There’s nowhere better for Christmas shopping than at one of the many festive markets that pop-up around the UK. And, while you’re there, why not discover a new city and make a weekend of it? Here’s our pick of the best Christmas markets in the UK – and where to stay.
Bath
Dates: 28 November to 15 December
At Bath Christmas Market, over 230 chalets set up around the city’s cobbled streets, showcasing wares by independent makers from the South West – from ethical clothing to homeware. Don’t miss recycled gold and silver jewellery by Frome-based Christina Oswin, hand-drawn art prints by illustrator Elsa Rose Frere or hand-painted blue and white stoneware by Jo Duck Ceramics – all of which make gorgeous gifts. There’s also plenty of food and drink stalls, including sweet treats from the Bath Chocolate Company and wine from the Aldwick Estate, a family-run vineyard in the Mendip Hills.
Stay:
Spread across several Grade I-listed Georgian townhouses on Queen Square, this Regency hotel is brilliantly positioned for exploring the city. The 98 rooms range from comfortable and classic to contemporary, with modern four posters. The hotel restaurant, Boho Marché, has a British-inspired brasserie menu; Emily’s Tea Room serves traditional afternoon tea; and No 10 bar is the spot for a glass of fizz after Christmas shopping.
Edinburgh
The Scottish capital goes all out in the festive season, with ice skating, Santa Stories sessions for children, fairground rides and a Christmas tree maze all part of the build-up to the big day. Anchoring it all is the East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market, where around 80 stalls sell gifts, and the Castle Street Market, which specialises in items by independent makers.
Dates: 15 November to 4 January
Stay:
Set in a pair of recently refurbished Victorian townhouses in Edinburgh’s West End, this gorgeous 35-room hotel is a 30-minute stroll from all the Christmas action. Individually designed rooms combine patterned wallpapers, velvet bedheads and tartan cushions; some come with contemporary four posters and a freestanding copper tub. The Dunstane Restaurant & Bar celebrates Scottish produce, from the haggis, tattie scones and Ayrshire bacon that are part of the full breakfast to rare, vintage whiskies from the Highlands.
Cardiff
Set up 30 years ago by Craft*Folk to support local artists, makers and producers, Cardiff Christmas Market has around 70 makers selling everything from candles to children’s clothes, handmade decorations to wool blankets (note: stalls rotate on different dates). Highlights this year include spirits from Ludlow Distillery, bespoke serving boards from Richkins Woodcraft, toddler pyjamas by Fox and Lottie and ethical soy candles by the Earth Candle Co
Dates: 14 November to 23 December
Stay:
A family of restaurateurs is behind this Spanish-inspired hotel in the heart of Cardiff, a few minutes’ walk from the castle - which means that good food is practically guaranteed, both at the hot-ticket Spanish grill restaurant Asador 44 and subterranean tapas joint, Bar 44. The nine rooms are stylish and simple, and there are nods to Andalucia throughout: reclaimed wooden floorboards, tan leather sofas, doors that have been repurposed as headboards and imported tiles.
York
Alpine wooden chalets adorned with twinkling lights line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square for the city’s long-established Christmas market. The majority of traders hail from Yorkshire and sell local crafts, artisan products and seasonal treats – think everything from handmade chess sets and groovy 3D illusion lamps to leathergoods and wheel spinners for the garden. Children won’t want to miss a whirl on the vintage carousel on King’s Square, either.
Dates: 14 November to 22 December
Stay:
Standing just outside the Clifton Green conservation area, this Victorian bed and breakfast references both York and the American Great Plains (a favourite of the owners’) in its name. The eight rooms are decorated in a pared-back neutral colour palette, with pops of colour in velvet armchairs, botanical wallpapers and Native American motif cushions. A Yorkshire breakfast is served in the Bishopthorpe dining room, which has glass chandeliers, a portrait of Abraham Lincoln hanging over the marble fireplace and of course, decorative bison heads on the walls.
Exeter
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market, which takes place on the Cathedral Green each year, has over 100 festive chalets piled high with local gifts and produce (think handcrafted glass baubles for the tree, silk scarves and wooden jigsaw puzzles). Plus, there’s a Global Street Food Village and themed bars to grab a bite or a warming mulled wine when you need a break from shopping.
Dates: 15 November to 15 December
Stay:
Overlooking the cathedral, this apartment for two is on the first floor of an 18th-century mansion – meaning you have incredible views of the Christmas market below. The look is contemporary and neutral, with wooden floors, accents of silver and bold colourful artwork on the wall. After exploring the market and the rest of the city attractions, relax by the fire in light, airy sitting room, the main social space. There’s also a dining area for cosy evenings in; breakfast at The Ivy or Cote Brasserie is included.
