Visit The Best UK Christmas Markets For 2021

It may seem a little early to be mentioning Christmas in October. However, now is the time to get your festive calendar planned out. The closer we get to Christmas, the easier it is to miss out on such fabulous festive events, especially if you have to book tickets in advance. So, to make it that bit easier for you, we’ve listed our top 10 best Christmas markets for you to visit in 2021.

Whether you’re a big kid at heart who just loves the magic of Christmas fairs. Or perhaps you’re on the hunt for some handmade, unique gifts to give your loved ones this year. These Christmas fairs won’t disappoint. With their varied stalls showcasing everything from handmade decorations to delicious festive treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, as most of them are free to enter, what a great way to start Christmas off on a cheap day/night out. Whether you love the hustle and bustle of the festive markets in London. Or you prefer the slightly more relaxed atmosphere of the Bath Christmas market.

1. Winter Wonderland – London

19 NOV 2021 – 3 JAN 2022

Visit the winter wonderland at Hyde Park this Christmas and be transported in to a magical land. Filled with an array of fairground rides, an ice rink, bars and food stalls and Christmas decorations as far as the eye can see. Not to mention the sparkling fairy lights glistening in the moonlight. It’s also home to the world’s tallest transportable observation wheel, with views across London to be admired.

While you’re there, don’t forget to take a walk down Regent Street & Oxford Street to take in their light displays and magical window creations – especially at Hamley’s, Selfridges and Harrods.

Don’t forget to book your tickets before you go though so you don’t miss out on this festive delight!

2. Bath Christmas Market

25 NOV – 19 DEC 2021

If you’re looking for a fabulous Christmas market that has everything, you need to take a trip to Bath Christmas market. Pop up chalets as far as the eye can see along the pretty Georgian streets. You can expect festive treasures from – handmade jewellery and trinkets. To homewares and beautifully crafted decorations. With a variety of food and drink stalls adding to the magical feel of this festive market. Wafts of spiced mulled wine, mince pies and chestnuts roasting filling the air. If you want to get in to the Christmas spirit, this is the place to do just that.

If you decide to go to the Bath Christmas market, you won’t be disappointed with what you find there!

3. Manchester Christmas Fair

12 NOV – 22 DEC 2021

There are said to be more than 300 stalls this year at the Manchester Christmas Fair. Meaning you won’t ever be far from the magic of Christmas while on your visit. There will be stalls selling festive gifts for all the family. Delicious food and drink stalls selling – hog roasts, paella, mince pies, roasted chestnuts and much more.

Then there’s the Winter Funland which will be held at an indoor venue (incase of bad weather). This will include – fairground attractions, an ice rink, a circus and even a performance from Manchester’s Orchestra.

Definitely not a Christmas market to miss this year!

4. Frankfurt Christmas Market – Birmingham

5 NOV – 23 DEC 2021

The Frankfurt Christmas market in Birmingham is a sight to behold! It’s said to be the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany. The market offers its visitors a traditional Christmas experience. With a selection of traditional German festive goods including – bratwursts, stollen and pretzels.

Although the size of the market will be smaller this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, the market will still be just as good as any other year. You’ll be treated to a plethora of traditional festivities including handcrafted toys, leatherwork, home accessories and of course, Christmas decorations. Will you be visiting the Frankfurt christmas market this year?

5. Cheltenham Christmas Fair

20 NOV – 19 DEC 2021

If you’re looking for a smaller Christmas market that still has all the magic of Christmas to offer you, then you should visit the Cotswold Christmas market in Cheltenham.

All the pizazz of a big market, without all the queues and hustle and bustle. There’ll be row after row of wooden chalet stalls. Filled with delicious bakes and wafts of mulled wine. Along with beautifully crafted handmade decorations and trinkets.

6. York Christmas Market

18 NOV – 23 DEC 2021

The Alpine style chalets at York’s award winning Christmas fair take pride of place on Parliament Street. Full to bursting with an array of festive decorations, treats and traditional Christmas gifts made by the local craftsmen (and women).

Enjoy the atmosphere at the York Christmas market as you browse the stalls looking for that perfect Christmas gift. Sipping on steaming cups of mulled wine, nibbling on hot chestnuts and other festive delights as you take in the sights.

While you’re there you can also meet Father Christmas on the Kirklees Light Railway, watch Scrooge The Musical, and even skate around a 30ft Christmas tree!

7. Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas Market

9 DEC – 12 DEC 2021

Stratford-upon-Avon’s award-winning Victorian Christmas Market is back for 2021! Taking centre stage in the town centre with over 300 stalls. This ever popular Christmas market spreads festive cheer to hundreds each year with its array of chalet stalls and street entertainment.

The stalls will be offering a wide range of festive gifts from – handcrafted keepsakes and festive decorations, to delicious food and drink. There will also be a traditional funfair for all the family to enjoy. While you’re there, don’t forget to visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace, and to meet Father Christmas at the Jacobean Hall’s Croft.

8. Edinburgh Christmas Market

19 NOV – 2 JAN 2022

Probably one of the most popular and well known Christmas markets here in the UK. Edinburgh’s Christmas market is back with a bang for 2021! With stalls selling both bespoke and traditional gifts and festive food and drink. All under the shadow of the stunning Edinburgh Castle.

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Running until 2nd Jan 2022, you could even go for another visit after Christmas and join in the New Year celebrations here too! A firework display like no other will bring in the new year with quite literally, a bang.

9. Nottingham Winter Wonderland

19 NOV – 3 JAN 2022

Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland is back for 2021 by popular demand. It is said to be the largest event in the East Midlands and will offer its visitors hours of Christmas magic. With its Bavarian chalet stalls, festive food and drink, and fairground rides for everyone!

It’s the perfect place to soak up the festive spirit and really get you excited for the big day to come.

10. Cardiff Winter Wonderland

16 NOV – 3 JAN 2022

split across two locations, the Cardiff Winter Wonderland is back for Christmas 2021. It will be located in the grounds of the Cardiff Castle and the Civic Centre at the City Hall. Filled with Christmas magic for everyone to enjoy.

The Castle grounds will become home to a large undercover ice rink and a magical ice walk. With backdrops of the castle and of the spectacular Norman Keep. In addition to the ice displays, there will also be funfair attractions, festive bars with a rooftop terrace. There will even be a brand new ice bar for 2021. Also back for 2021 is the giant wheel to offers its visitors stunning views across Cardiff.

We love to go to the Bath Christmas Market to start off our festive season. Where will you be going this festive season to find your Christmas gifts?

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