YORK OVERTAKES EDINBURGH TO BECOME THE MOST POPULAR UK CHRISTMAS MARKET LOCATION FOR THE FIRST TIME
York has claimed the top spot as the UK’s most-searched Christmas market location, marking a notable shift in holiday destination trends this year. This exciting development comes from York-based SEO agency, Nomada Digital (https://www.nomadadigital.co.uk/), who have analysed October’s Google search trends to identify the most popular UK Christmas markets. The results showcase York as the top choice for festive celebrations, reflecting a +22% increase in search interest over last year, with 90,500 average monthly searches in October 2024.
YORK’S STEADY CLIMB OVERTAKES EDINBURGH AND MANCHESTER
Historically, Edinburgh and Manchester have consistently dominated the list, but York’s steady rise in popularity has finally propelled it to the lead. This year, Edinburgh ranks second with 74,000 searches, while Manchester, once the top choice in 2021 with 110,000 searches, continues to experience a gradual decline in search volume, dropping to 60,500 this October. These shifts reflect a growing interest in York’s Christmas offerings and a broader trend in how people are choosing their festive destinations.
TOP 10 MOST POPULAR CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN THE UK
1. YORK
Google search keyword: York Christmas Market
Average monthly searches October 2024: 90,500
2024 Christmas market dates: 14th November – 22nd December
York’s award-winning Christmas Market features 75 alpine chalets along Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of local crafts, artisan products, and seasonal treats, with 80% of the traders coming from Yorkshire. The market also offers a vintage carousel in King’s Square.
2. EDINBURGH
Google search keyword: Edinburgh Christmas Market
Average monthly searches October 2024: 74,000
2024 Christmas market dates: 17th November – 6th January
Edinburgh’s East Princes Street Gardens hosts a festive market with around 70 stalls offering handmade gifts, food, and drinks, plus the 46m-tall Big Wheel with views of the city. West Princes Street Gardens features a family-friendly funfair with live events, while St Andrew Square offers Santa’s Stories and a tree for gift donations. George Street’s undercover ice rink and traditional fairground rides add to the festive fun, with nearby artisan markets providing shopping opportunities.
3. BIRMINGHAM
Google search keyword: Birmingham Christmas Market
Average monthly searches October 2024: 60,500
2024 Christmas market dates: 1st November – 24th December
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market, the largest authentic German market outside of Germany or Austria, brings festive cheer with traditional food like bratwurst, pretzels, and mulled wine, alongside handcrafted gifts. Located in Victoria Square and along New Street, the market offers live music, a carousel, and a unique singing moose named Chris! Visitors can also enjoy the Big Wheel and ice rink, making it an ideal place for family gatherings or a festive day out.
4. BATH
Google search keyword: Bath Christmas Market
Average monthly searches October 2024: 60,500
2024 Christmas market dates: 28th November – 15th December
The Bath Christmas Market transforms the city into a festive wonderland. Over 230 chalets line the streets, offering handcrafted gifts, artisan food, and drink. Visitors can enjoy local products from jewellers and cheesemongers while soaking in the magical light displays and sampling mulled wine. Bath’s focus on supporting small businesses means new artisans are featured regularly at Christmas Carts on Green Street, adding fresh shopping experiences throughout the event.
5. MANCHESTER
Google search keyword: Manchester Christmas Market
Average monthly searches October 2024: 60,500
2024 Christmas market dates: 8th November – 22nd December
The Manchester Christmas Markets are spread across multiple locations, offering a variety of stalls selling festive gifts, food, and drinks. The main hub is at Albert Square, with its iconic light-up Santa and bustling market atmosphere. Visitors can also explore themed areas like King Street for French-themed goods or Exchange Square for festive drinks.
6. WINCHESTER
Google search keyword: Winchester Christmas Market
Average monthly searches October 2024: 40,500
2024 Christmas market dates: 22nd November – 22nd December
Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is renowned for its picturesque setting, charming wooden chalets, and festive atmosphere, attracting visitors from around the world. Despite being the smallest destination on the top 10 list, Winchester proves that size doesn’t diminish its festive appeal. With mulled wine, carols, and artisan gifts filling the air, this market is a growing favourite. The Cathedral also hosts Christmas services and concerts, adding an authentic and magical holiday experience to the city’s celebrations.
7. LONDON
Google search keyword: London Christmas Market
Average monthly searches October 2024: 40,500
2024 Christmas market dates: November – December (Dates TBC)
London’s festive markets offer something for everyone. Highlights include Southbank Centre Winter Market with its riverside stalls and global cuisine, Covent Garden’s dazzling light displays, and Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, featuring over 100 cabins, ice skating, and festive shows. Kingston Christmas Market adds a cozy riverside vibe, with cabins in the Ancient Market Place offering unique gifts, handmade arts, and seasonal entertainment. Borough Market and King’s Cross are perfect for artisan crafts and local foods, making London a must-visit during the holiday season.
8. LIVERPOOL
Google search keyword: Liverpool Christmas Market
Average monthly searches October 2024: 22,200
2024 Christmas market dates: 16th November – 24th December
Liverpool Christmas Market returns to St George’s Quarter offering festive fun with food, drink, and live music. Visitors can explore independent stalls for unique gifts, enjoy fairground games, and soak in the Christmas atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to embrace the holiday spirit.
9. NOTTINGHAM
Google search keyword: Nottingham Christmas Market
Average monthly searches October 2024: 14,800
2024 Christmas market dates: 1st November – 24th December
Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland kicks off in November 2024, featuring chalet-style market stalls, festive attractions, pop-up bars, and a 60ft Christmas tree adorned with 4,000 lights. At Nottingham Castle, explore a Christmas market with live music, carol singing, and mulled wine, perfect for soaking up the holiday festivities.
10. LEEDS
Google search keyword: Leeds Christmas Market
Average monthly searches October 2024: 9,900
2024 Christmas market dates: 22nd November – 22nd December
Leeds Christmas Market returns, bringing festive cheer to Millennium Square and City Square with unique stalls offering gifts, crafts, and seasonal treats. New additions include an Artisan Market every weekend at Bond Court, showcasing local makers. Visitors can enjoy live performances, delicious food, and the Ice Cube skating rink, making it the perfect holiday destination.
This data might provide the perfect inspiration if you’re still undecided about which Christmas market to explore this year. Whether you’re looking for a bustling city-centre market or a smaller, more intimate festive experience, these results highlight some of the best places to enjoy Christmas magic across the UK.
Danny Sullivan, Founder of Nomada Digital commented on the research – “As a York based SEO marketing agency, we love diving into Google data and uncovering trends that tell a story. Our research into Christmas market searches shows how much people value these festive experiences. It’s fantastic to see York ranking so highly, and for Leeds to also feature in the top 10 – a great result for Yorkshire! What also stands out is the rising popularity of smaller markets like Winchester, which is a testament to the unique charm these places offer during the holiday season.”
