Experts say some overlooked markets offer a great festive experience as overcrowding at popular events becomes a growing concern.
16:21, 08 Dec 2025Updated 16:27, 08 Dec 2025
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One Scots city’s Christmas market has been hailed as an underrated gem(Image: Daily Record)
A Scottish city has been praised for having one of the most underrated Christmas markets in the United Kingdom, as growing crowds drive festive shoppers to look beyond the most popular destinations.
Kate Watts, from holiday accommodation specialists Away Resorts, has highlighted several Christmas markets that deliver an impressive festive experience despite attracting fewer visitors. Among those singled out, Glasgow has been recognised as a standout destination.
Searches for Christmas markets across the UK have risen sharply in recent years, increasing by 27 percent since 2021. Between November 2024 and January 2025 alone, there were 7.4 million searches, with demand expected to grow further following the opening of most markets over the last week.
That surge has raised concerns about overcrowding at major destinations, with some cities even cancelling events due to pressure on public spaces. In 2023, the popular Lincoln Christmas Market in England was scrapped entirely for this reason. In response, experts are drawing attention to lesser known festive spots that offer the same traditional charm without intense crowds.
Glasgow Christmas Markets
Glasgow’s festive celebrations are shared between two central locations, each offering a different seasonal experience. St Enoch Square hosts a cosy winter setting filled with stalls, warming drinks and festive treats, attracting those looking for a relaxed Christmas atmosphere in the city centre.
St Enoch Square offers a smaller winter setting of stalls, festive food and warm drinks for a more relaxed Christmas atmosphere.(Image: Alexander Smail)
A short distance away, Glasgow Green delivers a more expansive celebration. Visitors can find an ice rink, handcrafted gifts, food vendors and busy fairground rides, making it a lively option for families.
Together, the two sites have earned the city its place among the UK’s most undervalued festive markets, appealing to both day trippers and Christmas shoppers without overwhelming crowds.
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
Also featured on the list is Winchester, where a market runs until December 22 against the backdrop of Winchester Cathedral. Wooden chalets, artisan crafts, mulled wine and seasonal entertainment form one of the country’s most traditional festive scenes, attracting families, visitors and gift hunters.
Liverpool Christmas Market
In Liverpool, St George’s Plateau is home to a wide selection of handcrafted gifts and festive food until December 24.
A ferris wheel, children’s attractions and live music add to the busy atmosphere as the city centre hosts one of its most popular winter events.
Southampton Christmas Market
Southampton’s offering remains open until January 4 and takes over Above Bar Street and Guildhall Square with German style food, handmade gifts and hot festive drinks.
There are large rides, light displays and entertainment, making it a bold and bustling spot for shoppers across the holiday period.
Cardiff Christmas Market
In Cardiff, the market runs through to December 23 and transforms multiple streets around the city centre, including St John Street and Working Street.
Visitors can browse original work from local makers, including jewellery, glass art and ceramics, alongside festive food stalls and seasonal drinks.