Christmas markets are great places to get in the festive mood and pick up some unique gifts, handmade decorations or even some traditional Christmas food. They can also be the hub of a local community around the festive period hosting everything from carol concerts to kids’ events.
Christmas markets are great places to get in the festive mood and pick up some unique gifts, handmade decorations or even some traditional Christmas food. They can also be the hub of a local community around the festive period hosting everything from carol concerts to kids’ events.
So being within walking distance of some of the UK’s best means you can get in the spirit of the season in a matter of minutes.
Here are our favourite markets and where to buy nearby…
Winchester Christmas Market
In the shadow of Winchester’s historic Cathedral, this German-inspired market attracts over 350,000 visitors every year. With its ice rink, hand-selected exhibitors and array of food stalls, it’s one not to miss. The Food Court is a particular favourite of ours.
Where to buy
On the outside of town you’ve got some of the UK’s most expensive property on streets like Southdown Road and Shepherd’s Lane. Closer to the centre around the Cathedral, streets like St Thomas’ Street and St Swithun Street are all within walking distance of the market and offer city centre luxury living.
Cirencester’s Advent Festival
The city’s Market Place gets closed off for December for a number of festive events including live music, street entertainers, and fair rides for the kids. Black Jack Street will be the venue for the stalls selling warming food and drink while the Corn Hall hosts the Christmas Bazaar.
Where to buy
The top end of Gloucester Street is full of traditional stone-built homes, which are representative of the area and close to the market. Victoria Street offers more space to the south of the centre.
Salisbury Christmas Market
One of the newest markets, having only launched 4 years ago, it’s built up a reputation as one of the UK’s best. Around 70 chalets will line the 18th Guildhall Square. While its look and feel has been inspired by traditional European markets, some of the chalets will be offering the best of British, from locally made beer from Downtown Brewery to West Country jams.
Where to buy
De Vaux Place on the edge of town is one of the quaintest – and most expensive streets - in Salisbury while The Close offers easy access to both the market and Cathedral.
Whitefriars Christmas Market, Canterbury
Small but perfectly formed with 35 British-made huts selling the best locally-made and internationally-sourced goods. Plus, there’s a magical Grotto where the kids can meet Santa.
Where to buy
There are plenty of lovely homes near the river in Canterbury from the new Canterbury Waterside development on Stour Street to more traditional homes on Westgate Grove – all within walking distance of the centre and market.
Leeds Christkindelmarkt
One of the longest running traditional German markets in the country, it has everything from wooden toys to Christmas carousel rides. Get a taste of traditional German food with the Frank-furter Scheune, Kuh Stall and Alp Chalet Bavarian eateries.
Where to buy
Head north to surrounding towns like Harrogate and Weeton or east to Boston Spa and Wetherby for countryside living that is just a short train ride from the centre.
Oxford Christmas Market
The city’s historic Broad Street is the perfect location for this traditional market. There will be choirs singing carols, stalls selling mulled wine and colourful decorations to help you get in the mood. We recommend Philip Maes’ exquisitely made chocolate Christmas trees.
Where to buy
Walton Street offers city centre living with traditional properties, while places like Crick Road, Chadlington Road and Charlbury Road are some of the most desirable locations in the county.