The guide to the best Christmas markets in the UK with pubs nearby
Nothing gets us in the festive spirit quite like a Christmas market! And, luckily for us, there are some fantastically festive UK Christmas markets taking place from November until December (and sometimes all the way to January!). From the wooden huts to the massive Christmas trees and the smell of cinnamon in the air to the sea of hats and scarves in the crowd, there’s nowhere that feels quite as cosy and inviting as a Christmas market in the UK. Plus, we’ve always got a pub nearby to the most iconic Christmas markets in the country. When even the biggest mug of hot chocolate isn’t warming up your mittens, we’re just down the road with heating, food and drinks to defrost your icy ears. Read on to find out more about the UK’s best Christmas markets and which pubs you should stop into when you visit!
Why you should visit a Christmas market this year
Really, if you’re looking to get in the Christmas spirit this festive season, there’s no better place to do it than at one of the UK’s best traditional Christmas markets. Whether you make a whole day of it or you pop round for a wander while you’re Christmas shopping, there’s so much to see, taste and do! With food stalls serving classic German frankfurters, deliciously chocolatey crepes and more, there’s plenty to tuck into. And, when you get thirsty, you’ll never be too far from a stall serving warm mulled wine or delicious hot chocolate. For beer lovers, the Christmas markets are where you’ll find up to a litre of beer, served in a Homer Simpson-style tankard, alongside a few new flavours you probably haven’t yet tried. Plus, if you’re looking for unique and often handmade Christmas presents, the stalls are full of fun and exciting festive and unique gifts, from scented soaps, to clothes and festive decorations. Much more exciting than a trip to a department store!
How to spend the perfect day at the Christmas markets
- Wake up and head straight to the markets. Grab yourself a coffee first thing – and if you’re not driving, why not add a shot of Bailey’s?
- Wander around the stalls and start eyeing up the ones you’re interested in. Don’t buy anything until you’ve seen them all!
- Head to the pub for lunch. By this point, you’ll be feeling pretty hungry, so pop into your nearest Greene King pub to warm up and fill up.
- Take another wander around the stalls and start to make your purchases! Now you know where all the best festive treats are, it’s time to lock in your buys.
- Grab a bite to eat and another drink. We’d recommend a toasty mug of mulled wine and a portion of mini pancakes.
- And finally, head back to the pub to warm up, grab some dinner and bask in the festivities!
The best Christmas markets in the UK
Right, here’s the best bit! Here’s our list of the BEST Christmas markets you can visit in the UK.
Manchester Christmas markets
Manchester Christmas markets are actually multiple Christmas markets dotted across the city. That makes it the perfect time to get some sightseeing in while you soak up the cosy vibes! With over 200 festive Christmas market stalls, the markets will be spread across ten iconic locations in Manchester, including Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens. Opening on the 6th of November it's sure to bring festive cheer to Manchester until the big day. While you’re visiting Manchester Christmas markets, make sure to stop in at the Shakespeare. Located in central Manchester and boasting an impressive timber-framed exterior, the Shakespeare is a perfect place to grab a warm meal, a glass of your favourite and feel those truly British Christmastime feelings.
Nottingham Christmas markets
Nottingham's 'Winter Wonderland' Christmas markets are certainly at the top of our Christmas list this year! Held in Old Market Square, the celebrations will run from 11th November to 24th December and will include a 60-foot-tall Christmas tree, an ice rink, and ice bar and plenty of festive stalls selling handmade gifts. Not the biggest Christmas market in the UK, but definitely one well worth a visit. Plus, the Bell Inn is just around the corner! The Bell Inn is a 15th-century, Grade II listed pub that will have you feeling like you just stepped into a Christmas movie from your childhood. Nip in to warm up and catch some live sport action while you take a break from the cold.
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
It wouldn’t be a list of the best Christmas markets in the UK without mentioning Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas market! Birmingham kicks off the celebrations nice and early on the 5th of November, with the wooden huts, teeming with festive treats, taking over New Street and Victoria Square. If you’re going to visit any Christmas markets in the UK, Birmingham is a must-do. It’s known for being the largest and most authentic German Christmas market in the country, and trust us, it’s worth every step! Plus, just a stone’s throw from the markets lies the Malt House . Our beautiful Greene King pub that stands proudly canal side with nooks, crannies and even a balcony for every occasion. Pop in, defrost your fingers and tuck into a wide range of hearty pub classics after a long day of fun at the Christmas markets.
Sheffield Christmas markets
With Alpine-themed stalls, a big wheel and a plethora of Christmas lights, Sheffield's Christmas markets are everything you’d expect at Christmas time. The city centre is stacked with stalls manned by local traders, giving you the chance to discover some new small businesses as you mooch your way through the market. With over 50 stalls selling festive goodies such as handmade ornaments and seasonal treats, its the perfect place to pick up some Christmas gifts. While you’re there, pop into the Frog & Parrot , our Greene King pub in Sheffield city centre with a long musical heritage. With walls covered in music memorabilia, a reputation for once being the Arctic Monkeys’ local and, most importantly, heating for your chilly bones, music lovers and cold patrons will feel right at home at the Frog & Parrot.
Find a pub near a Christmas market
If you’re not visiting Manchester, Nottingham, Birmingham or Sheffield this Christmas, take a look at our handy pub finder to find a Greene King pub near your local Christmas market. There’s always a warm meal, a cold pint and a friendly face behind the bar waiting to welcome you this Christmas.