With the festive season in full sparkle, there’s no better way to soak up the magic than bundling into your campervan or motorhome and touring the UK’s best Christmas markets. Not only do Christmas markets offer wonderful days out for families and friends, but they also help support local businesses across the country. Whether you’re chasing a classic European-style market or seeking out something a little more tucked away, we’ve put together a list of the very best Christmas markets the UK has to offer, perfect for your next winter adventure.
The following list is arranged as a route travelling from the South to the North of England, although it can just as easily be done in reverse or started at any point you prefer. We’ve also included a few extra locations that didn’t quite make it on to the main route but are still well worth visiting if you fancy a detour or a separate festive trip. This includes places such as London which can be notoriously difficult for motorhome and campervan owners when it comes to parking, however if you did want to stop by, you can opt for a campsite just outside London and access the markets through public transport. Remember to book campsites in advance as many locations close for the winter period so spaces can be limited, though there are still plenty of year-round sites still open!
Truro Christmas Market – Truro, Cornwall
Image source: Stewart Girvan https://propercornwall.co.uk/events/truro–christmas–market–2025/
Although Cornwall is widely regarded as a summer holiday destination, its picturesque towns come alive during Christmas time. As such, the first stop on this festive tour is Truro Christmas Market, the county’s largest Christmas market situated in the heart of Cornwall. The market features over 50 stalls from local vendors, presenting a plethora of pastries, presents and handmade goodies. There are plenty of activities for both younger and older kids including wreath making, creative workshops and the chance to step inside a human-sized snow globe! Whilst you’re in the area, you can also visit the extension of the market on Boscawen Street.
Entry: Free
Dates: 21st November 2025 – 24th December 2025
Times: Mon, Tue, Thu–Sat: 9 am – 5 pm | Wed: 9 am – 9 pm | Sun: 10 am – 4 pm | Christmas Eve: 9 am – 3 pm
You can find out more about the event here on their website.
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market – Exeter, Devon
Image source: Tim Pestridge https://www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk/news-events/latest-news/meet-the-traders-exeter-cathedral-christmas-market-2022/
The next stop on the tour is Exeter Cathedral, an increasingly popular destination for festive marketgoers and recognised as one of the UK’s best. The Cathedral grounds home over 100 local West Country vendors offering a range of hand-crafted gifts, a variety of street food from around the world and themed bars selling the finest mulled wine. The market itself is free to attend, though for anyone wanting to explore the historic Cathedral a donation upon entry is encouraged. Throughout the event, there will also be a range of performances taking place from the Cathedral’s choir to local acts, enhancing the cosy Christmas atmosphere.
Entry: Free – By Donation for Cathedral
Dates: 20th November 2025 – 19th December 2025
Times: Mon–Wed: 10 am – 7 pm | Thu–Sat: 10 am – 9 pm | Sun: 11 am – 5 pm
You can find out more about the event here on their website.
Bath Christmas Market – Bath, Somerset
Bath Christmas market stalls backdropped by Bath Abbey.
November 2018
Image source: Peter Greenway – Adobe Stock
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Bath’s Christmas Market has become one of the UK’s top destinations to immerse yourself in winter festivities. Situated in the truly mesmerising and historic city of Bath, you will be able to roam over 200 stalls spread across several iconic locations, including alongside the Roman Baths. Visitors can also enjoy a host of events and activities including performances from local acts and an ice rink which will be open until 4th January 2026.
Entry: Free
Dates: 27th November 2025 – 14th December 2025
Times: Mon–Wed: 10 am – 7 pm | Thu–Sat: 10 am – 8 pm | Sun: 10 am – 6 pm
You can find out more about the event here on their website.
Blenheim Palace – Woodstock, Oxfordshire
Image source: https://www.blenheimpalace.com/whats–on/events/christmas/%C2%A0
Situated on the grounds of the Great Court of Blenheim Palace, this Christmas market offers an unforgettable day out for those seeking a festive experience against an opulent background. To avoid disappointment, tickets for this event should be booked in advance and the ticket prices do vary so be sure to check the website before your visit. In addition to the market, you can also purchase tickets to stroll through the stunning light trail or tour the castle which has been transformed into a themed fantasy inspired by the Wizard of Oz.
Entry: Ticketed – Prices Vary, Carers and Infants Go Free
Dates: 14th November 2025 – 3rd January 2026
Times: Mon–Sun: 10 am – 8 pm
You can find out more about the event here on their website.
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market – Birmingham, West Midlands
Beautiful carousel at christmas market, Birmingham UK
Image source: Anastasija – Adobe Stock
Our fifth stop of the tour is Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market, the largest traditional German and Austrian market outside of Germany and Austria, celebrating its connection to Frankfurt through this annual event. The market features over 80 wooden chalets offering authentic German food and handcrafted gifts. Beyond its unique theme, the market comes to life with music performances from local acts, up-and-coming artists and an in-house German band, creating a truly authentic German market experience.
