Find the perfect Christmas present and enjoy an afternoon drinking mulled wine and eating delicious festive treats with our guide to the best Christmas markets to visit in the UK in 2023. <\/p>

As we near the end of 2023, Christmas markets and winter fairs begin to pop up across the UK. Appearing in our cities, market towns, villages and stately homes, each is a nostalgic blend of traditional ingredients.<\/p>

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Guide to mistletoe: history, how it became a Christmas tradition and how to grow your own mistletoe<\/a><\/li>
Winter solstice 2022: when it is, how to celebrate and best sunset spots in the UK<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
Best Christmas markets to visit in 2023<\/h2>
Christmas Market at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire<\/h3>
17 November \u2013 17 December<\/em><\/p>
Blenheim Palace’s Christmas Market has something for everyone\/Credit: Blenheim Palace<\/figcaption><\/figure>Warm up inside Blenheim Palace<\/a>, taking in the splendour of the lavish rugs, priceless antique furniture and centuries-old oil paintings that take up entire walls. This Christmas, Blenheim Palace is showcasing a brand new illuminated light trail, as the park and gardens are filled with millions of lights. <\/p>
With heart-shaped arches glimmering, colour-lit trees, and large-scale illuminations \u2013 including an eight-metre circle filled with over 20,000 lights \u2013 the effect will be rather like walking through a giant Christmas tree. <\/p>
By now it\u2019s surely time to get your hands around a mulled wine, and you can buy one (or a hot chocolate<\/a>) from a vendor at the Christmas Market in The Great Court, where there will also be plenty of opportunities to gather Christmas gifts for loved ones<\/p>
Find out more about the Christmas Market at Blenheim Palace<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
York Christmas Market, North Yorkshire<\/h3>
16 November \u2013 22 December<\/em><\/p>
$\"\"$ Wander through the festive streets of York this Christmas\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The pretty medieval streets and cosy timbered buildings of York<\/a> come into their own at Christmas, sprinkled with lights and decorations. For the 31st year, large wooden chalets will line Parliament Street and St Sampson\u2019s Square selling decorations, wooden toys and produce from the Yorkshire countryside such as heritage cheeses and bramble whisky.<\/p>
Find out more about the York Christmas Market<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
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Liverpool Christmas Market, Merseyside<\/h3>
18 Nov \u2013 24 Dec<\/em><\/p>
$\"\"$ Liverpool\u2019s markets feature a diverse range of local goods both traditional and modern\/Credit: Geograph<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Liverpool\u2019s Christmas Market is returning once more to St George’s Plateau and William Brown Street. Alongside the usual local crafts and produce, there are more food and drink stalls, including the hugely popular windmill bar and the Bavarian bar. There will also be a big wheel, snow slide and Santa Land rides.<\/p>
One of the best things about Liverpool in the winter, though, is walking through its magical frosty parks, such as the 235-acre Sefton Park, or bronze age encampment Camp Hill \u2013 both of which have some lovely cafes nearby to warm up in, before you head to the markets. Or, for something really memorable, hop on the train up to Formby to walk the Red Squirrel Trail<\/a>. The walk takes about an hour, twisting through broadleaf and pine woodlands before emerging on the sand dunes of Formby beach. Climb up and enjoy the views over Liverpool Bay, Snowdonia and the Lake District.<\/p>
Find out more about Liverpool Christmas Market<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
Conwy Winterfest, Conwy<\/h3>
9 December<\/em><\/p>
$\"\"$ Explore Conwy Castle at dusk then head to the market\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
On 9 December, at 5.45pm, some 300 knights and dozens of torch-bearers will gather in front of the castle, ready to process through the town. Erwyd le Fol the town jester and Si\u00f4n Corn will of course be in attendance. This gripping medieval pageant (free to spectators) will include hot chestnuts, Morris dancing, music, possibly fire shows, and definitely sword fighting at Lancaster Square. <\/p>
Traders will remain open for hot food, mulled wine and carousing. And as flaming torchlight casts flickering shadows of the knights onto the castle walls, neck hairs will stand up, and spines will undoubtedly tingle.<\/p>
Find out more about Conwy Winterfest<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
Edinburgh Winter Festival, Edinburgh<\/h3>
17 November \u2013 6 January<\/em><\/p>
