The best Christmas markets for foodies

28th November 2019

The festive season is here and Christmas markets have popped up all over Britain.

With the smell of mulled wine and warm cinnamon wafting through the air, get into the Christmas spirit with some of the best Christmas markets for foodies. Not only will you find twinkly trinkets, handmade gifts and all things Christmas, now’s the time to indulge in all your festive foodie favourites.   

Whether that’s the classics such as mince pies, pigs in blankets, gingerbread men or hot comfort foods on a chilly winter’s day, eat, be merry and buy your train tickets now to get the best fares and save 1/3 on adult fares with your Railcard.

Winter Market, Southbank 

With traders from all around the world offering an array of handmade gifts and scrumptious street food from wooden chalets, tuck into your winter and international favourites as you have dinner in an Alpine-style lodge, host a party in a private igloo overlooking the Thames or gather round the fire pits with freshly cooked food.
When: 8th November – 5th January
Closest station: London Waterloo

Winter Wonderland 

London’s biggest Christmas extravaganza is back with events and entertainment to keep everyone feeling extra Christmas-ey. Serving everything from traditional bratwursts and flame-grilled salmon in the Bavarian village to festive drinks in pre-carved ice glasses at Bar Ice, this is where you can satisfy your every craving with vegetarian stands, street food, creperies, sweet stalls and of course mulled wine and hot chocolate.
When: 21st November – 5th January
Closest station: London Paddington

Manchester Christmas Market

Celebrating the 20th anniversary since the first festive market in Manchester, this year is returning with an even bigger food line-up as they spread the stalls across various locations in the city. Perfect for comfort food lovers, tuck into Yorkshire pudding wraps, battered pigs in blankets or even fried chicken topped with macaroni cheese in waffle cones. Got more of a sweet tooth? You’ll love the warm cookie dough and s’mores. As a perfect end to your day, head to Piccadilly gardens where a giant snow globe bar will be serving warming festive cocktails.
When: 8th November – 22nd December
Closest station: Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Oxford Road

Bath Christmas Market 

Brimming with freshly prepared food, you’ll find your seasonal favourites just right for warming you up on a frosty winter’s day. Enjoy hog roasts, burgers, sweet treats and caramelised nuts or feel toasty with a comforting hot drink. This year, there’s even a dedicated vegan food chalet. Prefer being indoors when you stop to eat? Head to The Lodge where you can get cosy and put your feet up.
When: 28th November – 15th December
Closest station: Bath Spa

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market 

Making the top 8 Christmas Markets in Europe in 2018, Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market has over 100 chalets selling festive favourites with the likes of mulled wine, bratwurst, mince pies and stollen. You’ll also find the Cathedral Refectory, serving home-cooked meals using locally sourced ingredients and the Ice Café serving honey glazed gammon deli sandwiches and their signature black forest gateau.
When: 21st November – 22nd December
Closest station: Winchester

Frankfurt Christmas Market Birmingham

The largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria is bursting with all our traditional festive favourites. From pretzels to schnitzels and bratwursts to roasted almonds, enjoy wheat beers and stay nice and toasty with mulled wine and hot chocolate.
When: 7th November – 23rd December
Closest station: Birmingham New Street

German Christmas Market, Leeds

In addition to traditional mulled wine and pretzels, Leeds’ German Christmas Market is filled with treats perfect for all food lovers. From chocolate to garlic ciabatta, Frankfurter sausages to filled doughnuts and crepes to potato fritters, you’ll even find places to sit down and relax in such as the Alp Chalet restaurant, Ski Hutte and Kuh Stall.
When: 8th November – 21st December
Closest station: Leeds

York Christmas Market

Having won Best Large Speciality Market at the Great British Market Awards in 2019, St Nicholas Fair in York is the Christmas market to keep an eye on. With hog roast burgers and sizzling sausages, mulled wines and ciders, this Christmas market is crammed with delicious regional produce and gifts for all your foodie friends from cheeses to the famous Chocolate Kisses, offering different-flavoured giant chocolate teacakes.
When: 14th November – 22nd December
Closest station: York

Cardiff Christmas Market

With all sorts of different produce, the stalls will be popping up throughout the duration of the market. Got a bit of a sweet tooth? Enjoy fresh French macaroons, churros, Welsh cakes and chocolate brownies smothered in hot chocolate sauce. If you’re more into savoury, tuck into raclette, boeuf bourguignon, onion soup and cheese nachos.
When: 15th November – 23rd December
Closest station: Cardiff Central or Cardiff Queen Street

Edinburgh Christmas Market

After going on your favourite funfair rides with a festive twist – we’re talking Candy Cane Bungees – discover a wide range of delicious food perfect for the crisp Edinburgh weather. From luxury mac ‘n’ cheese to top quality fish and chips and vegan junk food including vegan pigs in blankets, there’s also seasonal mulled drinks and hot chocolates perfect for the festive season.
When: 16th November – 5th January
Closest station: Edinburgh Waverly