The Daily Observer London Desk: Reporter- Sarah Marshal
With Halloween almost behind us, the festive season is on everyone’s minds – especially the delicious food and fun that comes with it.
In the coming weeks, from north to south, Christmas markets will begin popping up across the UK – with stallholders getting ready to sell handmade gifts, warming mulled wine and freshly-baked mince pies.
Most places in the UK play host to a festive celebration, whether it’s a month long affair that cities such as Birmingham and Manchester offer, or a one day market like Litchfield Christmas Fayre.
The growth of these markets has been monumental in the past fifteen years according to the Local Government Association, there were an estimated 30 Christmas markets operating in the UK – now there are over 100.
Read on to find out the biggest Christmas markets this year and when they are open, including a full list of those that have announced their opening and closing dates.
From north to south, Christmas markets will begin popping up across the UK, with stallholders getting ready to sell handmade gifts, warming mulled wine and freshly-baked mince pies
Edinburgh Christmas market
Edinburgh’s world-renowned Christmas market is a firm favourite that people travel to from across the UK and beyond.
This year, running for seven weeks, from November 17 to January 6, it’s set to be as magical as ever.
Located in the historic city center, it plays host to traditional Christmas markets, funfair rides, live outdoor events and delicious food and drink.
The market itself does not require tickets and you can buy tickets for anything on the door.
However, if you want to guarantee entry to specific attractions at certain times such as ice skating, the big wheel and ‘Santa’s stories’ you can pre-book online.
The market will be be open daily from 10am until 10pm with Christmas eve and Boxing Day hours differing slightly, with an earlier closing time of 8pm.
Edinburgh’s world-renowned Christmas market is a firm favourite that people travel to from across the UK and beyond
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas market
Birmingham’s Frankfurt market is largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria.
Bratwursts, pretzels, schnitzels and roasted almonds are among what you can get your hands on, as well as classics like Glühwein (mulled wine) and hot chocolate.
There’s plenty to do, with an ice rink and big wheel as well as hundreds of stalls selling gifts including handcrafted wooden decorations, baubles, candles, toys jewellery and more.
You have from November 2 until Christmas eve to make the most of the market, before it packs up for another year.
Opening times are Monday to Thursday: 11am – 9pm, Fridays 11am – 9.30pm, Saturdays 10am – 9.30pm and Sundays 10am – 9pm.
Birmingham’s Frankfurt market is largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
London’s Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is not just a Christmas market – it also has it’s own fairground, ‘magical ice kingdom,’ circus and more.
It’s a hugely popular destination not just for Londoners, but for those around the globe that travel to see it.
Running for six weeks from November 17 to January 1, it promises to be ‘world’s ultimate destination for festive fun’.
It also dominates in terms of sheer size, spanning across a huge 350 acres.
However, unlike the other markets you do need to pre-book tickets for a specific entry slot, as well as booking any specific attractions you don’t want to miss.
It’s open from 10am-10pm every day with last entry being at 9:30pm.
London’s Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is not just a Christmas market – it also has it’s own fairground, ‘magical ice kingdom,’ circus and more
Manchester Christmas markets
This is a special year for Manchester as it marks 25 years since the city hosted it’s first ever Christmas markets in 1998.
Now, guests can expect over 225 stalls across nine sites throughout the city as well as a festive ski chalet and an ice rink.
Manchester also hosts a yearly Christmas parade which will take place on Sunday December 3 this year – the markets are open from November 10 and will close on December 21.
Food options are varied across the markets including fresh churros, Korean corndogs, fresh gyros, paella, bratwurst and salt and pepper chicken.
You can also get your hands on a wide range of gifts including candles, jewellery and even cheese gift sets.
Food and drink stalls open at 11 am and close at 9 pm every day, Monday to Sunday.
Craft stalls open at 10 am and close at 8 pm every day, Monday to Sunday.
This is a special year for Manchester as it marks 25 years since the city hosted it’s first ever Christmas markets in 1998
Cardiff Christmas market
Cardiff Christmas market will return from November 9 to December 23, with over 70 stalls playing host to a rolling programme of over 200 businesses.
The market is organised by Craft*Folk, who are comitted to providing a platform for crafts people, artists and food and drink producers.
So, if you’re looking for unique gifts, this is a great place to find them – they guarantee that each stall will be manned by a talented craftsperson, selling original work.
The market will be on St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street and the Hayes – all pedestrianised shopping areas in Cardiff city center.
Trading times are Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm and Sunday 10am to 5pm.
Cardiff Christmas market will return from November 9 to December 23, with over 70 stalls playing host to a rolling programme of over 200 businesses
