Posted by Christmas markets just add up to the holly jolly festive spirit. All those sparkling lights, the aroma of mince pie, the feeling of gulping down on a glass of mulled wine, and of course, stockpiling on Christmas gifts and presents – these markets are your ultimate destination this year. The preparation for the festive celebration doesn’t get finished – the list gets endless and you keep on finding new ideas for a grand Christmas celebration. Every year, people from around the globe visit the United Kingdom to witness the hustle-bustle and everything that the Christmas markets have to offer. Some of these markets open way before Christmas so that people can but their gifts and presents in advance. Who doesn’t get involved in the spirit weeks before the final day? The child is all of us pops up in an unspeakable way every year, we smell the aromas of goodies, cookies, and snow.
Here’s a list of top 5 Christmas markets in the United Kingdom. We have listed down the top 5 areas and their markets so that it will be easier for you to find the right one when you type “Best Christmas Market Near Me” in the search engine.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
One of the most famous Christmas markets in East Princes Street Gardens attracted 522,000 people within 9 days of operations. Enjoy a pleasant range of drinks and foods, and get lost amidst the festive cheer – these markets will sway with their collection of mulled wine and home-baked cookies and sweets that you cannot resist. Complete your trip with Christmas shopping as you will find a lot of shops selling hand-crafted goods, jewellery stores, homeware designers, and a variety of other goods. You can also enjoy live music by bands, and firework display in some of the markets.
Here’s a list of a few markets that you shouldn’t miss visiting in Scotland, this Christmas 2019:
- Aberdeen Christmas Village
What to do: Open-air ice rink, fairground rides, golf, Santa’s Grotto, Silent Disco
When: 21st November – 31st December
- Dundee’s Crafted Christmas Market
What to do: Workshops (Ceramic, puppet making, candle making), Textile Events, Arts & Exhibitions
When: From 30th November
- Stirling Christmas Market
What to do: Comedy Clubs, Art Gallery, History and Culture, Indoor Activity Centres, Live Music Venues, Nature Reserves.
When: From 24th November
Manchester Christmas Market
Manchester’s Christmas markets offer a wide range of delicacies, drinks, gifts, jewellery, leather products, kitchenware and homeware, clothes, toys, and the list is not going to end. This market is free, that means you do not have to pay an entry fee and you will not be disappointed as if you visit these markets with your friends or family. You can even tag along with your kids and they may enjoy the mouth-watering food items. Visit this market, have a fun ride, drink mulled wine and grab a few pretzels.
Here’s a list of a few famous Manchester Christmas markets that you should visit this year with your loved ones to create timeless memories:
- Albert Square
What to do: International Food and Drinks, Delicatessen Stalls, Artisan Crafts and Goods, Ski-bar
When: 8th November to 22nd December
- King Street
What to do: European Food Stalls, Arts, Crafts, Jewelry, Clothes.
When: 8th December to 21st December
- Cathedral Gardens – Ice Village
What to do: Ice Cavern, Ice Rink, Wooden Windmill Houses, Ice Tiki Bar, Santa’s Grotto, Magician’s and DJ Show
When: 8th November to 5th January
York Christmas Market
The Christmas markets of York will give you Scandinavian feels. Almost all the markets in York are worth your time, energy and visit. You will definitely be carried away to a different world by the scent of spiced mulled wine, and delicious food offerings. You can also enjoy indulging in a wide range of family-friendly activities to make your visit worth it. Santa sightings, theatre and music are added advantage, if you have kids or if you enjoy such things.
We’ve created a list of a few Christmas markets in York that you should hop onto this Christmas to pop up the holly jolly festive spirit in you:
- Nicholas Fair
What to do: Fine Yorkshire Produce from Crafters, Traditional Christmas Gifts, and Alpine Chalets
When: 14th November to 22nd December
- Shambles Market
What to do: Fresh Meat, Local Fruit & Vegetable, Street Food, Live Music, Arts & Crafts, Fashion Items, and Wizarding Memorabilia
When: 14th November to 22nd December 2
Oxford Christmas Market
Located in the historic Broad Street, Oxford Christmas market offers the visitors a chance to soak themselves completely in the festive mood. From hand-crafted gifts to home design accessories – you will find everything in and around the Oxford Christmas market. If you’re a vegan or a vegetarian, you must visit this market as it offers a wide range of food items in these categories. Pick up some Christmas presents and gulp down on some hot chocolate with a hog roast sandwich. Moreover, this market will have a lot of exhibitors. We have listed below a few of them:
- Amica Felt: Christmas Gifts, Decorations
- Pure Maple: 100% Pure Maple Vegan Products, Granola, Fudge, etc.,
- Rose Boutique: Affordable range of ladies clothing and accessories
- The Cheese Wedge Co.: Artisan Cheeses
You can find the complete list of exhibitors on the official website here.
When: 5th December to 21st December
Bath Christmas Market
This is an award-winning Christmas market with more than 150 chalets that offer the perfect Christmas shopping experience to the visitors. Take some snaps to post on the Gram on the picturesque Georgian streets while satisfying your taste buds with caramelized nuts and burgers. It is one of the most visited and preferred markets in the entire Cotswolds. Enjoy your time with your friends and family by listening to some good live music, local choirs, brass bands, and pick up some unique Christmas present for each of the names in your list.
What to do:
- Shoppers Carols
- Ice Skating Rink
- Mini Golf
- Bath Spa
When: 28th November to 5th December
