In the market for festive fun?
Make up for missing out on last year’s festive celebrations with a visit to one of these cracking Christmas markets, says
MANCHESTER Until December 22
One of the UK’S largest and most popular Christmas markets, it draws in millions of visitors who follow the merry trail past more than 300 stalls and chalets.
Albert Square is currently closed for renovation works so the main market hub is at Piccadilly Gardens. But there’s festive action right across the city, including St Ann’s Square, King Street, Exchange Square and Cathedral Gardens.
It’s a foodie wonderland too, with countless local and European producers. Refuel on everything from Hungarian goulash and Spanish paella to a hearty hog roast.
■ visitmanchester.com
LONDON SOUTH BANK Until December 24
Its riverside setting on the banks of the Thames makes the Winter Market near Waterloo truly magical.
Take in the colourful decorations strung along the South Bank and the twinkling lights illuminating the water. Check out cute wooden chalets for some quirky and traditional Christmas pressies, and enjoy a mince pie, spiced cider, mulled wine or hot chocolate along the way.
There is no end of pop-up bars and street food stalls to choose from.
■ southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/ winter-market-2021
BIRMINGHAM Until December 23
Billed as the biggest authentic traditional market outside of Germany and Austria, visitors have plenty to fill up on, such as bratwurst, schnitzels, pretzels and stollen.
And after a warming mug of gluhwein or an ice-cold stein of weissbier, you will be ready to trawl the stalls for charming toys, decorations and ornaments at Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market. ■ thebfcm.co.uk
LIVERPOOL Until December 23
Around 40 stalls, festive rides and twinkly lights have transformed the area near the city’s historic St George’s Hall. There are plenty of Christmas goods on offer and those after a festive tipple can choose from a variety of festive themed bars including the Windmill, Tepee tent and Barrel Bar, as well as the Alpine Lodge and its karaoke cable cars.
Kids (big and small) can enjoy Santa’s Village with its variety of festive rides including a big wheel and a giant Bavarian snow slide.
YORK Until December 23
The St Nicholas Christmas Fair is returning next week with 70 alpine chalets popping up across Parliament Street and St Sampson’s
Square against a sparkling backdrop of lights and decorations. Stock up on Yuletide treats of fudge, chocolate and Yorkshire gin.
If you’re feeling the cold, pitch up at Thor’s tipi for a reviving winter warmer in front of a real log fire. Children will have fun on the vintage carousel too.
■ visityork.org/christmas
WINCHESTER Until December 22
Europe’s longest cathedral will be the magnificent backdrop to this atmospheric market.
Regularly ranked in the top 10 in Europe, the cathedral’s Inner Close will be filled with pretty wooden chalets with the emphasis firmly on quality locally made crafts.
If you fancy a break there will be a stage with free live performances from local artists and school choirs ■ christmasinwinchester.co.uk
LINCOLN December 2–5
The cathedral city’s Christmas Market is one of the UK’S longest running, starting in 1982 with just 11 stalls.
With more than 2,000 years of history, the medieval square set between the Norman castle and Gothic cathedral provides the impressive location for the market.
It now boasts more than 250
stalls, with traders in Victorian costumes offering seasonal food and drinks, gifts and stocking fillers.
■ lincoln-christmasmarket.co.uk
BEVERLEY December 12
The cobbled streets of this medieval minster town in East Yorkshire are transformed into a Victorian Christmas market, alive with dancing, music and street entertainers. It’s now become one of our most popular festive festivals. There’s even a traditional Victorian fairground.
Watch out for Santa on his sleigh drawn through the town by reindeer in the Christmas Parade.
■ beverleyfestivalofchristmas.co.uk
WORCESTER December 2–23
Brimming with Dickensian festive flavour, the traditional Victorian Fayre will return with traders across the city centre plus music and street entertainers. And for the first time, Worcester will be playing host to a month-long yule market.
■ worcesterchristmasfayre. co.uk/thefayre
EDINBURGH Until January 2
The Scottish capital’s Christmas market will be back at the traditional locations of East Princes Street Gardens and The Mound, with West Princes Street Gardens and George Street also in this year’s festive mix.
If it goes to plan, visitors will be able to explore 77 stalls, with attractions including the Christmas Tree Maze and Santa’s Grotto.
■ edinburghschristmas.com
CARDIFF Until December 23
For original and innovative gifts you won’t find online or on the high street, head to Cardiff Christmas Market.
Run by craft fair organisers Craft*folk for more than 20 years, local artists have pitched stalls in St John, Working and Trinity Streets and the Hayes. Pick up bespoke silver jewellery, handmade textiles and hand-thrown ceramics.
■ cardiffchristmasmarket.com