Christmas Markets 2025: Your ultimate guide

Christmas Markets 2025: Your ultimate guide

The festive season is calling, and you know what that means: Christmas markets galore. From twinkling lights to the sweet smell of mulled wine, there’s something about these magical markets that makes the countdown to Christmas even more exciting. Whether you’re after a gift-hunting spree or just want to eat your weight in mince pies, we’ve got your ride covered.

So, why not leave the car at home, skip the train chaos, and let a coach whisk you straight to the festive fun? We’ve rounded up some of the best UK Christmas markets for 2025 so get ready to dive into the magic and discover what’s in store.

London Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park

Dates: 14 November 2025 – 1 January 2026

Location: Hyde Park, London

Calling all thrill-seekers and Christmas fans! Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is the place for festive fun. Not only does it have a classic Christmas market, but it’s also packed with roller coasters, ice rinks, circus shows, and more. New for 2025: an expanded Santa Land, the UK’s largest free grotto, and a sparkling “Luminarie Lane” light trail. If you're after an all-out, supercharged Christmas experience, this is the place to be. Just don’t leave without a churro... or three.

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market

Dates: 1 November 2025 – 24 December 2025

Location: Victoria Square and New Street, Birmingham

Birmingham does Christmas big. The UK’s largest German market will have you munching bratwursts, sipping mulled wine, and singing along to live music in no time. This Bavarian beauty takes over the city with over 80 stalls, and 2025 brings even more variety, including vegan and local food options.

Warning: one visit and you might become a bratwurst connoisseur.

Manchester Christmas Markets

Dates: 7 November 2025 – 22 December 2025

Location: Across the city centre

From bratwursts to Belgian waffles, Manchester’s Christmas markets are basically a foodie’s festive dream. With multiple market hubs across the city, this one’s packed with stalls selling everything from European delights to local gifts.

Expect glitzy lights, giant Santas, and a brand-new Ferris wheel in Albert Square for 2025. Don’t forget your mulled wine to keep warm on those frosty evenings.

Edinburgh Christmas Market

Dates: 15 November 2025 – 4 January 2026

Location: East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh

Picture this: Edinburgh Castle glowing in the background, ice skaters gliding along, and you with a hot chocolate in hand, wandering the stalls filled with Scottish goodies.

Edinburgh’s Christmas market is like something out of a festive fairytale, and in 2025 it’s adding a new 80-metre Star Flyer ride for thrill-seekers. With Santa’s Grotto and family fun galore, it’s one for all ages.

York Christmas Market (St Nicholas Fair)

Dates: 13 November 2025 – 21 December 2025

Location: Parliament Street, York

York’s Christmas market feels like it’s been plucked straight from a Hallmark movie. Picture charming chalets, cobbled streets, and mulled wine in hand as you wander through the medieval city.

For 2025, over 80% of traders will be local Yorkshire artisans, and the market’s introducing daily “quiet hours” for a calmer experience. A must-visit for anyone craving that classic Christmas magic.

Bath Christmas Market

Dates: 27 November 2025 – 15 December 2025

Location: Around Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths

Ah, Bath. Famous for its hot springs and Christmas charm. The market lights up the city’s Georgian streets with over 200 stalls in 2025, celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Expect handmade crafts, gourmet festive foods, and more twinkling lights than ever before. For a festive experience with timeless elegance, Bath is the place to be.

Bristol Christmas Market

Dates: 1 November – 23 December 2025

Location: Bristol City Centre

Bristol’s Christmas Market lights up Broadmead with charming wooden chalets, festive decorations, and the smell of mulled wine and bratwurst. Browse the unique handmade gifts and seasonal treats, then pop into the Jäger Barn Bar for a festive drink or hop on the Christmas train for a bit of extra holiday magic. This market’s joyful, bustling atmosphere makes it a fantastic spot to dive into the Christmas spirit.

Nottingham Winter Wonderland

Dates: 13 November 2025 – 31 December 2025

Location: Old Market Square, Nottingham

Experience the magic of the festive season at Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland. Take a spin on the ice rink, enjoy panoramic views from the observation wheel, and explore a bustling market filled with quirky gifts, street food, and festive drinks. A perfect mix of shopping and winter excitement.

Liverpool Christmas Market

Dates: 15 November 2025 – 24th December 2025

Location: St George’s Plateau, Liverpool

Liverpool’s Christmas Market sits against the stunning backdrop of St George’s Hall and is bigger than ever for 2025. Expect more stalls, more street food, and plenty of festive drinks to enjoy. With fairground rides, a big wheel, and live entertainment, this market’s buzzing energy and Scouse flair make it one of the North West’s must-visits.

Oxford Victorian Christmas Market

Dates: 14th November 2025 – 17th November 2025

Location: Broad Street, Oxford

Step back in time at Oxford’s Victorian Christmas Market. This magical market brings the festive charm of the Victorian era to life with live music, artisan stalls, and delicious festive treats. Roaming Victorian stilt walkers and traditional entertainers add whimsy and wonder to this enchanting experience. Perfect for gift shopping or soaking up the nostalgic atmosphere.

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

Dates: 22 November 2025 – 22 December 2025

Location: Winchester Cathedral grounds

Winchester’s Christmas Market is a little gem tucked away by the Cathedral. It’s a German-style wonderland filled with handmade gifts, an ice rink, and the kind of festive atmosphere that’ll have you feeling all warm and fuzzy. Perfect for a romantic day out or just getting your festive fix without the big crowds.

Cardiff Christmas Market

Dates: 14 November 2025 – 23rd December 2025

Location: The Hayes, Cardiff City Centre

Looking for something a bit more unique? Cardiff’s Christmas Market is packed with local Welsh treasures. Think handcrafted gifts, Welsh cakes, and unique jewellery. Whether you’re on the hunt for something different or just want to feast on festive treats, this market’s got you covered.

Chester Christmas Market

Dates: 15 November 2025 – 22 December 2025

Location: Town Hall Square, Chester

Step back in time at Chester’s Christmas Market, surrounded by its gorgeous historic architecture. With around 70 wooden chalets filled with festive goodies, from handmade crafts to local food and drink. It’s like stepping into a Christmas card.

Exeter Christmas Market

Dates: 20 November 2025 – 19 December 2025

Location: Exeter Cathedral Green, Exeter

Exeter’s Christmas Market is a hidden gem in the South West, set against the stunning backdrop of the Cathedral. Expect over 100 chalets offering local crafts, tasty street food, and plenty of festive drinks. The 2025 event focuses on Devon’s best independent traders and features new late-night openings for extra shopping time. Perfect for a chilled-out, local festive vibe.

Leeds Christkindelmarkt

Dates: 21 November 2025 – 21 December 2025

Location: Millennium Square, Leeds

Fancy a Bavarian Christmas? Leeds’ Christkindelmarkt brings the magic of Germany to the north. Expect traditional wooden chalets, bratwurst, and beer halls. For 2025, the market expands across both City and Millennium Squares, adding an ice rink and more artisan gift stalls. All the hearty food, twinkling lights, and festive cheer you could want.

So skip the parking dramas, the train chaos, and the endless queues, hop on our comfy coaches and let us take you straight to the festive action. You’ll be saving on the hassle and a bit of cash too (hello, more money for those Christmas treats). Plus, travelling by coach is eco-friendly, so you can feel good while you’re getting your festive on. Win-win, right?

Whether you’re dreaming of Bavarian bratwursts, handcrafted gifts, or just a magical festive atmosphere, these Christmas markets are calling your name. So, pack your Santa hat, grab your mates, and book your coach trip. 2025’s Christmas markets are waiting, and they’re better than ever.

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