The best Christmas markets in the UK 2026

York Christmas Market, Yorkshire
12th November- 21st December 2026

Known for being one of the most popular Christmas Markets in Yorkshire, wrap up warm and visit York city with its large but wholesome Christmas Fayre. Foodies will be happy with an array of delicious street food to sample, and with the quaint cobbled streets of this historic city lined with 75 alpine chalets, you’ll be able to pick up quality handcrafted gifts for your loved ones. With over 80% of the stalls being local craftspeople from across Yorkshire, the atmosphere celebrates the county's creatives, surrounded by the magic of festive cheer. 

Where to stay: Albie’s Freight Train | Overlooking Yorkshire's rolling landscape, this cleverly converted railway carriage offers the perfect base for a romantic weekend away. 

Mapperton Christmas Market, Dorset 
28th November to 29th November 2026

In the heart of the Dorset countryside, Mapperton Christmas Market is hosted at one of the UK’s most exquisite manor houses. Here, you will find a curated selection of locally sourced gifts, including natural soaps, luxury leather goods, handmade jewellery, artisan skincare, Dorset-poured candles, and botanical liqueurs. Also included are Santa’s grotto, live music and the opportunity to explore the surrounding gardens. 

Where to stay: La Cabine Francaise | Set amidst the Dorset countryside, this cute shepherd’s hut offers a charming escape with a French twist. 

Hay-on-Wye Christmas Markets, Powys 
November and December 2026

Famed for its literary heritage, Hay-on-Wye in Powys is also a wonderful destination for festive cheer. The town’s weekly market, a tradition for nearly 800 years, takes place every Thursday, offering a variety of local produce, artisan gifts, vintage finds, and more. 

From the 28th to the 29th of November, the market extends into the weekend to coincide with the Hay Festival Winter Weekend, featuring additional markets at Hay Castle, the Cheese Market, Buttermarket Halls, the Mad Hatter’s Craft Market, and the Fairtrade Hay Winter Fair.

On the 12th of December, the festive Christmas Fayre adds even more magic, with over sixty traders joining Hay’s bespoke independent shops. Visitors can enjoy unique gifts, delicious food and drink, carol singing, mulled wine, twinkling lights, and a children’s Christmas trail.

Where to stay: Mrs Higgs | Nestled within the depths of an ancient woodland, this historic stone house offers both comfort and charm. 

Truro Christmas Market, Cornwall
21st November to 24th December 2026  

Bringing 33 days of festive cheer to Cornwall, Truro Christmas Market is a hidden gem in the UK’s most southerly county. With over fifty artisan traders showcasing their creations from charming wooden cabins, the market transforms Cornwall’s capital into a magical festive hub.

Visitors can browse handcrafted gifts, local crafts, and seasonal treats, each lovingly made by talented regional artisans. However, if you’ve already got your Christmas shopping covered, it’s still worth a visit for the sparkling lights, mouthwatering food stalls, and festive music. Tie it in with a trip to Cornwall’s stunning coastline, where you can enjoy long beach walks and impressive winter wave watching. 

Where to stay: Skylark | This tiny house boasts mesmerising sea views, silent surroundings, and upcycled interiors for the perfect nature-filled escape.

Pembroke Castle Christmas Market, South Wales  
27th November to 29th November 2026

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Pembroke Castle, Pembroke Castle Christmas Market has been delighting visitors for twelve years. Nestled within the castle’s sheltered walls, it brings together eighty local traders selling a variety of gifts, toys, clothing, jewellery, and local produce – perfect for last-minute present ideas. The festive atmosphere is elevated by carol singers, live music, a magical Santa’s grotto, and as night falls, the castle’s walls are illuminated. For a perfect winter escape, pair your visit with a coastal walk along Pembrokeshire’s stunning shoreline to combine festive cheer with the beauty of the great outdoors.

Where to stay: Y Berllan Hideaway | This hidden woodland cabin offers a cosy retreat to some of Pembrokeshire’s most spectacular coastline. 

Ambleside Christmas Lights, Cumbria 
21st November 2026 

Ambleside has to be one of the best places to visit in the Lake District, with its alpine town feel and mountain views. Home to hearty pubs, Michelin-star restaurants and a plethora of hiking shops for outdoor lovers, this quaint town becomes even more magical during the warm glow of the festive season. On the 21st of November, the streets come to life as the annual Christmas light switch-on commences. This family-friendly event promises a day of Santa cruises across Windermeer, lantern parades, market stalls, carols, festive food and drink, as well as an ambience you’ll wish to bottle up and take home with you. 

Where to stay: Tawny Owl Treehouse | This handcrafted treehouse offers a unique stay in nature, with an outdoor bathtub and shower.

North Devon Christmas Market, Devon
5th December 2026

One of the county’s largest Christmas markets, the North Devon Christmas Market is set in the picture-perfect village of Braunton, yet remains a delightful surprise for many. Despite its impressive size, this festive market still manages to fly under the radar.

Boasting over 130 traders, it offers a fantastic variety of products, from handmade jewellery and sweet treats to Somerset cider, bespoke clothing, and top-tier crafts from the West Country. For food lovers, there’s a huge selection of global cuisines, including traditional hog roasts, fragrant curries, and tempting churros. 

The market also features live entertainment, with choirs, dance performances, and fairground rides adding to the festive atmosphere.

Where to stay: Wild Pear Shepherd's Hut | A welcoming bolthole overlooking the North Devon coast with cosy interiors and a wood burner. 

Wells Christmas Market, Somerset 
12th-13th December 2026 

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Bishop’s Palace Green, Wells Christmas Market offers a magical festive experience in England’s smallest city. This weekend event is a seasonal highlight, featuring over a hundred stalls brimming with local food, drink, and unique gifts, perfect for completing your Christmas shopping.

As you wander through the market, enjoy the aromas of mulled apple juice and other seasonal treats whilst soaking up the sounds of live music and carol singers. Stalls showcase everything from artisan crafts and handmade decorations to delicious local produce. Afterwards, explore Wells’ famous cathedral and medieval streets to make the most of your visit. 

Where to stay: The Crook | Perfectly situated in a peaceful paradise, this gorgeous hut is full of little luxuries in the heart of Somerset.

Cirencester Christmas Markets, Gloucestershire 
November and December 2026

With multiple festive markets running throughout late November and December, the historic Cotswold town centre of Cirencester comes to life during the festive season. The Advent Market and light switch-on runs 28th-29th of November, with the lights illuminating the town for the first time on Saturday evening. The festivities continue into December with the Christmas market taking place again on the 5th-6th of December. With over 40 traditional market stalls to explore, as well as live music, a festive bar and delicious street food to sample, a weekend wandering the historic streets of this gorgeous Gloucestershire market town will certainly spark festive excitement.

Where to stay: Ruska | A luxurious lakeside cabin with a heavenly alfresco bathtub to sink into after a day of Christmas shopping.  

Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market, Devon 
13th November to 13th December 2026

Though it continues to grow each year, Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market retains its friendly local charm. With over a hundred festive chalets offering local gifts, produce, bars, and global street food, the market is set against the stunning backdrop of Exeter Cathedral, making it a Christmas experience to remember. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Exeter Cathedral itself, with its Entry By Donation offer, where you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking architecture and uncover a thousand years of history and splendour.

Where to stay: Shepherd’s Sky Super Hut | Nestled in Devon’s blissful countryside, this family-sized shepherd’s hut is the perfect base for a festive weekend away.

Embrace the season’s festivities and explore our full collection of dreamy hideaways for your next winter getaway.