Christmas Market Opening Dates 2025

The Ultimate Guide to Christmas Markets 2025

There’s nothing quite like the charm of a Christmas market. From steaming mugs of mulled wine and handcrafted gifts to festive lights and seasonal treats, Christmas markets are a highlight of winter travel. In 2025, towns and cities across the UK and Europe will be bursting with festive spirit, making them the perfect getaway for family time, romantic weekends, or client hospitality trips.

United Kingdom

York Christmas Market

📍 York
📅 13 November – 21 December
York’s historic streets light up with Alpine-style chalets. Enjoy local crafts, warming food, and festive cheer in one of the UK’s most beautiful Christmas spots.

Bath Christmas Market

📍 Bath
📅 27 November – 14 December
Famous for its Georgian setting, Bath’s Christmas Market is perfect for unique gifts from local artisans.

Cardiff Christmas Market

📍 Cardiff
📅 13 November – 23 December
Cardiff’s market features 200 stalls in the city centre—a lively celebration of Welsh crafts and holiday treats.

Bristol Christmas Market

📍 Bristol
📅 7 November – 23 December
Expect festive food, Bavarian bars, and cosy wooden chalets in downtown Bristol.

Leeds Christmas Market

📍 Leeds
📅 21 November – 21 December
Leeds returns with German-inspired stalls, entertainment, and festive food.

Sheffield Christmas Market

📍 Sheffield
📅 13 November – 24 December
Over 50 log cabins bring festive magic to Sheffield’s city centre.

Liverpool Christmas Market

📍 Liverpool
📅 15 November – 24 December
Set outside St George’s Hall, Liverpool’s market has festive treats, rides, and handmade gifts.

Leicester Christmas Market

📍 Leicester
📅 13 November – 28 December
One of the UK’s longest-running markets, perfect for late December shopping.

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

📍 Winchester
📅 21 November – 22 December
Set against the beautiful cathedral, Winchester’s market is complete with an ice rink and cosy chalets.

Chatsworth Christmas Market

📍 Derbyshire
📅 8 November – 14 December
A magical festive shopping experience in the grounds of Chatsworth House.

Winter Wonderland – Hyde Park, London

📍 London
📅 14 November 2025 – 1 January 2026
London’s Hyde Park transforms into the capital’s winter highlight with markets, rides, live shows, and festive attractions.

Germany

Germany is the birthplace of the Christmas market, and no one does it quite like them. Expect fairy-tale squares, giant Christmas trees, and the scent of bratwurst and glühwein filling the air.

  • Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt 📅 28 November – 24 December

  • Cologne Christmas Market 📅 22 November – 23 December

  • Dresden Striezelmarkt 📅 26 November – 24 December

  • Munich Christmas Market 📅 27 November – 24 December

France

France offers elegance with a festive sparkle, blending French gastronomy with enchanting lights.

  • Strasbourg Christmas Market 📅 28 November – 24 December

  • Paris Christmas Markets (multiple locations, including Champs-Élysées and La Défense) 📅 late November – early January

  • Colmar Christmas Market 📅 22 November – 29 December

Austria

Austria is famous for its magical Alpine backdrops and twinkling traditions.

  • Vienna Christmas Market 📅 15 November – 23 December

  • Salzburg Christmas Market 📅 21 November – 26 December

  • Innsbruck Christmas Market 📅 15 November – 23 December

Switzerland

Expect snowy mountain towns, festive chalets, and luxury touches perfect for a winter escape.

  • Basel Christmas Market 📅 27 November – 23 December

  • Zurich Christmas Market 📅 21 November – 24 December

  • Montreux Christmas Market 📅 21 November – 24 December

Belgium

Charming cobblestone squares with a medieval feel make Belgium’s markets some of Europe’s most atmospheric.

  • Brussels Winter Wonders 📅 28 November – 4 January

  • Bruges Christmas Market 📅 22 November – 5 January

  • Antwerp Christmas Market 📅 6 December – 5 January

Czech Republic

Few sights are as magical as Prague’s Old Town Square lit up under a festive tree.

  • Prague Christmas Market 📅 30 November – 6 January

  • Brno Christmas Market 📅 29 November – 23 December

Tips for Visiting Christmas Markets

  • Plan ahead: Popular spots like Bath, Strasbourg, and Vienna get busy on weekends. Try midweek visits.

  • Wrap up warm: Winter evenings in November and December can be chilly. Layers are essential.

  • Book tickets early: Some markets (Chatsworth, Winter Wonderland) require advance booking.

  • Support local artisans: Markets are ideal for unique handmade gifts.

How Otium Concierge Can Help

Planning a Christmas market trip can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re balancing work, family, or entertaining clients. That’s where Otium Concierge comes in.

We can:

  • Organise bespoke itineraries for Christmas markets in the UK and across Europe

  • Arrange travel and accommodation for a seamless festive escape

  • Secure dining reservations and festive experiences alongside your market visit

  • Source unique gifts, either in person or through our trusted suppliers

With us at your side, you won’t need to worry about the details - you can simply enjoy the magic of the season.

Get in touch today; hello@otium-concierge.com / 03333 406312

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