Christmas in the UK promises magical experiences and cosy atmospheres that transform our cities into winter wonderlands. Christmas markets are a highlight that attract shoppers and those who just want to bask in the spirit of Christmas.
At Elect Club dating and matchmaking agency, we have been compiling a list of our favourite Christmas markets to help you decide where to enjoy shopping and soaking up the atmosphere this festive season!
Rediscover Love at the London Christmas Markets
Visitors from around the world arrive in London in December to enjoy Christmas in the capital. Here, you’ll find some of the city’s most magical markets.
The Christmas season begins late November / early December when twinkling lights start to give the city a magical glow.
The Southbank Centre Winter Market
One of the first Christmas markets to open is The Southbank Centre Winter Market. Located on the promenade between the Royal Festival and Jubilee Gardens, you’ll find unique gift ideas, delicious street food and pop-up bars at this special venue. Enjoy mulled wine and hot chocolate while you take in the sparkling lights of the city. Foodies can look forward to trying truffle burgers and indulgent Dutch pancakes. If you’re in the mood to party, visit the Apres-ski-themed pop-up club, The Curling Club, underneath Hungerford Bridge. A great place for a winter date!
Winter Wonderland, in Hyde Park
One of London’s most popular Christmas markets is the Winter Wonderland, in Hyde Park. In addition to festive market stalls, a circus and live music, you’ll find a giant Ferris wheel and outdoor ice-rink. With over 100 stalls, you are likely to find just the right gifts for your loved ones. If you like to immerse yourself in Christmas, this is the winter date for you!
Trafalgar Square Christmas Market
One of London’s most iconic squares, Trafalgar Square, is hosting a Christmas market around a stunning tree donated by Norway. Each year, Norway gives the city a tree in a charming gesture of friendship. The market offers traditional wooden stalls, carol singing and delicious treats to eat and drink.
Greenwich Market at Christmas
The Greenwich Christmas Market is a venue with historic charm. There is a focus on local artists, so this is a great place to go for artisan gifts, Meanwhile, Borough Market is the place to go for festive foodies! Local produce is celebrated here. If you love a bustling, authentic vibe, Borough Market is not to be missed!
Festive Markets at King’s Cross
Venture to King’s Cross and you’ll find Christmas markets offering a diverse mix of gifts, food and drink. Visit Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard for stalls, pop-up bars and sparkling lights.
Winter by the River, London Bridge Market
The London Bridge Market, ‘Winter by the River’, provides a rom-com style backdrop for a romantic Christmas date. Here, you’ll find handmade gifts, warming mulled wine and yummy street food. With a stunning view of the skyline, and the River Thames, this is a great spot for couples to enjoy shopping, eating and drinking.
Christmas in Leicester Square
Visit Leicester Square to find a traditional Christmas market and the iconic variety show ‘La Clique’. This show is performed during the festive season and offers a wild mix of acrobatics, burlesque, cabaret and comedy, making a visit to Leicester Square a highlight of any trip to the capital. La Clique is celebrating its 20th anniversary this winter so expect some extra special moments!
Old Spitalfields Christmas Market
The Old Spitalfields Christmas Market is a great venue for those who love a hip and creative vibe. You’ll find unique gift ideas from up-and-coming artists and designers, alongside innovative street food. In a further celebration of local talent, performers from the Greenhouse Theatre will be putting on twice daily shows most days of the week.
Christmas in Covent Garden
Christmas in Covent Garden is not to be missed. Decked with iconic bells and baubles, the venue is home to a 60ft Christmas tree, located in the West Piazza. You’ll also find Santa’s Sleigh ready for you to board to take a romantic festive selfie. Enjoy soaking up the atmosphere, complete with music from the market’s Christmas bells.
Rekindle Romance at the Manchester Christmas Markets
Winter Gardens, Piccadilly Gardens
Visit the Winter Gardens, at Piccadilly Gardens, for gifts galore and the fabulous Piccadilly Street Food Market. Enjoy international treats such as German bratwursts and Spanish churros.
Christmas Markets, Market Street
In Market Street, you’ll find 45 stalls offering crafts, fresh festive produce and unique gifts. This is also a great spot to find charming Christmas decorations.
New Cathedral Street Christmas Market
The market at Cathedral Gardens boasts an outdoor ice rink and wonderful live music until New Year’s Eve. A great venue for a lively, winter date!
