The festive season is upon us, and what better way to soak up the Christmas cheer than by wandering through a twinkling Christmas market hand-in-hand with your loved one? Think pop-up ice rinks, the irresistible smell of mulled wine, wooden stalls brimming with local treasures, and, of course, mouth-watering street food. From Manchester to Edinburgh, London to Liverpool, here are the UK’s must-visit Christmas markets for a romantic adventure.

Christmas Markets Near Me

No matter where you are in the UK, there’s likely a magical Christmas market just around the corner. Whether it’s a quaint village setup or a bustling city celebration, these markets are filled with festive cheer. Imagine browsing handcrafted gifts, and warming up with a hot chocolate!

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Manchester Christmas Markets

The Manchester Christmas Markets are iconic! With over 225 stalls across nine sites throughout the city centre. Known for their German-style wooden huts, delicious bratwursts, and epic street food, this market is spread across the city, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore different areas together. From craft beer to stunning handmade gifts, it’s a wonderland for couples looking for festive fun.

Last year, Manchester dazzled with a magical Christmas Parade in early December, and this year promises even more festive excitement! Keep up with the latest Manchester Christmas Market updates.

  • Location: Various locations across the city, including Albert Square
  • Dates: 8 November – 22 December 2024
  • Find parking in Manchester City Centre

Skake Manchester, in Cathedral Gardens is open 8 November 2024 – 1 January 2025. Tickets: Off peak Adult from £14

Light Trail at Dunham Massey, Manchester

For a romantic twist, why not grab tickets for the Christmas Lights Trail at Dunham Massey. This unforgettable event is perfect for couples looking to create cherished memories together. Stroll hand-in-hand through enchanted gardens, bathed in beams of light streaming through ancient trees. Watch as dancing lights shimmer on the water, and discover stunning illuminated installations along the winding paths. It’s the ideal setting for a magical date night under the stars.

Romantic Tip: Planning a getaway? Check out our date ideas in Manchester to make the most of your time in this vibrant city.

Christmas Trail Manchester; Dunham Massey

Edinburgh Christmas Market

Edinburgh’s Christmas market is a romantic dream. With the dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, it’s the perfect setting for a stroll under the sparkling lights. Hop on a Ferris wheel to enjoy the views or twirl around the ice rink before indulging in festive treats.

  • Dates: Fri 15 Nov 2024 – Sat 04 Jan 2025
  • Star Attractions: Christmas tree maze, Polar ice bar, Street party
Edinburgh’s Christmas Credit Chris Scott by UniqueAssembly

Castle of Light, Edinburgh Light Trail

Make your date night unforgettable at Castle of Light, where Edinburgh Castle’s rich history comes alive with breathtaking projections and magical displays. Stroll hand-in-hand through the illuminated grounds, basking in the beauty of Scotland’s iconic landmark after dark.

  • Castle of Light Tickets: Adult tickets from £22
  • Dates: 22-23 & 29-30 November; 6-8, 13-15, 20-23 & 27-30 December; 2-4 January
Edinburgh Light Trail, Castle of Light

Romantic Tip: Extend your stay and check out our Edinburgh date ideas for a cosy winter weekend.

Edinburgh Christmas Markets Credit Robin Mair as produced by UniqueAssembly Ltd
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Hertfordshire Christmas Markets

Hertfordshire brings charm to the Christmas market scene, with events like Hatfield House’s Winter Walks and Knebworth House’s Christmas Fair.

Hatfield House Winter Walks & Workshops; Ticket includes access to their festive themed walks, trail map, collection bag and access to a Woodland Workshop. Dates: Fridays – Sundays December 2024. Adult tickets: £8

Knebworth House Christmas Fair; Discover Hertfordshire’s largest Christmas Fair, featuring over 250 stalls packed with gifts and delicious treats! Held in the halls and marquees at Knebworth Park, it’s the perfect place to spend a festive day. Dates: 22nd – 24th November 2024. Adult tickets: from £10

St Albans Christmas Cracker: Kick off your festive season with a magical day out for the whole family! Enjoy a fun-filled festival set against the enchanting glow of twinkling Christmas lights and dazzling installations. 🎄✨Date: Sunday 17 November. Free to attend.

