It’s the most wonderful time of the year – too soon? We think not! After many Christmas Markets were cancelled last year due to COVID-19 it’s time to dust off your hat, scarf and gloves and get into the festive spirit ready to make up for it this year. The return of sipping mulled wine, discovering artisanal crafts, and whizzing around on ice rinks is here – and we have found the Top 10 Must-See UK Christmas Markets for 2021. Please be aware all information was correct at the time of publishing and dates/events are subject to change.
1. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
When: 19th November 2021 – 3rd January 2022
Where: Hyde Park, London
London’s Hyde Park will once again be transformed into a Winter Wonderland and can be enjoyed by all ages. Booking is essential and entry is free of charge during off-peak times (peak time tickets are either £5.00 or £7.50). Attractions will also need to be booked online and include ice skating, Zippos Christmas Circus, the giant wheel, bar ice, Santa Land, various workshops and much more. No Christmas Market would be complete without the traditional stalls, and Hyde Park boasts 100 alpine chalets brimming with homemade crafts, unique gifts and yuletide food. Organisers of the event have taken extra precautions this year and the event will be operating at a reduced capacity, entry times will be staggered and booking is essential. Visitors are also encouraged to use the sanitising stations frequently during their visit.
2. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
When: 4th November 2021 – 23rd December 2021
Where: Victoria Square and New Street
The largest authentic Christmas Market outside of Germany and Austria is back! Birmingham’s famous Frankfurt Christmas Market will be kicking off in early November and will be welcoming visitors free of charge. Booking is not required, however, there will be a reduced number of stalls to allow for social distancing. Within the festive-lined streets, visitors will find traditional food and drink as well as an array of incredible gifts and treats housed in traditional-style chalets.
3. Manchester Christmas Market
When: 12th November 2021 – 22nd December 2021
Where: St Ann’s Square, Exchange Square, New Cathedral Street, King Street, Market Street and Cathedral Gardens
With six different Christmas Markets to choose from and a new family-friendly event, The Winter Garden, you will be full of festive cheer in Manchester this year. Each location will have an array of traditionally festive chalets selling quaint gifts, decorations and unique treasures as well as festive food and drink. The ice rink will be located at Cathedral Gardens and pre-booking is advised and let’s not forget the return of the giant Santa which can be found in the city centre.
The Winter Gardens, a hive of bars and live music, in Piccadilly Gardens will remain open until the 3rd January 2022.
4. Brighton Christmas Market
When: 26th November 2021 – 31st December 2021
Where: Valley Gardens, Brighton
Free to enter, the Brighton Christmas Market will be hosting 150 festive stalls, live music and the best festive food around! Ample mulled wine will also be available (always a plus!). Ticketed attractions can be booked online and include Santa’s Grotto and the après ski zone.
5. Winchester Christmas Market
When: 19th November 2021 – 22nd December 2021
Where: Inner Close of Winchester Cathedral
Winchester Christmas Market is award-winning and it’s easy to see why. Traders from across the UK are hand-picked to adorn the 100 alpine chalets so visitors can be certain they are buying great quality gifts and products. New stalls will be set up from the 7th December. The famous Nativity Scene is back and tickets to the ice rink can be booked in advance online.
6. Edinburgh Christmas Market
When: November 2021 – January 2022 (dates to be confirmed)
Where: City Centre
In the heart of the Scottish city, you will find the famous big wheel offering stunning 360o views. There will also be smaller rides for little ones, Santa Land (located in Princes Street Gardens) and an ice rink. Once the activities have been done, visitors can well and truly delve into the festive spirit and find some Christmas treasures with handmade gifts and great food.
7. Nottingham Christmas Market
When: 4th December 2021 – 24th December 2021
Where: Old Market Square and Long Row
Nothing says Christmas more than an 18m Christmas tree covered in more lights than you could imagine! Although, disappointingly, Nottingham is unable to host its famous Winter Wonderland this year there will be around 40 alpine-style chalets to enjoy, each selling an array of unique gifts, arts and speciality foods. You will also be able to snap a birds-eye view of the festivities from the top of the 32m wheel – if you’re not put off by heights!
8. York Christmas Market
When: 18th November 2021 – 23rd December 2021
Where: Parliament Street
A Christmas Market bursting with local businesses. Even without the mulled wine, handmade gifts and Christmassy atmosphere, York is unquestionably stunning at this time of year! This year’s St Nicholas Fair will see Parliament Street lined with twinkling lights and alpine stalls and the event promises hearty food, festive cheer, and an experience you won’t forget.
9. Liverpool Christmas Market
When: 12th November 2021 – 23rd December 2021
Where: St Johns Gardens, William Brown Street, St Georges Hall
If the idea of mulled wine, Bavarian cuisine and local artisanal presents gets your bells jingling then Liverpool’s Christmas Market is the one for you. With over 60 alpine-styled stalls, three outdoor German-style bars and rides for all the family, including a Ferris Wheel, this event promises to be a festive frenzy. And if that wasn’t enough, Liverpool’s incredible light display stretching along street after street is a must see!
10. Plymouth Christmas Market
When: 2nd December 2021 – 19th December 2021
Where: Plymouth City Centre
Plymouth city centre is a hub of activity, and the Christmas Market is no exception. Located in the heart of the city, visitors – both local and from afar – can explore the alpine chalets for unusual and unique gifts, warm up with some mulled wine and enjoy hearty food under the twinkling lights. And if that isn’t enough to get you into the Christmas spirit, to make up for missing last year’s festivities due to COVID-19, a range of Christmas fun has been added to the itinerary including performances from local choirs, illuminated roller skating and a visit from Santa’s Elves.
Now our Christmas spirit is at an all-time high, we’re off to roast some chestnuts and work out how we’re going to visit all of these before Santa’s big day.
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