The best England Christmas markets: top 7
Bath
According to her, Bath Christmas Market is Christina's "top pick" because it has local vendors and "beautiful Georgian backdrops."
"Bath is probably my top pick. One thing I love about all the markets here is that all the vendors come from the local area, so the actual shopping experience is better than most other UK Christmas markets, plus the beautiful Georgian backdrops of Bath just can’t be beaten."
Winchester
Next on the travel blogger's top list was Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market which is a market that held each year in the grounds of Winchester Cathedral, in the city of Winchester in the English county of Hampshire. Christina describes Winchester Christmas Market as "lovely" with a "really nice atmosphere."
©️ Christina Guan/@happytowander
©️ Christina Guan/@happytowander
“Its main market takes place in the cathedral courtyard, so the atmosphere is really nice, and they have a separate Makers’ Market with handmade decorations, gifts and clothing from local businesses, as well as lots of food vendors offering food from around the world,” noted the traveler.
Stratford-upon-Avon
If you're looking for something more "unique", according to the blogger, Stratford-upon-Avon is "very fun" and should be on your list. Even though the market only lasts a few days a year, there are "hundreds of vendors and a Victorian theme."
©️ Christina Guan/@happytowander
"At least during my visit - all set against the beautiful half-timbered backdrops of Shakespeare’s birthplace. I liked the variety of stalls here, along with the fun, buzzy atmosphere and entertainment programme. There are lots of stalls to get food and drink here as well," noted Christina.
Markets that also made it onto Christina’s top list
Blenheim Palace: The focus here is not only on the market, but also on the Christmas experience: the palace is decorated in a festive way, there are light shows and delicious food.
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market: The closest to a traditional German Christmas market in atmosphere, with authentic decorations and food, although the shopping didn’t impress the author.
Cathedral Square: Mentioned for the variety of activities, especially for children.
London's Winter Wonderland: Recommended for fun, but not as a classic Christmas market.
The ones to avoid
According to Christina, the worst ones of all were those in London.
"I actually think the “Christmas markets” in London are some of the worst ones I’ve been to! London has a lot of great festive things going for it - the light installations and holiday displays there are some of the most beautiful in the world- but the main Christmas markets in Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square are very overcrowded and overpriced, with all the stalls selling the same mass-produced stuff, which is a shame because I know many people travel to London specifically to see them," she said.
Author - Nuray Kapen
Earlier, experts named the best Christmas markets of 2024. Sydney, Tokyo and Cork topped the list.