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Which? has revealed nine of the UK’s best Christmas markets, with festive fun spread across the country.
The selection comes from destinations with high scores on Which? survey of the best cities.
From 200 ornate chalets lining Bath’s Georgian streets to a Dickensian-inspired event in Belfast, read on to find out which market you’d like to visit most.
Come on, treat your elf!
Bathroom
Myrrh-vellous: The Which team? Travel has named the UK’s best Christmas markets for 2024. Pictured above is the Bath Christmas Market.
Date: November 28 to December 15
Which? says the Somerset town has “one of the largest and most established Christmas markets in the UK”, with more than “200 chalets lining the Georgian streets” at the free event.
Which? adds: “The majority of sellers are local, hailing from the South West, with an amazing selection of products, from garden sculptures to handmade wooden furniture, Bristol knitwear to independent fragrances and gifts for your furry companions.”
Chester
Chester Christmas Market is organized around the Victorian Gothic Town Hall (above)
Date: November 15 to December 22, 2024
This Christmas market offers a “relaxed festive day”, with around 70 stalls “spiraling around the Victorian Gothic town hall and medieval cathedral”.
Which? adds: “Visitors to Chester Market will find scented candles, recycled cutlery, artisanal spirits and much more, all under a sparkling Christmas tree.”
Durham
Date: December 6 to December 8
Durham’s Christmas market, which lasts just one weekend in early December, is “a quiet but lovely event”, says Which?.
The consumer advocate adds, “You’ll find gift wrapping, candy, hobby items, and imaginative gifts, like locally made hot sauce, reworked vintage clothing, and handmade home décor.”
Visitors will have to pay £4.50 to enter the craft tent, but can explore 70 other stalls for free.
winchester
Winchester’s ‘delightful’ Christmas market takes place in its cathedral grounds
Date: November 22 to December 22
Which? says: ‘Winchester’s most famous landmark is its cathedral, which houses in its grounds the charming market of this ancient city.
“The merchandise ranges from handmade Scotch eggs to hand-painted buttons and silk scarves, and visitors are serenaded by local choirs and musicians while they shop.”
The market aims to be more “climate friendly” this year and will only use LED lights and promote eco-friendly vendors.
wells
Date: December 14
Held on just one Saturday in December, the Wells Christmas Market is “short but very sweet”, according to Which?.
The mini-city will host more than 100 stalls on Bishops Palace Green for the event.
Which? adds: “Instead of the sprawling, brightly lit markets of larger cities, expect something a little more intimate and community-focused in Wells.”
Liverpool
Liverpool Christmas Market takes place against the “spectacular backdrop of a fairy-lit St George’s Hall”
Date: November 16 to December 24
Liverpool’s free Christmas market is held “against the spectacular backdrop of a fairy-lit St George’s Hall” with stalls “taking the shape of gingerbread houses and grottoes”.
Which? explains: ‘Visitors say it’s not such a nostalgic affair: less choral music, crafts and mince pies; plus ’80s Christmas pop music, fairground rides and simple menus like roast ham rolls and macaroni and cheese.’
Edinburgh
“Nowhere is the Christmas season embraced as enthusiastically as Edinburgh,” says Which? Travel
Date: November 15 to January 4
“It could be argued that no place celebrates the festive season as enthusiastically as Edinburgh, with the smell of mulled wine (and the sound of shouts of joy from the fairground attractions) present from the east to the west of the city center , giving it a uniquely Christmassy feel,’ says Which?
He recommends heading to East Princes Street to enjoy Edinburgh’s “iconic Christmas markets” with “wooden chalets selling all the usual winter fare and cozy stocking fillers”, a spinning carousel, a spinning carousel and a large Ferris wheel.
york
York Christmas Market described as a ‘great place to find gifts’
Date: November 14 to December 22
The York Christmas Market has been running for over 30 years and is part of the city’s Christmas Festival.
Which? describes it as “a great place to find gifts.”
The team adds: “Dozens of alpine chalets with twinkling lights appear on Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, selling art prints and Christmas decorations, as well as hot chocolate and sweet and savory snacks.”
belfast
Date: November 16 to December 22
Belfast’s Christmas market, next to City Hall, will “take on a Dickensian twist” this year, says Which?, with “Victorian-inspired performances taking place on the first and third weekends.”
Meanwhile, hungry visitors are “well catered for”, with “global and regional flavours” including “ostrich, wild boar and crocodile burgers”, “as well as traditional sausages and beer”.
Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travelsaid: ‘From quaint market towns to historic cities, the UK has more than its share of charming Christmas market destinations – and you’re unlikely to have to travel far to enjoy a festive atmosphere.
‘However, if you’re looking for something a little different, there are plenty of great options that will allow you to combine a visit to a market with a holiday weekend.
‘Bath, for example, is famous for its Christmas market, but it also has plenty to entertain you once you’ve had your fill of mulled wine: with famous sites such as the Roman Baths to explore, a great culinary scene and a huge variety of shops to explore. buy Christmas gifts.
“Durham and Chester markets are another great option for a more relaxed experience, while those looking for the bright lights of the city could consider Liverpool, Edinburgh or Belfast, all rated highly in our recent city survey.”
For the complete Which one? Travel history visit. www.what.co.uk/news/article/best-uk-cities-christmas-markets.