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Times
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Times
18 of the best Christmas markets in the UK for 2025
Who says you have to travel to the continent for an excellent Christmas market? The UK has a brilliant array to suit all tastes, whether you're looking for a fun family day out or some handy gift-shopping solutions. Expect magnificent, tall trees laden with twinkling lights, chalet-style stalls stretching out like miniature Alpine villages, and mulled wine and mince pies on tap as ordinary urban squares are transformed into winter wonderlands. Some of the larger examples, such as those in Birmingham and Edinburgh, also feature ice rinks — hosting a curious mix of wobbly beginners and aspiring Torvill and Dean wannabes — where Mariah Carey, Wham! and co belt out their holiday classics over the speakers. Others throw in walking trails, interactive exhibits or a funfair for good festive measure. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Dates November 13 to December 23, 2025 Best for independent local sellersFor 30 years, Cardiff Christmas Market has been populating the pedestrian areas of the city centre with stalls showcasing the original work of its craftspeople and artists. Visitors can expect 70 stalls that rotate weekly; over 200 individual businesses selling a wide variety of goods will set up stalls here over the winter months. Wander round the Hayes, Trinity Street, St John Street and Working Street to find the perfect handmade stocking and come with an appetite — there's plenty of seasonal food and drink to dive into while you're there. Check out the taster stalls on Trinity Street, where new arrivals showcase their products. • Best hotels in Cardiff Dates November 14 to December 21, 2025 Best for a lavish settingThe splendid home of the Duke of Marlborough is transformed into a Christmas fantasy as dozens of wooden chalets spread around the Great Court. Once you've sampled the craft vodka, local cheeses and picked out a few gifts, take a stroll along the magical Illuminated Light Trail, which follows a path through the incredible palace gardens. Book tickets in advance for the opulent Palace rooms, which this year tells the story of Peter Pan in Neverland. • Best hotels in Oxfordshire Dates November 1 to December 24, 2025 Best for bratwurst and glühweinThe Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market in Victoria Square is the biggest German market outside Germany and Austria — and it's just as buzzing. Enjoy glühwein, German beer, bratwurst and pretzels while listening to live bands and carol singers. Take a spin on the ice rink after a ride on the big wheel and look out for one of the market's unmissable sights — and sounds — the singing Christmas moose (called Chris Moose, naturally). He'll be serenading passers-by in front of the Council House in the heart of the city. • Best hotels in Birmingham Dates November 13 to December 21, 2025 Best for Instagram-worthy photosYork's venerable streets somehow manage to get even prettier when the St Nicholas Fair transforms Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square into a Christmas fairyland. Wooden chalets are draped in lights and the smell of chestnuts is everywhere. It's just as festive in King's Square, where there's a vintage carousel, and the party continues in Shambles Market and Food Court — the perfect place to taste street food from around the world. If you want to rest your legs and need a bit of a break, look out for Thor's Tipi where you can warm up with a hot drink in cosy surroundings. • Best hotels in York Dates November 19 to December 22, 2025 Best for gothic splendourIn an enchanting setting in front of the Victorian gothic town hall, the medieval cathedral and the rebuilt Chester Market, Chester's Christmas market brings together 70 wooden cabins piled high with festive treats. As you gather around the giant Christmas tree in the square, fill up on rib-sticking hog roasts and hot dogs. • Best Christmas train rides in the UK Dates November 27 to December 14, 2025 Best for varietyBath Christmas Market is both of one of the country's biggest and most enchanting; more than 170 stalls are squeezed into the cobbled streets around the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey. Traders are chosen for the calibre of their products, with the food stalls coming from Bath and the southwest, and local charities taking part. Grab some craft ale as you settle in for the street entertainment provided by brass bands and local choirs under the sparkle of the Christmas lights displays. • Best hotels in Bath Dates November 13, 2025 to January 4, 2026 Best for sustainable stocking fillersBrits can't seem to get enough of German Christmas markets, and Southampton obliges with its German-style festival that takes over the Above Bar pedestrian zone and Bargate Street. Bratwurst and waffles — along with German beer and mulled wine — accompany live music from open-air bars and a roving Bavarian musician. It's the place for a green Christmas, with plenty of chances to pick up ornaments made from recycled materials. • Discover our full guide to the UKDates November 15 to December 23, 2025 Best for a helter skelterBelfast Christmas market brings a glittering glow to the City Hall gardens when dozens of wooden chalets are set up in the grounds. Get a taste of international as well as local treats from the food court as you wander around the stalls with their Christmas trinkets and gifts, and get a fabulous view of the city from the top of the helter-skelter. • Best hotels in Belfast Dates December 12-14, 2025 Best for stately home ambienceThis beautiful country estate in North Norfolk puts on a magical show for Christmas. Wander around the Lady Elizabeth Wing and enjoy the spectacle of 60 stalls vying for your attention. The best of Norfolk's artisan food and drink producers and craftspeople will tempt you with delicious and gorgeous gifts. • Best hotels in Norfolk Dates November 15, 2025 to January 4, 2026 Best for high-flying ridesAncient Edinburgh is tempting enough as it is for a long weekend, but it gets even better at Christmas when it majors on festive fun. Markets are spread all around the city centre — the European Market in the Mound Precinct, the Children's Market in the Princes Street Gardens, the Scottish Market in George Street, where there's usually an ice skating rink. You'll get your thrills