There’s something about the Christmas season that just makes our human hearts fuzzy and pup tails wag! Whether it’s getting a new toy (that will either be shredded or drenched in slobber by the night of the 25th), sitting by the fireplace or enjoying the Christmas lights outside, there are so many ways to get your pooch involved in your holiday festivities. In this blog, we’re listing the most paw-fect dog-friendly Christmas markets from the north to the south of the UK that you should take your pooch along to (otherwise, the new toy won’t be the only thing in the house shredded on the 25th!).
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Don’t let the cold scare you and your pup away from visiting Edinburgh’s beautiful Christmas market located in the heart of the city at East Princes Street Gardens. Bundle yourselves up in your favourite Christmas sweaters and check out this festive-must in Scotland’s capital, where you can shop for artisanal gifts in the company of your furry friend.
When? 25th Nov 2022 to 3rd Jan 2023
Hours: Open daily from 10am to 10pm (though closes early on holidays and is closed on Christmas Day)
Manchester Christmas Markets
Manchester is home to the oldest and one of the largest Christmas markets in the UK, attracting thousands of people and their pooches each year. While pups aren’t allowed into Albert Square, you are free to enjoy the rest of the markets spread across 10 sites in the city where you have countless options of food, gifts and photo opportunities with Santa Paws!
When? 12th Nov to 22nd Dec 2022
Hours: Food and drink stalls open every day from 11am to 9pm; craft and gift stalls open every day from 10am to 8pm
Sheffield Christmas Markets
While not as large as the Manchester Markets, the Sheffield Christmas Markets have earned their spot on our list for being dog-friendly, providing a paws-itively magical Christmas experience for humans and pooches alike. Made up of mostly local, independent traders, the market has over 50 log cabin stalls, making for a more cosy and less overwhelming experience—which may be ideal when taking along your four-legged friend.
When? 18th Nov to 31st Dec 2022
Hours: Sunday to Thursday from 10am to 6pm
Birmingham German Christmas Market
Want to feel like you’ve travelled internationally with your pooch without leaving the country? Take a trip to Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market—the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria. Just make sure dein Hund is on a lead as you two explore what this unique market has to offer, including some tasty German delicacies.
When? 3rd Nov to 23rd Dec 2022
Hours: Open daily from 10am to 9pm
Bristol Christmas Market
If you’re looking for a chill(y) environment to take in the Christmas spirit with your pooch, look no further than the Bristol Christmas Market. Made up of 50 stalls, this charming market provides live music Thursday to Sunday and offers you the chance to keep warm inside a cosy igloo (though this must be booked in advance, and only pups on Santa’s Nice List are allowed).
When? 4th Nov to 23rd Dec 2022
Hours: Open daily from 10am to 10pm
Bath Christmas Market
Just a 30-minute ride from Bristol, Bath’s Christmas Market is more than worth the trip! With stunning Bath Abbey in its background, Bath’s market is filled with vendors selling handmade gifts and locally produced liquors and sweets. Find yourself and Fido getting lost in this winter wonderland, including wandering through the city’s famous Roman Baths.
When? 24th Nov to 11th Dec 2022
Hours: Monday to Wednesday from 10am to 7pm
Thursday to Saturday from 10am to 8pm
Sundays from 10am to 6pm
London Christmas Markets
The UK’s capital is in no shortage of festive Christmas markets, most of which are outside and therefore pup friendly. Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is London’s largest winter event, and while pups are allowed, it may be a bit overwhelming for them (plus, they aren’t able to enjoy the many rides that this attraction has). For an experience that feels like you’ve left the bustle of the city for a quaint European town, check out Kingston Christmas Market, where you and your pup will find yourselves full of Yuletide joy. ‘Tis the season to be waggy!
When? 10th Nov to 24th Dec 2022
Hours: Sunday to Wednesday from 10am to 6pm
Thursday to Saturday from 10am to 8pm
If your pooch isn’t on the Naughty List this year, consider taking them to a Christmas market made specially for dogs! On the 8th of December, Christmas at Flat Iron Square in London turns into Doggo Style Alpine Christmas Market where your pooch can participate in (or just watch from the side-lines) a pup pawrade, enjoy some treats or gifts from independent pet brands and socialise with other jolly pups as they wait for Santa. For one day only, organisers of the event might not even mind if your pup wees on the Christmas tree (keyword being might)! Tickets are £4 in advance and £5 at the door, with all ticket sales going directly to the charity All Dogs Matter—how pawsome is that?!
When? 8th Dec 2022
Hours: 12pm to 5pm
