Country Living - 10 best UK Christmas markets in 2020

Posted on 4 November, 2020

Photo by Ross Sneddon on Unsplash

Some of them may look a little different this year

The best Christmas markets in the UK for 2020 may well be affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic this year but, at the moment, not all of them will be cancelled. While some towns and cities have decided not to hold a Christmas market in 2020, like Bath, many are still planning to go ahead with social distancing measures in place.

The below information is subject to change between now and the event dates so please do check on the event website before you travel.

Take a look at the top 10 Christmas markets to visit this year...

1. GLASGOW CHRISTMAS MARKET

7th November to 23rd December 2020

Stock up on stocking fillers at Glasgow's popular Christmas market, where you will discover beautiful gifts for the whole family. With extended festive opening hours, many stores are open until 8pm or later, making time to search for the perfect gift.

For more information, please visit: https://www.countryliving.com/uk/out-and-about/country-living-fairs/a171/ten-of-the-best-christmas-markets/

2. BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET

Main market cancelled and replaced with alternative events

Sadly, due to the spread of COVID-19, Bath Christmas market has been cancelled for 2020. Instead of the large festival, there are ongoing plans for scaled-back Christmas events which people can be pre-booked in advance.

Keeping the spirit of Christmas alive, the revised programme will include music and entertainment, street stalls and artisan food — all with strict social distancing measures in place.

Kathryn Davis, Chief Executive of Visit Bath, told Somerset Live: "It is disappointing that we cannot hold the Christmas Market this year, but I hope everyone will understand the reason for this decision and the early notice we are giving."

For more information, please visit: https://www.countryliving.com/uk/out-and-about/country-living-fairs/a171/ten-of-the-best-christmas-markets/

3. WINCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKET

Thursday 19th November to Tuesday 22nd December 2020

Winchester's popular Christmas market will run from Thursday 19th November to Tuesday 22nd December this year. Recognised as one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe thanks to its beautiful location and bustling atmosphere, expect wonderful gifts, tasty tipples, festive food and chalets with all you need to fill the stockings.

For more information, please visit: https://www.countryliving.com/uk/out-and-about/country-living-fairs/a171/ten-of-the-best-christmas-markets/

4. EDINBURGH CHRISTMAS MARKET

16th November to 4th January 2020 with some exceptions

Edinburgh's European Market has been running for 20 years and this year will be held in East Princes Street Gardens, offering traditional toys and gifts. Expect social distancing guidelines in place at this year's event.

For more information, please visit: https://www.countryliving.com/uk/out-and-about/country-living-fairs/a171/ten-of-the-best-christmas-markets/

5. YORK CHRISTMAS MARKET

Dates TBC

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the dates for York's Christmas market are still to be confirmed. The organisers add: "We are going ahead with planning for St Nicholas' Fair this year, and our top priority is to ensure the event is safe and delivered in line with Government guidance - providing lockdown restrictions are lifted. We will continue to update this page with the latest information, as it becomes available."

For more information, please visit: https://www.countryliving.com/uk/out-and-about/country-living-fairs/a171/ten-of-the-best-christmas-markets/

7. CIRENCESTER CHRISTMAS MARKET

Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th December 2020

Rows of wooden chalets festooned with twinkling fairy lights will be selling food, drinks, decorations and gifts in this beautiful Cotswold town, on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th December 2020.

For more information, please visit: https://www.countryliving.com/uk/out-and-about/country-living-fairs/a171/ten-of-the-best-christmas-markets/

8. SOUTHBANK CENTRE CHRISTMAS MARKET, LONDON

Thursday 5th November to Sunday 27th December 2020

Illuminated not only by the craft and foodie market stalls, but by the London Eye and the city skyline, the Southbank Christmas festival is one of the best ways to enjoy the capital's festivities. Southbank has not yet confirmed whether the event will still go ahead, so keep an eye open on the website for up-to-date information.

For more information, please visit: https://www.countryliving.com/uk/out-and-about/country-living-fairs/a171/ten-of-the-best-christmas-markets/

9. MANCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKET

Dates TBC

With more than 300 beautifully festooned stalls and chalets spread across the city centre, Manchester Christmas Market tempts you with gifts, crafts, jewellery, clothes and toys. Dates and times will be confirmed later this year, but the event is still expected to run as normal.

For more information, please visit: https://www.countryliving.com/uk/out-and-about/country-living-fairs/a171/ten-of-the-best-christmas-markets/

10. NOTTINGHAM CHRISTMAS MARKET

Info TBC

The largest event in the East Midlands, Nottingham's popular Christmas market is yet to release their plans for a 2020 event.

For more information, please visit: https://www.countryliving.com/uk/out-and-about/country-living-fairs/a171/ten-of-the-best-christmas-markets/

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