Your guide to UK cities with the best Christmas markets

As the first fingers of winter frost find their way across the United Kingdom, cities come alive with the warmth and cheer of Christmas markets.

These vibrant hubs of festive joy not only offer an enchanting shopping experience but also provide a glimpse into the unique charm of each city. While many people have already visited the more famous Christmas markets in Edinburgh, Birmingham or London, this guide will walk you through some of the other equally wonderful Christmas markets in the UK.

So, bundle up, sip some hot cocoa, and let’s dive in to see what the cities of Cardiff, Bath, York, Glasgow, Chester, Southampton, and Liverpool have to offer.

As the capital and largest city in Wales, Cardiff hosts a wonderful Christmas market and has been doing so for the last 30 years. The wooden huts, lit up with colourful Christmas lights, line the pedestrianised streets and offer a selection of food and drink, including mulled wine, as well as plenty of options for Christmas presents and decorations. If you’re thinking about moving here, average property prices are £267,838* and the average asking price for rent is £2,325 per calendar month (pcm).**

Bath's distinctive honey-coloured stone buildings provide a picturesque backdrop for over 200 Christmas market stalls, transforming the city into an enchanting wonderland. The city’s Christmas market, which also celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, is renowned for its local crafts and delicacies, making it an ideal spot for finding unique gifts and indulging in festive foods. Plus, you can even go ice skating! Average property prices in Bath are £380,392*, while average asking prices for rents are £2,081 pcm.**

The York Christmas market is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit while supporting local businesses. It’s an award-winning market with plenty of stalls to explore. From local crafts to delicious goodies, it’s the perfect place to wander through on your way home after work or to visit with friends on the weekend. If you’re thinking about buying in York, average property prices here are £255,830*, while average asking prices for rents are £1,411 pcm.**

Glasgow's Christmas market, located in St Enoch Square, captures the city's vivacious spirit and visitors are treated to a delightful array of traditional Scottish and British products, international cuisines, and festive entertainment. As it’s located near the city centre, the market offers you a lovely opportunity to combine it with some Christmas shopping. If living in Glasgow is something you’ve been dreaming of, you’ll find that the average asking price for rent in Glasgow is £1,293** pcm, while average property prices are £200,457.*

The Chester Christmas market usually takes place in the Town Hall Square - the heart of the city. From hand-crafted gifts and stocking fillers to delicious snack or dinner options, this sparkling market and its 70 traders offer you a unique Christmas experience. If you’ve been thinking about moving to Chester, the average property price is £267,902* and average asking prices for rental properties are £1,225 pcm.**

Wander through the Southampton Christmas market, filled with a wide range of tasty treats and live entertainment. It even offers a light projection show that runs every evening, so be sure to pass by the Bargate monument while visiting the market. If you want to buy a property in Southampton, average house prices are £479,992*, or if you’d prefer renting, average asking prices for rental properties are £1,290 pcm.**

With world-class museums, vibrant nightlife, and passionate football fans, this diverse city continues to captivate visitors and residents alike. During Christmas, the city sparkles with festive lights and holiday cheer. Every year, the Liverpool Christmas markets return to St George’s Plateau, where you'll find an abundance of festive food, drinks, gifts, and music to enjoy. The average property price here is £267,902* and the average asking price for rental properties currently is £1,134 pcm.**

As you plan your winter adventures, consider not just the delights of the Christmas market but also the unique character of each city. They all offer a distinctive experience, making your Christmas market escapade - or even a move to the city - a truly memorable one.