$\"\"$ This year at the Edinburgh Christmas Market, you\u2019ll find unique independent gifts in a the Ethical Christmas Market and Artisan Christmas Market\/ Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Alongside the usual bonanza of fairground rides, ice-skating, Santa\u2019s Grotto, Christmas Tree Land and light trails, Edinburgh\u2019s traditional wooden-stalled Christmas markets are set to expand this winter. Highlights include the Ethical Christmas Market and Artisan Christmas Market Stalls on Castle Street (18\u201324 December), and Santa Stories and the Festival of Kindness on St Andrew Square (18\u201324 December).<\/p>
Looking for day out? Walk up to Arthur\u2019s Seat or through Inverleith Park to admire the views, and finish at the markets with a hot toddy.<\/p>
Find out more about Edinburgh Christmas Market<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
St Fagans\u2019 Makers Market, Cardiff<\/h3>
2 \u2013 3 December<\/em><\/p>
$\"\"$ Visit St Fagans\u2019 captivating collection of relocated Welsh buildings in December for a magical month of maker\u2019s markets, wreath workshops and Welsh carol concerts\/Credit: Geograph<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Nadolig Llawen! That\u2019s \u2018Merry Christmas\u2019 in Welsh, and there\u2019s no better place to learn about the history of winter celebrations in Wales than at St Fagans. And at Christmas time, St Fagans is definitely at its most magical, festooned with fairy lights and with maker\u2019s markets to explore, Welsh carols to trill out and Si\u00f4n Corn \u2013 \u2018Father Chimneypot\u2019, Wales\u2019 answer to Santa \u2013 to say hello to.<\/p>
Doing your Christmas shopping? On the 2 and 3 of December, St Fagans buzzy open-air Christmas Makers Market takes over the museum, with craftspeople from across Wales offering handmade works of art. Or if you\u2019d rather create something of beauty yourself, you can try your hand at weaving a willow wreath to grace your front door at one of the weekend\u2019s workshops.<\/p>
Find out more about St Fagans<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
Exeter Christmas Market<\/h3>
17 Nov \u2013 17 Dec<\/em><\/p>
$\"\"$ The Christmas market at St Peter’s Cathedral in Exeter\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The impressive medieval Exeter Cathedral is the backdrop of this fairylit Christmas market, which is spread out on the green, surrounded by Tudor-esque houses and cobbled lanes. Festive concerts and services spill out from the cathedral, creating a classy choral soundtrack while you browse the stalls for West Country crafts and local produce, mulled cider in hand. Take a stroll or bike ride up along the River Exe<\/a> and back down through the valley for a bit of calm before the smell of popping chestnuts lures you in.<\/p>
Find out more about Exeter Christmas Market<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
Grassington Christmas Market, North Yorkshire<\/h3>
2 and 9 December<\/em><\/p>
$\"\"$ Enjoy delicious roast chestnuts as you wander around the market\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The annual Christmas market in Grassington is scheduled over two Saturdays on 2 and 9 December this year and makes a great focal point for a winter stomp with fabulous views. Grassington is Wharfedale\u2019s main hub, a classic Yorkshire Dales village<\/a>, huddled below the south-facing slopes of Kimpergill Hill and above the River Wharfe.<\/p>
A glorious array of smells and sounds will draw you to the market square in the heart of Grassington where, as dusk falls, the Christmas lights that adorn the lovely old stone buildings are lit and buskers will be playing a medley of familiar Christmas songs.<\/p>
A warming glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate<\/a> will keep winter\u2019s chill at bay as you stand alongside a roaring brazier contemplating the fair on offer, the scents of roasting chestnuts and mince pies, whetting the appetite for a range of local produce, either from the stalls or from the local pubs and tea rooms. You will be spoilt for choice!<\/p>
Find out more about Grassington Christmas Market<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Fair, Hampshire<\/h3>
17 November \u2013 21 December<\/em><\/p>
$\"\"$ Aerial view of the the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Fair\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Hailed as one of the best in Europe, Winchester\u2019s Christmas market is held in the quarters of its 900-year-old cathedral. The festive market champions British craftspeople, and this year its \u2018crafts village\u2019 has an emphasis on local, fairly traded and sustainable businesses. A packed schedule of carol services and concerts will set the mood perfectly. If you\u2019re keen to stretch your legs, follow Keat\u2019s Walk<\/a> along the River Itchen \u2013 his daily stroll alongside the water meadows that may have inspired his poem, \u2018To Autumn\u2019.<\/p>
