Quick answer: The first UK Christmas market to open in 2026 is the Southbank Winter Market in London on 2 November (South Bank London), followed by Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market on 5 November (Visit Birmingham). As of 16 October 2026, 21 UK Christmas markets have official 2026 dates, and Edinburgh, Reading, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and the Southbank run into January 2027.
Liverpool, Glasgow, Belfast, Oxford and Canterbury have not published 2026 dates yet, so they are listed separately below rather than guessed.
This list only includes a market when the people running it, the council or the official tourism board have published its 2026 dates. Every market links to that page, so you can check the dates yourself before you book.
When does each UK Christmas market open in 2026?
Every market with confirmed dates, in opening order.
Open after 25 December: Sheffield (to 26 Dec), Nottingham (to 31 Dec), Bournemouth (to 31 Dec), Edinburgh (to 3 Jan 2027), Manchester (to 3 Jan 2027), Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (to 3 Jan 2027), Reading (to 3 Jan 2027), Southbank Winter Market (to 4 Jan 2027).
Scotland
Edinburgh's Christmas
Edinburgh
- Dates
- Saturday 14 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027
- Where
- East and West Princes Street Gardens, plus George Street
- Entry
- Market free to enter
Forever Edinburgh lists a Big Wheel, the Starflyer and an ice rink on George Street alongside the market. One of the few UK markets still running after New Year.
Source: Forever Edinburgh, checked 16 October 2026.
North of England
York Christmas Market (St Nicholas Fair)
York
- Dates
- Thursday 12 November to Monday 21 December
- Hours
- 10.30am to 7pm, closed every Tuesday. Closes at 5pm on 21 December
- Where
- Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square
- Run by
- Listed by Visit York (Make It York)
Visit York says more than 80% of traders come from Yorkshire.
Source: Visit York, checked 16 October 2026.
Manchester Christmas Markets
Manchester
- Dates
- Friday 6 November to Tuesday 22 December. Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens stay open to Sunday 3 January 2027
- Where
- Several city-centre sites, including Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens
- Size
- 210 stalls, according to Visit Manchester
Visit Manchester says further locations will be announced closer to the event.
Source: Visit Manchester, checked 16 October 2026.
Leeds Christmas Markets
Leeds
- Dates
- Thursday 19 November to Wednesday 23 December
- Hours
- City Square stalls: 10.30am to 7pm Sunday to Thursday, 10.30am to 8pm Friday and Saturday
- Where
- City Square, Millennium Square and Victoria Gardens
Visit Leeds lists the Ice Cube, a 400 square metre covered ice rink, next to the Bavarian-style cabins.
Source: Visit Leeds, checked 16 October 2026.
Sheffield Christmas Market
Sheffield
- Dates
- Thursday 12 November to Saturday 26 December
- Hours
- The Moor: 10am to 6pm Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 7pm Friday and Saturday. Pinstone Street: 10am to 8pm daily. Alpine bars: 11am to 10pm
- Where
- Fargate, Pinstone Street and The Moor
- Run by
- Sheffield City Council and Percival Markets
- Entry
- Free
- Size
- More than 50 cabins
Welcome to Sheffield says more than 80% of traders are local, with an ice rink in Tudor Square, a snow slide and a Big Wheel. Open on Boxing Day.
Source: Welcome to Sheffield, checked 16 October 2026.
Newcastle Christmas Market
Newcastle
- Dates
- Thursday 19 November to Wednesday 23 December
- Where
- Grey's Monument and Grainger Street, with a Christmas Village on Old Eldon Square
- Size
- More than 70 traders
NewcastleGateshead lists a Ferris wheel, igloo pods and an alpine bar.
Source: NewcastleGateshead, checked 16 October 2026.
Chester Christmas Market
Chester
- Dates
- Wednesday 18 November to Tuesday 22 December
- Hours
- 10.30am to 6.30pm Sunday to Wednesday, 10.30am to 8pm Thursday to Saturday
- Where
- Town Hall Square, Northgate Street
- Size
- 80 traders
Source: Visit Cheshire, checked 16 October 2026.
Durham Christmas Festival
Durham
- Dates
- Friday 4 to Sunday 6 December
- Hours
- 9am to 5.30pm Friday and Saturday, 9am to 4.30pm Sunday
- Where
- Palace Green, beside Durham Cathedral
- Run by
- Durham University runs the booking
- Entry
- Booking needed, shown at the door. Price not stated
- Size
- More than 120 stalls
A three-day festival in a marquee on Palace Green.
Source: Durham University, checked 16 October 2026.
