40 markets
Nov4Wed
In 37 days
London, United Kingdom
The first big West End switch-on of the season — and for 2026, the theme is the nineties.
Checked 26 Sep
Nov5to 24 Dec
Birmingham, United Kingdom
The largest authentic German market outside Germany and Austria, run in genuine partnership with Frankfurt since 2001.
Checked 22 Sep
Nov6to 23 Dec
Bristol, United Kingdom
One of the earliest openers in the country, running the length of Broadmead from early November.
Checked 26 Sep
Nov6to 27 Dec
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Two sites, not one: gift stalls and an observation wheel at St Enoch Square, the rink and funfair over at Glasgow Green.
Checked 22 Sep
Nov6to 22 Dec
Manchester, United Kingdom
England’s biggest Christmas market — 210 stalls spread across seven city-centre sites, and a mulled wine mug people genuinely collect.
Checked 22 Sep
Nov12to 3 Jan
Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Scotland's northernmost big Christmas market, set out along Broad Street in front of one of the largest granite buildings in the world.
Checked 26 Sep
Nov12Thu
In 45 days
Cardiff, United Kingdom
Cardiff's lights come on the same day its Winter Wonderland opens — the start of the Welsh capital's Christmas.
Checked 26 Sep
Nov12to 23 Dec
Cardiff, United Kingdom
The biggest market in Wales by some distance — 200 chalets across five pedestrianised streets.
Checked 27 Aug
Nov12Thu
In 45 days
London, United Kingdom
Over 300,000 lights, the giant baubles and mirror balls, and a British-grown tree on the West Piazza.
Checked 26 SepNewcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Newcastle starts its Christmas a week before the market opens, with the lights on Grey Street.
Checked 26 Sep
Nov12to 24 Dec
Nottingham, United Kingdom
An ice rink, a skating path, an observation wheel and a market, all in front of the Council House — and free to walk into.
Checked 26 SepSouthampton, United Kingdom
Chalets from the medieval Bargate down Above Bar, with a Ferris wheel and rides in Guildhall Square.
Checked 26 Sep
Nov12to 21 Dec
York, United Kingdom
Alpine chalets on medieval streets, with the Minster at the end of every view.
Checked 27 Aug
Nov13to 3 Jan
Cambridge, United Kingdom
An ice rink, a big wheel and a Christmas market on Parker's Piece — free to walk in, and running into January.
Checked 26 Sep
Nov13to 13 Dec
Exeter, United Kingdom
Wooden chalets on Cathedral Green, in front of the longest unbroken Gothic vaulted ceiling in the world.
Checked 27 Aug
Nov14Sat
In 47 days
Belfast, United Kingdom
The Lord Mayor lights up Belfast at City Hall — on the same day the Continental Christmas Market opens. Ticketed.
Checked 26 Sep
Nov14to 22 Dec
Belfast, United Kingdom
A genuinely international market — over 100 traders from 28 countries, in the grounds of Belfast City Hall.
Checked 22 Sep
Nov14to 3 Jan
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
East Princes Street Gardens, under the castle, with a big wheel over the top of it.
Checked 26 Sep
Nov14Sat
In 47 days
Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom
A full day of markets, street food and stilt walkers in Shakespeare's town, ending with the lights at 5.30pm.
Checked 26 Sep
Nov15Sun
In 48 days
Swindon, United Kingdom
A Sunday afternoon of school choirs, a festive market and the countdown at Wharf Green.
Checked 27 Aug
Nov18to 22 Dec
Chester, United Kingdom
Eighty traders wrapped around the tree outside the Town Hall, in a city built for this sort of thing.
Checked 27 Aug
Nov19to 31 Dec
Cardiff, United Kingdom
A mile-long illuminated trail through four themed worlds in the parkland behind Cardiff Castle.
Checked 26 Sep
Nov19to 3 Jan
London, United Kingdom
The biggest festive event in the UK — a full theme park bolted onto a Christmas market, in the middle of London.
Checked 27 Aug
Nov19to 23 Dec
Leeds, United Kingdom
Under a new operator for 2026, with City Square turned over to Yorkshire makers rather than imported German stalls.
Checked 22 Sep