13 of the best Christmas markets in the UK (and they’re dog-friendly!)
Dog-friendly Christmas breaks
Our pick of the top Christmas markets to get you in the festive spirit, without leaving the country. Nothing says festive like a Christmas market. But you don’t have to leave Blighty, or your pup behind to get your Christmas kicks. There are plenty of dog-friendly Christmas markets right here in the UK, where you’ll be transported to Europe via wafts of mulled wine, tastes of bratwurst and visions of twinkling fairy lights.
Birmingham
1 November to 24 December 2024
We couldn’t put together a UK Christmas market list without giving a nod to Birmingham. The city’s got the biggest German market outside of Germany and Austria, after all. It’s a joint effort between Birmingham and Frankfurt, which means it’s as authentic as they come. Grab a bratwurst or pretzel and wash it down with German beer or glühwein (that’s mulled wine, to us Brits!). Plus, you’ll be kept entertained by Chris Moose - the Christmas moose - who sings to visitors from above one of the bars, or the singing bells that play Christmas tunes throughout the day.
Cardiff
14 November to 23 December 2024
The 70-odd stalls rotate weekly at Cardiff’s Christmas market, which means you can swing by and expect a different handcrafted delight each time. The whole market’s designed to showcase local craftspeople and artists, so there are some really unique gifts to snap up. Speaking of snapping up, make sure to swing by Dougies Dog Treats for handmade dog chews and biscuits. There are vendors offering bespoke pet portraits, coasters and cards, and collections for Greyhound Rescue Wales, too.
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
15 November 2025 to 1 January 2025
The Duke of Marlborough opens his extravagant home to the Christmas market masses once again this year. It’s not a free affair, you’ll need a ticket for the palace and trail. But it’s worth it for the scenic surroundings. Plus, your ticket grants you access to the illuminated light trail - one of the best in the UK, may I add - complete with tunnels, spheres and magical installations. At the Christmas market stalls, you can try local cheese and craft vodka. Or warm up inside the palace and be transported to a fairytale land with the Peter Pan-inspired decorations.
York
14 November to 22 December 2024
York’s Christmas market is a pretty one, just like the city itself. It keeps it classy with a vintage carousel in King’s Square and trendy street food trucks. You can pick up all sorts of local treats - from Yorkshire gin and fudge to handmade gloves and coasters made out of vinyl records. After shopping, you can head over to THOR’S tipi for a hot drink, surrounded by log fires. Just make sure to stroll past York Minster en route to check out the festive lights.
Bath
28 November to 15 December 2024
Bath’s Christmas market has more than 170 stalls, making it one of the UK’s biggest. They fill the streets around the Roman baths and Bath Abbey, so you can combine Christmas market shopping with a spot of sightseeing. Lots of the products - from food to homeware - hail from Bath and the south west, so you know you’re shopping local. You’re bound to find some one-of-a-kind bits, like metal ornaments and wooden puzzles. Street entertainment comes in the form of brass bands and local choirs, too.
Holkham Hall, Norfolk
13-15 December 2024
Short but sweet, this Christmas market’s set up in the grounds of a beautiful country estate. There are over 60 stalls, selling the best that Norfolk has to offer. You can buy food and drink, like artisan gin, handmade pies and free-range venison from the Holkham Estate, or the likes of leather bags, handmade candles and silver jewellery. Plus, street food trucks provide the fuel-ups. Dogs are welcome outside, but not inside. If you have time, and the weather’s on your side, it’s worth heading down to nearby Holkham Beach - a huge dog-friendly stretch of sand.
Edinburgh
18 November 2024 to 5 January 2025 - dates still TBC
Come Christmastime, markets are scattered all over Edinburgh city centre. And every single one is dog friendly. The only exception is the ice rink - we get it, pups on ice perhaps isn’t a great idea. There’s still plenty to keep everyone entertained, though. The traditional market at East Princes Street Gardens has over 70 stalls and Scotland’s biggest ferris wheel. West Princes Street Gardens is the family-friendly one with a load of fairground rides, while St Andrew Square is being transformed into a Christmas tree maze. Don’t forget to check out Edinburgh Castle, too - its walls are illuminated with festive displays.
Winter Wonderland, London
21 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
Winter Wonderland is taking over Hyde Park for the 19th year. Each year, it’s added even more exciting attractions to its offering - from roller coasters and an ice kingdom to a comedy club and Teletubbies show. You can still expect the usual wooden stalls, but it’s the entertainment that draws most visitors. You can sign up for an ice sculpting workshop, sip cocktails in the ice bar, or admire the views from the Giant Wheel. But bear in mind that it’s one of the busiest markets around, so it’s best to avoid weekends and peak holiday periods if you’re bringing your dog.
Winchester
22 November to 22 December 2024
The chalets are set up near the illuminated cathedral in Winchester. But it’s not just pretty to look at, there’s a lot to see and do here, too. There’s a stage with performances and a nativity scene for little ones, as well as a British Crafts Village. Some of the local goodies include handmade soaps, oak chopping boards and handblown Victorian baubles and tree decs. And make sure to listen out for the festive sounds of the cathedral’s choir - their services run throughout December.
Manchester
8 November to 22 December 2024
Manchester’s city centre comes alive at Christmas, with markets popping up all over - from King Street and St Ann’s Square to the Corn Exchange and Piccadilly Gardens. In total, you’re looking at some 300 stalls to choose from. Plus, your senses are in for a festive treat, thanks to a Christmas parade and an ice rink in Cathedral Gardens. There’s a Christmas lights trail to follow, too, with walk-through baubles and the man in red himself, Santa Claus.
Liverpool
18 November to 24 December 2024
Liverpool’s Christmas market has St George’s Hall as a striking festive backdrop. But it’s the bars that steal the spotlight here. There are loads of fabulously themed ones, from a tipi bar and windmill watering hole to a Bavarian bar and ski-themed drinking spot. You can even hire out ‘ski lifts’ for a private karaoke session. What’s more, there’s a Santa’s Village for younger - or older, depending on your mindset! - visitors, with a snow slide and big wheel. As well as the souvenir and food stalls, you can look forward to live performances, including carols.
Bristol
1 November to 23 December 2024
Bristol’s market is on the smaller side, but that makes it perfect for a doggy day out. Four-legged friends are welcome everywhere, even in the heated igloos and ski gondolas that are up for hire. Food-wise, you can keep it traditional with a bratwurst, or treat yourself to something wintry and oh-so-British, like a Yorkshire pudding wrap. Then warm up with a hot cider or wine at the Jäger Barn bar. There’s a whole programme of entertainment on the cards, as well - from elves on stilts and bubble blowers to balloon artists and choirs.
Exeter
15 November to 15 December 2024
Devon’s biggest Christmas market is definitely worth a trip if you’re planning a festive break by the sea. There are over 100 chalets to wander between, selling everything from small-batch chutney and jams to homeware and hog roasts. Carols come courtesy of the Exeter Cathedral Choir. And you can even step inside the cathedral itself, you’ll just need to give a donation. Dogs aren’t allowed inside, but they’re welcome at the market.
Fancy a festive getaway with your furry friend in tow? Take a look at our dog-friendly Christmas breaks for more inspiration.
Meet the author
Annabel JacksonAnnabel loves exploring new parts of the UK with her family, including French bulldog, Albie. They’re regular visitors to North Wales and Norfolk, but have also made some paw-some memories in the Peak District, Cotswolds, Highlands and Cornwall.
