‘Tis the season: Homes near the best Christmas markets across the UK and Europe

Nothing quite marks the arrival of the festive season like a traditional Christmas market, as streets, squares and venues are transformed into winter wonderlands. Some of the most magical are positioned in and around the UK and continental Europe’s historic towns and cities, showcasing the best local artisans and independent businesses in the area. We take a look at the most charming - and if any of the locations make it onto your wishlist, we have the perfect property nearby.

UK

Edinburgh, Scotland

5 bedroom townhouse for sale in Great King Street, Edinburgh, EH3. Guide price £1,690,000

The Scottish capital is one of the UK’s most enchanting places to celebrate the holiday season, offering everything from citywide Christmas festivities to its legendary Hogmanay celebrations. The latter begins with the much-loved Torchlight Procession, which will once again wind through the atmospheric Old Town on 29 December, before the revelry culminates in a star-studded street party on 31 December. Meanwhile, the East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market, running until 4 January 2026, remains a perennial favourite, showcasing stalls from Scottish and European crafters, artists and independent retailers.

Set in Edinburgh’s New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its architectural significance, this elegant five-bedroom townhouse offers a peaceful retreat within easy reach of the city’s rich cultural attractions. Grade A-listed, it retains and enhances its grand period features, resulting in a spacious and refined family home.

York, England

4 bedroom house for sale in The Green, Nun Monkton, York, North Yorkshire, YO26. Guide price £850,000

York’s cosy, cobbled streets create the perfect backdrop for its vibrant programme of festive events. At its heart is the jewel of the season: the award-winning Christmas market. Alpine-style chalets line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, showcasing local crafts, artisan goods, and irresistible seasonal treats. With more than 80% of traders hailing from Yorkshire, it’s an ideal opportunity to support local businesses while enjoying the very best the region has to offer.

Just outside the city, in the close-knit village of Nun Monkton, sits this four-bedroom detached house overlooking the village green. Dating back to 1824, it offers rustic character in abundance; think winter evenings curled up beside the wood-burning stove in the drawing room. Thoughtfully maintained throughout, the house blends its historic charm with light, airy spaces designed for modern living.

Bath, England

5 bedroom house for sale in Brock Street, Bath, Somerset, BA1. Guide price £3,500,000

Bath’s majestic Georgian architecture takes on an extra layer of magic during the festive season, as gentle Christmas lights illuminate its romantic streets. Each year, the city is transformed by its Christmas market, which draws visitors from near and far. This year promises to be especially memorable as the market celebrates its 25th anniversary, running from 27 November to 14 December.

This superb Grade II-listed townhouse enjoys a prime position on Brock Street, which links two of Bath’s most iconic landmarks: the Royal Crescent and The Circus. Offering nearly 5,000 sq ft of elegant living space across six floors, the property was meticulously refurbished in 2019, seamlessly blending original period details with contemporary design.

Winchester, England

3 bedroom house for sale in Chilcomb, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21. Guide price £1,100,000

What more fitting setting for a winter market than Winchester Cathedral—one of the largest and most impressive cathedrals in Northern Europe? Its popular annual market, running until 22 December, draws inspiration from traditional German Christmas markets, with more than 100 hand-picked exhibitors inviting visitors to browse wooden chalets set within the cathedral’s historic grounds.

For those seeking historic charm in abundance, this three-bedroom cottage on the city’s outskirts offers the ideal balance of country tranquillity and easy access to Winchester. Its thatched roof sets the tone for a warm and inviting home, complete with exposed oak beams, a beautiful garden and a paddock.