The UK's Best Christmas Markets

Walk around most cities in the UK this month and chances are you’ll stumble across a Weihnachtsmärkt, or Christmas market as those of us who’ve forgotten our GCSE German like to call them.

Festive markets have become big business in the UK, with many of us heading there in search of festive cheer, handmade gifts and ample amounts of Glühwein. Never mind the Coca-Cola advert or Black Friday, the opening of the Christmas markets is a sure sign that the festive season is upon us.

With eight days to go before the big day, Sam Rigby rounds up a selection of the markets that are well worth visiting over the festive season. Many close their doors before Christmas Day so make the most of this new British tradition before they shut up shop for another 12 months. Take a look at our picks below:

MANCHESTER

The gay capital of the North boasts nine different market locations across the city, with the German-themed stalls in Albert Square and St Ann’s Square usually proving the most popular. However, the French markets on King Street are definitely worth a visit too.

The Manchester markets are now in their 15th year and continue to grow, and you can head to Spinningfields if you fancy a skate on the city’s only outdoor ice rink.

When: Until 22 Dec

BIRMINGHAM

Birmingham boasts the largest authentic German market outside of Germany and Austria. The city’s Victoria Square is home to 180 stalls selling everything from handmade toys to jewellery.

Meanwhile, there is more of a local flavour if you head across to Chamberlain Square, where you can pick up handmade gifts made by local artists.

When: Until 22 Dec

YORK

You’d be hard pushed to find a more beautiful city than York at any time of the year, but the city becomes a winter wonderland in the month of December. York’s Festive Fayre runs until December 22 and has loads of local food and crafts on offer.

Meanwhile, the Festival of Angels is a definite highlight in York’s festive calendar with ice sculptures lining the streets and moving carol concerts allowing you to take in the city’s historical architecture. The 2013 Festival of Angels took place over the weekend of December 14 and 15 but is sure to return in 2014.

When: York Festive Fayre – until 22 Dec, Festival of Angels – mid-December annually

EDINBURGH

The Scottish capital has three markets for visitors to choose from: a European market, a Children’s market and a Scottish market. A new Big Wheel and the Real Christmas Tree Maze are among the latest additions to the city’s festive line-up.

For an alternative Christmas night out, go and see a production of unique circus-comedy-music hybrid LIMBO at the Paradiso Spiegeltent in St Andrew Square.

When: Until 5 Jan

HYDE PARK’S WINTER WONDERLAND

There’s plenty to keep you entertained in Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, including fun fairs, circuses and the Magical Ice Kingdom. The Ice Bar is close by for those who wish to escape the crowds of overexcited children.

Admission to the Winter Wonderland is free but you will need to pay for ice skating and a variety of other attractions, and snacks can be expensive.

When: Until 5 Jan (closed Christmas Day)