from a ride on the Star Flyer or the Big Wheel. Time your visit with the Hogmanay celebrations that take over Princes Street. • Best things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas• Best Airbnbs in Edinburgh Dates November 2025 to January 2026 (exact dates TBC) Best for sheer scaleLondon never does anything by halves and its enormous Winter Wonderland, which sprawls across Hyde Park, is a prime example. Everything here is on a huge scale, from the outdoor ice-skating rink — the biggest in the UK — to the giant observation wheel and circus shows. Colourful lights fill the park, where 100 stalls offer temptation in the form of Christmas presents and festive food and drink. • Best affordable hotels in London Dates November 21 to December 22, 2025 Best for filling up with festive foodStep into Winchester Cathedral's Inner Close to become cocooned by twinkling lights and traditional wooden chalets selling gifts and fresh-from-the-oven mince pies. When you're not checking out the stalls in the British Crafts Village, try some of the amazing food on offer, including mac 'n' cheese at the Mac Shack and a hog roast and halloumi roll at Wild Garlic Catering — and listen out for the soothing sounds of the cathedral's choir services throughout November 8 to December 22, 2025 Best for a party atmosphereManchester's Christmas markets are always guaranteed to put on a show. There are eight of them spread across the city centre, bringing together more than 225 stalls for one giant party. Start in Albert Square and make your way along King Street up to the stalls at Exchange Square and Cathedral Gardens before meandering back to Piccadilly Gardens. In all, you'll find a pan-European flavour among the food stalls, along with a string of wooden chalets selling gifts from around the continent. • Best things to do in Manchester at Christmas• Best Airbnbs in Manchester Dates November 13 to December 31, 2025 Best for traditional family funGather around the giant Christmas tree in Nottingham's Old Market Square for a bird's-eye view of the festivities from the observation wheel while the kids ride the carousel. Pop-up bars and traditional wooden chalets line Long Row and Smithy Row, selling hot food and gifts, with more stalls and food and drink offerings filling the Christmas Village in Trinity Square. • Most affordable Christmas market breaks in Europe Dates November 29-30 and December 6-7, 2025 Best for entertainment More than 200 stalls fill Stratford-upon-Avon's historic streets during its Christmas market, which runs over two consecutive weekends. As you wander under twinkling lights and past wooden chalets selling Christmas gifts and seasonal snacks, you'll be entertained by roaming street entertainers to get you into the festive spirit. • Best UK hotels for a Christmas break Dates November 15 to December 23, 2025 Best for a stunning backdropWith the imposing columns of the neoclassical St George's Hall as its backdrop, Liverpool's Christmas market is a grand affair. The stalls, bedecked with fairy lights, are laid out in St John's Gardens, selling everything from personalised decorations to jewellery and assorted stocking fillers. Around it you have a choice of bars selling German beers, hot ciders and fruity cocktails. Children will enjoy Santa's village while an observation wheel will offer a bird's eye view of the festivities. • Best hotels in Liverpool Dates November 7 to December 23, 2025 Best for skiing vibesBristol city centre goes big on the Bavarian ski scene during its Christmas market in Broadmead piazza. Enjoy the rustic setting of Jäger Barn Bar while you can sip glasses of glühwein and mulled cider and tuck into plates of bratwurst, all to a soundtrack of live music. Book one of the ski gondolas or igloos for a festive party with up to six friends, and browse the stalls selling homemade crafts and goodies. • Best Airbnbs in Bristol Dates November 20 to December 19, 2025 Best for West Country waresWhen Devon's biggest Christmas market pitches up every year at Exeter Cathedral, you get free admission to this magnificent 12th-century structure as well as the chance to browse more than 100 stalls. Among the chalets selling Christmas gifts and handmade crafts are others showing off delicious West Country produce as well as pop-up bars and street-food stalls. Set aside time for a good look round the cathedral, with its awe-inspiring stone vaulted ceiling and medieval astronomical clock. • Best hotels in Exeter Additional reporting by Richard Mellor Have we missed any? Let us know in the comments
Powys County Times
18-07-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Powys monthly markets called off due to lack of applications
A MARKET providing a 'shop window' for specialist artists and food producers in Powys has announced it will not be continuing, after events for July and August were cancelled. Llandrindod & Builth Artisan Market announced this week that its events for July and August will not go ahead, due to a lack of applications. It throws the future of the events, which are held monthly at the Pavilion Mid Wales venue in Llandrindod Wells, into doubt, although organisers have said they will still look to host a Christmas market later in the year. 'It is with great sadness that we have to inform you of our decision to cancel the Artisan Market for July and August,' read a post on the Llandrindod & Builth Artisan Market Facebook page on July 16. 'The number of trader applications for both dates is not enough to merit continuing on. We will probably look to run a Christmas Market later in the year. 'We would like to thank you all for your support in the seven years the market has been running, without you it wouldn't have happened in the first place.' The artisan market was established in 2017 and was launched to provide a shop window for local artists, crafters, makers and producers of local goods in the Llandrindod and Builth areas. Organisers had welcomed many local traders to the market, selling a variety of hand made goods – from candles, clothing and crafts to food and products for the home. The market has been held at the Pavilion in the spa town on a monthly basis for the last seven or eight years, and occasionally was held at the Strand Hall in Builth too. The markets attracted traders from all over the area, showing off their varied artistic skills, selling items including jewellery, chocolate, bee products, table lamps, cards and paintings.
