The annual Which? Christmas market research has been released and Manchester’s market has failed to make the cutAmy Jones Senior Travel Journalist and Gary Stewart Weekend editor
17:38, 15 Nov 2025Updated 17:39, 15 Nov 2025
Manchester Christmas market will be open from 7 November to 22 December but another city may be calling to you after years of Manchester domination(Image: Getty Images)
It’s that festive time of year again when we consider a day trip to our local Christmas market to peruse the wooden huts adorned with Yuletide gifts, all while enjoying a warming cup of spiced mulled wine. However, those contemplating a trip into Manchester for their festive indulgence might want to reconsider their plans, as another north-west Christmas market has been rated higher.
Each year, Which? ranks the top Christmas markets in the UK, taking into account their size, variety of stalls, seasonal treats and drinks on offer, and whether they provide free entry. For this research, it chose its nine cities that scored highest in its Best UK Cities survey, which received responses from over 4,000 visitors.
Regrettably, for our neighbours up the M62 the Manchester Christmas market, which boasts more than 200 stalls across nine locations in the city, didn’t make the cut. Instead, it was Liverpool that was hailed as one of the best Christmas markets in the UK this year.
Not only this, but Liverpool also claimed the title as the top big city in the UK, according to Which?, reports the Manchester Evening News.
It earned a glowing five stars for its cultural sights, with additional commendation for its food and drink options, accommodation, and value for money.
Liverpool’s Christmas market, which runs from 15 November to 24 December 24, is set against the dramatic backdrop of a fairy-lit St George’s Hall, with its stalls taking the shape of gingerbread houses and grottos.
Nevertheless, visitors say “It’s not such a nostalgic affair: less choral music, artisan crafts and mince pies; more 80’s Christmas pop, fairground rides and down-to-earth menus – like roast ham baps and mac and cheese.” Despite this, it still secured a place amongst the top nine finest Christmas markets in the UK.
Chester Christmas market also earned a spot on the Which? list, having grown this year with 80 stalls, providing handcrafted candles, upcycled cutlery, artisan liqueurs and more.
Irrespective of its ranking, Manchester’s Christmas market will adorn the city from 7 November to 22 December, celebrating its 27th year.
Delightful wooden chalets presenting an array of seasonal delights, handmade gifts, crafts and more will be distributed across nine locations to help deliver the festive atmosphere.
The nine locations are; Albert Square, St Ann’s Square, King Street, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, Corn Exchange and Cathedral Gardens, Market Street, and Piccadilly Gardens.
Liverpool Christmas market has been listed as one of the best to visit this year(Image: Getty Images)
Additionally, there will be the ice rink in Cathedral Gardens, the magical Christmas Parade on 7 December and the festive wheel in Albert Square, for an action-packed day out, despite failing to feature on the Which? list for this year.
The other Christmas markets on the list include Bath: Over 200 wooden chalets adorn the cobbled streets of Bath during one of the UK’s largest and most renowned Christmas markets, celebrating its 25th anniversary. Nestled amidst the scenic backdrop of Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths, traders will showcase a variety of goods, from handmade wooden furniture and garden sculptures to Bristolian knitwear and independent perfumes.
Local festive delicacies are also central to the city, featuring seasonal bakes from ‘Flapjackery’ and the ‘Pudding Wagon’. The merriment can extend to the nearby Royal Victoria Park for a spin around the ice rink, or a brisk winter walk along the city’s famed Royal Crescent.
Durham: A “quiet yet peaceful affair”, Durham’s Christmas market comprises roughly 30 stalls that overflow from the Market Hall onto the surrounding cobbled streets, featuring locally produced hot sauce, upcycled vintage garments, confectionery delights, and handcrafted decorations. There’s additionally a crafts and gifts marquee, housing over 120 additional stalls to explore, which requires an entrance fee.
You could work off those festive indulgences by ascending Durham Cathedral’s 325 steps.
Manchester Christmas market has been overshadowed by another north-east city(Image: Getty Images)
Winchester: Situated within the grounds of the stunning Winchester Cathedral, the ancient city’s Christmas market showcases delightful wooden chalets brimming with present ideas, from silk scarves, wooden toys, pet portraits, and handcrafted homeware, all accompanied by the melodies of local choirs and musicians whilst you browse. Seasonal delicacies like artisan cheese, a traditional hog roast and handmade scotch eggs provide an additional layer of luxury.
You can also browse Winchester’s independent retailers, and a trip to the cathedral itself is essential.
Liverpool: The city’s Christmas market sits beneath the striking backdrop of an illuminated St George’s Hall, with its stalls designed as gingerbread houses and grottos. However, visitors note “It’s not such a nostalgic affair: less choral music, artisan crafts and mince pies; more 80’s Christmas pop, fairground rides and down-to-earth menus – like roast ham baps and mac and cheese.”
Liverpool is a large and historic city, so there are plenty of sites to see beyond the market, such as the museums at Albert Dock, t the Walker Art Gallery, and the city’s two cathedrals.
Edinburgh: Being one of Britain’s most stunning cities, the Christmas market simply enhances its charm with timber chalets offering all the traditional festive treats and warm stocking fillers along East Princes Street. There’s also a mini-funfair featuring a helter-skelter, a swing carousel that almost touches the Gothic Scott Monument, and a big wheel providing views of Edinburgh’s imposing medieval castle and ancient hill – Arthur’s Seat.
Following this, wander through the winter gardens, lace up your skates on the ice or discover the New Town for additional shopping in the city renowned for hosting one of Britain’s most celebrated New Year’s Eve (Hogmanay) festivities.
Manchester Christmas market will decorate the city from 7 November to 22 December(Image: Getty Images)
York: Called St Nicholas Fair, York’s Christmas Festival has remained a seasonal tradition for more than three decades and serves as a perfect destination for present shopping. Numerous alpine chalets decorated with sparkling lights glitter across Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, where art prints and Christmas ornaments can be found.
Which? has highlighted their “great attention to detail when it comes to accessibility” with “initiatives to help those with limited mobility, and designated quiet shopping times from 10am to 12pm for those who prefer a music-free experience”. Beyond the festival, the city’s extensive heritage provides much more to explore, including the magnificent York Minster and the Shambles, a medieval street featuring half-timbered buildings, independent retailers and a market.
Belfast: Making its comeback for the 21st year, the Christ The Christmas market, located in the grounds of Belfast’s City Hall, is set to be a food lover’s paradise. With flavours from around the world and locally, including the renowned ostrich, wild boar, and crocodile burgers, as well as traditional sausages and beer, not forgetting an international selection of speciality cheeses.
With over 100 traders, there’s plenty to discover, including a funfair for the little ones. More culinary delights can be found at St George’s market, a taste of contemporary Belfast, bustling with local food producers on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Alternatively, head to Cathedral Square for a variety of bars, restaurants and galleries.