Entry: Free
Dates: 1st November 2025 – 24th December 2025
Times: Mon–Thu: 11 am – 9 pm | Fri: 11 am – 9:30 pm | Sat: 10 am – 9:30 pm | Sun: 10 am – 9 pm
You can find out more about the event here on their website.
Chatsworth House – Bakewell, Derbyshire
Image source: https://www.chatsworth.org/events/christmas-market/
Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of the Peak District, the tucked-away Chatsworth House Christmas Market offers a charming seasonal escape. The market sits just outside the house’s entrance and features over 100 stalls from local or Britishowned businesses selling a wide variety of food, drinks and gifts. In recent years, the market has grown in popularity so although the market is free, parking must be booked in advance to secure a spot if you’re travelling with your vehicle and costs £25 for the day or £15 after 3pm. If you want to enjoy further festivities at Chatsworth House, you can also book tickets to explore the beautifully decorated house or wander through the enchanted gardens.
Entry: Free
Dates: 8th November 2025 – 14th December 2025
Times: Mon–Thu: 10 am–5:30 pm | Fri–Sun: 10 am–6 pm
You can find out more about the event here on their website.
Manchester Christmas Markets – Manchester, North West England
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 2, 2015: Christmas Market near Town Hall on Albert Square in Manchester
Image source: manuta – Adobe Stock
The Manchester Christmas Market is slightly different from the others on this list as it doesn’t take place in just one spot but rather spans across 10 separate locations, making it the biggest Christmas market in the UK! With over 200 stalls spread across the city, it is safe to say that the Manchester markets are well worth the visit. There are also a host of different activities available such as ice skating, an observation wheel and an extravagant Christmas parade taking place on 7th December.
Entry: Free
Dates: 7th November 2025 – 24th December 2025
Times: Daily – Craft Stalls: 10 am–8 pm | Food & Drink Stalls: 10 am–9 pm
You can find out more about the event here on the Visit Manchester website.
York Christmas Market – York, Yorkshire
Image source: https://little–vikings.co.uk/events/york–christmas–market/
Further up North, set amongst the gorgeous medieval streets of York you will find the St Nicholas Christmas Fair, which is hosting over 100 alpine chalets with more than 80% of its vendors based in Yorkshire. A full list of stallholders is available on the Visit York website linked below, but if you can’t make it in person, don’t worry as you can explore a virtual market online and shop from all the participating vendors from the comfort of your home!
Entry: Free
Dates: 13th November 2025 – 21st December 2025
Times: Mon – Sun: 10:30am – 7 pm
You can find out more about the event here on the Visit York website.
Edinburgh Christmas Markets – Edinburgh, Scotland
Image source: catalin – Adobe Stock
Last but not least, our final stop of the tour is the famous Edinburgh Christmas Festival. During Christmas, the city is transformed into a winter wonderland combining traditional Christmas markets with exciting rides and plenty of festive shows and attractions. There are hundreds of wooden chalets offering Scottish gifts, crafts and treats, making it the perfect end or start to your trip.
Entry: Free
Dates: 15th November 2025 – 4th January 2026
Times: Vary by Location – All Closed Christmas Day
You can find out more about the event here on their website.
Additional Christmas Market Locations
Southbank Centre Winter Market – London: A Lively Market in the Centre of London Overlooking Some of London’s Greatest Landmarks.
Entry: Free
Dates: 3rd November 2025 – 4th January 2026, Closed 25th and 31st December
Times: Daily: 11am – 10pm, craft traders until 9pm
You can find out more about the event here on their website.
Holkham Hall Christmas Market – Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk: A Charming Christmas Market with Over 60 Local Vendors Set Within a Beautiful Historic Estate.
Entry: Free
Dates: 12th December 2025 – 14th December 2026 (3 Days Only!)
Times: 10am – 4pm
You can find out more about the event here on their website.
Canterbury Christmas Market – Canterbury, Kent: A Vibrant Market Set in a Stunning Kent Town Featuring Over 170 Stalls and Live Music from Local Performers.
Entry: Free
Dates: 12th November 2025 – 24th December 2026
Times: Mon–Fri: 10 am–6 pm | Sat: 9 am–7 pm | Sun: 10 am–5 pm | Christmas Eve: Closes at 4 pm
You can find out more about the event here on their website.
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market – Winchester, Hampshire: A German Inspired Christmas Market Named One of Europe’s Best with Over 100 Specialty Stalls.
Entry: Free
Dates: 21st November 2025 – 22nd December 2025
Times: Mon–Wed: 10 am–6 pm | Thu: 10 am–7 pm | Fri–Sat: 10 am–8 pm | Sun: 10 am–5 pm
You can find out more about the event here on their website.
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