in England?

The choice depends, above all, on the type of holiday you’re looking for.

For a romantic getaway, Bath or Winchester are particularly appealing. For a medieval and traditional atmosphere, York is hard to beat. Travellers looking for large markets and plenty of entertainment will prefer Manchester, Birmingham or London.

Finally, combine Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds allows you to envisage a Christmas break with a greater focus on the English countryside and heritage.

When is the best time to visit the Christmas markets in England?

Most of the major English Christmas events take place between November and December, but the exact dates change every year.

In 2026, the season opens on November 5th in Birmingham and closes on December 24th. The second half of November remains the most pleasant period: all the markets are open, the crowds are still manageable, and the Christmas lights are already up.

If you want to avoid peak season, opt for a midweek stay if possible. Also, pack a good waterproof jacket: our guide about the best months to go to England provides detailed weather information.

Organize a trip to visit the Christmas markets in England

Discover the The best Christmas markets in England could be an opportunity to plan a proper winter holiday.

A trip might, for example, combine London, Bath, Oxford and the Cotswolds, like our road trip from London to Cornwall. Another route, on the other hand, could focus on the north, with Manchester, Chester and York.

At Brightside Travel, we create tailor-made holidays in England by selecting the stages, accommodations and experiences according to your desires. Whether you wish to organize a romantic weekend, a family trip Whether you're looking for a route through several English regions or an itinerary, we can create a holiday tailored to your pace. Discover our ideas for tailor-made trip to England.

Frequently asked questions about Christmas markets in England

When will the Christmas markets open in England in 2026?

To begin with, the first ones open in early November: Birmingham on November 5th and Manchester on November 6th, 2026. Then, York follows on November 12th, Chester on November 18th, Winchester on November 20th, and Bath on November 26th. Finally, the majority close between December 21st and 24th. In Scotland, the Edinburgh Christmas Market However, it remains open until January 3rd.

What is the most beautiful Christmas market in England?

It all depends first and foremost on the atmosphere you're looking for. York is particularly appealing for its medieval setting and The Shambles, Bath for its Georgian architecture and 200 cottages, and Winchester for the intimate atmosphere of its cathedral. However, for larger and more vibrant markets, Manchester and Birmingham remain the top choices.

Do you need to book in advance for Christmas markets in England?

Yes to events with ticketed entry and limited capacity, such as the illuminated trail at Blenheim Palace, which operates on a timed schedule. Hotels in Bath, York, and London also book up months in advance for December weekends.

Are Christmas markets in England open on December 25th?

No. Indeed, city center markets close before Christmas. Major events that extend into January, such as Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park or Christmas at Blenheim Palace, also remain closed on December 25th.

How to get around between Christmas markets in England?

Generally, the train is the easiest way to travel: London, Bath, Birmingham, Manchester, York, and Chester are all connected by rail. A car becomes useful for reaching Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds: see our guide on car rental in England.

Which Christmas markets in England are best to choose with children?

London and Manchester have the highest concentration of attractions (ice rinks, Ferris wheels, rides), while Blenheim Palace offers a light show that's very popular with families. Our ideas for a family trip to England usefully complement these steps.

Where else in the UK can you find Christmas markets?

Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Belfast host the largest markets outside of England. All the dates are listed in our calendar. Christmas markets in the United Kingdom. The one in Edinburgh remains open the longest, until January 3, 2027.

BRIGHTSIDE TRAVEL

Do you want to experience this trip?

Our local team creates your tailor-made itinerary in the UK and Ireland.

Create my trip