While London is known for some of the most festive Christmas markets in the world, if you venture outside of the crowds you’ll find arguably even better markets–and they’re surprisingly easy to visit by train. Whether you want German-style stalls in Birmingham, whisky bars in Glasgow, or a palace courtyard market in Oxfordshire, rail travel makes it simple to hop between cities without the stress of driving.
With direct routes from London and quick connections across England, Scotland, and Wales, these are the best Christmas markets outside the capital worth planning a holiday trip.
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market, England
(Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market)
November 1-December 24, 2025
Train from London Euston (1.5–2 hours)
Britain’s biggest authentic German market brings the vibe of European holiday spirit to Birmingham. Expect glühwein, bratwurst, live music, and rows of handcrafted gifts. It’s one of the liveliest Christmas markets in the UK, and traveling by train drops you right into the city center.
Glasgow Christmas Market, Scotland
Glasgow Christmas Market, Scotland
(Glasgow Christmas Market)
November 1, 2025-January 5, 2026
Direct train from Edinburgh (50 minutes)
Set in George Square, Glasgow’s Christmas market blends local artisans, live entertainment, and cozy whisky bars beneath twinkling lights. The Victorian carousel adds a nostalgic touch, and its proximity to the train station makes popping over from Edinburgh especially easy.
Bristol Christmas Market, England
(Bristol Christmas Market)
November 7-December 23, 2025
Train from London Paddington (1 hour 40 minutes)
Right in Bristol’s city centre, this market mixes handmade gifts, live music, and après-ski charm. Warm up with mulled wine at the Jäger Barn Bar or settle into one of the festive ski gondolas before catching the train back home.
Harewood House Christmas Market, Leeds, England
(Harewood House Christmas Market)
November 8-11, 2025
Train to Leeds (2 hours from London) + short bus or taxi
For a market with a countryside feel, head to the sprawling Harewood estate. With 160 stalls offering Yorkshire-made goods, including gin, wool crafts, and unique gifts—plus access to the gardens and bird sanctuary, it’s a full-day festive experience that pairs beautifully with a scenic rail trip.
York Christmas Market, England
(York Christmas Market)
November 13-December 21, 2025
Direct train from London (2 hours)
York looks like a Christmas card come to life. Wooden chalets fill Parliament Street as medieval buildings glow under fairy lights. After browsing, hop aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for a steam-powered ride through Winter countryside—one of the most charming seasonal train experiences in Britain.
Cardiff Christmas Market, Wales
(Cardiff Christmas Market)
November 13-December 23, 2025
Train from Bristol (1 hour)
In the heart of Wales’s capital, this market highlights local craftsmanship, from hand-thrown pottery to Welsh cakes and regional art. Cardiff also makes a great rail hub if you want to pair city festivities with wintry landscapes in the Brecon Beacons.
Blenheim Palace Christmas Market, Oxfordshire, England
(Blenheim Palace Christmas Market)
November 14-December 21, 2025
Train from London Paddington to Oxford + bus (about 1.5 hours)
Few Christmas markets rival this setting: a grand palace courtyard lined with artisan stalls and gourmet treats. After browsing, follow the illuminated light trails across the estate or step inside the palace for an immersive themed holiday installation. It’s an easy, elegant rail-day trip from London.
Liverpool Christmas Market, England
(Liverpool Christmas Market)
November 15-December 23, 2025
Direct train from London (3 hours)
Centered around Grey’s Monument, this market features local makers, festive treats, and open fires perfect for marshmallow toasting. The giant Ferris wheel offers sweeping skyline views, and the station sits just a short walk away—ideal for a car-free weekend.
Liverpool Christmas Market, England
Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Market, England
(Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Market)
November 15-December 24, 2025
Train from London Euston (2 hours 15 minutes)
Set against the dramatic backdrop of St George’s Hall, Liverpool’s Christmas Market hums with live music, festive bars, and plenty of local food. Similar to the Newcastle Christmas Market, there’s a ferris wheel that showcases panoramic views of the city below, making this one of the most vibrant holiday markets accessible by rail.
Durham Christmas Festival, England
(Durham Christmas Festival)
November 29-December 7, 2025
Direct train from London (2 hours)
Shakespeare’s hometown turns into a festive stage each year with Tudor-style streets, costumed performers, and more than 200 stalls. The riverside setting and theatrical touches make this market feel like stepping into a holiday storybook—and it’s an easy trip from London by train.
Planning to visit more than one? Rail makes it easy.
With so many Christmas markets linked by reliable train routes, holiday travel becomes simpler and more sustainable. Passes like BritRail offer unlimited travel across England, Scotland, and Wales on a single mobile ticket, giving you flexibility to build your own festive itinerary, whether that’s York and Newcastle in one weekend or a longer trip from Cardiff to Glasgow.
It’s never too early to start planning the holiday season next year!