UK Christmas Markets 2026: The Complete Calendar

The Christmas markets in the United Kingdom They open as early as November 5, 2026, and some remain open until January 3, 2027. From London to Edinburgh, via Bath, York, Cardiff, and Belfast, each city has its own unique atmosphere. Based in Edinburgh since 2012, we've compiled all the 2026 dates here, country by country, along with our tips for combining several.

In short: UK Christmas markets 2026 kick off in Birmingham on 5 November, then Glasgow and Manchester on 6 November. The longest-running – Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Kingston and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – stay open until 3 January 2027. Bath (26 November–13 December) has over 200 chalets, and most markets close between 21 and 24 December. By train, combine London, Bath and York, or York and Edinburgh, in five to seven days.

2026 Calendar of Christmas Markets in the United Kingdom

Here are the announced dates for the 2026 season, in order of opening. However, please check the opening hours on each market's website before you go. For Edinburgh, the official schedule is available on the website of...’Edinburgh's Christmas.

TAKE THE TEST

Ireland or Scotland: which destination suits you best?

5 questions, less than a minute.

Question 1 of 5

Which landscape appeals to you the most?

Wild mountains, lochs and valleysCliffs, ocean and major coastal roads

Question 2 of 5

What kind of atmosphere are you looking for?

Highlands, castles and whiskyPubs, music and welcoming villages

Question 3 of 5

Your ideal day

A hike with spectacular viewsA road trip punctuated by small ports and beaches

Question 4 of 5

Which setting do you dream about the most?

Skye, Glencoe and the CairngormsConnemara, Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way

Question 5 of 5

For your next trip, you prefer…

A spectacular and mountainous landscapeA friendly atmosphere and an ever-present coastline

• Birmingham, Frankfurt Christmas Market: from November 5 to December 24, 2026.
• Glasgow, St Enoch Square: from November 6 to December 27, 2026.
• Manchester: from November 6 to December 22, 2026.
• Cardiff: from November 12 to December 23, 2026.
• York, St Nicholas Fair: from November 12 to December 21, 2026.
• Aberdeen, Christmas Village: from November 12, 2026 to January 3, 2027.
• Kingston upon Thames, near London: from November 12, 2026 to January 3, 2027.
• Edinburgh: from November 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027.
• Belfast, City Hall: from November 14 to December 22, 2026.
• Chester: from November 18 to December 22, 2026.
• London, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park: from November 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027.
• Winchester: from November 20 to December 22, 2026.
• Bath: from November 26 to December 13, 2026.

Christmas markets in England

First, England has the largest number of markets. We detail them all in our guide to Christmas markets in England.

London

In London, Winter Wonderland takes over Hyde Park with an ice rink, shows, and rides. Other smaller markets also set up in neighborhoods, such as Kingston upon Thames. Our Christmas markets holiday in London The 3-day package includes a 4-star hotel and transfers. Find the addresses in our guide. Christmas markets in London.

Bath and York

Bath brings together more than 200 chalets around its abbey and Roman baths. However, its market lasts less than three weeks, from November 26th to December 13th. York, on the other hand, sets up its St. Nicholas Fair in its medieval center, on Parliament Street.

Birmingham, Manchester and Chester

Birmingham opens the season with a large, German-inspired market in Victoria Square and New Street. Manchester then spreads its chalets across several squares in the city center. Finally, Chester sets up its stalls in Town Hall Square, among its half-timbered houses.

Christmas markets in Scotland

In Scotland, Edinburgh's Christmas market first sets up in Princes Street Gardens, at the foot of the castle, with a Ferris wheel and an ice rink on George Street. It remains open until January 3rd, then continues with Hogmanay, the Scottish New Year. To experience it in 4 days, see our... Christmas stay in Edinburgh, Castle entrance included. All our tips are in our guide to the Edinburgh Christmas Market.

