As we near the end of 2024, 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>

History of British Christmas traditions<\/a><\/li>
Best Boxing Day walks in the UK<\/a><\/li>
Guide to mistletoe: history, how it became a Christmas tradition and how to grow your own mistletoe<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <\/div> <\/div>
Best Christmas markets to visit in 2024<\/h2>
Christmas Market at Blenheim Palace<\/a>, Oxfordshire<\/h3>
15th November 2024 – 1st January 2025<\/em><\/p>

Blenheim Palace’s Christmas Market has something for everyone. Credit: Blenheim Palace <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div>
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 year, the palace will be decorated all ready for a swashbuckling adventure in Neverland\u00ae, a place bursting with magic and make believe. Follow Tinkerbell through the State rooms as she sprinkles fairy dust over baubles and Christmas trees, wander through a moonlit London skyline and onto the Mermaid Lagoon.<\/p>
Blenheim Palace is also showcasing a brand new ice skating experience, The Great Skate, on the Great Court. After your skating session, it\u2019s 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>

York<\/a> Christmas Market, North Yorkshire<\/h3>
14th November – 22nd December 2024<\/em><\/p>
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Wander through the festive streets of York this Christmas. Credit: Getty <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div>
The pretty medieval streets and cosy timbered buildings of York<\/a> come into their own at Christmas, sprinkled with lights and decorations. 75 alpine chalets will line Parliament Street and St Sampson\u2019s Square selling decorations, beautiful gifts and produce from the Yorkshire countryside such as heritage cheeses and bramble whisky.<\/p>

More Christmas content:<\/p>

Christmas tree guide: how to choose the perfect tree, plus homemade decoration ideas <\/a><\/li>
Christmas crafts: Festive garlands<\/a><\/li>
35 best gift ideas for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <\/div> <\/div>
Liverpool Christmas Market, Merseyside<\/h3>
16th November \u2013 24th December 2024<\/em><\/p>
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Liverpool\u2019s markets feature a diverse range of local goods both traditional and modern. Credit: Geograph <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div>
Liverpool\u2019s Christmas Market<\/a> is returning once more to St George’s Quarter. Alongside the usual local crafts and produce, there are food and drink stalls, live entertainment, rides, and a giant Ferris wheel.<\/p>
If you’re visiting, take a walk through its magical frosty parks, such as the 235-acre Sefton Park, or bronze age encampment Camp Hill \u2013 both of which have lovely cafes nearby to warm up in \u2013 before you head to the markets. Or, for something really memorable, hop on the train up to Freshfield to walk to Formby beach<\/a>. Climb up the sand dunes and enjoy the views over Liverpool Bay, Snowdonia and the Lake District.<\/p>

Conwy Medieval Christmas, Conwy<\/a><\/h3>
7th December 2024<\/em><\/p>
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Explore Conwy Castle at dusk then head to the market\/Credit: Getty <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div>
On 7th December, at 5.45pm, the Conwy Medieval Torch Lit Parade<\/a> will gather and process through the town. This gripping medieval pageant (free to spectators) will include hot chestnuts, Morris dancing, and music.<\/p>

Edinburgh Winter Festival, Edinburgh<\/a><\/h3>
15th November 2024 – 5th January 2025<\/em><\/p>
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Find unique independent gifts against an incredible backdrop at the Edinburgh Christmas market. Credit: Getty <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div>
Alongside the usual wooden-stalled Christmas markers, you’ll find a bonanza of fairground rides, ice-skating, Santa\u2019s Grotto, light trails and a polar ice bar.<\/p>
Looking for day out? Walk up to Arthur\u2019s Seat<\/a> or through Inverleith Park to admire the views, and finish at the markets with a hot toddy.<\/p>

St Fagans\u2019 Christmas Makers Market, Cardiff<\/h3>
23rd – 24th November 2024<\/em>30th November – 1st December 2024<\/em>7th – 8th December 2024<\/em><\/p>
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Visit St Fagans\u2019 captivating collection of relocated Welsh buildings in December for a magical month of maker\u2019s markets, wreath workshops and carol concerts. Credit: Geograph <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div>
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<\/a>. And at Christmas time, St Fagans is 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? Throughout November and 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 willow decorations or botanical illustrations at one of the weekend\u2019s workshops.<\/p>

Britain’s best outdoor and working museums<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>

