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.

The Bath Christmas Market

With its Georgian architecture and honey-coloured stone buildings, Bath already boasts a particularly elegant setting all year round. During the Christmas season, the city becomes even more charming.

Le Bath Christmas Market takes place in the heart of the historic centre, around Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths. The 2026 event is scheduled to run from 26 November to 13 December and will feature more than 200 chalets lining the city’s streets.

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

Bath’s main attraction lies in the combination of the market and the city’s exceptional heritage. It’s easy to combine the festivities with a visit to the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent or the shopping streets in the city centre.

If you’d like to extend your stay, do have a look at our article What can you 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 biggest Christmas events. Its markets are spread across several areas of the city centre and feature numerous stalls selling food, gifts and handmade goods. Visit Manchester, in particular, features over 200 stalls spread across several locations.

For practical information and upcoming dates, please visit the 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 streets in the town centre are lined with numerous chalets selling culinary specialities, hot drinks, decorations and gifts. The atmosphere is particularly pleasant in the evening when the lights really come into their own.

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

Christmas in York

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

Its medieval town centre, narrow streets and historic buildings provide a particularly charming setting during the festive season. The York Christmas Market is also returning in 2026, with its chalets set up in the heart of the town.

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 offers a different experience to England’s major cities.

Its Christmas market is particularly popular because of its location near the majestic Winchester Cathedral.

The chalets set against this historic backdrop are home to craftspeople, designers and producers. The whole atmosphere is more intimate than that of some of the larger city markets and is ideal for travellers seeking a traditional ambience.

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 hosts a number of events and markets during the festive season. The experience varies greatly from one neighbourhood to another: some focus on entertainment and attractions, whilst others offer a more traditional atmosphere.

Winter Wonderland, in Hyde Park, is one of the best-known events. The 2026 edition is scheduled to take place between November 2026 and January 2027, although the exact dates are yet to be confirmed.

To find out about the various markets and events held in the capital, visit the Visit London’s official Christmas guide, which includes Leicester Square, Southbank, Covent Garden, Greenwich and Winter Wonderland, amongst others.

Don’t miss the famous Christmas lights on Regent Street, Oxford Street, Carnaby Street and Covent Garden either.

The Chester Christmas Market

Chester is a great alternative to the better-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 period, the chalets set up in the town centre further enhance the town’s historic atmosphere.

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, held around Old Market Square, usually features chalets, food stalls and a variety of entertainment.

It’s a great way to explore a less touristy English town whilst soaking up the festive atmosphere.

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, offers a range of events during the festive season. The experience combines English heritage with the Christmas spirit in a spectacular setting.

Blenheim Palace is also situated on the outskirts of the The Cotswolds. It is therefore possible to include this visit as part of a winter break in Oxford or a tour of the Cotswolds villages.

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

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.

It is therefore best to check the official tourist websites before you set off. For example, Bath and York already have official information available for their Christmas 2026 events.

If you want to make the most of the atmosphere whilst avoiding the busiest times, try to book a midweek stay if possible.

Organising a Christmas trip to England

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

One trip might, for example, combine London with Bath, Oxford and the Cotswolds, whilst another itinerary might focus on the north of the country, taking in Manchester, Chester and York.

At Brightside Travel, we create tailor-made holidays in England by choosing the stops, accommodation and experiences to suit your preferences. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a family holiday or a tour across several regions of England, we can put together a holiday tailored to your pace.