With less than two weeks to go before Christmas, town and city centres across the country are at their most festive. With that last bit of Christmas shopping yet to do, no time is better than now to combine it with a trip to a Christmas market.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (Photo: Mark Colliton via Flickr)
It’s that time of year again when Christmas is impossible to ignore and yet nobody has had quite enough yet to be tired of it. Whether it’s a little mulled wine to sand down the frigid edges of winter, or a little festive cheer to get you in the spirit, Christmas markets are joyful places to be. No wonder they can be found all over the country.
Birmingham may still boast one of the largest, but every region of the country has its own take on the Christmas market and each one has something unique to offer. Here are some of the best Christmas markets in Britain that run all the way up until Christmas.
York Christmas Festival
York Christmas Festival stalls lining the streets of the old town (Photo: York Christmas Festival)
Runs until: December 23
An array of quaint shops and boutique stores set in a historic centre make York an endearing city at any time of the year. Add Christmas lights and yuletide cheer into the mix and you have a recipe for a lovely Christmas festival. York goes a step further with a whole roster of events and performances from theatre to opera. Stalls and libations can be found at the St. Nicholas Fair lining Parliament Street and St. Sampson’s Square. If you’re looking for an alternative to mulled wine, try the Christmas cocktail.
Cardiff Christmas Market
Quaint craft stalls at the creative Cardiff Christmas Market (Photo: courtesy of Craft Folk)
Runs until: December 23
So much care and effort goes into selecting the exhibitors and stalls at Cardiff Christmas Market that it might just boast the most variety of all Christmas markets. Metalwork, candle makers and glasswork are all represented alongside the more traditional Christmas craft stalls. Up and coming artisans, still training at Cardiff University, also have a stall; a great initiative to support local business. Not only are the arts championed, but there is food and drink available aplenty.
Canterbury Christmas Market
Runs until: December 24
Located in Whitefriars Square, the city of Chaucer brings in a little German spirit for their annual Christmas market. Mulled wine and sausages warm from inside out. The Canterbury Christmas market is a great example of a smaller scale event that offers a more personable experience in a quaint English town centre, and is quite unique compared to the bigger city markets. For that alone it is well worth the trip. Check out the decorations and seasonal produce on sale at one of the 40+ stalls.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Edinburgh Christmas Market (Photo: Ross G. Strachan via Flickr)
Runs until: January 7
Christmas in Edinburgh is a full-on festive affair. There are a number of events taking place across the city. The European Christmas Market has something of a carnival atmosphere to it, with a double-tiered carousel, big wheel and even a Santa train among the many activities available. For the young ones there’s a Santa’s grotto, for the older ones a Separate Scottish market with local produce and alcohol, and there’s an ice rink for everybody.
Nottingham Winter Wonderland
Runs until: December 24
Every Winter Wonderland deserves a bar. In Nottingham they have two! Grab a hot toddy at the Helter Skelter Bar – don’t worry, there’s no requirement to take a spiral slide to get there, but the drink might well produce the same sensation without it. Conversely visit the huge ice rink and finish the evening off with a tipple at the Market Square bar next door. Nottingham Winter Wonderland also boasts an eclectic festive market selling more than just the seasonal gifts. With clothing, jewellery and luxury leather goods on sale, it might be ideal for a spot of last minute Christmas shopping as well.
Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle Christmas Market Funfair (Photo: Leeds Castle)
Runs until: December 23
With the castle as a dramatic backdrop, this Christmas market only takes place at the weekend, as well as the two days that precede Christmas Eve. Live music sets the tone at this pleasant market, as the Victorian carousel and big wheel add the kinetics. Seasonal food and drink is on sale and for nature lovers there are birds of prey and reindeer around about too. Last admission into the castle grounds is at 3pm.
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market
Hand-made toy figures on sale at Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market (Photo: Bob Hall via Flickr)
Runs until: December 29
Proudly hosting the largest German market in any non-German speaking nation in the world, Birmingham city centre is completely transformed come December each year. With over 120 stalls, which become 180 if the Christmas Craft Market is counted, there’s a real sense of German authenticity here. Take a journey from schnitzel to weissbeer by way of the bandstand. Craft stalls sell popular items like hand-made decorations and festive figurines.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland London
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is London’s biggest Christmas market (Photo: Winter Wonderland)
Runs until: January 2
London’s biggest festive event takes over a big chunk of Hyde Park every year, and continues to grow in popularity. Entry is free over the six weeks to this cornucopia of all things Christmas. Ice dancing, fair-ground rides, circus shows and a cocktail bar are just some of the attractions. More like a summer festival than a market, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
Glasgow Loves Christmas
Runs until: December 29
Indeed it does. Iconic George and St. Enoch Squares are transformed until the week after Christmas by lights, stalls and festive fun. Keep an eye out for live entertainment both scheduled and unscheduled. Peruse the stalls selling hand-crafted decorations or find a unique gift for someone special. To top it all off, experience some local gastronomic delights and have a wee tipple to warm up those cold winter nights.
Winchester Cathedral
Winchester Catedral Christmas Market (Photo: Winchester Cathedral)
Runs until: December 20
Winchester has already been voted the best place to live in Britain this year, so it’s no surprise that their Christmas market makes it onto a list of some of the country’s best also. Although it ends a little sooner than some of the others, the 100 German-inspired wooden chalets selling British crafts, food and drink are dotted around the stunning medieval cathedral. Be sure to take a look at the nativity scene as well, which is provided by the Cathedral.