This is officially the best Christmas market in the UK (2024)

FAQs

What is the most famous Christmas market in the world? ›

The Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, is one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world. Christmas markets date to the Late Middle Ages in the German-speaking part of Europe and in many parts of the former Holy Roman Empire, which included many eastern regions of modern France.

The beginnings of the Christmas market

In either case, Munich held its first winter market in 1310, Bautzen in 1384 and Frankfurt in 1393. However, the city of Dresden hosted Striezelmarkt, which is widely regarded as the first 'proper' Christmas market, in 1424.

History. Lincoln Christmas Market was the first Christmas market in the United Kingdom. It was first held in 1982, after Council Leader, Jim Sullivan, Bob Hodson and Charles Ireland visited Neustadt an der Weinstrasse (Lincoln's twin town) and were impressed by the Neustadt Christmas Market.

1. Budapest, Hungary - Advent Feast at the Basilica. Budapest offers one of the world's most stunning Christmas markets in St. Stephen's Square.

1. Budapest - Advent Feast at the Basilica. It is for the fourth time elected Best Christmas Market in Europe! The Advent Basilica, winner of the Best Christmas Market in Europe award 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2024, is without doubt one of the most beautiful Christmas fairs in Europe.

The Dresdner Striezelmarkt is considered the first genuine Christmas market in the world, dating all the way back to its first iteration in 1434, when it was held for just one day. Today, it's a massive multi-day event where over 200 stalls can be found selling sweet treats, Christmas tchotchkes, and more.

Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt, Vienna, Austria

The world's largest Christmas market, this Austrian icon is held annually near the Rathaus, Vienna's historic city hall. Picture 100 booths nudging an ice skating rink, and a neighbouring park decorated with an elaborate festive lights display.

In the UK, Christmas markets are sometimes promoted as Christmas Fairs, Christmas Fayres, Continental or Traditional Christmas Markets and in more general terms.

What is the Christmas market capital of the world? ›

Strasbourg, the Christmas Capital, is a magical city that comes alive during the festive season.

Manchester, England

The, original, biggest and - arguably - the best Christmas market in the country, Manchester Christmas Markets is the ideal destination for a festive outing.

The Christmas we know today took shape in Victorian times, when the rowdier celebrations of earlier periods were toned down into a quieter family-focused festival. Queen Victoria and her beloved Albert, with their nine children, played a big part in these changes.

Sample some festive favourites at a variety of bars and food stalls, enjoy jaw-dropping circus acts and even watch the arrival of Paddington on Ice! This year, thousands of people will descend upon the famous Mill Road in Cambridge as it transforms itself into a bustling Christmas market.

Earlier this week, we reported that a recent study crowned Birmingham Christmas Market the best in the UK – knocking last year's number one, Manchester Christmas Markets, off the top spot.

There's no denying it – our data suggests that Manchester is the place to go if you want the ultimate festive market experience. Sam Sheehan, our motoring editor here at cinch, said: “According to our findings, Manchester is home to the best Christmas market in the UK.