With summer coming to its close thoughts will naturally start to turn towards the winter months and with that inevitably the Christmas period. Now while you may think that this is premature people like to be organised. Over the last few years a visit to one of the many Christmas markets that have sprung up in the UK have become a must-do for many people. Christmas markets have been an integral part of Christmas celebrations in Europe for many years now and this tradition is now firmly part of the festive season in the UK. So, we thought we would have a look at five of the best Christmas markets in the UK and what is on offer.
Visit Manchester This Christmas
Manchester Christmas markets have become firmly established as part of the Christmas calendar for people throughout the North West. Manchester Christmas markets are now considered one of if not the best and biggest in the whole of the British Isles. Manchester was the first city in the UK to organise a Christmas market on this size and scale. Located on 10 different sites city wide Manchester markets now attract in excess of 9 million visitors every year. With a variety of festive food and drinks and craft stalls offering unique gifts for Christmas there really is something for everyone. Additions for this year will be a designated family area with rides and other forms of entertainment such as LED lights shows, magicians and street theatre.
Visit Edinburgh This Christmas
Edinburgh is a great city to visit at any time of year and this is especially true during the Christmas period. The Christmas markets in Edinburgh can be found in East Princess Street gardens. Some of the delicacies on offer include mulled Irn Bru and vegan pigs in blankets. There will also be Santa Land featuring rides for all ages and Santa’s Giotto will be back again. There will also be special performances by talented locals throughout the festive period. If you are looking to visit Edinburgh for the Christmas period why not fly in and take advantage of Edinburgh Airport car hire that way you will have the opportunity to take in some of the nearby tourist locations if you would like to.
Visit Winchester This Christmas
The annual Christmas market at Winchester cathedral which takes its inspiration from the traditional German Christmas markets is thought to be one of the best in the whole of Europe. Not only is there an ice rink but also over one hundred traditional chalets containing exhibitors offering top quality and completely unique products. All these exhibitors are specifically selected because of the exclusivity of the products they provide. There is no charge for entry to the Christmas markets so if you are in the area it is a great way to celebrate the festive season.
Visit Bath This Christmas
Bath is often thought of as one of the most picturesque cities in the UK and when all kitted out in its festive finery it goes to another level. The Bath Christmas markets last for an 18-day period and features over 170 wooden chalets which are located in the cities world heritage site and the streets around Bath Abbey. The Bath Christmas markets are traditionally British and highlight local products and in fact more than 70% of stallholders and products are from Bath itself.
Visit Birmingham This Christmas
Birmingham is home to the largest and most authentic German Markets in Europe obviously not including Germany and Austria. Last time there were held they attracted over five and a half million visitors. When it first started there were only 24 stalls, but this year’s event will feature more than 180. The Christmas markets are located in the area covering New Street, Victoria Square and Centenary Square. Among the products on offer are Christmas decorations, handcrafted jewellery, wooden toys along with the staple diet of beer, German sausages and pretzels. The stalls will feature products from both abroad and at home and visitors can also enjoy both an ice rink and big wheel.
These are just a taste of some of the Christmas markets that you can find around the UK. There are many more ups and down the country so why not visit one and make your Christmas extra special.
