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.
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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 here.
- Location: Various locations across the city, including Albert Square
- Dates: 2024 dates TBC. 2023 were; 10 November – 21 December.
For a romantic twist, why not grab tickets for the Christmas Lights Trail at Dunham Massey. Running from 15th November to 1st January 2025, 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.
Find parking in Manchester City Centre.
Romantic Tip: Planning a getaway? Check out our date ideas in Manchester to make the most of your time in this vibrant city.
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
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. Adult tickets from £22.
Romantic Tip: Extend your stay and check out our Edinburgh date ideas for a cosy winter weekend.
Hertfordshire Christmas Markets
Hertfordshire brings charm to the Christmas market scene, with events like Hatfield House’s Christmas Fair. Wander through stalls filled with locally made crafts and artisanal food while carollers serenade you into the holiday spirit. Ideal for a quieter, more intimate market experience.
Check out our top date ideas in Hertfordshire.
Cambridge Christmas Market
The Cambridge Christmas Markets are an absolute delight, blending the city’s rich history with a festive touch. With live music and local crafts, it’s perfect for couples seeking a relaxed day out, soaking in the atmosphere. Read the full blog; Cambridge Christmas Markets and take a look at Day trip to Cambridge to make the most out of your day.
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.
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
- Tickets: Adult from £25.50 off peak, £32 peak
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. Monday – Sunday: 10am – 10pm.
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!
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. 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!
- Location: Blenheim Palace
- Dates: 15th November – 1st January (Markets till 22nd December)
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
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
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
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 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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