Mulled wine, Christmas choirs, mince pies and twinkly lights. It must be Christmas Market season in the UK! From mid November until the Big Day you can visit some of the UK’s largest towns & cities to explore these magical wonderlands. Here are 7 of our favourites:
1. Victorian Christmas Market, Stratford on Avon
With no event in 2020, this year’s Market, located in the town centre is set to be even bigger and better, and with an extra day added on! There’ll be over 300 stalls bursting with gifts and with the stall holders getting into the spirit of things dressed up in Victorian costumes. A traditional funfair with a carousel will be a draw for little ones with street food and various hot and cold drinks tempting the bigger kids in your party!
2. Christmas Market, Hampshire
Sadly the Victorian Festival of Christmas at the Historic Dockyard will not take place this year, BUT the Christmas market will open this week on Commercial Road, with stalls selling their wares right up until Christmas Eve. With bratwurst, cheeses, crepes, churros and novelty Christmas chocolate on the menu we’re feeling hungry already 😋
3. Rochester Christmas Market, Kent
Rochester Christmas Market is accompanied by the Dickensian Christmas Festival on 4th & 5th December so select your shopping dates wisely for double the entertainment! The market takes place every weekend from the end of November and is located in the picturesque Rochester Castle Gardens. The market promises unusual stocking fillers, unique personalised gifts and, of course, mulled wine!
4. York’s St Nicholas Christmas Fair, York
York Christmas Market is one of the most lauded markets in the UK, having previously won the titles of Best Large Speciality Market and Britain’s Most Festive City. Charming alpine chalets will line the streets from 18 Nov – 23 December with local businesses selling handmade goods and treats. Head to Kings Square to take a ride on the vintage carousel, then grab a hot toddy from Thor’s Tipi!
5. Tunnel of Light, Norwich
So this is not strictly a Christmas Market but this attraction is worth an inclusion on our festive round-up. The Tunnel of Light in Norwich attracts visitors from miles around with its 57,000 LED bulbs and 5.6 miles of cabling. This 45 metre spectacle will be open until the New Year. Santa’s Grotto eat your heart out…
6. Winchester Christmas Market, Hampshire
This Christmas Market is held at Winchester Cathedral, which is also Jane Austen’s place of burial for the history geeks amongst you. Inspired by German Christmas Markets the chalets are located in the Cathedral’s historic inner close and attract over 400,000 visitors each year. Planning your visit in advance is advised.
7. Padstow Christmas Festival, Padstow
Sadly this Festival will not be taking place in 2021 but we hope to see it return next year. Not surprisingly food is at the heart of this celebration with over 60 culinary experts displaying their skill over 4 days. There are also literary talks and book signings for those more interested in the written word than winter wonderlands. Bah humbug!
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