Which UK Christmas Market Is Most Popular?

As the nights draw in and there’s a distinct chill in the air, thoughts inevitably turn to one thing: the festive season. And it seems that more than ever before, people across the UK are planning to soak up the yuletide spirit at a Christmas market. New research shows that our collective love for twinkling lights, mulled wine, and wooden stalls is growing fast, with some surprising hotspots of festive cheer popping up across the country. Between 2022 and 2024, online searches for Christmas markets have shot up by 50%, showing a real craving for these traditional events. And while London still holds a top spot, it’s the historic city of York that’s proving to be the nation’s favourite outside the capital.

The festive buzz is getting louder

It’s official: the UK is more obsessed with Christmas markets than ever. The data, analysed by the Italian restaurant Lucia, looked at the number of online searches people made for these festive events over the last couple of years. The results show a massive 50% rise in interest across the board. That’s a huge jump, suggesting that after a few years of quieter celebrations, people are eager to get out and enjoy the festive atmosphere in a big way. This isn't just a small trend; it's a clear signal that the charm of a traditional Christmas market is a massive draw.

Think about it – these online searches are the first step in planning a trip. It’s people deciding where to go with their families, where to meet up with friends, and where to find that perfect, authentic Christmas feeling. This surge in interest shows that these events are becoming a key part of the modern Christmas tradition. The team at Lucia, who are regular participants in the York Christmas Market, have seen this enthusiasm first-hand, noticing more and more people wanting to be part of these special community gatherings during the Christmas season.

So, which part of the UK is the most Christmassy?

While the love for Christmas markets is growing everywhere, some parts of the UK have seen a much bigger spike in festive fever than others. The research shows a clear winner when it comes to the fastest-growing interest. It seems Northern Ireland is leading the charge in embracing the Christmas market spirit.

Here’s how the different countries stack up in terms of their growing interest:

Country	Percentage Change From 2022 to 2024
Northern Ireland	90%
Scotland	83%
England	22%
Wales	19%

That’s right, searches in Northern Ireland have nearly doubled, with a whopping 90% rise. This suggests places like the Belfast Christmas Market are becoming must-visit destinations. Scotland isn’t far behind, with an 83% increase, showing that the festive markets in cities like Edinburgh are also capturing the public's imagination. While the rise in England and Wales is more modest, a 22% and 19% increase respectively is still a significant jump, proving this is a UK-wide phenomenon. The entire nation is getting behind the idea of wrapping up warm and heading out for a festive treat.

York takes the crown (outside of London, anyway)

When it comes to the single most popular Christmas market, it’s a tale of two cities. The colossal Hyde Park Winter Wonderland in London is in a league of its own, drawing a staggering number of online searches. But outside of the capital, there’s a clear and undeniable champion: the York Christmas Market. With its medieval streets and historic backdrop, York has captured the hearts of festive fans across the UK.

The numbers speak for themselves. The York Christmas Market pulls in more searches than some of the other biggest cities in the country. It’s more popular than the well-known big city Christmas markets in both Manchester and Edinburgh. This shows a real appetite for a market that offers a unique and historic atmosphere. Here's a look at how the top markets compare:

Christmas Market	Average Monthly Searches
London's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland	201,000
York Christmas Market	60,500
Edinburgh Christmas Market	49,500
Manchester Christmas Market	49,500
Bath Christmas Market	40,500
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market	33,100
Winchester Christmas Market	33,100
Liverpool Christmas Market	27,100
Chester Christmas Market	14,800
Belfast Christmas Market	14,800

The popularity of markets in historic cities like York, Bath, and Chester suggests that people are looking for more than just shopping; they’re looking for a whole experience, a festive day out steeped in tradition.

But what's behind the festive market obsession?

So why are we all flocking to these events? Georgina Pellant, the Events & Marketing Manager at Lucia, has a good idea. Speaking about the findings, she noted the clear enthusiasm for these celebrations.

“It’s fantastic to see how enthusiasm for Christmas markets continues to grow across the UK, especially here in York,” she said. The reason for this rise in interest seems to come down to a desire for connection and tradition. “The festive season has always been a key moment for communities to come together, and the rise in searches shows how much people value those shared experiences. There’s a real appetite for authentic, local celebrations that combine food, atmosphere and tradition, something that markets like York capture so well.”

Her point about "shared experiences" really hits home. A Christmas market isn’t just a place to buy things; it's a place to be with people. It’s about creating memories, whether it's sipping hot chocolate with family or laughing with friends over a bratwurst. People are looking for something authentic, a break from the everyday. They want the genuine atmosphere that comes from the smell of pine needles, the sound of carol singers, and the sight of handcrafted gifts. It’s this magical combination that keeps people coming back and explains why the interest in a good, old-fashioned Christmas is stronger than ever.