Find out more about the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Fair<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
Oban Winter Festival, Argyll and Bute<\/h3>
17 \u2013 26 November<\/em><\/p>
$\"\"$ Oban’s harbour and Mccaig’s Tower reflect magically in the water\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The capital of the Western Highlands, with its comely seaside setting, is the perfect place to get in the mood for Christmas. Here, the 10-day Oban Winter Festival, which runs from 17\u201326 November, has a choice of markets offering local produce and a wide range of activities and events.<\/p>
Find out more about Oban Winter Festival<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
Bath Christmas Market, Somerset<\/h3>
23 November \u2013 10 December<\/em><\/p>
$\"\"$ Ariel view of Christmas market in historical Bath from Bath Abbey at dusk\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Centred around the Roman baths, Bath Christmas market 2023 is filled with musicians, street performers and choirs singing their hearts under the twinkling lights.<\/p>
More than 170 chalets sell \u2013 and demonstrate \u2013 craftsmanship from the south-west of England, this year including handblown glass ornaments, leather shoes, jams and chutneys from foraged ingredients, Bath cheeses and traditional Christmas puddings. A range of local distillers bring you west country cider, gin and rum, and naturally you\u2019ll be able to buy a steaming winter warmer. If you want to make a day of it, start at Bradford-Upon-Avon and stroll 9.7 miles along the atmospheric Kennet & Avon canal<\/a>, enjoying the wood smoke and bright colours of the barges.<\/p>
Find our more about Bath Christmas Market<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
Malton Christmas Festival, North Yorkshire<\/h3>
2 \u2013 3 December<\/em><\/p>
$\"\"$ Horse in a snow-covered paddock near the market town of Malton\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Make a beeline for Yorkshire’s food capital for this special festive market with a foodie twist. Check everything off your Christmas list and stock up the pantry with seasonal treats, too, including figgy puddings, turkey and goose, award-winning macarons, mulled wine, gin and beers. With fairground rides, brass bands and choirs as well as top street food, this promises to be Malton’s shopping event of the year.<\/p>
Find out more about Walton Christmas Festival<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
Souter Lighthouse Christmas Craft Fair, Tyne & Wear<\/h3>
25 November<\/em><\/p>
$\"\"$ Snow-covered fields leading to Souter Lighthouse in Marsden, Tyne and Wear\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Head to the iconic beacon of Souter Lighthouse for its popular Christmas craft fair. Browse handmade crafts, gifts, cards, jewellery and much more, all made by local craftspeople.<\/p>
Find out more about the Christmas Craft Fair at Souter<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
Cirencester Advent Market, Gloucestershire<\/h3>
25 \u2013 26 November<\/em><\/p>
$\"\"$ Cirencester will be the place to be on 25 and 26 November when the Advent Market comes to the town centre\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Between 10am and 6pm, over 100 stalls featuring local traders will line Cricklade Street, Castle Street and Market Place. With entertainment and light displays it promises to be a fun and festive family day out.<\/p>
Find out more about Cirencester Advent Market<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
Belfast Christmas Market, Belfast<\/h3>
18 November \u2013 22 December<\/p>
$\"\"$
A snow covered Belfast City Hall at Christmas\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Try traditional seasonal treats from around the world and fairground rides in the grounds of Belfast City Hall.<\/p>
Find out more about the Belfast Christmas Market<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
Caerphilly Winter Food and Craft Market, Glamorgan<\/h3>
2 December<\/em><\/p>
$\"\"$ Explore a myriad of craft and gift stalls and traditional funfair rides at Caerphilly Castle\/Credit: Caerphilly Christmas Market<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Caerphilly Castle provides the magnificent backdrop to this bustling food and craft fair, with funfair rides, mulled wine, street theatre, more than 50 food, craft and gift stalls. Make a day of it and book a visit to explore Caerphilly Castle.<\/p>
Find out more about the Caerphilly Winter Market<\/a><\/li><\/ul> <\/body><\/html>\n
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Best Christmas markets to visit in 2023<\/h2>