Christmas markets by train

Get into the festive spirit and turn your journey green as you explore these magical Christmas markets by train. Twinkling lights, brass bands, handmade gifts and tempting food stalls, all make for a delightful day out. Don't worry about parking, going by train delivers you straight into the heart of the action, plus you can treat yourself to a glass (or two!) of your favourite festive tipple. Take a look at some of our Christmas market suggestions below, some may be lesser known than others, but all are easy to reach by train.

Yorkshire & North East

The Piece Hall Christmas Market, Halifax
10 – 26 November, free entry
Nearest railway route: Calder Valley Line

Located within the historic walls of The Piece Hall, this Christmas Market will showcase some of the region's favourite independent food and drink producers, artisan makers and pop-up street food. Find out more...

Beverley Festival of Christmas
Beverley town centre
10 December, free entry
Nearest railway route: Yorkshire Coast Line

The historic town of Beverley is transformed into a magical Christmas shopper's wonderland with over 120 stalls. Find out more...

Bishop Auckland Christmas Town
Bishop Auckland Marketplace
24 – 26 November, free entry
Nearest railway route: Bishop Line

Step into a yuletide wonderland where traders from near and far offer a festive shopping experience like no other. Find out more...

Hexham Christmas Market
Hexham town centre
9 December, free entry
Nearest railway route: Tyne Valley Line

Hexham's much-loved Christmas Market is back for 2023. Eat, drink, shop and be merry. Find out more...

Leeds Christmas Markets
Leeds city centre
24 November – 22 December, free entry
Nearest railway route: Bentham Line

For the first time, street and spaces across the city centre will be hosting plenty of traditional timber market stalls decked out in festive lighting and will include international, UK, Yorkshire and Leeds traders. Find out more...

Scotland

Galashiels Christmas Market
Market Street, Galashiels
2 December, free entry
Nearest railway route: Borders Railway

Get into the festive spirit as you explore the heart of the Borders in Galashiels. Why not stop by The Great Tapestry of Scotland while you're in the area and discover the great tales of Scotland. Find out more...

Christmas Shopping Fayre
Stirling Castle
5 December, £6 entry
Nearest railway route: Strathallan Line

Stock up for the festive season in the splendour of the Great Hall, with stalls showcasing the very best of local Scottish brands, crafts and fine foods and drink. Find out more...

Wales

Llandudno Christmas Extravaganza
Llandudno town centre
16 – 19 November, free entry
Nearest railway route: Conwy Valley Line

Join in with this festive family fun event held in the heart of Llandudno. With food, drinks, gifts, funfair, entertainment and more there is plenty to do. Find out more...

Swansea Christmas Market
Swansea city centre
24 November – 20 December, free entry
Nearest railway route: Heart of Wales

Talented crafters, traditional traders and delicious street food vendors return to Swansea in festive chalets throughout the city centre. Find out more...

North West

Chester Christmas Market
Town Hall Square
17 November – 21 December, free entry

Nearest railway routes: Mid Cheshire Line, North Cheshire Line and 3 Counties Connected

Get the festive feeling this winter as you enjoy browsing 70 stalls in the heart of magical Chester. Find out more...

Feast of Festive Cheer
Clitheroe Market Bullring
10 & 17 December, free entry
Nearest railway route: Clitheroe Line

Get into the festive foodie spirit with this special Christmas market featuring a variety of food and drink gifts that won't break the bank. Find out more...

Manchester Christmas Markets
Manchester city centre
10 November – 21 December, free entry
Nearest railway routes: Buxton Line, Glossop Line, Mid Cheshire Line, Crewe to Manchester, Clitheroe Line & Hope Valley Line

With over 225 stalls across nine sites throughout the city centre, this year's Christmas markets will see the iconic ski chalet market stalls take over. Find out more...

East

Festive Felixstowe
Felixstowe town centre
22 December, free entry
Nearest railway route: East Suffolk Lines Ipswich to Felixstowe

Say hello to Santa as you take the train to this year's Festive Felixstowe. When you arrive in the seaside town you can enjoy a mini fair, skating rink, family workshops and more. Find out more & book your special Santa train tickets here...

Peterborough Cathedral Christmas Craft and Gift Market
Peterborough Cathedral
17 & 18 December, £3 entry on the door
Nearest railway route: Hereward Line

There's no better place to get in the festive spirit than inside the 900-year walls at Peterborough Cathedral this winter. With over 100 stallholders you're sure to find that unique and special gift. Find out more...

Christmas in Cambridge
Parker's Piece, Cambridge
Until 24 December, free entry
Nearest railway route: Rhee Valley Line

Pick up the perfect present from the charming chalet huts, take in the views from the ferris wheel or tuck into your festive favourite treat, there's plenty to do in Cambridge this Christmas. Find out more...

Midlands

Victorian Matlock Christmas Market
Hall Leys Park, Matlock
1 – 3 December, free entry
Nearest railway routes: Derwent Valley Line

With over 200 stalls, you'll find an array of food, drink, crafts and gifts. There's something for everyone, from family-friendly festive performances to traditional fairground rides. Find out more...

Boston Christmas Market
Market Place, Boston
23 – 26 November, free entry
Nearest railway route: Poacher Line

Celebrate Boston this Christmas with a 4-day Christmas market with traditional traders, festive food and a great town centre atmosphere. Find out more...

South East

Southampton Christmas Market
Southampton city centre
16 November 2023 – 2 January 2024, free entry
Nearest railway routes: Southampton to Winchester & Southampton to Salisbury

This traditional market features individually designed alpine chalets with more than 30 independent stallholders offering a range of handmade, authentic gifts and Christmas decorations. Find out more...

Salisbury Christmas Market
Guildhall Square, Salisbury
17 November – 31 December, free entry
Nearest railway route: Southampton to Salisbury & Transwilts Line

Showcasing a range of independent traders selling unique gifts, this market is sure to get you in the festive mood. Find out more...

Don't miss the community trip to Salisbury Christmas Market, with half price rail tickets on 22 November. In conjunction with Three Rivers Community Rail Partnership, TransWilts Community Rail Partnership and South Wessex Community Rail Partnership. Tickets are on a first come first served basis, please email: [email protected] to book.

Hollingbourne Station Christmas Fayre
Hollingbourne Station
2 December, free entry

Take time to browse the local crafts and produce and treat yourself to mulled wine and festive treats. Find out more...

South West

Bristol Christmas Market
Bristol city centre
3 November – 23 December, free entry
Nearest railway route: Severn Beach Line & Heart of Wessex Line

Home to over 35 unique stalls as well as entertainment and visits from Santa and his elves. Visitors can enjoy delicious drinks and live music. Find out more...

Plymouth Christmas Market
Piazza, Plymouth
30 November – 17 December, free entry
Nearest railway routes: Tamar Valley Line

Pick-up some individual and unique Christmas gifts at Plymouth Christmas Market on the Piazza, this festive season. Find out more...