5 of the Best Christmas Markets in the UK

Looking for something fun to do with the kids next weekend? Fancy a free and festive day out? Hunting for something even more fun than a round of free no deposit bingo for your next date night with the hubby? Why not check out one of the UK’s best Christmas markets? Here are 5 of our personal favourites…

1. Manchester’s Christmas Markets

Manchester has a whole selection of festive markets going on around Christmas time. From the traditional German market in St Ann’s Square and the World Christmas market on Brazennose Street, to a winter arts and crafts wonderland on Exchange Street – there’s something for everyone around pretty much every corner. Why not visit…

• Albert Square
• Brazennose Street
• King Street
• Ann’s Square
• Exchange Street
• Market Street
• New Cathedral Street
• Exchange Square
• Cathedral Gardens

All of Manchester’s markets are open from 10am until 7.30pm. Albert Square will be open until 9pm. Here’s a handy map!

2. The Christkindelmarkt, Leeds

Charming little wooden stalls, sparkly lights, the meaty aroma of German sausage – they know how to hold a good old fashioned German Christmas market in Leeds. With bars open ’til late, an ice rink and a very convivial atmosphere in the air, the Christkindelmarkt also makes the perfect spot for an inexpensive festive date night! Open 10.30am-9.30pm, 14 November – 20 December 2014.

3. Cirencester Christmas Market

This pretty Cotsworlds town is the perfect setting for a really lovely Christmas Market. Featuring an ice rink in the picturesque grounds of the abbey, alongside cobbled streets lined with twinkling little stalls selling local crafts and delicacies – the cosy feeling is hard to beat! Attend the opening and the lights ceremony on 29^th November and visit the Christmas market on 6^th December.

4. Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market

For hundreds of years locals have attended Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market in the winter months. This gives the market, held in the cathedral grounds, a very special feel. Find handmade gifts, get stuck into tasty food and lap up the atmosphere in the market’s bars until 9pm, 20^th November-20^th December.

5. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market & Craft Fair

Welcome to the biggest authentic German market outside of Germany and Austria! This Brummie tradition is well-loved for good reason. With a village-feel in the heart of the city square, the Birmingham Christmas Market is a real showstopper! Open 10am-9pm, 13^th November-22^nd December.

Does your local town have a cracking Christmas market? Which is your favourite? Share your picks with our readers below or tweet at us all about it @TwoLittleFleas