by Jack Barker
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about Christmas markets in the UK. As the nights draw in and the air takes on that unmistakable December chill, towns and cities across the country light up with twinkling fairy lights, the smell of mulled wine, and the cheerful hum of people wrapped up in scarves and woolly hats. Whether you’re in the heart of London or wandering through a cosy Cotswold village, Christmas markets bring a certain warmth that cuts right through the winter cold.
The idea of Christmas markets originally came from Germany — the famous Christkindlmarkts that date back centuries — but the UK has embraced the tradition wholeheartedly. Over the past few decades, they’ve become a festive fixture in the British calendar. Each market has its own charm, but the essentials are always the same: wooden chalets, artisan crafts, seasonal food, and a joyful atmosphere that’s hard to resist.
It’s not just about shopping (though it’s the perfect excuse to pick up a few unique gifts). It’s about the experience — wandering with a hot chocolate in hand, listening to a brass band play “Silent Night”, and feeling that shared excitement as Christmas approaches.
In the major cities Christmas Markets tend to start in mid-November and run just into the New Year. London, perhaps, has the most to offer. Largest, grandest – and most expensive – is Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. The standard fairground rides and traditional market stalls are livened up by a skating rink, ice kingdom, and a range of live music and comedy acts.
There are several rival markets to the Winter Wonderland – and they’re all free to enter. Leicester Square Christmas Market has been running since the 1st November, and it too has an ice rink – though of course this needs to be paid for. Within walking distance are the traditional Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden Christmas Market, replete with the capital’s finest buskers.
Cross to the South of the river and South Bank’s Winter Market lines the Thames. Head East and Winter by the River at London Bridge City has great views of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London – in a season of endless darkness the night-time backdrop of floodlit bridges are impossibly romantic.
This is Britain in the winter though, and sometimes it’s worth bearing in mind covered-market options. These include Old Spitalfields Christmas Market, foodie delights under ancient arches at Borough Market, and a changing cycle of eight different markets in Kings Cross.
London’s comprehensive public transport system means you can reach this various markets from any part of the capital. When it comes to accommodation in London there are two Wolsey Lodges here: 113 Pepys Road in Telegraph Hill and One Fanthorpe Street in the riverside village of Putney.
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market feels straight out of a storybook. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Castle and the historic streets of the Old Town, it’s a magical mix of Scottish and European traditions. There’s an ice rink, a big wheel, and plenty of tartan-themed gifts for anyone wanting to take a little bit of Scotland home. The relatively compact nature of Edinburgh city centre – and the sheer scale of its historic buildings – make for an atmospheric festive environment. Best of all, the market is withing easy walking distance of a leading Wolsey Lodge: 23 Mayfield. This is a wonderful blend of comfy leather sofas and fine malt whiskies, and is perhaps best known for the traditional Scottish breakfasts lit by candle candellabra; a wonderful riposte to a dark Scottish morning. Private off-street parking makes this a perfect city hase, with all Edinburg’s attractions in easy range.
While the big cities grab most of the headlines, some of the smaller markets are just as charming. Lincoln Christmas Market, set around the city’s medieval cathedral, has an old-world magic that’s hard to beat. York’s St Nicholas Fair is another lovely one — a picturesque maze of wooden chalets and festive treats, all wrapped up in the city’s historic streets.
Down south, Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market consistently ranks among the prettiest in the country. The setting is breathtaking, and the emphasis on quality, locally made goods gives it an authentic, traditional feel.
Bath Christmas Market is another favourite — and for good reason. The Georgian architecture gives it an elegant, almost Dickensian feel. More than 150 chalets line the cobbled streets around the Abbey, selling handmade decorations, artisan foods, and gifts crafted by local makers. It’s a market that feels intimate, even when it’s bustling. Bath is easy to reach from Priory Steps in nearby Bradford-on-Avon. It’s a short drive or you can stroll down to Bradford’s train station: Bath’s the next stop along.
Almost every part of the UK will have their own local Christmas Markets – though some just run for a weekend or so. It’s worth asking your hosts for their local recommendations for the festive activities that cast aside gloom through the winter months.
Part of what makes UK Christmas markets so special is how they bring people together. They’re places to meet friends, share a drink, and simply soak up the festive mood. You’ll hear laughter, carols, and the occasional squeal of delight from someone spotting the perfect bauble. Even if you don’t buy a thing, it’s impossible not to feel lifted by the atmosphere.
So whether you’re there for the food, the gifts, or just the glow of the fairy lights reflected in a mug of mulled cider, Christmas markets are a reminder of what this season is all about — community, celebration, and a touch of magic.
Wolsey Lodges B&Bs are typically associated with a hearty breakfast, but a few remaining B&Bs also offer evening meals. Competing with restaurants... Read More
Britain's 'Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty' (AONBs) have been rebranded: they're now called 'National Landscapes'. (It could be worse, the Scottish have... Read More
A charming Wolsey Lodges bed and breakfast with a delightful garden can transform a simple getaway into an enchanting experience. Imagine waking... Read More
