It is finally time for visiting the best Christmas Markets UK!
Christmas Markets are opening up all over the UK this weekend and for many, it is a highlight of Christmas to wander the markets, taste-test the local produce and find local crafters in your area.
Last week I walked through Hyde Park and saw the preparations for Winter Wonderland which is certainly one of the best Christmas markets in the UK. There is nothing much better than wrapping up warm and wandering through the Christmas lights to get you in the mood for the best time of year!
Christmas markets have grown in popularity in the UK, they are derived from Germany and other parts of Europe where they have been happening for many years. We are catching on to this shopping heaven and now you will find opportunities to buy local and international gifts. So whether you are choosing some pretty lights for the home or a local small run gin you’ll never leave empty-handed!
Getting your home ready for Christmas is really fun, we love nothing more than getting snuggly with Hygge Christmas Ideas, so do check out the best Christmas markets UK as you prepare for the season ahead.
Here is a round up of the best Christmas markets UK
Many cities will have Christmas Markets and they really build up the excitement of Christmas. They are ideal for getting some unique and special gifts. Check out your local towns too, Cheltenham for example has a lovely market and it looks fabulous along the tree-lined promenade each year.
Manchester Christmas Markets
When: 12 November to 22 December
Manchester city centre will transform into a festive hub this winter with several markets on offer to explore, making it one of the biggest Christmas events in the north.
Gift, crafts, jewellery and toy stalls will feature along the market trail, alongside a variety of international food and drinks.
The city’s markets are famed for traditional bratwurst, but visitors can also indulge in the likes of Hungarian goulash, Spanish paella and a hearty hog roast, as well as vegetarian options and tempting sweet treats. Whilst visiting Manchester make sure that you save some time for ice skating! Check out where by reading Where to go Ice skating in Manchester.
Cheltenham Christmas Market
When: 20 November to December 19th
Not a city this one, but my fabulous home town! The Cheltenham market opens on Saturday and is accompanied by the return of an ice rink. The market stalls will run along the pedestrianised Promenade, providing shoppers with lots of opportunities to pick up some unique treats, gifts and Christmas decorations.
Featuring local and visiting traders there will be a variety of delicious treats and wonderful products on offer: giant bratwurst from the iconic German Schwenkegrill, an exotic selection of ostrich, wild boar and crocodile burgers, Italian macaroons, liquorice, fudge and the very best in cheeses and chutneys.
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market
When: 4 November to 23 December
Attracting around five million visitors each year, Birmingham hosts the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria.
A host of food and drink, traditional toys, ornaments and gifts stalls will fill New Street and Victoria Square for seven weeks, and visitors can also enjoy the big wheel and an ice rink at Centenary Square from 4 November 2021 to 9 January 2022.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
When: 19 November to 3 January
London’s biggest festive event has much more on offer than just a Christmas market, with an array of attractions and activities to keep all ages entertained. This one is very family orientated with lots of fair rides for all the family.
Alongside street food stalls, a Bavarian village and Thor’s Tipi Bar, it is home to the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, ice sculpting workshops, a Magical Ice Kingdom, Zippos Christmas circus, fairground rides and Santa Land.
York Christmas Festival
When: 18 November to 23 December
Held in Parliament and St Sampson’s Square, York’s St Nicholas Fair will feature more than 60 festive alpine chalets offering a unique selection of gifts, seasonal fare and local produce.
Visitors can also visit the adjoining Shambles market which is home to a wide variety of local indie traders, the Shambles Food Court, and take a ride on the vintage carousel in Kings Square.
For more Christmas posts read 9 Festive Activities to do in the Run Up to Christmas and if you are looking for Christmas Markets further away then read 5 Amazing European Christmas Markets from Becky.