Exeter Cathedral Christmas market, Devon<\/h3>
15th November – 15th December 2024<\/em><\/p>
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The Christmas market at St Peter’s Cathedral in Exeter. Credit: Getty <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div>
The impressive medieval Exeter Cathedral<\/a> 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 through the historic town or, if you’re staying in the area for a while, head to the east Devon coast<\/a> for some bracing walks.<\/p>

Grassington Christmas Market, North Yorkshire<\/a><\/h3>
30th November and 7th December 2024<\/em><\/p>
$\"\"$ Enjoy delicious roast chestnuts as you wander around the market. Credit: Getty <\/figcaption> <\/figure>
The annual Christmas market in Grassington<\/a> is scheduled over two Saturdays on 30th November and 7th 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 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>

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Fair, Hampshire<\/a><\/h3>
22nd November \u2013 22nd December 2024<\/em><\/p>
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Aerial view of the the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Fair. Credit: Getty <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div>
Hailed as one of the best in Europe, Winchester\u2019s Christmas market<\/a> is held in the quarters of its 900-year-old cathedral. The festive market champions British craftspeople, with an emphasis on local, fairly traded and sustainable businesses. A packed schedule of carol services and concerts will set the mood perfectly.<\/p>

Oban Winter Festival, Argyll and Bute<\/a><\/h3>
15th – 24th November 2024<\/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<\/a>, which runs from 15th – 24th November, has a choice of markets offering local produce and a wide range of activities and events.<\/p>

Bath Christmas market, Somerset<\/a><\/h3>
28th November \u2013 15th December 2024<\/em><\/p>
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Ariel view of Christmas market in historical Bath from Bath Abbey at dusk. Credit: Getty <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div>
Centred around Bath Abbey, Bath Christmas market<\/a> 2024 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>

Malton Christmas Festival, North Yorkshire<\/a><\/h3>
7th – 8th December 2024<\/em><\/p>
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Horse in a snow-covered paddock near the market town of Malton. Credit: Getty <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div>
Make a beeline for Yorkshire’s food capital for this special festive market<\/a> with a foodie twist. Tick 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>

Souter Lighthouse Christmas Craft Fair, Tyne & Wear<\/a><\/h3>
30th November and 1st December 2024<\/em><\/p>
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Snow-covered fields leading to Souter Lighthouse in Marsden, Tyne and Wear. Credit: Getty <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div>
Head to the iconic beacon of Souter Lighthouse<\/a> for its popular Christmas craft fair. Browse handmade crafts, gifts, cards, jewellery and much more, all made by local craftspeople.<\/p>

Guide to Britain\u2019s lighthouses: history and how to visit<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>

Cirencester Advent Market, Gloucestershire<\/a><\/h3>
30th November and 1st December 2024<\/em><\/p>
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Cirencester will be the place to be on 30th November and 1st December when the Advent Market comes to the town centre. Credit: Getty <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div>
As in previous years, Cirencester’s large market will be staged in the town\u2019s streets with over 200 stalls across the two days. Other festive markets and activities will run across November and December, including live music and a Snowman trail – keep up to date on the town council’s website<\/a>.<\/p>

Belfast Christmas Market, Belfast<\/a><\/h3>
16th November \u2013 22nd December 2024<\/em><\/p>
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A snow covered Belfast City Hall at Christmas. Credit: Getty <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div>
This year\u2019s Belfast Christmas market<\/a> will transport you to the Victorian era with a Dickensian-themed experience. Stroll through the market alongside iconic characters from his stories and enjoy enchanting storytelling and lively performances that bring his works to life.<\/p>

Caerphilly Winter Fair, Glamorgan<\/h3>
30th November 2024<\/em><\/p>
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Explore a myriad of craft and gift stalls and traditional funfair rides at Caerphilly Castle. Credit: Caerphilly Christmas Market <\/figcaption> <\/figure> <\/div>
Caerphilly Castle provides the magnificent backdrop to this bustling food and craft fair<\/a>, with more than 50 food, craft and gift stalls. A lantern parade and firework display is also planned for 5-6pm on the day. Why not make a day of it and book a visit to explore the castle<\/a> as well?<\/p>

Discover more Christmas traditions:<\/p>

Who invented the Christmas tree?<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>

How to choose the perfect Christmas tree and homemade decoration ideas<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>

Get making: beautiful handmade Christmas gift ideas<\/a><\/li> <\/ul> <\/body><\/html>\n
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