Get your Christmas lists at the ready, as we round up ten UK festive fayres and Christmas markets.
1. Bath Christmas Market, Bath
This year’s Bath Christmas Market will run from 22nd November – 9th December, with over 170 decorated wooden chalets brimming with charming gifts and artisan produce. Local artwork, handmade Christmas decorations, bespoke jewellery, homewares and festive food and drink will give plenty of inspiration for presents.
2. The Alnwick Garden’s Christmas Market, Northumberland
On selected weekends during the festive months pop into The Alnwick Garden’s Christmas market packed with local traders to tempt the hardiest of shoppers. Artisan foods and nibbles appealing to all palettes, inspiring unique gifts to help tick off some of those items from your Christmas gift list, and not forgetting to treat the yourself too, for all the hard work you do over Christmas.
3. Grassington Dickensian Festival, Yorkshire
The quaint village of Grassington in Yorkshire becomes the backdrop of a Charles Dickens themed Christmas Market each year, the Grassington Dickensian Festival. On the first two weekends in December there will be the usual mix of entertainment including traditional brass bands, singers and dancers. Around the village, close-up magic shows, walk-about jugglers, Punch & Judy and ‘pick pockets’ all add to the atmosphere that has been emanating from Grassington for almost four decades.
4. Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market, Winchester
Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market offers over 100 chalets and an Ice Rink in the shadow of Winchester Cathedral. Inspired by traditional German Christmas Markets, you’ll be captivated by the sights, sounds and smells with tempting seasonal treats and exclusive gifts this 17th November -20th December, with its Ice Rink open until 2nd January 2019.
Pictured: Festive Gift Fair, Birmingham.
5. Festive Gift Fair, Birmingham
Now in its 23rd year, the Festive Gift Fair at the NEC, Birmingham offers four days of festive shopping from 15th to 18th November. There will be more than 300 stalls waiting to inspire you for your Christmas shopping this year and next. There’s something for everyone and you’ll find plenty of offers and lots to see and try for yourself too.
6. Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market, Exeter
Taking place on Cathedral Green in Exeter, this year’s Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market will run from 15th November to 16th December. Take in the backdrop of the cathedral as you enjoy festive goods and tick off gifts from your list.
7. Edinburgh Christmas, Scotland
This season’s Edinburgh’s Christmas take place between 16th November 2018 and 5th January 2019. Princes Street Gardens’ Christmas Market alongside the Christmas Market on George Street offer visitors a wide range of local and homemade gifts as well as mouth-watering delicacies. Edinburgh’s Christmas also features a variety of rides and attractions for all the family to enjoy.
Pictured: Edinburgh Christmas.
8. Christmas Market at Weald & Downland Living Museum, Chichester
Find those Christmas gifts and enjoy a festive day out at the Weald & Downland Living Museum near Chichester. This Christmas Market, from 23rd to 25th November, sees more than 140 stands selling arts, crafts, food, and unusual gifts. As well as the stalls, you can enjoy festive music, entertainment and some samples of tasty seasonal treats. Great for groups, the Museum has free coach parking, a gift shop and a waterside café.
9. Winter Wonderland, London
Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park attracts visitors from far and wide each year. The annual festive event takes place this year from 22nd November until 6th January. The spectacular features not only a Christmas market but ice rinks, rides, stalls and activities for all ages.
10. Outdoor Christmas Market, Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire
Visit the grand Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire and enjoy the Outdoor Christmas Market from 6th to 10th December and the Christmas Musical Extravaganza from 7th until 9th December. The picturesque structure atop the hill makes for a true festive experience and groups throughout the year can enjoy special house and garden tour
