As the festive season continues to clamber its way onto the horizon, it’s becoming harder to deny the fact that London is mere moments away from undergoing its annual festive glow up. Halls are being decked, wine is being mulled, and Christmas markets across the country are starting to set up shop. And so I think it’s safe to say – in the words of the queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey – it’s tiiiiimeeee. But with the sheer number of festive fairs dotted across the UK, it’s tricky to know which of them are worthy of paying a visit this season. But fear not, folks – the lovely lot over at Christmas Tree World have done the hard work for us.
The Christmas tree connoisseurs have taken it upon themselves to uncover this year’s most magical and memorable markets. Taking into account the likes of Google searches, social media data, hotel prices, entry fees, and proximity to public transport, their research was pretty darn thorough. Once all of the numbers were crunched like a gingerbread biscuit, they gave each market a score out of ten. It it turns out that one of Britain’s very best Chrsitmas markets is right here in London.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Returning next week for its 19th year of spreading Christmas cheer, London’s legendary Winter Wonderland found itself in 6th place on the list (despite only being dished out the rather measly score of 5.09 out of 10). A certified staple in the capital’s Christmas calendar, Winter Wonderland will open on November 19, and will be serving up 45 days of festive fun and frolics this year, before closing its doors on January 3, 2027.
Winter Wonderland boasts around 100 market stalls, an abundance of heart-racing rides and attractions, plenty of live entertainment, and lots of delicious food and drink options. Oh, and it also happens to be home to the UK’s largest open-air ice rink. Not bad, hey?
The UK’s best Christmas markets to visit in 2026:
- Manchester Christmas Markets
- Edinburgh Christmas Market
- Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market
- Bath Christmas Market
- York St Nicholas Fair
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
- Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
- Nottingham Winter Wonderland
- Chester Christmas Market
- Leeds Christmas Market
You can peruse Christmas Tree World’s full festive findings here.
