The best Christmas markets in the UK to visit this winter
WITH the summer heatwave over, Brits will now be looking ahead to the festive season.
And with winter comes Christmas markets – and the UK is home to some of the best in Europe.
We’ve rounded up some of the biggest and best Christmas markets in the UK returning this year.
From London to Cardiff – here is everything you need to know.
London Christmas Market
London is home to lots of Christmas markets, but the most popular is Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.
The huge attraction will open from November 17 until January 1, 2024.
Not only are there stalls selling food and gifts, but there are attractions including fairground rides and and the biggest open-air ice rink in the country.
You will need to book a ticket to visit although it is free during off-peak hours.
Manchester Christmas Market
Manchester’s Christmas market is one of the biggest in the UK.
The market is set to return this year from November 10, and running until December 21.
However, the official location has not yet been announced, with suggestions it could be at Piccadilly Gardens or St Peter‘s Square.
Last year there were 220 stalls at the market, selling food, drinks and souvenirs.
Manchester’s Christmas Market is free to enter.
Birmingham Christmas Market
Also one of the biggest Christmas markets in the UK is Birmingham.
Running from November 2 to December 24, it is the largest German Christmas market outside of Germany.
This means you can enjoy classics such as schnitzels, bratwursts and steins of beer.
There are also live music performances throughout the week.
Birmingham Christmas Market is free to enter.
Nottingham Christmas Market
Nottingham’s Christmas Market will run from November 15 until December.
The Winter Wonderland will be across Old Market Square and Trinity Square with more than 70 stalls selling souvenirs and snacks.
There are even rides too, including a Ferris Wheel, ice rink and toboggan slide.
There are lots of themed bars too, including the Ice Bar, Ski Bar and Helter Skelter bar, as well as a rooftop bar.
It’s free to enter but you will need tickets for the rides.
York Christmas Market
York’s Christmas Market will run from November 16 to December 22.
There will be alpine-style chalets serving food, drink and gifts.
There will also be some rides including a Helter Skelter.
York’s Christmas Market is free to visit.
Bath Christmas Market
Bath’s Christmas Market will return from November 23, running until December 10.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, there will be 170 chalets selling food, gifts and drinks across the city centre.
Bath’s Christmas Market is free to enter.
Cardiff Christmas Market
The Christmas market in Cardiff will run from November 9 until December 23.
There will be more than 200 stalls across St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street and the Hayes.
Cardiff Christmas Market is free to enter.
Leeds Christmas Market
Leeds‘ Christmas Market is going to be a much bigger affair this year.
Running from November 24 until December 22, there will be 120 Bavarian-style markets.
The new market will also have three festive-themed outdoor bars this year.
Leeds Christmas Market is free to enter.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market will also be returning this year, and running until 2024.
The markets will open on November 24 until January 3, 2024.
The stalls, selling gifts as well as food and drink, will open across Princes Street Gardens and The Mound.
Edinburgh Christmas Market is free to enter.