The days are getting shorter, the winter clothes are most definitely on and we are starting to panic that Christmas is creeping up! There is always someone tricky to buy for and Christmas markets are an absolute saviour. As well as providing unique gifts, there’s usually mouth-watering warming food and fun activities for the family. We’ve handpicked some of the best from around the country to visit:
Winter Market at the Southbank Centre, London
Positioned along the riverside at the Southbank Centre you will find over 50 wooden chalets selling a range of food, drinks and unique gifts. Expect to find products such as lobster mac ‘n’ cheese, local mead and sheepskin rugs. The market is part of Southbank’s Winter Festival where you will also find an ice rink, and a very popular snowshow.
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Bath Christmas Market, Somerset
There’s something magical about the festive market in the gorgeous ancient city of Bath. The market is nestled between Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths right in the heart of the city. You are spoilt for choice with more than 170 wooden stalls selling handmade and unique Christmas decorations, gifts and delicious foods.
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Nottingham Christmas Market, Nottinghamshire
The market is located in Nottingham’s Old Market Square and has a number of Victorian style cabins selling a large variety of items including quality crafts, gifts, and food! There’s plenty to browse and with the market being part of Nottingham Winter Wonderland you will find plenty of festive activities for the family.
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Manchester Christmas Markets
There are a number of Christmas markets spread out all over the city of Manchester. From Albert Square and Brazennose Street to King Street and St. Ann’s Square as well as Market Street, Exchange Square and Cathedral Garden’s. The stalls are festively decorated and you will be spoilt for choice with products, so if you’re in need of some indulgence or some Christmas gift inspiration, head on down to one of these many markets.
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Exeter Christmas Market, Devon
The green outside the stunning Exeter cathedral is transformed into a wonderful market during the festive season. There are stalls bursting with produce from all over Europe including many gifts, decorations and foods.
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Oxford Christmas Market
The famous city of Oxford does not disappoint with its Christmas market. Clustered along the iconic Broad Street there will be 40 festively decorated log stalls selling a range of Christmas treats. On selected days there will be musical entertainment from a range of bands and singers.
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Edinburgh Christmas Markets
Edinburgh is hosting three fabulous Christmas Markets this Christmas. There is the European Christmas Market and the Scottish Market which have beautifully decorated stalls selling products made by local artists, delicious foods and plenty of gifts. Plus, there is even a Children’s Market where all the family can enjoy festive activities and the kids can do a bit of shopping.
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Cardiff Christmas Market
A total of 190 individual businesses have stalls at Cardiff Christmas Market this year. There is the chance to sample a range of foods and drinks and there are plenty of stalls selling personalised gifts and products made from welsh materials.
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Belfast Christmas Market
This market is set in the Belfast City Hall grounds and has a range of fantastic stalls for you to browse. You will find work by local artists, sweets, crafts, decorations, foods and beverages. You will have the chance to get a family photo taken in a festive scene and the children can meet Santa in his grotto (selected dates).
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Christkindlmarkt at Millennium Square, Leeds
In Leeds city centre you will find that the Millennium Square has been transformed into a scenic winter village. The German themed Christkindelmarkt has stalls selling authentic German wares and to entertain the kids there is a carousel and children’s events.
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Winter Wonderland Christmas Markets, Hyde Park, London
Within the magical Winter Wonderland you will find over 200 stalls full of gifts and tasty treats for you to discover. If the weathers cold you will find luxurious hot chocolates (and mulled wine) to warm up before exploring all that the wonderland has to offer.
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Birmingham’s Frankfurt Market and Craft Fair
Birmingham hosts the largest authentic German market outside of Germany and Austria, and is the largest in the country. There are stores selling jewellery, decorations, handmade toys, German food and, of course, German beer. The family can have fun on the traditional carousel and enjoy the entertainment on the Christmas market stage.
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The Christmas Market, Leeds Castle, Kent
This brilliant Christmas Market at Leeds Castle takes place on the 12th-13th December, and will be hosting lots of stalls selling toys, gifts and plenty of festive food. There is plenty to do for children including a fairground, live music, and the chance to meet real reindeer!
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