Top 5 Christmas markets in the UK
Saturday, 6 November 2010 12:00 AM
Edinburgh's traditional Christmas market
Whether you're looking for original Christmas gifts, the rich taste of mulled wine or just wanting to imbibe some festive spirit, a visit to a Christmas market is the ideal way to enjoy the pre-Christmas season.
Many European cities are famous for their Christmas markets but don't forget there is plenty of gorgeous Christmas market fun to be had in Britain. Here are Travelbite.co.uk's pick of the Top 5 Christmas markets in the UK:
Bath Christmas Market
Set in the stunning surroundings of Bath's historic centre, right next to Bath Abbey and the World renowned Roman Baths, Bath Christmas Market is the 'not to be missed' Christmas shopping event. This year the popular event has been extended for an extra week in December.
More than 120 local and regional retailers will be offering their wares in quaint wooden chalet style stalls, from traditional wooden toys, unique jewellery, personalised gifts, tasty foodie fare and handmade homewares.
Festive music, street entertainment and the smell of roasted nuts and Gluhwein all add to the atmosphere and why not pop in to Bath Abbey for a carol service?
Edinburgh Sparkles at Christmas
You can expect a magical atmosphere in the Scottish capital with six weeks of festive celebration, fairy lights, fireworks and hidden gems amongst the city's gothic architecture.
Edinburgh's traditional German market, set beneath the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, offers everything from hand-blown baubles to colourful wooden toys, with plenty of delicious food and Gluhwein.
The eclectic and fun Highland Village Christmas Market is on East Princes Street Gardens has Scottish foodie treats and fun gifts in a lovely location beneath the Edinburgh Wheel and above the ice rink.
Christmas in Norwich
Norwich captures the true magic of Christmas with a series of atmospheric Christmas markets: Norwich Cathedral Cloisters Historical Fayre, Dragon Hall's Medieval Christmas Market, St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral Polish Christmas Market and the Dragon Hall's Eastern Artisans Christmas Market.
Norwich spans 1000 years of history and Christmas sees fantastic events in historic and contemporary surroundings from traditional carol concerts to children's activities and events in museums such as Norwich Castle.
Sample delicious local food, see twinkly Christmas lights and the 60ft Christmas tree, shop in the lanes and alleyways of Norwich and celebrate with the local community.
Christmas at Oxford Castle
Oxford Castle is promising to provide a stocking-full of treats and creative delights this Christmas. Festive fun begins on Friday November 26th as live music, and a combination of lasers, lanterns and coloured lights will bring the 1,000 year site to life, creating the perfect backdrop for the traditional Oxford Christmas Market with the rousing sound of merry making in the restaurants and bars.
With choirs singing Christmas carols, market traders offering unusual and handmade gifts, colourful decorations brightening wooden stalls, and the aroma of culinary Christmas delights, this has to be the most fun, and civilised way to do the Christmas shopping.
Father Christmas will be making personal appearances every weekend from Saturday November 27th to Sunday December 19th at the Christmas Grotto and Children's Winter Wonderland.
East Sussex delights in Arundel
For an eclectic feast of music, shopping, theatre, visual arts, Christmas lights and outdoor activities for the whole family, visit Arundel this year. Watch carol singers under the arches of the cathedral, gather around the hog roast with a glass of mulled wine, and follow the live nativity in the candlelight procession.
On Saturday November 13th the Fairtrade and Sustainable Christmas Fair will take place in Arundel Castle. This is one of the UK's largest fair trade and ethical Christmas Fairs with over 50 stalls of sustainable, re-used, fair trade, ethical and organic products.
A special Christmas edition of the Arundel Farmers' Market will be held on Saturday December 18th around the town square, where you can buy all your festive season foods, fresh and locally sourced.
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