Midlands
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
Birmingham
- Dates
- Thursday 5 November to Thursday 24 December
- Hours
- 11am to 9pm Monday to Thursday, 11am to 9.30pm Friday, 10am to 9.30pm Saturday, 10am to 9pm Sunday. Opens at 1pm on Remembrance Sunday (8 November)
- Where
- Victoria Square and New Street
- Size
- More than 80 Bavarian-style stalls
Visit Birmingham says the market comes from a partnership between Birmingham and Frankfurt dating back to 1966.
Source: Visit Birmingham, checked 16 October 2026.
Nottingham Winter Wonderland
Nottingham
- Dates
- Thursday 12 November to Thursday 31 December, closed Christmas Day
- Where
- Old Market Square
Visit Nottinghamshire lists the Sky Skate Path, an ice trail raised above the square.
Source: Visit Nottinghamshire, checked 16 October 2026.
Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Markets
Stratford-upon-Avon
- Dates
- Two weekends: Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November, then Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December. 12 and 13 December are held in reserve for bad weather
- Hours
- 10am to 8pm Saturdays, 10am to 5pm Sundays
- Where
- Town centre, with Waterside and Bridge Street closed to traffic
- Run by
- Stratford-on-Avon District Council
- Size
- More than 200 stall holders
Weekends only. The council says road closures start at 6pm on the Friday before each weekend, while town centre car parks stay open.
Source: Stratford-on-Avon District Council, checked 16 October 2026.
Wales
Cardiff Christmas Market
Cardiff
- Dates
- Thursday 12 November to Wednesday 23 December
- Hours
- 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday (to 7pm on Thursdays in December), 10am to 5pm Sunday
- Where
- St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street and Hills Street
Visit Wales says makers sell only their own original work, with taster stalls on Trinity Street.
Source: Visit Wales, checked 16 October 2026.
London
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
London
- Dates
- Thursday 19 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, closed Christmas Day
- Hours
- Usually opens 10am (some days 11am, 12pm, or 2pm on 1 December) and closes 10pm. Last entry 9.30pm
- Where
- Hyde Park
- Run by
- P W R Events Ltd
- Entry
- Timed ticket needed for everyone. Off-peak slots are free
The organiser lists more than 150 things to do, including the Giant Wheel and the Magical Ice Kingdom.
Source: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, checked 16 October 2026.
Southbank Winter Market
London
- Dates
- Monday 2 November 2026 to Monday 4 January 2027, closed 25 and 31 December
- Hours
- 11am to 10pm, craft traders to 9pm
- Where
- Queen's Walk, by the Thames under Hungerford Bridge
- Run by
- Southbank Centre
The first market on this list to open and the last to close.
Source: South Bank London, checked 16 October 2026.
Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre
London (Richmond)
- Dates
- Two weekends: Friday 4 to Sunday 6 December, then Friday 11 to Sunday 13 December
- Hours
- 10am to 5pm
- Where
- Hampton Court Palace
- Run by
- Historic Royal Palaces
- Entry
- Included in palace admission
- Size
- More than 100 artisan producers
Held at Hampton Court Palace and run by Historic Royal Palaces.
Source: Historic Royal Palaces, checked 16 October 2026.
South East
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
Winchester
- Dates
- Friday 20 November to Tuesday 22 December
- Hours
- 10am to 6pm Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 8pm Friday and Saturday
- Where
- Winchester Cathedral grounds
- Run by
- Winchester Cathedral
- Size
- 128 chalets
The Cathedral's 2026 information pack lists a Makers' Market and a Food Court alongside the chalets.
Source: Winchester Cathedral and Winchester Cathedral 2026 information pack, checked 16 October 2026.
Reading Christmas Market
Reading
- Dates
- Saturday 14 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027
- Hours
- 10am to 8pm Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm Sunday
- Where
- Broad Street
- Entry
- Free
Visit South East England lists independent traders and festive entertainment. One of the few that runs into January.
Source: Visit South East England, checked 16 October 2026.
South West
Bath Christmas Market
Bath
- Dates
- Thursday 26 November to Sunday 13 December
- Hours
- 10am to 7pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am to 8pm Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm Sunday
- Where
- Bath city centre, near Bath Abbey
- Run by
- Bath & North East Somerset Council, delivered by Muddy Dog
Source: Bath Christmas Market and Bath & North East Somerset Council, checked 16 October 2026.
Bournemouth Christmas Market
Bournemouth
- Dates
- Thursday 12 November to Thursday 31 December
- Where
- Bournemouth Square
The tourism site lists the Alpine Market alongside a free light trail from the Lower Gardens to the seafront.
Source: Bournemouth tourism, checked 16 October 2026.
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market
Exeter
- Dates
- Friday 13 November (from 10am) to Sunday 13 December (until 5pm)
- Where
- Cathedral Green
- Run by
- Listed by Exeter Cathedral
Exeter Cathedral says traders come from Devon and beyond.
