UK’s best Christmas market named — ‘staggering’ event in perfect location | UK | Travel

Few things feel more like Christmas than clenching a steaming cup of hot chocolate or a spiced mulled wine, savouring the taste of roasted chestnuts or a hearty German sausage as you meander through the charming wooden chalets of a Christmas market, all cosily wrapped up against the chill.

It’s a true sign that the time for celebration, family and friendships has arrived. These days, you’d be hard-pressed to find a large town or city in the UK that doesn’t have a Christmas market — but not all are created equal.

They range from one with over 200 chalets set against the historic backdrop of Bath’s Georgian streets to the old-time allure of York’s St Nicholas Fair and the more modern and less nostalgic event at Liverpool. And the consumer experts at Which? have now named the UK’s best, singling out what they believe to be the very best of British Christmas markets.

They’ve based their choice on those who’ve scored the most points in a comprehensive survey including feedback from over 4,000 attendees , reports Wales Online. They say “each of the eight cities listed below offers excellent food and drink, outstanding cultural attractions, or both achieving at least a four out of five rating in these categories”.

Bath Christmas Market

Topping the Which? list is Bath Christmas Market, which wins in the favourite “medium-sized city” category. Boasting one of the UK’s largest and most established Christmas markets, the historic city of Bath provides a stunningly festive backdrop.

Over 200 chalets adorn Bath’s Georgian streets, with the majority of stallholders hailing from the south-west of England. According to Which? visitors can expect “a pretty staggering selection of goods from garden sculptures to handmade wooden furniture, Bristolian knitwear to indie fragrances, and gifts for your furry companions”.

The market also offers local food, including foraged jams and festive baked goods at the Flapjackery. After exploring the Christmas market, visitors can discover the magnificent Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths, dating back to 75AD, visit the ice rink in Royal Victoria Park and wander along the city’s renowned Royal Crescent.

Bath’s Christmas market is open from November 28 to December 15 and entry is free.

Which other Christmas markets made the list?

Which? also highlighted other top Christmas markets to visit in 2024.

Chester’s Christmas market is a smaller affiar, with around 70 stalls nestled around the town’s iconic Victorian Gothic town hall and its cathedral. Shopaholics can further indulge in retail therapy among the city’s legendary double-deck shopping arcades known as the Rows and originating from the 13th century.

In Durham, the Christmas market is described as a “quiet yet lovely affair”, featuring approximately 70 charming stalls that extend from the Market Hall into the adjacent cobbled streets. For those searching for the perfect gift, Durham offers an additional marquee brimming with over 150 crafts and gifts, though entry comes at a price.

And for the more active visitors, scaling the 325 steps of Durham Cathedral presents an excellent opportunity to burn off any indulgent festive treats.

Winchester brings its historical charm to the festive season with a spectacular cathedral forming the backdrop for the city’s Christmas market held within its grounds. Patrons are treated to an exquisite variety of goods, from artisan scotch eggs to intricately hand-painted buttons and sumptuous silk scarvesall accompanied by the dulcet tones of local choirs and musicians.

Beyond the market, Winchester’s independent boutiques beckon, and making time to explore the grandeur of the cathedral itself is highly recommended.

In Wells, a charming experience awaits those swift enough to catch it on a single Saturday in mid-December. Nestled within the confines of this bijou medieval city, a stunning gothic cathedral stands, grandiose and embraced by lush open greens.

Come Saturday 14 December, over 100 yuletide stalls will spring up, adorning Bishops Palace Green and Wells Market Place with festive cheer. When not perusing market offerings, one can meander through the city’s heart, where there are lots of quaint shops and places to eat.

Topping the Which? charts for large cities, Liverpool’s Christmas exuberance unfurls against the mesmerising, fairy-lit silhouette of St George’s Hall. Here, market stalls mimic gingerbread houses and enchanting grottos.

Yet, as visitors observed, “it’s not such a nostalgic affair: less choral music, artisan crafts and mince pies; more 80’s Christmas pop, fairground rides and down-to-earth menus like roast ham baps and mac and cheese”.

Beyond the seasonal dazzle, Liverpool, steeped in history, offers plenty more: the museums at Albert Dock, the artistry of the Walker Gallery, and the twin cathedrals are just some sights awaiting the intrepid traveller.

Many would argue that Edinburgh is the UK’s most beautiful city. The city is renowned for its Hogmanay celebrations, arguably the most famous New Year’s Eve festivities in the UK. Its Christmas markets are a sight to behold, with wooden chalets selling festive treats and stocking fillers. Attractions include a helter-skelter, a swing carousel that almost brushes the Gothic Scott Monument, and a big wheel offering views of the imposing medieval castle and Arthur’s Seat.

York’s Christmas Festival, also known as St Nicholas Fair, has been a staple for over three decades and is an excellent spot for gift hunting. It features dozens of alpine chalets adorned with twinkling lights in Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square.

Which? commended its “great attention to detail when it comes to accessibility, with initiatives to help those with limited mobility, and designated quiet shopping times from 9am to 12pm for those who prefer a music-free experience”. Beyond the festival, York’s rich history offers plenty to explore, including the majestic York Minster and the Shambles, a medieval lane lined with half-timbered houses, independent shops and a market.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Belfast’s Christmas market is embracing a Dickensian theme with Victorian-era inspired performances scheduled for the first and third weekends. The event also places a significant emphasis on food.

Additionally, St George’s market, bustling with local food producers on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, is worth a visit. Cathedral Square, known for its bars, restaurants and galleries, is another must-see destination.