Tewinbury Christmas Woodland Light Trail & Grotto, Welwyn; Step into the holiday spirit with sparkling lights, festive treats, and an enchanting walk through the immersive Christmas Light Trail in the woodlands. Dates: 28th November – 1st Jan.

Hertford Castle Christmas Market; The stunning castle grounds will be transformed into a festive Christmas market, featuring stalls with homeware, crafts and jewellery. Visitors can enjoy food and drink stalls, fairground rides, and live entertainment. Dates: 22nd – 24th November, 2024

Check out our top Date ideas in Hertfordshire.

Cambridge Christmas Market

Experience the magic of the Cambridge Christmas Market, where festive chalet huts offer perfect gifts, and the Street Food area serves up seasonal treats. Wander through the Christmas Tree Maze, take a ride on The Big Wheel, and glide across the real Ice Rink. Cosy up with mulled wine at the Alpine Lodge, challenge friends to games at the Après Terrace, or relax in a heated Dome with charcuterie and festive drinks. It’s the ultimate festive outing for couples!

Take a look at Day trip to Cambridge and Cambridge Date Ideas to make the most out of your visit.

  • Dates: 14th November – 5th January 2025
  • Star Attractions: The Alpine Lodge, The Domes, Ice Rink, Christmas Games Tent.

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Christmas at Wimpole, Cambridgeshire Light Trail

Add some sparkle to your date night with a magical walk through Christmas at Wimpole! Wander hand-in-hand through neon-lit trees, glowing tunnels, and giant flowers, then cosy up with hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows under the stars. 🌌✨

Birmingham Christmas Market

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the largest in Europe and ideal for date night! You’ll find everything from pretzels to German beers, and the twinkling lights make it an unmissable experience. Read more about Birmingham Christmas Market.

  • Dates: Friday 1st November to Tuesday 24th December 2024

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Warwick Castle Light Trail

Get ready to be dazzled as Warwick Castle’s Festive Light Trail returns, brighter and more magical than ever! Stroll through twinkling trees, grand illuminations, and enchanting garden projections that bring the castle grounds to life this Christmas season.

London Christmas Markets

London has a Christmas market to suit every couple. Whether you’re after the fairground rides of Winter Wonderland or the riverside charm of the Southbank Centre market, you’ll find plenty of festive fun.

Christmas at Kew

It’s not a market, but Christmas at Kew is London’s most magical illuminated trails. As twinkling lights and festive sounds fill the air, you’ll be swept away by glittering tunnels of light, jewel-toned trees, and dancing reflections on the lake. Stroll through the fire garden for a moment of peace, marvel at the larger-than-life illuminations,

  • Dates: 13 November 2024 to 5 January 2025, 4.20pm to 10pm
  • Christmas at Kew Tickets: Adult from £25.50 off peak, £32 peak

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Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park

Expect heaps of fun at Winter Wonderland from racing down a real ice slide, catching the high-energy circus, and exploring Santaland. For the thrill-seekers, there are rides galore, while the Ice Bar and fondue experience will keep you cosy. Don’t forget to indulge in street food and sip on something warm at the nostalgic ski lodge bars!

  • Dates: 21st November 2024 – 5th January 2025. 10am – 10pm.

Covent Garden Christmas Market

Covent Garden is enchanting year-round, but it truly shines at Christmas! With a massive, 60ft sparkly Christmas tree and more mulled wine varieties than you can count, it’s a festive paradise. Be sure to leave time to explore boutique shops and heated dining spots in the pedestrianised Piazza.

  • Covent Garden Lights Switch On: Tuesday 12th November, 📍 West Piazza South Hall, Covent Garden
  • Traditionally decorated sleigh; Capture a selfie in a reconditioned 1884 carriage, beautifully hand-painted!
  • Festive Thursdays: Late-night shopping, dining specials, and live performances every Thursday in November and December.

