Our favourite dog-friendly Christmas markets in the UK

We love Christmas markets in the UK, and everyone has overspent on a hot chocolate, mulled wine or a last-minute gift at one. But unfortunately, not all of them are dog-friendly, and it can be hard to choose which one to attend.

Here, we’ve listed our favourite dog-friendly Christmas markets in the UK so you and your tailmate can enjoy the festive fun together.

Dog-friendly Christmas markets in England

Bath Christmas Market

• When: Thursday 27th November to Sunday 14th December 2025

• Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday: 10am to 7pm, Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 8pm, Sunday: 10am to 6pm

• Where: Central Bath, spread out around areas like Bath Street, Union Street, and the Abbey Quarter.

• Why we like it: A beautiful walk through the Roman and Georgian streets of Bath with over 180 chalet stalls.

• Things to know: This can get popular, so go early or avoid it if your dog isn’t a fan of crowds.

Kingston upon Thames

• When: 13th November 2025 – 28th December 2025

• Where: 20 Market Pl, Kingston upon Thames.

• Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday – 10am to 6pm, Thursday to Saturday – 10am to 8pm, Xmas Eve/Boxing Day – 10am to 6pm

• Why we like it: Gorgeous Christmas lights and lots of cute stalls!

• Things to know: Gets very busy, especially on the weekend. Try to go early on a weekday if you can. Dogs must be on a short lead.

Chatsworth market

• When: 8 November 2025 –14 December 2025

• Where: Lodge Hill, Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1PP

• Why we like it: Set against the backdrop of the magnificent Chatsworth House, with plenty of surrounding space for walks in the Peak District.

• Things to know: Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome at the market. They aren’t allowed indoors (but the best part of the manor house is the outside anyway).

Hawkshead Christmas Fair, Cumbria

• When: Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December 2025

• Where: Hawkshead Village, LA22

• Opening hours: 10am-4pm

• Why we like it: Lots of craft and local produce stalls in a beautiful part of Britain

• Things to know: Can get crowded, even for a small market

Southbank Winter Market

• When: 03 Nov - 04 Jan 2026

• Opening hours: 11am–10pm, craft traders until 9pm, closed Dec 25 and 31.

• Where: The Queen's Walk, London SE1 8XX

• Why we like it: A lovely riverside view in the heart of London.

• Things to know: Dogs must be on a lead, and can get busy at peak times.

Winchester Christmas Market, Hampshire

• When: 21st November to 22nd December 2025

• Opening hours: 10am-8pm

• Where: Winchester, SO23 9LS

• Why we like it: A festive location set against an illuminated, festive Winchester Cathedral

• Things to know: Gets crowded at peak time - go early in the day.

Dog-friendly Christmas markets in Northern Ireland

Donaghadee Christmas Market

• When: Saturday 6th December 2025

• Opening hours: 12-5

• Where: 6 Moat Street, Donaghadee, BT20 0DA

• Why we like it: A quaint, community-driven event in an award-winning town. Also one of the few dog-friendly Christmas markets we could find in Northern Ireland!

Dog-friendly Christmas markets in Scotland

Edinburgh Christmas Market

• When: November 15, 2025 - January 4, 2026

• Opening hours: 10am - 10pm

• Where: Princes St., Edinburgh EH2 2HG

• Why we like it: Lots going on in a beautiful, historic city

• Things to know: It’s a big city market, so go very off-peak if you can - it gets busy.

Logie Steading Christmas Market

• When: Saturday 6th - Sunday 7th December 2025

• Opening hours: 10am – 3:30pm

• Where: Logie Steading, Dunphail, Forres IV36 2QN

• Why we like it: Lots of space for walkies in a beautiful part of Scotland

• Things to know: Check with each shop in the town before entering - not all are dog-friendly.

Oban Winter Festival

• When: November 14-December 21 2025

• Opening hours: Varies. The main market often runs one specific weekend within the Nov 14 – Dec 21 festival window. Check their website in advance.

• Where: Oban, PA34.

• Why we like it: Lots of little events on for variety.

• Things to know: Only some events, like the Dachshund Dash, are dog-friendly.

Dog-friendly Christmas markets in Wales

Betws-y-Coed - Snowdonia & Local Christmas Market

• When: TBC

• Opening hours: TBC

• Where: Betws-y-Coed, Conwy, LL24

• Why we like it: Nestled in one of the most beautiful parts of Wales

• Things to know: No date revealed yet, so check in with their website beforehand.

Narberth Christmas Market

• When: Friday November 29 2025, until Sunday, December 1 2025

• Opening hours: Friday, November 29, 10am – 5pm; Saturday, November 30, 10am – 4pm and Sunday, December 1, 10am – 4pm.

• Where: Queens Hall Narberth, 44 High Street, Narberth, SA67 7AS.

• Why we like it: Located in one of the coolest spots in Pembrokeshire, with lots of top food options.

• Things to know: The market typically has a few stalls with gifts and treats specifically for dogs.

St Fagans Makers Market

• When: Each weekend in December 2025.

• Opening hours: 10am - 4pm.

• Where: St Fagans, Cardiff, CF5 6XB.

• Why we like it: Lots of outdoor space and a chance to experience some British history at the same time.

• Things to know: You will have to pay for parking, but entry is free.

How do I know if my dog will enjoy a Christmas market?

A lot depends on your dog’s personality - you, as a pet parent, will know your tailmate best. Generally, consider how your dog is around crowds and food.

Before going

• Double-check the market’s dog policy - most outdoor ones will be dog-friendly, though.

• See how your dog has been socially recently, and make sure they’re well-socialised before going if they’re a puppy.

• Pick a time that’s less crowded, usually early mornings or early afternoons.

• Observe how your dog is around sudden sounds. More lowkey markets will be fine, but more popular ones may be loud.

During your visit

• Keep them on a lead - even if your dog’s good off it, keeping them on the lead is a good idea, especially when there are other festive pups around.

• Watch your dog’s body language closely. If they seem stressed, leave for a short while, and give them a reward if they’ve been scared but done well.

• Take breaks if your dog seems overstimulated.

• Bring your essentials (we’ve listed them below).

• Protect their paws if it’s very cold, and look out for road salt or antifreeze that’s around, particularly in places like the car park.

After your visit

• If your dog’s been brave and/or has been well-behaved, give them a reward - this helps to positively reinforce the behaviour for the future.

Signs your dog is overstimulated or not having the best time

It’s mostly body language. But signs that your dog may need a break include:

• Aggression

• Avoiding eye contact

• Excessive panting

• Hiding

• Hyperactivity, like zoomies or running in circles

• Inability to focus or settle

• Nipping

• Pinned-back ears

• Refusing food or treats

• Shaking

• Yawning excessively

But don’t panic too much - most well-socialised dogs will enjoy the sights and smells of a Christmas market, especially if you go at a quieter time. Lots of crowds and noise will trigger even the most socialised dogs, though.

Things to bring with you to a Christmas market

• A coat if it’s very cold and your dog’s prone to feeling it

• Collar and ID tag

• Short lead

• Treats for positive reinforcement

• Water and a collapsible bowl

Should you take your dog to a Winter Wonderland attraction?

The majority of these will allow dogs on a lead to walk around. But to be honest, these places are so overstimulating for pets that it may be better to avoid them. They’re usually very full, have lots of lights and even more people.

If your dog is very social and extroverted, they may be okay at non-peak hours, but we’d recommend keeping an eye on them and seeing if they’re overstimulated. In general, don’t take your dog there - choose a more low-key, local market or go at a very quiet time instead.

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