Twinkling lights, heartening hot drinks and the tantalising possibility of knocking off your Christmas shopping in one fell swoop – there’s plenty of things to love about a Christmas market. 

And while they may have started off as a continental Christmas custom, they’ve since been wholeheartedly embraced all across Britain. 

So ahead of this year’s festive season, we’ve gathered together some of Britain’s best alongside the Ramblers routes that will help you explore them. 

 

1. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market 

If you’re after a traditional Christmas market experience, look no further than Birmingham. One of the largest German Christmas markets outside of Germany or Austria, every year Birmingham’s central squares are transformed into a Teutonic treasure trove, complete with bratwurst and gallons of gluhwein. Make the most of your Brummie break with our Birmingham showcase walk. Looping around both train stations in the city centre, you’ll explore the old town, pass through the iconic Bull Ring and enjoy panoramic views of Eastside by the Parish Church of St Martin’s.   

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2. York’s St Nicholas Fair 

Continuing with our traditional theme, York’s St Nicholas Fair was voted the Best Large Speciality Market in Britain in 2023 and its not hard to see why. With 75 alpine chalets serving up local Yorkshire food, drink and gifts, the Fair turns York’s already-festive centre into a winter wonderland. Help build up your appetite by exploring the city’s medieval city walls before heading towards Parliament Street for well-deserved refreshment.  

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3. London’s Southbank Winter Market  

From the medieval to the modern and to one of London’s most iconic spots – the Southbank. The Southbank Winter Market stretches from the London Eye down to the Southbank Centre, serving up festive street food for you to enjoy while gazing out over the river to the City beyond. Follow our handy route straight from Waterloo station, taking in all the charms of the market before returning via the BFI IMAX and a Victorian church bedecked with intricate mosaics. 

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4. Cardiff Christmas Market 

Moving west from one of Britain’s capitals to another, Cardiff Christmas Market has been going strong for 30 years, putting the best of Wales’s local businesses in the spotlight. Looking for an adrenaline rush to go with your Christmas shopping? Head down the road to the city’s Winter Wonderland for a funfair, ice rink and giant Ferris wheel. Help get your bearings with our Cardiff Central Walk, which rings the city’s Bute Park, taking in the iconic castle as well as the bustling streets of the shopping district. 

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5. Bristol Christmas Market 

Just over the Bristol Channel, Bristol Christmas Market may be smaller, with only 35 stalls, but it certainly makes up for it with some unique offerings – such as Ski Gondolas which you can hire out to shelter from the cold with your pals. Make the most of your trip with our introduction to Bristol route, taking in the old town, Castle Park and the city’s main shopping district.  

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6. The BIG Christmas Market, Truro 

Further west still, Truro’s Christmas Market shows off all the delights of Cornwall. Traditionally hosted by the Truro Farmers Market team, it’s the perfect sport for some Cornish Christmas cheer. Get into the swing of things with our scenic circular walk around the historic city, from the Victorian cathedral to the quays that host the annual market.  

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7. Edinburgh Christmas Market(s) 

From the far west up to Edinburgh and to a very strong claim for the UK’s best festive fair. Not only was Edinburgh named Europe’s best festive market by National Geographic in 2021, it’s somewhat stacked the odds in its favour by having not one but three Christmas markets in the city. Our circular tour of the city centre will take you past all three, from the Scottish Market in George Street to the European Market in the Mound Precinct.  

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8. Manchester Christmas Markets 

Not one to be outdone, Manchester has seen Edinburgh’s three and raised it even further. Spread out across nine locations, Manchester boasts over 200 stalls, a Christmas lights trail, parade and a covered ice rink. Soak in as much festive cheer as you can handle with our circular route around the centre, from Manchester Arndale over to the River Irwell.  

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