Christmas markets have become a staple of festive celebrations in the UK, offering a blend of holiday spirit, artisanal goods, and scenic backdrops – ideal for capturing the perfect holiday photo.
These markets offer an irresistible charm for visitors seeking the most ‘Instagrammable’ moments to share.
“The popularity of Christmas markets has skyrocketed, especially as backdrops for Instagram posts,” says Andy Halliday, CEO of City of Doncaster News. “They provide the opportunity to create meaningful experiences that translate beautifully into shareable content.”
To find out exactly which Christmas markets are drawing in influencers and Instagram posters from far and wide, Halliday and the team at City of Doncaster News conducted a comprehensive study revealing the top 10 Christmas markets across the UK, ranked by their popularity on social media.
“Our study revealed the markets best capturing the festive spirit with their enchanting light displays, traditional stalls, and cultural diversity—elements that add to both warmth and visual appeal for social media users of all ages,” Halliday adds.
The Christmas Markets Lighting Up People’s Feeds
City of Doncaster News’ findings place Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, London, firmly in the lead with a staggering 18.5 million hashtags. With its incredible light displays, expansive stalls, and lively entertainment, it’s become a global favourite for locals and tourists alike.
In second place, Manchester Christmas Markets boast over 68,000 hashtags, offering a festive sprawl across the city that features European-inspired stalls, holiday crafts, and festive food and drink. Edinburgh Christmas Market rounds out the top three with 56,800 hashtags, celebrated for its striking views of Edinburgh Castle and warm Scottish charm.
The study was conducted by collecting the top 20 Christmas markets searched on Google. Then hashtag data was collected from Instagram for each of the Christmas markets. After collecting the data, the markets were ranked by the highest number of hashtags.
Table: Top 10 Christmas Markets in the UK
| Rank | Christmas Market | Number of Hashtags |
| 1 | Winter Wonderland – Hyde Park, London | 18,500,000 |
| 2 | Manchester Christmas Markets | 68,700 |
| 3 | Edinburgh Christmas Market | 56,800 |
| 4 | Bath Christmas Market | 36,800 |
| 5 | Lincoln Christmas Market | 14,000 |
| 6 | Belfast Christmas Market | 10,500 |
| 7 | Glasgow Christmas Markets | 5,500 |
| 8 | Cardiff Christmas Market | 5,100 |
| 9 | Chester Christmas Market | 1,500 |
| 10 | Sheffield Christmas Market | 1,200 |
1. Winter Wonderland – Hyde Park, London: The Global Favourite for Festive Fun
London’s Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park takes the crown with 18.5 million hashtags, making it a beloved holiday destination. Known for its spectacular lights, amusement rides, and a blend of traditional and contemporary stalls, Winter Wonderland offers something for everyone.
“Winter Wonderland is the mother of all Christmas celebrations,” says Halliday. “The sheer scale and variety of activities here create an experience that leaves a lasting impression—and it’s perfect for sharing on social media.”
From ice skating to live performances, the market offers countless opportunities for visitors to create and share memories with family and friends.
2. Manchester Christmas Markets: A Festive Classic in the Heart of the City
With 68,700 hashtags, Manchester Christmas Markets stand out for their vibrant ambience and extensive selection of stalls spread across the city centre. From holiday crafts to international cuisines, the market embodies the spirit of Manchester’s cultural diversity.
Halliday notes, “Manchester’s Christmas market offers a cosy, inclusive atmosphere that brings people together. It’s a beautiful blend of European-style stalls and local Manchester flair, which makes it ideal for content creators looking for variety.”
Visitors can explore themed sections throughout the market, each with its unique flair, providing countless photo opportunities for holiday memories.
3. Edinburgh Christmas Market: Scottish Charm Meets Holiday Cheer
With a backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the city’s Christmas Market has garnered 56,800 hashtags and captivated visitors with its stunning views, seasonal treats, and traditional Scottish elements.
“The Edinburgh Christmas Market combines classic holiday cheer with the timeless appeal of Scottish culture,” says Halliday. “The setting alone is iconic, and every stall is brimming with festive warmth and heritage, creating a perfect atmosphere for unforgettable moments.”
Located in East Princes Street Gardens, this market is famous for its artisanal products, warm mulled cider, and panoramic views that make for ideal holiday snapshots.
4. Bath Christmas Market: A Picture-Perfect Setting in a Historic City
In the South, Bath’s Christmas Market, with 36,800 hashtags, is a seasonal favourite known for its historic architecture and artisanal charm. Nestled among Bath’s famous Georgian buildings, this market has a unique mix of local crafts, gifts, and seasonal foods.
“Bath’s market is one of the most picturesque in the UK,” comments Halliday. “It’s quaint and enchanting, with a beautiful mix of old-world charm and modern-day festive cheer.”
Visitors to Bath Christmas Market can stroll through over 150 wooden chalets, each offering unique handcrafted items, creating a one-of-a-kind shopping experience in a breathtaking setting.
5. Lincoln Christmas Market: Tradition and Charm in a Cozy, Historic Town
Lincoln Christmas Market, ranked fifth with 14,000 hashtags, offers a cosy, traditional market experience nestled near the city’s historic cathedral. Known for its intimate ambience, this market is a quintessential holiday destination for those seeking a traditional Christmas experience.
“Lincoln’s market may be smaller than some, but it has a charm that’s hard to match,” Halliday explains. “There’s a sense of stepping back in time, with everything from mulled wine to handcrafted ornaments capturing the heart of Christmas.”
Visitors can enjoy scenic views, festive foods, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that adds to Lincoln’s timeless appeal.
Andy Halliday, CEO of City of Doncaster News, comments: “Christmas markets across the UK today are cultural icons, combining festive tradition with visually dazzling experiences that resonate on social media. Each market offers its own charm, from the grandeur of Winter Wonderland in London to the historic warmth of Lincoln’s cosy stalls. These markets are more than just places to shop; they’re immersive holiday destinations where visitors can capture the spirit of the season in a setting that’s nostalgic and beautifully crafted. It’s no surprise they’re so popular online—these markets are perfectly curated for memorable, shareable holiday moments.”