Best Christmas markets UK: complete guide & top picks

27th July 2023•Camplify Team

During the pre-Christmas period, our hearts warm up, and not just because of a cup or two of mulled wine. Christmas decorations, glistening trees, delicious food and spending time with your loved ones – this is the spirit of Christmas! And where can we find all those things in one place? Right, at the beautiful Christmas markets spread across the country. But where can you find the best Christmas markets in the UK, and can you actually combine a visit with a winter holiday? Of course, so let’s embark on a Christmassy tour across the country! Come and discover the best Christmas markets in the UK, including campsites that are open all year round.

Hire a Motorhome suitable for winter camping

When going on a winter holiday with a Campervan, you will need one that is suitable for winter camping. This includes heating, isolation to keep the cold out, as well as heated water tanks in order to keep the water from freezing. At Camplify you can find and rent the perfect vehicle that fits all your needs. Following, you will find all of our Motorhomes that you can hire from our experienced owners.

The 6 best Christmas markets in the UK

1. Christmas at Kew, London, England

Christmas at Kew is an annual after-dark festivity with family and friends. Visitors can discover sparkling tunnels of light, dancing waterside reflections, and trees drenched in jewel-like colour on the way to the panoramic Palm House light display. It is truly a feast for the eyes. Guests journey through the mesmerising flickering flames in the Fire Garden, spot larger-than-life illuminations, and can say hello to Father Christmas along the way.

Along the route, there will be delicious street food served. From hot food and sweet treats to spiced winter warmers and hot chocolate, there’s something for everyone. Walk under the stars and have yourself a jolly good time as seasonal sounds fill the air.

Where: Kew Gardens, Richmond, London
When: 16 November 2022 to 8 January 2023, 4.20pm to 10pm (Last entry 8pm)
Price: Standard advance adult: Off peak £21.50/ Peak £28.00, family tickets available

2. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London

Right in the heart of London, you will find one of the world’s best destinations for festive fun! The Hyde Park Winter Wonderland definitely earned a spot on our list of the best Christmas markets in the UK. Santaland will welcome not just the little ones, but also the ones that are young at heart and transports you right to the North Pole. There are plenty of kid’s rides, festive eateries, and you can even meet Santa himself! But that’s not all. The Winter Wonderland offers spectacular shows such as the Cirque Berserk, delicious street food bites, a magical ice kingdom, an ice bar and so much more.

Where: Hyde Park, Westminster, London
When: 18 November 2022 to 02 January 2023, daily from 10am to 10pm
Price: Off-peak £0.00, standard £5.00, peak £7.50

Nearby campsite

The Chertsey campsite is open all year and is located right on the banks of the Thames, just a 50-minute train ride from London. You can choose between grass pitches with electric hook-up and hard standing pitches with electric hook-up. Dogs are very welcome and there’s even a designated dog walk available. Additionally, there’s a Motorhome service point available.

3. Best Christmas markets UK – Manchester Christmas Market

Arriving in the city in 1999, Manchester Christmas market boasts being the first Christmas market in the UK and has grown every year since, now attracting more than nine million visitors each year.

Spread across 10 individual sites, around 300 beautifully crafted stalls offer mouth-watering international food, drinks and finely crafted festive gifts in the bustling city centre.

In 2021 the market introduced a designated family site for the first time with fun rides and entertainment throughout the season, including: LED light performers, magicians and street theatre – with spectacular views of the Manchester Cathedral and National Football Museum.

Where: Across Manchester city centre
When: 10 November 2022 to 22 December 2022, daily from 10am to 9pm
Price: free to visit

Nearby campsite

The Hawthorne Caravan & Campsite is perfect for combining a city visit to Manchester with exploring the nearby winter countryside of The Lows nature reserve. There are many grass and hardstanding pitches available with electricity and Hawthorne has a newly refurbished toilet and shower block.

4. Edinburgh Christmas Market

Number for of our best Christmas market in the UK is the Edinburgh Christmas market! As well as a new ice rink, visitors to Edinburgh Christmas market can expect to be met with a large variety of stalls, fairground rides and attractions, organised by the promoters of Edinburgh’s world-famous Fringe festival, Underbelly.

The rides include the familiar Big Wheel making its return to the East Princes Street Gardens spot, as well as the star flyer beside the Walter Scott Monument. There will also be 62 stalls and four attractions in East Princes Street Gardens, with 15 stall concessions and 11 attractions in the westerly gardens.

Among the Edinburgh Christmas market attractions at the West Princes Street Gardens will be a Christmas Tree Maze and Santa’s Grotto.

Where: East Princes Street Gardens, West Princes Street Gardens and George Street between Castle Street and Charlotte Square
When: 19 November 2022 to 03 January 2023
Price: free to visit

Nearby Campsite

The Edinburgh Club Campsite is open all year round and offers 146 pitches for Motorhomes and Caravans. Electric hook-ups are available, there’s a dog walk from the site and a children’s playground.

5. Best Christmas markets UK – Bath Christmas Market

The Bath Christmas Market can usually be found in the city centre, expanding across several streets, including Abbeygate Street, Abbey Green, Abbey Street, Abbey Churchyard, York Street, Bath Street, Union Street and Milsom Street. The chalets are the stars of the Christmas Market in Bath. Around 150 of them line the streets of the city, decorated with beautiful twinkle lights.

It is here where guests are able to find everything from unique homeware to handcrafted jewellery, personalised gifts and Christmas decorations. There’s something for each member of the family, even gourmet treats for four-legged friends!

Dotted across the site, visitors are treated to a number of delicious food and drink stalls selling burgers, hog roasts, roasted nuts, mulled wine and more!

Where: Bath city centre, near Bristol
When: 24 November 2022 to 11 December 2022, Monday to Wednesday from 10am to 7pm, Thursday to Saturday from 10am to 8pm, Sunday from 10am to 6pm
Price: free to visit

Nearby campsite

The Bury View Farm and Campsite is a small and family-friendly campsite just outside of Bath. The camping field is flat with lovely countryside views and is open all year round.

6. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas market is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and offers a large range of traditional goods and gifts and a selection of tempting food and drinks. Pretzels, Schnitzels, Bratwurst, and roasted almonds will tempt your taste buds. And of course, you can taste the famous German Weissbier (wheat beer) and Glühwein (German mulled wine) as well.

It is a great place to meet up with family and friends and enjoy the live music program on Victoria Square. Pick up some gifts for the loved ones, stroll along the stalls that sell handcrafted wooden decorations and delicate glass baubles, and enjoy the handcrafted leather work.

Where: Victoria Square and New Street, Birmingham
When: 3 November 2022 to 23 December 2022, daily from 10am to 9pm
Price: free to visit

Nearby campsite

The Chapel Lane Club Campsite is just outside of Birmingham and open all year round. There are 115 pitches for Motorhomes and Caravans with electric hook-ups. Dogs are very welcome and there is a dog walk right on site. Additionally, you’ll find here a Motorhome service point, a children’s playground as well as drive over waste disposal for Motorhomes.

Overview of 14 picture perfect UK Christmas Markets

A lot of the Christmas markets on our doorstep here in the UK made it onto the list of the most picturesque, including Christmas at Kew, Edinburgh Christmas market and the famous Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas market! Following, you’ll find a short overview of the 14 best Christmas markets in the UK.

The information in this blog is accurate and current as of the date of posting. Please be aware that information, facts, and links may become outdated over time.