Christmas markets - Scotland and the north

Scotland

Christmas market in Edinburgh

A traditional German Christmas market in the heart of Edinburgh's city centre, now in its 10th year, provided by stallholders based in Frankfurt. Stalls have hand-made decorations, toys and gifts and you can try some Gluhwein and traditional German snacks, including hearty sausages, fried potato cakes, steaks and German beer.
When? 26 Nov - 24 Dec. Sun - Wed, 10am - 8pm; Thurs - Sat, 10am - 10pm; Christmas Eve 10am - 8pm
Find out more: edinburghchristmas.com

Christmas market in Glasgow

For the fifth time, the Glasgow Christmas Market will take place in the city centre, on St Enoch Square – with a typically German atmosphere, 30 stalls and a merry-go-round for the kids. Feast on 'Bratwurst', gingerbread hearts, roasted almonds and crepes. You can also buy amber and silver jewellery, hand-crafted toys and glass ornaments for your Christmas tree.
When? Nov 27 - Dec 21, Mon to Fri, 10am - 7pm; Sat 9am - 6pm Sun and Bank Holidays 11am - 5pm
Find out more: christmas-markets.org

The North

Christmas market in Leeds

This 'Christkindlmarkt' in Millennium Square is a German market with over 40 traders from Frankfurt and traditional wooden chalet stalls. Feast on traditional German food including Bratwurst, candies, Christmas cookies and roasted almonds and stock up on seasonal gifts for all the family with handcrafted toys, jewellery, Christmas cards and festive decorations. There are also funfair rides to distract the kids.
When? Nov 13-Dec 20. Open daily from 10.30am - 9pm and Sun from 10.30am - 8pm
Find out more: leeds.gov.uk

Christmas market in York

York's biggest and most popular Christmas market, St Nicholas Fayre hosts traders from across the region and the rest of the country, selling gifts as well as fresh Yorkshire produce. Open air markets stretch across the city centre's main squares and into the historic halls in the city, with the Made In Yorkshire craft market within the Guild Hall, a further craft market at St William's College and a medieval market in the rooms of Barley Hall. Parliament Street stalls will offer hand-made gifts by craftspeople from across the UK, with warming punch, hot chocolate and chestnut sellers.
When? Nov 26-29 & 22, 9am - 4pm
Find out more: visityork.org

Christmas market in Manchester

The markets in Albert Square, St Ann's Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street and Brazennose Street have traditional wooden chalets and twinkling lights. This year's attractions include a giant Christmas Pyramid with Nativity scene, on top of the German Beer Tent and a magical Alpine House which houses a giant multilingual talking reindeer!
When? Nov 18 - Dec 21, Ann's Square and Albert Square until Dec 22. Albert Square: 10am - 9pm, Brazennose Street: 10am - 7.30pm, St Ann's Square: 10am to 8pm, Exchange Street and New Cathedral Street: 10am to 7.30pm
Find out more: manchester.gov.uk

Christmas market in Newcastle

Traditional continental market with stalls from Germany, France, Belgium, Holland and Spain, packed full of unusual Christmas gifts and festive foods like marzipan stollen, Dutch cheeses, Belgian chocolates and German sausages.
When? Nov 23 - Dec 5
Find out more: newcastle.gov.uk

Christmas market in Sheffield

On Fargate in the City Centre, this market sells a large range of crafts, gifts including hand-made products like jewellery, artwork and clothing.
When? Dec 10 - 13
Find out more: Event Sheffield


Have a look at our selection of other great things to do in Scotland and the north

• Ice rinks
• Santa's grotto
• Pantos and shows