Best UK Christmas Markets For 2023

The festive season is upon us, and many towns and cities across the UK are beginning to open their German-inspired Christmas markets for 2023, here are some examples of the best ones to look forward to this year.

Edinburgh

Located in the picturesque and historic city centre and in close proximity to Edinburgh’s main train stations, Edinburgh Christmas Markets are a must-visit destination for any Christmas shopper.

The markets run from 17th November to the 6th of January and offer festive fun for all ages, including traditional market stalls, a covered ice rink, a big wheel and live events including a silent disco and a traditional Ceilidh to celebrate St Andrew’s Day.

edinburgh xmas market

York

York’s famous St Nicholas Fair returns for 2023 to celebrate its 30th year! After a spectacular opening event on 17th November with a packed programme of live entertainment, the fair will run until December 22nd.

Along with traditional Christmas markets showcasing local traders and artisan produce, visitors can expect festive buskers, food and drink and even an appearance from St Nicholas himself! Of course, no trip to York would be complete without a visit to the Shambles, one of the best-preserved Medieval shopping streets in Europe and the perfect place to pick up those last-minute gifts.

york xmas market

Manchester

Exactly 25 years on from the city’s first-ever Christmas market, the spectacular Manchester Christmas Markets are returning once again for 2023. Running from 10th November to 21st December, the markets boast a whopping 225 stalls over nine sites across the city centre.

Visitors can enjoy family-friendly entertainment every Sunday including the Manchester Christmas Parade on the 3rd of December. There are also selfie opportunities abound thanks to the Manchester Christmas Lights Trail and an outdoor ice rink in Cathedral Gardens.

Manchester Christmas Markets are also the perfect place to celebrate, whether it’s a festive meet-up with friends, a family get-together or a work Christmas party. You can enjoy a cold beer and Christmas cocktails or warm up with a mulled wine or hot chocolate. Fresh food on offer includes churros, paella, bratwurst, Korean corndogs and pancakes to name but a few.

manchester xmas market

Birmingham

Did you know that Birmingham is home to the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria? Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is open seven days per week from November 2nd right up to Christmas Eve, making it the perfect place to pick up presents for loved ones or meet up with friends and family over the festive season.

As well as a wide range of traditional goods and handcrafted gifts, the market offers live music and delicious food, including traditional German cuisines like pretzels, bratwurst and schnitzel, all washed down with a glühwein or luxurious hot chocolate!

birmingham xmas market

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