A travel reporter who visited the UK's two highest-ranked Christmas markets says only one is worth the trip, with overcrowding spoiling the other. Manchester has been named the best Christmas market in the country for 2026 by experts at Christmas Tree World, with Edinburgh taking second place.
Manchester named top market
Christmas Tree World analysed markets using Google searches, entry fees, the number of stalls, proximity to public transport and December hotel prices to determine the rankings. The reporter, Vita Molyneux, visited both markets and agreed with the verdict, preferring Manchester over Edinburgh.
Crowds and food set them apart
At Edinburgh's market, visited in December 2023, dense crowds made movement difficult. A Friday evening attempt was abandoned, and a Sunday visit quickly became packed. The scenery was praised, including views from a ferris wheel towards Arthur's Seat and the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, but the crowds were described as impossible to reckon with.
Manchester's market, visited in November 2025 in Albert Square, had far fewer crowds. The food was more varied, including a Yorkshire pudding wrap costing £11 that was too generous to finish, and a fruit crumble with custard that surpassed Edinburgh's version. Mulled wine in Manchester was sweet and fruity, unlike a mulled cider at Edinburgh that was disliked.
Reporter would not return
Despite the comparison, the reporter said she probably would not return to either market, as she is not a very Christmasy person. If she were to visit again, Manchester would be her choice due to fewer queues, better food and easier movement through the crowds.
