The definitive list of Britain's finest Christmas markets has been unveiled by consumer champion Which?, highlighting nine exceptional destinations for festive shopping and seasonal cheer.
A Festive Postcode Lottery
According to the annual ranking, access to a top-tier Christmas market largely depends on your location within the UK. The research reveals significant regional disparities, with Wales, the West Midlands, the East Midlands, and London identified as areas lacking highly-rated festive fairs. While Scotland boasts one entry, it is exclusively located in Edinburgh, leaving residents across much of the country without a top-ranked market nearby.
The Cream of the Christmas Crop
Here are the nine destinations that have earned Which?'s prestigious approval for 2025:
Bath: Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Bath's market features over 200 wooden chalets lining cobblestone streets against the picturesque backdrop of Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths. Visitors can find handmade wooden furniture, Bristolian knitwear, and indie fragrances, plus seasonal treats from Flapjackery and the Pudding Wagon. The festivities extend to Royal Victoria Park with an ice rink and winter walks along the Royal Crescent.
Chester: Expanded to 80 stalls around the Victorian Gothic town hall and medieval cathedral, Chester's market offers handcrafted candles, upcycled cutlery, and artisan liqueurs. The city's unique double-deck shopping arcades known as the Rows, dating to the 13th century, host independent traders amid Roman ruins and Tudor buildings.
Durham: A quieter, more peaceful affair with approximately 30 stalls spilling from the Market Hall onto flagstone streets. Shoppers can browse locally made hot sauce, reworked vintage clothing, and handmade decorations, with an additional crafts marquee featuring 120 extra stalls (entry fee applies). The 325-step climb up Durham Cathedral offers rewarding views.
Winchester: Set within Winchester Cathedral's grounds, this market features wooden chalets selling silk scarves, wooden toys, and handmade homeware accompanied by local choirs and musicians. Seasonal food includes artisan cheese, traditional hog roast, and handmade scotch eggs, with the cathedral itself highly recommended for visitors.
Wells: A one-day event occurring on Saturday, December 6, with over 100 stalls filling Bishops Palace Green and Wells Market Place. The medieval city offers independent shops and eateries for a worthwhile weekend escape, though timing is crucial for this brief but vibrant market.
Liverpool: Situated before fairy-lit St George's Hall with gingerbread house-style stalls and grottos, Liverpool's market offers a less traditional experience featuring 80s Christmas pop, fairground rides, and comforting street food like roast ham baps and mac and cheese. Beyond the market, attractions include Albert Dock museums and the Walker Art Gallery.
Edinburgh: Wooden chalets along East Princes Street sell Yuletide gifts against Edinburgh's enchanting backdrop. A mini funfair includes a helter-skelter, swing carousel near the Gothic Scott Monument, and a big wheel with views of Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat. Visitors can also explore winter gardens, go ice skating, or shop in the New Town.
York: Known as St Nicholas Fair, this 30-year favourite features Alpine chalets with twinkling lights on Parliament Street and St Sampson's Square selling art prints and Christmas decorations. Which? particularly praised the market's strong accessibility focus, with initiatives for visitors with limited mobility and music-free quiet shopping times from 10am to 12pm. The city's rich history includes York Minster and the medieval Shambles.
Belfast: Now in its 21st year at City Hall, this market is a food lover's paradise offering flavours from around the world including ostrich, wild boar, and crocodile burgers alongside classic sausages and specialty cheeses. With over 100 traders and a funfair for children, additional food options can be found at St George's Market or Cathedral Square's bars and restaurants.
Planning Your Festive Visit
The Which? research confirms that while quality Christmas markets abound in specific locations, many UK residents face a postcode lottery when seeking top-rated festive experiences. The ranking provides valuable guidance for those planning seasonal trips, highlighting markets that combine quality shopping, local crafts, and unique seasonal atmospheres. With dates varying from late November through December, advance planning is recommended, particularly for one-day events like Wells.
