Which? has analysed the best Christmas markets to visit this year and Belfast was the only Northern Irish city to make the list
Nothing gets people more in the festive mood than a Christmas market. While there are plenty of markets across Europe, the UK also has plenty to offer.
Thankfully, there are a few weeks left until Christmas, and if you’re stuck for where to go, a list of the best UK markets has been revealed. Even better, one in Northern Ireland made it onto the list. Consumer publication Which? looked at the top Christmas markets in the UK for 2025.
The experts asked 4,000 readers to name their favourite UK markets with Which? announcing the top 12. Then Which? Included the number of stalls at each market, the food and drink on offer and whether the entry fee is free.
Surprisingly, London didn’t make the top eight, with the likes of Manchester and Leeds also missing out on the top spots.
Belfast Christmas Market made it onto the list for 2025. The market is held at Belfast City Hall between 15 November and 22 December 2025. Entry to the market is free, which is in its 21st year in 2025. Not only does Belfast’s Christmas market have all the traditional festive treats, such as mulled wine, as well as the classic beer and sausages, but it also has global cuisines such as ostrich, wild boar and crocodile burgers on offer. There are more than 100 stalls at this year’s event, as well as a funfair for the kids to enjoy. Let’s not forget there are local food producers on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at the market showing off their local food and drink.
The top Christmas markets to visit in 2025
Durham: A “quiet yet peaceful affair”, Durham’s Christmas market comprises approximately 30 stalls that overflow from the Market Hall onto the surrounding cobbled streets, featuring locally produced hot sauce, reimagined vintage garments, confectionery delights, and handcrafted decorations. There’s also a crafts and gifts marquee, boasting over 120 additional stalls to explore, which requires an entrance fee. You could work off those festive indulgences by ascending Durham Cathedral’s 325 steps.
Winchester: Situated on the grounds of the stunning Winchester Cathedral, the historic city’s Christmas market showcases delightful wooden chalets brimming with gift ideas, from silk scarves, wooden toys, pet portraits, and handcrafted homeware, all accompanied by the sounds of local choirs and musicians as you browse. Seasonal delicacies like artisan cheese, a traditional hog roast and handmade Scotch eggs provide an extra layer of luxury. You can also browse Winchester’s independent retailers, and a visit to the cathedral itself is essential.
Wells: You’ll need to act quickly for this one, as it occurs on a single Saturday in mid-December. But with over 100 market stalls decorating the grounds of Bishops Palace Green and Wells Market Place on Saturday 6 December, it’s certainly worth the trip. Plus, there’s loads to see and do in this charming medieval city for a weekend break, and it features a range of distinctive shops and restaurants.
Liverpool: The city’s Christmas market is positioned against the striking backdrop of an illuminated St George’s Hall, with its stalls taking the shapes of gingerbread houses and grottos. But visitors say “It’s not such a nostalgic affair: less choral music, artisan crafts and mince pies; more 80’s Christmas pop, fairground rides and down-to-earth menus – like roast ham baps and mac and cheese.” Liverpool is a sizeable and historic city, so there are loads of attractions to explore beyond the market, including the museums at Albert Dock, the Walker Art Gallery, and the city’s two cathedrals.
Edinburgh: As one of the most stunning cities in the UK, the Christmas market only enhances its charm with timber chalets flogging all the typical festive gifts and snug stocking fillers on East Princes Street. There’s also a mini-funfair featuring a helter-skelter, a swing carousel that almost touches the Gothic Scott Monument, and a big wheel offering views of Edinburgh’s imposing medieval castle and ancient hill – Arthur’s Seat.
Afterwards, wander through the winter gardens, hit the ice on skates or discover the New Town for additional shopping in the city that boasts one of the UK’s most renowned New Year’s Eve (Hogmanay) celebrations. York: Called St Nicholas Fair, York’s Christmas Festival has been a festive tradition for more than 30 years and is a perfect destination for present hunting.
Dozens of alpine chalets decorated with sparkling lights glitter in Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, where you can discover art prints and Christmas decorations. Their “great attention to detail when it comes to accessibility” has been highlighted by Which? with initiatives to helping those with limited mobility, and designated quiet shopping times from 10am to 12pm for those who prefer a music-free experience.
Beyond the festival, the city’s rich history offers plenty more to discover, including the majestic York Minster and the Shambles, a medieval lane lined with half-timbered houses, independent shops and a market.
#UKs #Christmas #markets #named #Belfast #ranked
