What’s the best way to get into the festive mood? Christmas markets, with mulled wine, marshmallow toasting, festive food and Christmas gifts.
Liverpool is home to some of the most iconic Christmas markets such as Liverpool Christmas Market and Christmas at Liverpool One.
Nearby is Manchester’s Christmas market such as Winter at Piccadilly Gardens and more. There’s a vast selection to choose from.
So, let’s get the mulled wine in hand and a bratwurst in the other and start Christmas shopping with our hand-picked Christmas markets below.
The Liverpool Christmas Market
Between the 16th and 24th of November is Liverpool’s most popular Christmas market located just outside St George’s Hall. The market has various stalls selling festive foods, drinks, gifts, crafts and more.
There is also live entertainment, rides and a big Ferris wheel. You can get to the market easily by train, bus or car. It is just a six-minute walk from the central station.
Find out more about Liverpool Christmas Market here.
Christmas At Liverpool One
One of the best things to do in December is pay a visit to Liverpool One. There are beautiful festive light installations, Christmas shopping and the Bar Hütte at Chavasse Park for a drink.
There are numerous Christmas stalls and events open through December at Liverpool One with a huge variety of entertainment options.
Find out more here.
Chester Christmas Market
Just a 45-minute drive away is Chester Christmas Market running from the 15th of November to the 22nd of December. Around 70 traders will be in their charming Christmas stalls around the town hall with the iconic Christmas tree in the middle.
Indulge in festive food, locally produced crafts, and stocking fillers.
Learn more about this Christmas Market here.
Manchester Christmas Markets
Manchester Christmas Markets are iconic, people travel from all over the world to see them and they are in multiple locations all over Manchester; King Street West, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, Corn Exchange, Cathedral Gardens, Market Street, and Piccadilly Gardens.
Two hundred Christmas stalls will be spread over these locations with seasonal treats, mulled wine, handmade gifts, crafts and entertainment. They run from the 8th of November to the 22nd of December.
Find out more details here.
Leeds Christmas Markets
From the 22nd of November to the 22nd of December are Leeds Christmas Markets in two locations; The City Square and Millennium Square.
There will be a variety of festival stalls selling unique gifts, crafts, and treats. You will also find tipi bars, funfair rides, Santa’s grotto and Christmas shows.
In Leeds, you will also find pop-up Christmas markets with various dates such as the Corn Exchange, Harewood House, Kirkgate, Artsmix market, Krampus Market, Mahogany Market and more.
See more details here.
York Christmas Market
York is a little further from Liverpool but has one of the most charming historical Christmas markets in the North West.
It runs from the 14th of November to the 22nd of December and has 75 Alpine chalets with an array of local crafts, artisan products and festive treats and drinks.
It’s a great chance to consume local Yorkshire goods and they have a vintage carousel on Kings Square to add to the festive atmosphere.
See more about York Christmas Market here.
Christmas By The Sea Blackpool
Blackpool’s Tower Festival Headland turns into a winter wonderland at Christmas, with a festive village, outdoor skating rink, fairground, illuminations and more. It’s the best Christmas Market if you want entertainment mixed with shopping.
It takes place from the 15th of November to the 5th of January. All the details are here.
Lake District Christmas Markets
A little further afar is the Lake District Christmas Markets. These markets are set in the quaint picturesque villages of the Lake District where you can shop for local goods and take in the scenery.
Some favourites are the Hawkshead Christmas Fair, Taste Cumbria Market and Rydal Mount Christmas Fayre. You could combine this with a perfect Winter getaway at any of these Christmassy hotels. (link to the first article)