Edinburgh Live
04-07-2025
- Edinburgh Live
Picturesque Edinburgh fine dining steam train experience promises 'spectacular views'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A scenic steam train journey which promises "fine dining and spectacular views" is set to launch from the capital. The Forth Bridge Lunchtime Tour will see diners travel the region of Fife and its many historic villages. Billed as a "truly unforgettable rail journey" by operator Steam Dreams Rail Co., the service will first depart on November 29 from Edinburgh Waverley, before it travels to the historic Forth Bridge, the Daily Record reports. Organisers state: "Seamlessly blending the grandeur of historic steam travel with charming vintage carriages and a truly exquisite Pullman Dining experience, it is the perfect early Christmas gift or special gourmet treat to share with a loved one or friends." The 4.5-hour circular tour will head from Edinburgh Waverley into Fife and along the coast towards Kirkcaldy. It will pass the Castle and beach at Aberdour and the beaches at Burntisland and Kinghorn, before turning back inland via Dunfermline. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. The locomotive will then head along the Forth Estuary onto a rarely used goods-only line, with stunning views along more than five miles of coastline. Travellers will pass the historic village of Culross and the edge of Torry Bay Local Nature Reserve. The journey will continue through Alloa and along the reopened route to Stirling. Finally, it will head south through Falkirk and then return to Edinburgh Waverley. According to the Steam Dreams Rail Co., the trip will form part of its four-day holiday from London to Edinburgh Christmas Market. This will take place between November 27 and 30. Head of Communications at Steam Dreams Juliet Soley commented: "We are thrilled that the legendary 60532 Blue Peter, one of the most powerful express steam locomotives ever built will be hauling our four-day holiday as well as the Forth Bridge lunchtime tour which departs from Edinburgh Waverley Station. "This is a rare opportunity to witness a true icon of British engineering as it steams through some of Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes." Passengers on the Forth Bridge Lunchtime Tour will be able to choose between three classes of travel. These are: Pullman Dining, First Class (non-dining) and Premium Standard (non-dining). Organisers state that Pullman Dining will offer an "exquisite onboard culinary experience". Inspired by the route, the menu will be crafted from locally sourced seasonal produce. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox Seated in armchair-style seating at "elegantly set" tables for two or four with white linens, fine china, glassware, and fresh flowers, it aims to replicate the opulence of the luxury travel era. Pullman Dining is priced at £285 per person. Meanwhile, First Class passengers will relax in cushioned seats around tables for two or four with large picture windows will offer scenic views. Priced at £175 per person, a glass of Fizz and freshly brewed coffee and tea will be provided. Finally, Premium Standard costs £120 per person and offers a journey onboard a "beautifully restored carriage that embodies the charm of a bygone era". Passengers can enjoy complimentary tea and coffee, while there will also be a Buffet Car with a selection of hot and cold snacks and a selection of wine, beer, spirits, and cold drinks. More information about the Forth Bridge Lunchtime Tour can be found on the Steam Dreams Rail Co. website.