Embrace the Perfect Date at Birmingham Christmas Markets
Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham
The Birmingham Frankfurt Market is one of the largest German Christmas markets outside of central Europe. Over 5 million visitors arrive each year, looking for an authentic festive experience. You’ll find beautiful stalls on Victoria Square and along New Street. This is a great spot for a truly memorable Christmas date!
Explore Christmas Markets in the Heart of Historic Edinburgh
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Visit East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market for a traditional festive shopping experience with over 70 stalls. Enjoy stunning views of the city’s skyline, The Scott Monument and Edinburgh Castle. Here, you’ll also find Scotland’s largest Ferris Wheel!
Indulge in Intimacy at Cardiff’s Christmas Markets
Cardiff Christmas Market
The Cardiff Christmas Market has been opening in Cardiff city centre for thirty years. This year, it will be open until 23 December, with stalls offering beautiful gifts and delicious food and drinks.
Countryside Allure at the Cotswolds’ Christmas Markets
Cheltenham Christmas Gift Market
Cheltenham Christmas Market takes place in the heart of this beautiful Cotswolds city and features a wide range of stalls selling everything from handmade gifts to gourmet food. Visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere, sip on mulled wine, and indulge in delicious treats.
Christmas in Cirencester
Cirencester, a historic market town, hosts a charming Christmas market that showcases the work of local artisans and producers. Visitors can find unique gifts, festive decorations, and delicious food and drink.
H3: Burford Christmas Market
Visit the picturesque market town of Burford in the Cotswolds during the Christmas season for a variety of stalls selling handcrafted items, local produce, and festive treats.
Winchcombe Christmas Festival
Winchcombe, a historic town with a Norman abbey, hosts a festive Christmas festival that includes a market, live music, and various activities for children. Visitors can browse the stalls, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and soak up the charm of this historic town.
Coastal Charm at the Devon & Cornwall Christmas Markets
Devon and Cornwall offer enchanting escapes during the holiday season. With stunning coastlines, sweet villages and historic towns, the region provides a lovely backdrop to those wanting to get away. The region’s Christmas markets focus on local crafts and produce, providing a magical festive experience.
Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market
In Devon, you’ll find many Christmas markets. One of the most popular is the Exeter Christmas Market, held in the city centre. This vibrant venue sells handcrafted gifts and gourmet treats. Enjoy a mulled wine while taking in the atmosphere.
Plymouth Christmas Market
Plymouth Christmas Market offers live music and a range of festive activities alongside stalls selling contemporary crafts.
Christmas Market, Buckfast Abbey
The Buckfast Abbey Christmas Fair is a must for those who love a traditional Christmas atmosphere. This is a serene setting for a romantic winter date.
St Ives Christmas Market at Tregenna Castle
Cornwall, with its passion for local art and produce, is a popular destination for those seeking a magical Christmas market. The St Ives Christmas Market is a charming venue that takes place in the heart of the town.
Truro Christmas Market
Another popular venue is Truro Christmas Market, held in the historic city centre. Here, you can enjoy getting into the festive spirit while tucking into a traditional Cornish pasty!
For those seeking a more traditional Christmas experience, the smaller villages and towns in Devon and Cornwall offer a mix of festive events and markets. From carol singing to Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, these events allow you to step into the local culture and traditions.
With friendly locals, stunning scenery and heaps of tradition, Devon and Cornwall offer truly magical Christmas experiences.
The History of Christmas Markets: Are They Perfect for Dates?
Christmas markets have become an integral part of Christmas in Europe. People love to experience a blend of tradition, shopping and community spirit. In the depths of winter, city centres are transformed into winter wonderlands.
The origins of Christmas markets date back to the Middle Ages, when they were a place for locals to stock up on winter provisions and festive goods. Today, Christmas markets are more of a novelty, but still an important part of community life. People love to search for handcrafted, artisan gifts while experiencing the tastes and smells of Christmas. Local produce is often a key feature of Christmas markets, alongside roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and gingerbread.
As Christmas markets compete to be the most enchanting, a range of festive activities have grown in popularity over the years, including outdoor skating rinks, traditional craft decorations and creative workshops.
Christmas markets offer a sense of nostalgia, reminding us of childhood memories and family traditions. They can also become part of our family customs. In recent years, the popularity of Christmas markets has reached beyond Europe – from North America to Asia, people are making the experience part of their holiday celebrations.
At Elect Club we believe a Christmas market is a perfect romantic date choice. If you’d like to learn about how our elite dating agency can help you to spark winter romance, then contact our dating team now — we have a range of matchmaking services to suit all budgets. Allow us to create your festive love story today!