Best Christmas Winter Markets In The UK 2022
We’ve put together the ultimate guide to the best Christmas markets in the UK this year. If you want to get into the festive spirit or visit a new city to see what festivities are on offer, here’s everything you need to know about the best Christmas markets you need to check out and what’s on this year.
Bath Christmas Market
When: 24th November- 11th December 2022
Opening times: Monday to Wednesday 10am to 7pm, Thursday to Saturday 10am to 8pm, Sundays 10am to 6pm
Bath is one of the best Christmas markets in the UK and boasts over 170 wooden chalets featuring a variety of festive stalls. You’ll be able to shop a range of high-quality products from homeware to Christmas decorations to luxury food, with the majority of stalls being businesses from Bath and 60% of which are handmade.
Bath itself is a historic city with loads to visit at any time of year, so if you’re looking to visit a new city to explore a Christmas market this year add it to the top of your list.
Birmingham Christmas Market
When: 3rd November- 23rd December 2022
Opening times: 10am to 9pm daily
The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas market is the largest authentic German market in Europe outside of Germany and Austria, so it’s definitely one to add to your list! Located in Victoria Square, central Birmingham it’s close to New Street Station and the university and offers a wide range of authentic German food and drinks as well as crafts and homemade gifts.
Find out more about the Birmingham Christmas market here.
Glasgow Christmas Market
When: 18th November 2022 – 3rd January 2023
Opening times: 10am to 10pm
There is loads on in Glasgow for Christmas including thrill rides at St Enoch Square and the ice rink at George Square. You’ll be able to enjoy festive rides and entertainment across the city centre as well as enjoying the stalls and tucking into festive treats, food and drinks. Singers, dancers and performers will also be in attendance to really bring the festive spirit to life.
London Christmas Market
When: 18th November 2022- 3rd January 2023
Opening times: Monday-Sunday 10am to 10pm
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is generally regarded as London’s best Christmas market as well as one of the best Christmas markets in the UK. With rides, stalls, ice skating, food and much more it’s a huge event that sees thousands of visitors each year.
Unfortunately, Winter Wonderland is infamous for not being the cheapest day out, as you’ll need to pay for entry (unless you’re visiting at an off-peak time) as well as for the majority of the attractions and rides. However, you can book in advance and purchase ticket packages to make the day more affordable and it’s well-known that Winterland is one of the best Christmas markets, so it’s not one to miss.
Manchester Christmas Market
When: 10th November- 22nd December 2022
Opening times: 10am-9pm
Located in Piccadilly Gardens and beyond there are loads of fun festive activities taking place in Manchester this year. The Winter gardens will host food and drink stalls, bars, live DJ entertainment and much more and the Cathedral Gardens will host the undercover MCR ice rink.
The markets are free to visit and extend across various locations in Manchester City Centre, so they’re easy to access from the universities and surrounding areas.
Newcastle Christmas Market
When: 19th November-23rd December
Opening times: Monday-Saturday 10am to 8pm, Sundays 10am to 5pm
In the heart of the city centre around Grey’s Monument, Grainger Street and Old Eldon Square the Newcastle Christmas market will be packed with independent traders serving homemade Christmas gifts and festive food and drinks. It’s easy access from the university and is free to visit and browse, so you can pop in in-between lectures.
Nottingham Christmas Market
When: 15th November- 31st December 2022
Opening times: Monday-Friday 11am to 5.30pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am to 5:30pm (excluding bars and Big Wheel which close at 11am)
The Nottingham Christmas Market is located in the city centre and has loads of festive attractions which you can book online to plan out your trip. The star of the market is definitely the 200m ice rink but you can also book the ice bar, the observation wheel and sit-down drinks and dining packages. If you just want to browse there are over 70 bavarian stalls boasting homemade gifts and tasty food and drink.
Don’t forget to check out all of our student discounts at Student Beans across the festive season, for gifting inspo, food and more!
Oxford Christmas Market
When: 1st-18th December 2022
Opening times: Monday-Wednesday and Sunday 10am to 6.30pm, Thursday-Saturday 10am to 8pm
The Oxford Christmas Market will be complete with carol singers, stalls and performances to help get you into the festive spirit. Located in Oxford City Centre it’s easy access from the universities and from the train station if you’re visiting from elsewhere. With regular performances happening throughout the month and a range of tasty food stalls, it’s not one to miss
Winchester Christmas Market
When: 18th November- 22nd December 2022
Opening times: 10am to 6.30pm Sunday-Wednesday and 10am to 8pm Thursday and Saturday
The Winchester Cathedral Christmas market will be lined with 112 chalets inspired by traditional German Christmas markets. You’ll be able to enjoy mulled wine and spiced cider while browsing the stalls and hearing traditional carols.
One of the key features of Winchester’s Christmas market is the ice rink, where you can buy tickets either in advance or on the day. Entry to the market itself is free, so if ice skating isn’t your thing you can just have a browse and get some pictures for Instagram. The cathedral is in central Winchester, so it’s super close to the university so you can definitely visit during a lecture break.
York Christmas Market
When: 17th November- 23rd December 2022
Opening times: 10am to 7pm daily
The York St Nicholas fair is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and is within close proximity to the university and city centre. You’ll be able to visit a wide range of stalls, grab a discount if you’re a York resident and enjoy hot chocolate, spiced cider and Bratwurst at the sit-down restaurant.
