Is it even Christmas without a wander through a market filled with festive cheer, handmade treasures, and enough fairy lights to outshine Santa himself? We have uncovered the most magical Christmas markets in the UK and Europe to book now. Bring out the best of the holidays for all the family.
Cologne Christmas Market – Cologne, Germany | 18th November – 23rd December
Cologne’s Christmas Market is a festive spectacle with dazzling light displays and charming wooden stalls set against the magnificent Cologne Cathedral. This world-famous market is brimming with magical treats like mulled wine, bratwurst and waffles. Hop aboard the Christmas Market Express to take the kids to see all of the city’s beautiful markets, making it easier than ever to soak up the holiday spirit in this enchanting German city!
PHOTO CREDIT: ©Dieter Jacobi Köln Tourismus GmbH.
Winter Wonderland – London, UK | 21st November – 5th January
Winter Wonderland is back! From family-friendly shows like Zippos Christmas Circus and the UK’s largest open-air ice rink to thrilling rides like Wilde Maus XXL, there’s something for everyone. Get ready for Santaland, explore a frozen Lewis Carroll-inspired world where you’ll meet Alice, attend the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and slide down the ice slide to escape the Queen of Hearts!
PHOTO CREDIT: PWR Events, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. Copyright © 2022
The Bath Christmas Market – Bath, UK | 28th November – 15th December
Nestled within beautiful Georgian streets and beside the iconic Bath Abbey, the Bath Christmas Market features over 150 twinkling chalets with locally crafted gifts, artisan foods and unique decorations. Bath on Ice adds extra family fun with ice skating, festive music and seasonal drinks. There’s also an interactive Father Christmas experience, a charming grotto just steps from the market.
bathchristmasmarket.co.uk & fatherchristmasbath.co.uk
PHOTO CREDIT: Nick Spratling
Edinburgh Christmas Market – Edinburgh, Scotland | 15th November – 4th January
Set against the iconic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the Edinburgh Christmas Market is a Scottish winter wonderland you can’t miss. Enjoy festive stalls, ice skating and an 80-metre-high Star Flyer offering breathtaking city views while St Andrew Square dazzles with one of the UK’s largest illuminated Christmas tree trails. Don’t forget to visit Santa at St Andrew’s Square, where kids can meet the big man himself and leave with a special gift.
Brussels Winter Wonders – Brussels, Belgium | 24th November – 31st December
Only a Eurostar ride away, Brussels Winter Wonders is a magical market that stretches across the city centre. Expect a giant Ferris wheel, ice skating and wooden chalets selling artisanal gifts, delectable treats and seasonal delights. Christmas lights illuminate the Grand Place as you take in live performances, enchanting street art and the impressive 25-metre-high Christmas tree that towers over the square.
PHOTO CREDIT: Plaisirs d’Hiver
Lille Christmas Market – Lille, France | 20th November – 29th December
This festive market is a delightful blend of French delicacies and locally crafted treasures, all set within an enchanting winter village. Each year, Santa Claus returns to his chalet in the Lille Christmas Village, ready to meet children and snap souvenir photos while musical parades light up the streets.
PHOTO CREDIT: Daniel Tan – FLCAS
Düsseldorf Christmas Market | 21st November to 30th December
The Düsseldorf Christmas Market brings festive magic to the city’s historic Old Town, with over 200 stalls spread across uniquely themed areas packed with charm, tasty treats and holiday cheer. Kids will love the Märchen-Markt, where enchanting fairy tale scenes invite them to guess the stories. Don’t miss this year’s dazzling new ice sculpture! At the Handwerker-Markt near the historic town hall, you’ll find lively craft demonstrations and endless fun for the whole family.
PHOTO CREDIT: © Düsseldorf Tourismus GmbH