SKATE at Somerset House

Glide on a beautiful ice rink next to a 40-foot Christmas tree, with contemporary music, and food & drink from pop-up bars and restaurants.

Southbank Christmas Markets

Hop off the Tube at Waterloo or Westminster and kick off your evening at the Southbank Centre Market. Soak up the riverside vibes as you wander past the National Theatre and the Globe, before heading over to Borough for the Southbank Christmas Market, it’s festive cheer right by the water! For a perfect romantic touch, take a dreamy stroll across Tower Bridge. What could be more magical?

Dates are yet to be confirmed, but you can expect the magic to start around November and run until early January. You’ll find it all at Bankside, London Bridge City, along the Riverside Walkway. Nearest Tube? London Bridge!

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Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

Step into the magic of Christmas at Blenheim Palace, where festive cheer takes on a whole new sparkle! Follow Tinkerbell as she flutters through the State Rooms, sprinkling fairy dust over baubles and twinkling trees.

Christmas Light Trail, Blenheim Palace

Outside, get dazzled by one of the UK’s best illuminated Christmas trails or glide across the ice in the spectacular Great Court. Need a break from the High Street madness? Head to the iconic Christmas Market in the Great Court and stock up on all your festive goodies!

Christmas at Blenheim Palace

York Christmas Market

Get ready to soak up all the festive feels in one of the UK’s most magical cities, York! From twinkling lights to beautifully decorated restaurants, shops, and attractions, York is the perfect winter wonderland. Whether you’re popping in for a day or treating yourself to a cosy stay, York’s Christmas Market is the star of the show.

You’ll find 75 adorable alpine chalets lining Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, filled with local crafts, artisan goods, and tasty seasonal treats. Don’t forget to hop on the vintage carousel at King’s Square, it’s pure Christmas magic!

Take a look at; Things to do in York for couples.

  • Location: Parliament Street
  • Dates: 14th November – 22nd December
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Bath Christmas Market

Looking for a date idea with extra festive magic? Set against the stunning backdrop of Bath Abbey, this Christmas market is packed with local crafts, twinkling lights, and plenty of cosy cheer, perfect for couples after a romantic winter escape. With over 200 stalls and live entertainment in Bath’s gorgeous Georgian streets, it’s the ultimate holiday vibe! Find out more: Bath Christmas Market.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! From 15th November 2024 to 5th January 2025, Bath on Ice and Glow Golf return, bringing even more excitement to your date night. Glide hand-in-hand on the rink or challenge each other to a game of glow-in-the-dark golf under the stars. Add wintery tunes and a cosy alpine bar, and you’ve got yourselves a dreamy winter wonderland date!

  • Location: Bath Abbey
  • Dates: 28th November – 15th December
  • Tickets: Adult mini golf from £10pp, Ice Skating from £15pp
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Winchester Christmas Market

Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is famous for its lively atmosphere, stunning setting, and carefully chosen, top-quality exhibitors. Each year, it draws visitors from all over the world who come to browse the charming wooden chalets nestled in the historic grounds.

For a truly authentic Christmas experience, the Cathedral is the heart of the city’s celebrations, offering carol services, concerts, and festive events for all to enjoy.

  • Location: Winchester Cathedral
  • Dates: 22nd November – 22nd December
Winchester Cathedral

Top Tip: Don’t just enjoy the market; make a weekend out of it. Head over to Booking.com and snap up a cosy hotel for the night to extend the festive romance.

Looking for the perfect gift for your partner? Check out our gift guide for couples, couples massage, gifts for gin lovers and advent calendars for couples for inspiration.

Christmas markets are the ultimate festive date idea. So, grab your partner, wrap up warm, and lose yourselves in the magic of twinkling lights, mouth-watering treats, and festive fun. With so many markets to choose from, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make magical memories this season.

Let the festive romance begin! 🎄

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