You know the look. You put on your big winter coat, wrap a scarf around your neck twice, and grab the car keys. Then, you turn around to see your dog staring at you with the saddest, most heartbreaking eyes imaginable.

Usually, visiting a Christmas market means leaving the dog at home. It’s often too crowded, too loud, or just plain banned. But things are changing. The UK is becoming increasingly dog-friendly, and for the 2025 festive season, there are plenty of spots where your four-legged friend is just as welcome as you are.

However, navigating a market with a dog requires strategy. You want a festive day out, not a stressful ordeal involving a tangled lead and a stolen bratwurst.

Here is your human-to-human guide on surviving the festive season with your pooch, plus 5 of the best markets to visit this year.

The “Santa Paws” Survival Guide

Before you pack the poo bags, here are three golden rules for a successful market trip:

  1. The “Short Lead” Rule: Ditch the flexi-lead. Markets are busy, and tripping up a stranger carrying a tray of hot chocolates is a recipe for disaster. Keep your dog close to your leg for their safety and everyone else’s ankles.
  2. The Scavenger Watch: Christmas markets are a minefield of dropped chips, churros, and onions. Keep one eye on the sights and one eye on the floor to make sure your dog doesn’t treat the pavement like a buffet.
  3. Read the Room: If your dog is tucking their tail, panting heavily, or hiding behind you, it’s too much. The best dog-friendly markets have quiet zones or parks nearby—use them for regular “decompression” breaks.

1. Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

Best For: The Traditional Experience

If you want that classic “Dickensian” vibe, Winchester is unbeatable. Set within the Inner Close of the cathedral, the wooden chalets are beautiful. While it gets very busy, the crowd tends to be polite, and you’ll see plenty of other dog owners there.

  • Why it works: The market is situated right next to the cathedral grounds. This means you can do a lap of the stalls, buy your gifts, and then immediately escape to the green space for a proper run and a sniff.
  • Owner Tip: Avoid the weekends if you can. A Tuesday morning visit gives you all the atmosphere with half the crushing crowds.

Find out more here

2. Chatsworth House Christmas Market (Derbyshire)

Best For: A Full Day Out

This isn’t just a market; it’s an adventure. Located on Lodge Hill outside the spectacular Chatsworth House, this market feels grand and spacious compared to cramped city centres.

  • Why it works: You can combine the shopping with a serious walk. Chatsworth has over 1,000 acres of parkland along the River Derwent. Tire the dog out on a long walk first, and they’ll be happy to snooze by your feet while you sip a hot chocolate.
  • Owner Tip: Dogs are welcome in the market and park, but generally not the house or formal gardens. Also, bring a towel—Derbyshire in December usually means muddy paws.

Find out more here

3. Kingston upon Thames Christmas Market (London/Surrey)

Best For: A Relaxed Riverside Vibe

If the idea of Central London’s Winter Wonderland fills you with dread, head to Zone 6. Kingston’s market is set in the ancient marketplace but spills out towards the river. It feels traditional but much more laid back.

  • Why it works: It’s right on the Thames. You can grab some street food and take a stroll along the towpath away from the noise. There’s also an “Alpine Village” with fire pits that are great for warming up cold hands (and paws).
  • Owner Tip: The aisles between stalls can get narrow, so this is best for dogs who are comfortable with people brushing past them.

Find out more here

4. Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas Market

Best For: The “Instagram Moment”

This event usually runs for a short burst in December, but it is spectacular. The whole town embraces a Victorian theme, with market traders and actors in costume.

  • Why it works: It’s an immersive atmosphere that confident dogs often find fascinating. There are plenty of smells, sights, and people stopping to fuss over your dog (especially if you’ve put them in a festive bandana).
  • Owner Tip: Because it only runs for a few days, it attracts huge crowds. Only take dogs that are bomb-proof when it comes to noise and bustle.

Find out more here

5. The “Local Gem” (Your Wildcard Option)

Best For: A Stress-Free Sunday

Sometimes, the big famous markets are just too much hassle. For 2025, don’t overlook the smaller, independent markets in towns like Cirencester, Frome, or Totnes.

  • Why it works: These markets are often held in wide high streets or market squares with more breathing room. They are almost always more welcoming to dogs than the big city events, and you’re less likely to have your toes stepped on.
  • Owner Tip: Check your local Facebook community groups. The best dog-friendly markets are often the ones right on your doorstep that don’t have a massive marketing budget!

Find out more here