Winter wonderlands across the UK 2025

14th November 2025 to 1st January 2026  

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park returns for six weeks of jolly fun and with over 150 attractions, rides and festive things to do in London’s most iconic park, it remains at the top of the list. Get your festive fix with a visit to the market’s traditional fairground rides, chalet-style stalls and Après-ski themed Bar Ice. Take a spin around the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, feel the adrenaline on the world’s largest portable roller coaster or check out the dazzling circus shows. As night falls, unwind with a glühwein or two at the Bavarian Village.  

Stay at YHA London Central (approximately a 35-minute walk).  

7th November to 22nd December 2025  

Described as ‘A Taste of Christmas’, Manchester’s market is returning on its largest-ever scale for 2025. Attracting millions of visitors to the city centre every year, soak up the atmosphere and visit over 200 stalls across nine locations. From bratwurst and burgers to scrumptious waffles and churros, there’s lots of brilliant food options to try. Take to the sky in an enormous 50-metre-high ferris wheel and enjoy a twinkling seasonal view.   

Stay at YHA Manchester (approximately an 18-minute walk).  

13th November to 31st December 2025  

Cambridge Christmas market is the perfect choice for a jam-packed day full of exciting festive activities. Slip and slide on the open-air ice rink, get lost in a glittering Christmas tree maze or take in the views over the city from the big wheel. Enjoy a stein of beer at the Alpine Lodge bar, a hot apple cider in a ski gondola booth or a mulled wine in a heated tipi outside. There’s a range of thrilling games, including shuffleboard, curling, dodgems and photo booths to capture the memories forever. If you’re into street food, there’s even a dedicated zone to tuck into international cuisines.  

Stay at YHA Cambridge (approximately a 15-minute walk). 

13th November to 21st December 2025  

The waft of warm mulled wine in the air, the magic of fairy lights, ah we can’t wait. Alpine chalets will line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square ready for visitors to browse stocking fillers, thoughtful handmade gifts and yummy treats. Over 80% of traders come from Yorkshire, making it the perfect opportunity to support local businesses. What’s even better? They are committed to making the market as environmentally sustainable and accessible as possible. Make It York publish an online trader map and run a designated quiet time, allowing for a more sensory friendly experience.  

Stay at YHA York (approximately a 26-minute walk).  

27th November to 14th December 2025  

For 2025, Bath Christmas market is celebrating 25 years of festive cheer. If you didn’t think Bath could be any more picturesque, you’re in for a real treat. Wander through the historic city centre brimming with a romantic atmosphere, where the streets are lined with performers, sweet indulgences and chalets full of thoughtful gifts. Soak up the aroma of freshly baked mince pies and sing along to cheering carols. Even the biggest humbugs will get into the Christmas spirit!  

Stay at YHA Bath (approximately a 30-minute walk).  

12th November to 24th December 2025 

Spread across the cobbled streets of the historic city, Canterbury has one of the largest Christmas markets in the South East. Go rockin’ around the 25 feet tall Christmas tree, celebrate the Yuletide season with six miles of twinkling lights and treat the kids to a visit to Santa’s grotto. The merry tone doesn’t stop there with a virtual reality sleigh ride, marshmallow toasting, live Christmas carols and a giant snow globe bauble. For 2025, the Cathedral Precincts will have double the number of stalls than last year!  

Stay at YHA Canterbury (approximately a 22-minute walk). 

19th November to 22nd December 2025 

After the success of last year’s craft focus at Chester Christmas market, this year there’ll be a bigger artisan mix so you can expect fresh jewellery, ceramics and eco-gifts. Mill around the markets and take in that festive cheer with plenty of local produce available: grab a wheel of Cheshire cheese or have a festive tipple with spiced rum or local gin. Quickly become a fan-favourite in recent years, how could you say no to a Yorkshire pudding wrap? The best part is you can browse around the Roman Walls and a Christmas market all within a 10-minute stroll.  

Stay at YHA Chester Trafford Hall (approximately a 15-minute drive).  

8th November 2025 to 4th January 2026  

Located next to the breathtaking stately home and surrounded by acres of quaint grounds, Chatsworth Christmas market is a must-visit. Grab a hat, scarf and gloves and spend the day perusing around over 100 market stalls in the heart of the Peak District. Welcome in the season with a hot pork roll or stack of yummy pancakes whilst listening to some jolly live music. Maybe you’re looking for shiny new decorations for the house or a few stocking fillers. You’ll find it all here!  

Stay at YHA Hartington Hall (approximately a 30-minute drive). 

15th November to 24th December 2025  

It’s the season of being merry and bright, and Liverpool Christmas market is bound to put a smile on your face. The U-shaped market wraps around the iconic St George’s Hall and has plenty of bars to suit every taste. Whether you’re looking for a Baileys hot chocolate, bubble tea or traditional hot cider, you can relax by the cosy fires at the Tipi Bar, soak up the views in the iconic Windmill Bar or take in the festive vibe at the Alpine Bar. There’s also a charming vintage carousel, thrilling snow slide and a vibrant Santa Land.  

Stay at YHA Liverpool Albert Dock (approximately a 20-minute walk).