Spiced pies, mulled wine, sparkling streets and gorgeous gifts – Christmas markets in the UK are truly magical! If you love the festive season as much as we do, then visiting a couple of Christmas markets is a must! Not only are they fantastic outings for the family, but they are also an opportunity to pick up some last-minute gifts that are locally made and full of charm.
If you’re on the hunt for the best things to do this festive season, look no further than our guide to the merriest markets in the UK! Chock-filled with fun activities, dazzling decor and hand-crafted gifts, it’s the perfect way to savour this special time of the year.
1. Chester Christmas Market
Chester's Christmas Market is a festive tradition loved by locals and tourists alike. Held in the historic city centre, the market features 70 stalls selling scrumptious bites, home-made trinkets, and much more!
With its welcoming atmosphere and abundance of good cheer, the Chester Christmas Market is the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit. Visitors can enjoy a cup of hot mulled wine as they browse the stalls, or take a break from shopping to admire the city’s incredible Christmas tree, which is decked out in holiday decorations.
- Opening times: 18 November - 21 December 2022
- Monday - Wednesday, 10:30-18:30
- Thursday - Saturday 10:30- 20:00
- Sunday 10:30-18:30
- Location: Town Hall Square, Northgate Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2HJ
2. Canterbury Christmas Market
The Canterbury Christmas Market attracts hundreds of families each year, and with handcrafted gifts, delectable roast dinners and virtual reality sleigh rides, it’s no wonder why! If you're looking for some holiday cheer, don't miss out on their ‘Breakfast with Santa’ and ‘Santa Paws’ event.
The little ones will love the ‘Letters for Santa’ activity where they can write their Christmas wish list and post it in a talking post box, or hand it to Santa themselves! Visitors can also look forward to live bands and carol singers, as well as plenty of jolly Christmas stalls.
- Opening times: 11 November - 24 December 2022
- Monday to Friday 10 am - 6 pm
- Saturday 9 am - 6 pm
- Sunday 11 am - 4 pm
- Location: In and around the Whitefriars Shopping Centre
3. Worcester Christmas Market
Worcester's festive Victorian Fayre is one of the biggest markets in the city with over 200 stalls lining the bustling streets of New Street, Friar Street, Pump Street, High Street, and Cornmarket.
With old world charm and festive decorations galore, there's no better place to get into the holiday spirit than here. Saunter through the decked-out avenues and pick up cute stocking fillers, unique gifts, delicious local bites and lots more. Visitors can grab a chocolate-filled crepe and watch traditional Victorian entertainers and carol singers put on a memorable show.
- Opening times: 1- 4 December 2022
- Thursday 1 December 2022 12 pm - 9 pm
- Friday 2 December 2022 11 am - 9 pm
- Saturday 3 December 2022 10 am - 8 pm
- Sunday 4 December 2022 11 am - 5 pm
- Location: New Street, Friar Street, Pump Street, High Street, the Cornmarket, Cathedral Square, Angel Place and the Crowngate Shopping Centre.
4. Oxford Christmas Market
If you're visiting the UK over the holidays, be sure to check out the annual Oxford Christmas Market. Located on the character-filled Broad Street, this vibrant event features local food and drink vendors, as well as a wide array of holiday-themed handicrafts.
This cheerful market in Oxford has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for colourful home-made jewellery, decorative tree stars or lovely beach trinkets! If you have a sweet tooth, you can also indulge in a variety of surgery delights, from vegan churros and German marshmallow treats, to creamy fudge and artisan chocolate brownies.
- Opening times: 1 - 18 December 2022
- Monday 10am - 6.30pm
- Tuesday 10am - 6.30pm
- Wednesday 10am - 6.30pm
- Thursday 10am - 8pm
- Friday 10am - 8pm
- Saturday 10am - 8pm
- Sunday 10am - 6.30pm
- Location: Broad Street, Oxford City Centre, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 3AS
No matter which Christmas market you decide to visit, you're sure to have a magical holiday experience. So why wait? Start planning your trip today!
If you’re looking for a safe and secure place to store your luggage while you explore these amazing markets, check out Storage King. With 37 ultramodern facilities across the UK, we offer convenient and flexible storage solutions for all your personal or household needs. Get a quote today and make room for more joy this festive season.