Despite rising costs and growing operational challenges, NABMA members are delivering Christmas markets across the country, supporting independent traders, attracting visitors, and bringing festive celebrations to town and city centres.
Recent media coverage has highlighted the cancellation of several Christmas markets, raising concerns about the future of these popular festive events.
While market operators undoubtedly face financial and operational pressures, there is also a much more positive story to tell.
Across the UK, NABMA members are demonstrating their commitment to markets, local businesses, and communities by delivering Christmas celebrations of all sizes.
NABMA members leading the way
In York, one of the country’s best-known Christmas markets returns on 12 November, organised by Make It York. Running until 21 December, the event will bring festive stalls, handmade gifts, local produce and seasonal food to the historic city centre. More than 80% of traders are based in Yorkshire, highlighting the important opportunities these events create for regional businesses.
Manchester’s Christmas Markets, organised by Manchester City Council, are already welcoming visitors. With more than 210 stalls across ten city centre locations, the event demonstrates the considerable economic and visitor appeal of well-managed Christmas markets.
In Sheffield, the Christmas Markets return on 12 November with more than 50 festive cabins across the city centre. Working with market operator Percival Markets, Sheffield City Council is helping deliver an event where more than 80% of traders are local, providing valuable opportunities for independent businesses.
In Belfast, Christmas celebrations return to the grounds of City Hall from 14 November to 22 December. Operated by Market Place Europe, NABMA’s principal sponsor, the popular Christmas Market will feature more than 100 local and international traders, with over half of the stalls showcasing local businesses. The event demonstrates the important role of specialist market operators in delivering major festive attractions, supporting independent traders and bringing visitors into city centres.
Smaller market authorities are also making a significant contribution.
Wells City Council, a NABMA member and winner of the 2026 Small Market Achievement Award, is expanding its Christmas celebrations with a two-day market on 12 and 13 December. More than 200 artisan stalls, festive entertainment and a new Christmas lighting scheme will help attract visitors and support businesses throughout the historic city.
These are just a few examples of the excellent work taking place across NABMA’s membership.
Recognising the challenges, celebrating the successes
NABMA recognises the pressures facing market operators, including rising costs, constraints on local authority budgets and increasing expectations around event management and public safety.
Recent concerns surrounding Martyn’s Law have also added to uncertainty.
However, the Security Industry Authority confirmed on 9 November that the legislation’s main requirements are not yet in force and that many traditional Christmas markets may fall outside its scope. The new requirements are currently expected to take effect in spring 2027.
It is important that market operators receive accurate information and proportionate guidance, rather than unnecessary concern about the future of their events.
Following an article published in The Sun on 9 November highlighting the cancellation of several Christmas markets and raising concerns about Martyn’s Law, NABMA’s Chief Executive, David Catterall, has written to the newspaper to provide clarification and a broader industry perspective.
His response highlights the many successful Christmas markets being delivered by NABMA members, the importance of accurate information about future legislation and the significant contribution markets continue to make to local economies and communities.
Supporting our markets this Christmas
As the national voice of market operators, NABMA is proud to represent the local authorities, private operators, and market professionals whose work supports independent traders, strengthens local economies and brings communities together.
The cancellation of individual events is disappointing, but it should not overshadow the many successful Christmas markets taking place across the country.
This Christmas, NABMA encourages everyone to visit their local markets, discover independent traders and support the businesses that make our towns and cities special.
Christmas markets are open for business. Let’s get behind them.
NABMA members are invited to share their Christmas market news, photographs, and success stories so that we can continue celebrating the excellent work taking place across the industry.