Source: Exeter Cathedral, checked 16 October 2026.
Cheltenham Christmas Market
Cheltenham
- Dates
- Thursday 10 to Wednesday 23 December
- Where
- The Promenade
- Run by
- Cotswold Markets
- Entry
- Free
- Size
- 40 wooden stalls
The latest start of any market on this list.
Source: Visit Cheltenham, checked 16 October 2026.
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Which Christmas markets have not confirmed 2026 dates?
These markets are popular, but no official 2026 dates had been published when this page was checked on 16 October 2026. They will be added when the organiser confirms.
- Liverpool. Liverpool City Council has confirmed a 2026 festive programme with pop-up markets on Basnett Street and at the Cunard Building, but says the market dates will be announced later. Source: Liverpool Express (Liverpool City Council).
- Glasgow. Visit Glasgow says details of the 2026 Christmas markets have not been released yet. Source: Visit Glasgow.
- Belfast. The official Discover Northern Ireland listing still shows the 2025 market at City Hall, with no 2026 dates. Source: Discover Northern Ireland.
- Oxford. The only official listing found, on Experience Oxfordshire, is for the 2025 Victorian Christmas Market on Broad Street. Source: Experience Oxfordshire.
- Canterbury. The most recent official page from Canterbury Cathedral covers the market's return in 2024. Source: Canterbury Cathedral.
- Lincoln. The City of Lincoln Council's 2025 festive programme did not include a Christmas market, and no 2026 market has been announced. Source: City of Lincoln Council.
- Bristol and Cambridge. No official listing with 2026 dates was found on the tourism board or council sites.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best Christmas market in the UK?
This page does not rank markets, because the best one depends on where you are and when you can travel. It lists every UK market with officially confirmed 2026 dates. By the stall counts organisers publish, Manchester is the largest, with 210 stalls according to Visit Manchester.
When do UK Christmas markets start in 2026?
The Southbank Winter Market in London opens first, on Monday 2 November 2026, according to South Bank London. Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market follows on Thursday 5 November, according to Visit Birmingham, then Manchester on Friday 6 November, according to Visit Manchester.
Which is the biggest Christmas market in the UK?
Going by stall counts the organisers publish, Manchester is the largest on this list with 210 stalls, according to Visit Manchester. Stratford-on-Avon District Council lists more than 200 stall holders for its two market weekends, and Winchester Cathedral lists 128 chalets.
Which UK Christmas markets are open after Christmas?
Sheffield runs to 26 December, Bournemouth and Nottingham to 31 December, and Edinburgh's Christmas, Reading, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and parts of Manchester to 3 January 2027. The Southbank Winter Market runs to 4 January 2027, closed on 25 and 31 December. Each date comes from the organiser or tourism board page linked on this page.
Are UK Christmas markets free to enter?
The official pages for Sheffield, Reading and Cheltenham say entry is free, and Forever Edinburgh says Edinburgh's market is free to enter. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland needs a timed ticket for everyone, with free off-peak slots, and Hampton Court's fayre is included in palace admission.
Which Christmas markets close on certain days?
Visit York says York's market is closed every Tuesday. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and Nottingham Winter Wonderland close on Christmas Day, and the Southbank Winter Market closes on 25 and 31 December.
Is Lincoln Christmas Market on in 2026?
No 2026 Lincoln Christmas Market has been announced. The City of Lincoln Council's 2025 festive programme did not include one.
Are Liverpool and Glasgow Christmas market dates confirmed for 2026?
Not yet. Liverpool City Council says its 2026 market dates will be announced later, and Visit Glasgow says 2026 details have not been released. This page will be updated when they are.
Our city Christmas market guides
Sources
- Bath & North East Somerset Council
- Bath Christmas Market
- Bournemouth tourism
- Canterbury Cathedral
- City of Lincoln Council
- Discover Northern Ireland
- Durham University
- Exeter Cathedral
- Experience Oxfordshire
- Forever Edinburgh
- Historic Royal Palaces
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
- Liverpool Express (Liverpool City Council)
- NewcastleGateshead
- South Bank London
- Stratford-on-Avon District Council
- Visit Birmingham
- Visit Cheltenham
- Visit Cheshire
- Visit Glasgow
- Visit Leeds
- Visit Manchester
- Visit Nottinghamshire
- Visit South East England
- Visit Wales
- Visit York
- Welcome to Sheffield
- Winchester Cathedral
- Winchester Cathedral 2026 information pack
Dates, hours and entry details come from the linked organiser, council and tourism board pages and can change. Check the organiser's page before you travel.