Daily Record
04-07-2025
- Daily Record
New Scottish steam train journey with 'fine dining and spectacular views' announced
Prices for the journey start at £120 per person. A new steam train journey in Scotland has been unveiled. The experience will include "fine dining and spectacular views". The newly announced Forth Bridge Lunchtime Tour will travel through the picturesque region of Fife and its surrounding historic villages. It has been described by operator Steam Dreams Rail Co. as a "truly unforgettable rail journey". Departing on November 29 from Edinburgh Waverley, the Forth Bridge Lunchtime Tour will hug the scenic coastline. It will then cross over the Forth Bridge, described as "one of the great engineering masterpieces of the world". Organisers state: "Seamlessly blending the grandeur of historic steam travel with charming vintage carriages and a truly exquisite Pullman Dining experience, it is the perfect early Christmas gift or special gourmet treat to share with a loved one or friends." The 4.5-hour circular tour will head from Edinburgh Waverley into Fife and along the coast towards Kirkcaldy. It will pass the Castle and beach at Aberdour and the beaches at Burntisland and Kinghorn, before turning back inland via Dunfermline. The locomotive will then head along the Forth Estuary onto a rarely used goods-only line, with stunning views along more than five miles of coastline. Travellers will pass the historic village of Culross and the edge of Torry Bay Local Nature Reserve. The journey will continue through Alloa and along the reopened route to Stirling. Finally, it will head south through Falkirk and then return to Edinburgh Waverley. According to the Steam Dreams Rail Co., the trip will form part of its four-day holiday from London to Edinburgh Christmas Market. This will take place between November 27 and 30. Head of Communications at Steam Dreams Juliet Soley commented: "We are thrilled that the legendary 60532 Blue Peter, one of the most powerful express steam locomotives ever built will be hauling our four-day holiday as well as the Forth Bridge lunchtime tour which departs from Edinburgh Waverley Station. "This is a rare opportunity to witness a true icon of British engineering as it steams through some of Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes." Passengers on the Forth Bridge Lunchtime Tour will be able to choose between three classes of travel. These are: Pullman Dining, First Class (non-dining) and Premium Standard (non-dining). Organisers state that Pullman Dining will offer an "exquisite onboard culinary experience". Inspired by the route, the menu will be crafted from locally sourced seasonal produce. Seated in armchair-style seating at "elegantly set" tables for two or four with white linens, fine china, glassware, and fresh flowers, it aims to replicate the opulence of the luxury travel era. Pullman Dining is priced at £285 per person. Meanwhile, First Class passengers will relax in cushioned seats around tables for two or four with large picture windows will offer scenic views. Priced at £175 per person, a glass of Fizz and freshly brewed coffee and tea will be provided. Finally, Premium Standard costs £120 per person and offers a journey onboard a "beautifully restored carriage that embodies the charm of a bygone era". Passengers can enjoy complimentary tea and coffee, while there will also be a Buffet Car with a selection of hot and cold snacks and a selection of wine, beer, spirits, and cold drinks.
The Sun
28-06-2025
- The Sun
Fairytale European city that is like ‘going back centuries' to get new easyJet flights from the UK
A EUROPEAN city most people associate with Christmas is getting new UK flights this year. Strasbourg is the capital city of the Grand Est region and sits on the French-German border. 5 5 And in November, easyJet will be flying to Strasbourg from Manchester. Despite the UK getting hot this week, the city is known for its bustling Christmas market. Strasbourg is known as the "Capital of Christmas" with the market, also known as Christkindelsmärik, is scheduled to run from November 27 to December 27. Flight tickets have been released already with tickets on sale in November from £48.99 (one-way). From November 28, the new service will operate twice weekly on Fridays and Sundays. This is part of easyJet's expansion of 22 new routes from UK airports for the winter season. For anyone keen to jet off before then, easyJet already offers flights from the UK to Strasbourg flying from London Heathrow from £38.99 - and it's one hour and 35 minutes away. And the city is equally just as beautiful to explore during the summertime with average highs of 26C. The area of Strasbourg that attracts most of the tourists is Petite France where you'll find the charming houses, cobbled streets and canals. One visitor said: "It's breathtaking, one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to. Escape Winter: Fly to Gran Canaria with EasyJet 5 5 "It's like stepping back in time several centuries." Another added that it's a place that makes you "feel like you're in a fairytale." Not that you can taste it, but Strasbourg is home to what's believed to be the world's oldest barrel of wine. It's housed in the Historic Wine Cellar of Strasbourg Hospital, a 14th-century cellar beneath the modern city hospital. The wine has been tasted only three times in its history, in the years 1576, 1718, and 1944. It's not drinkable any longer though as it dates back to 1472. While that barrel remains untouched, the cellar still produces wine, around 140,000 bottles each year. Not to mention there's lots of wine bars and pubs throughout the city, it's known for its white wines, particularly Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Popular spots for wine include L'Alsace à Boire which sells local wines along with charcuterie boards. Or Le Purgatoire which has been praised for its extensive wine list. Plus, easyJet has launched . The Sun's Health Feature Editor Alice Fuller recently visited the city - here are her thoughts. "The vibrant French city is a powerful political centre (home to the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights) yet it still has a quaint countryside village feel. "With half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets and a 1,000-year-old cathedral stood alongside lively bars, modern museums and shimmering glass consulates, it's a seamless mix of mediaeval and futuristic. Strolling the narrow streets, I marvel at colourful toytown cottages that look like they're straight out of a Grimm's fairytale next to sprawling French chateaux." 5
