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.
Now the dark cold nights have crept in and Christmas is around the corner, we're seeing Christmas markets popping up here there and everywhere. To help you get in the Christmas spirit we've put together our favourite dog friendly Christmas markets across the UK, so you and your doggo's can wrap up warm and have some tree-mendous festive filled fun together.
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? 17th November 2023 to 6th January 2024
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? 10th November 2023 to 21st December 2023
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? November 18th to December 24th 2023
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? 2nd November 2023 to 24th December 2023
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? 3rd November to 23rd December 2023
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? Thursday 23 November to Sunday 10 December 2023,
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? 17th November 2023 to 1st January 2024
Hours: Sunday to Wednesday from 10am to 6pm
Thursday to Saturday from 10am to 8pm
Make sure you don’t end up on the Naughty List…
While it’s easy to get carried away in the festive spirit, especially in the company of human’s-best-friend, it’s important to remember a few key things when bringing your pooch along with you to a Christmas market. Whether you’re checking out a doggo market or one designed for humans, make sure you always keep your pooch on a short lead—nothing will spoil the fun more quickly than your dog running away, eating something dangerous off the ground or getting themselves hurt in the bustling city. Avoid going to Christmas markets with your pup in tow when they’re at their busiest, like during the weekend or in the evening. Lastly, be prepared by checking the weather, dressing your pooch accordingly, bringing along water and some snacks (especially if you’re traveling some distance to check out one of the markets) and bring along some poo bags—not cleaning up after your pooch will get you immediately crossed off Santa’s Nice List this year.
Join THE PACK!
We don't want you to have a resting grinch face so would love to give you an early Christmas present. You can get 30% off your first order with code CHRISTMAS and ensure Santa Paws pays your doggo an early visit with some delicious plant-powered food.