Glasgow opens the first Christmas Village in Scotland on November 6th in St Enoch Square, then adds an ice rink in Glasgow Green from November 20th. Aberdeen, meanwhile, sets up its Christmas Village on Broad Street. Compare these cities in our guide to... Christmas markets in Scotland.

The Christmas market in Wales

In Cardiff, the Christmas market showcases Welsh crafts in the city center. It's open from November 12th to December 23rd, 2026. Afterwards, take the opportunity to explore the rest of the country with our guide. What to see in Wales.

The Christmas market in Northern Ireland

In Belfast, the Continental Market occupies the City Hall gardens, with free entry. Additionally, the Giant's Causeway is easily accessible on a day trip from the city. See our guide for more information.’Northern Ireland.

Dublin is not part of the United Kingdom, but it's about a two-hour train ride from Belfast. For a festive getaway, check out our... Christmas holiday in Dublin, ...with a Christmas Eve dinner on December 24th. Discover also Christmas in Dublin and our Christmas markets in Ireland.

Which Christmas markets in the UK should you choose?

Therefore, the choice depends mainly on your dates and preferences. Here are our guidelines.

• Historical setting: Bath, York, Chester and Winchester.
• Large, bustling cities: London, Manchester and Birmingham.
• Extended season: Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Winter Wonderland, open until January 3.
• For families: Winter Wonderland in London and the funfair at West Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh.

Combining several Christmas markets in the United Kingdom

Indeed, the train remains the easiest way to travel between cities in winter. From London, for example, York is about two hours away by train, and Edinburgh is four and a half hours away. Furthermore, Bath is less than an hour and a half from the capital, making a day trip possible.

A five- to seven-day trip allows you to combine two or three cities. For example, combine London, Bath, and York, or York and Edinburgh via the East Coast. For travel information, also consult our guide to... train routes in Scotland.

Our tips for visiting Christmas markets in the United Kingdom

• It is best to visit during the week, as Saturdays in December are very busy.
• Come in the late afternoon: it gets dark around 4 p.m., and the lights come on early.
• Book your accommodation several months in advance, especially in Bath, York and Edinburgh.
• Finally, pack warm and waterproof clothing, as it often rains in December.

Late November remains the best time: almost all markets are open, and the crowds are still manageable. Most, however, close between December 21st and 24th.

To prepare your visit in detail, also consult our Christmas market guides. Bath, of Belfast, of Glasgow and of’Inverness and Aberdeen.

On the northern side of England, you can finally find our guides to the Christmas markets of York and Manchester.

Discover also our guides to Birmingham Christmas market, of Cardiff Christmas Market and of the London Winter Wonderland.

Envie de prolonger votre séjour ? Make our travel quiz : 6 questions pour découvrir le voyage au Royaume-Uni ou en Irlande fait pour vous.

Frequently asked questions about Christmas markets in the United Kingdom

When will the Christmas markets open in the UK in 2026?

Indeed, Birmingham opens first, on November 5, 2026, followed by Glasgow and Manchester on November 6. Most of the other markets then open between November 12 and 26.

Which markets remain open after Christmas?

Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Kingston and Winter Wonderland in London remain open until January 3, 2027. However, they generally close on December 25.

What is the largest Christmas market in the UK?

Bath has over 200 chalets, and Manchester around 210 stalls spread throughout the city centre. Birmingham and Winter Wonderland also attract very large crowds.

Is entry to the Christmas markets free?

Yes, for most city centre markets. Only certain attractions require payment, such as ice rinks, Ferris wheels or some illuminated trails.

How many days should I allow for a trip around the Christmas markets?

Generally, allow two to three days per city. To combine two or three cities by train, therefore, plan for five to seven days.

Travel to the Christmas markets in the UK with Brightside Travel

Indeed, our experts live locally and know each market intimately. Tell us your dates and preferences: we'll create a tailor-made itinerary for you, including trains, accommodations, and our favorite spots.

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