{"id":568837,"date":"2025-11-14T01:47:24","date_gmt":"2025-11-14T01:47:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/568837\/"},"modified":"2025-11-14T01:47:24","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T01:47:24","slug":"uks-best-christmas-market-named-and-its-less-than-an-hour-from-wales","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/568837\/","title":{"rendered":"UK’s best Christmas market named \u2014 and it’s less than an hour from Wales"},"content":{"rendered":"

The UK’s best Christmas market has been named – and it’s just a short trip from Wales. The iconic festive fair is a must-visit for anyone in the South West<\/p>\n

Milo Boyd<\/strong> Digital Travel Editor and Commercial Content Lead<\/p>\n

01:17, 14 Nov 2025<\/p>\n

\"PeopleThe Christmas market is free for anyone to enter (Image: Orietta Gaspari via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The festive season is quickly approaching, and what better way to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit than by visiting a Christmas <\/a>market?<\/p>\n

There are numerous fantastic festive fairs across the UK, including plenty across Wales. The Cardiff <\/a>Christmas<\/a> Market, the Swansea<\/a> Victorian Christmas Fayre on Oxford Street, and events at local estates like the Llanerchaeron Christmas Fair, to name but a few.<\/p>\n

For Welsh people looking to enjoy the crisp winter air and the scent of roasting chestnuts at one of the UK’s top markets, a trip out of the country is in order. Which?<\/a> has compiled a list of the best Christmas markets in the country, and – sadly – none of the Welsh offerings made the grade.<\/p>\n

The closest of the top eight for most people in Wales is the Bath Christmas Market, which runs from 27 November to 14 December and spans Bath Street, Milsom Street and Abbey Quarter. It’s free for everyone to enter and promises a memorable experience.<\/p>\n

Set in the picturesque surroundings of Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths, twinkling chalets offer a variety of artisan gifts, handmade crafts, and festive treats. The atmosphere is enchanting with carol singers, the aroma of mulled wine, and fairy lights reflecting off the Georgian stone. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Bath Christmas Market, promising an extra dose of festive cheer.<\/p>\n

\"PeopleWhich? has released its list of top Christmas markets(Image: Flavio Vallenari via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The majority of stallholders are local to the South West, offering a wide range of goods \u2013 from garden sculptures to handmade wooden furniture, Bristolian knitwear to indie fragrances, and even gifts for pets. Nearby, Royal Victoria Park hosts an ice rink. For those who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground, a walk along the city’s renowned Royal Crescent is suggested.<\/p>\n

The trip from Cardiff<\/a> to Bath takes just over an hour by either train or on the road.<\/p>\n

For those in the north of the country, heading to Chester will be much quicker. The city’s market is also rated by Which? readers among the very best. This year, the city has expanded with 80 stalls scattered around Chester’s Victorian Gothic town hall and medieval cathedral, selling handcrafted candles, upcycled cutlery, artisan liqueurs and more. Additional independent traders can be discovered in the double-deck shopping arcades \u2013 known as the Rows \u2013 which date back to the 13th century and represent the city’s most distinctive feature.<\/p>\n

\"CityThe Bath market sits in the shadow of the cathedral(Image: Copyright Nicholas Olesen via Getty Images)The other Christmas markets on the Which? list<\/p>\n

Durham:<\/strong> A “quiet yet peaceful affair”, Durham\u2019s Christmas market is made up of around 30 stalls that spill out of the Market Hall and into the surrounding flagstone streets, with locally made hot sauce, reworked vintage clothing, sweet treats, and handmade decorations. There’s also a crafts and gifts marquee, with over 120 more stalls to browse, which you have to pay to enter. You could walk off those festive treats by climbing Durham Cathedral\u2019s 325 steps.Winchester: <\/strong>Set on the grounds of the breathtaking Winchester Cathedral, the ancient city\u2019s Christmas market features charming wooden chalets filled with gift inspiration, from silk scarves, wooden toys, pet portraits, and handmade homeware, all to the sound of local choirs and musicians as you shop. Seasonal goodies like artisan cheese, a classic hog roast and handmade scotch eggs add an extra touch of indulgence. You can also shop in Winchester\u2019s independent shops, and a visit to the cathedral itself is a must.Wells: <\/strong>You’ll need to be swift for this one, as it takes place on a single Saturday in mid-December. But with over 100 market stalls adorning the grounds of Bishops Palace Green and Wells Market Place on Saturday 6 December, it\u2019s well worth a visit. Plus, there\u2019s plenty to see and do in this quaint medieval city for a weekend getaway, and it boasts a variety of unique shops and eateries.Liverpool:<\/strong> The city\u2019s Christmas market is set against the dramatic backdrop of a fairy-lit St George’s Hall, with its stalls taking the shapes of gingerbread houses and grottos. But visitors say “It\u2019s not such a nostalgic affair: less choral music, artisan crafts and mince pies; more 80\u2019s Christmas pop, fairground rides and down-to-earth menus \u2013 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, the Walker Art Gallery, and the city’s two cathedrals.Edinburgh: <\/strong>As one of the most beautiful cities in the UK, the Christmas market only adds to its allure with wooden chalets selling all the usual Yuletide gifts and cosy stocking fillers on East Princes Street. There is also a min-funfair with a helter-skelter, a swing carousel that nearly grazes the Gothic Scott Monument, and a big wheel that offers a view of Edinburgh’s hulking medieval castle and ancient hill – Arthur’s Seat. Afterwards, stroll around the winter gardens, take to the ice on skates or explore the New Town for more shopping in the city that has one of the UK’s most famous New Year\u2019s Eve (Hogmanay) celebrations.York: <\/strong>Known as St Nicholas Fair, York’s Christmas Festival has been a festive staple for over 30 years and is an ideal spot for gift hunting. Dozens of alpine chalets adorned with twinkling lights sparkle in Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, where you can find art prints and Christmas decorations. Their \u201cgreat attention to detail when it comes to accessibility\u201d has been noted by Which? with \u201cinitiatives to help those with limited mobility, and designated quiet shopping times from 10am to 12pm for those who prefer a music-free experience\u201d. Beyond the festival, the city\u2019s rich history offers plenty more to discover, including the majestic York Minster and the Shambles, a medieval lane lined with half-timbered houses, independent shops and a market.Belfast:<\/strong> Returning for its 21st year, the Christmas market can be found in the grounds of Belfast\u2019s City Hall, and it’s set to be a hit with foodies. Flavours from across the globe and region will be on offer, featuring the famed ostrich, wild boar, and crocodile burgers, as well as classic sausages and beer, alongside an international selection of speciality cheeses. With over 100 traders, there\u2019s plenty to explore, with a funfair for kids. Further food awaits at St George\u2019s market for a taste of modern Belfast, which is bustling with local food producers on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, or head to Cathedral Square for bars, restaurants and galleries.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The UK’s best Christmas market has been named – and it’s just a short trip from Wales. 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