It’s beginning to look a lot like Chrsitmas...
HAVE you started your Christmas shopping yet? There are just 38 days until the big day, and between now and then, there’s an array of events happening around the county, giving you the chance to purchase some unique and locally-produced gifts.
Many of these shopping events will also be offering festive food and drink and providing live entertainment to help you get into the Christmas spirit!
Take a look at the shopping events you could visit...
CHRISTMAS GIFT FAIR
Atkins Building, Hinckley Saturday, November 20
There will be a huge range of stalls from local artists, crafters and businesses. The Hansom Cafe will be selling festive food and drinks. The event will run from 10am until 4pm. Free entry.
CHRISTMAS MARKET
RSPCA Woodside Animal Centre, Leicester
Saturday, November 20 and Sunday, November 21
More than 50 stalls, selling arts and crafts, food, fashion and gifts, will be on offer between 11am and 4pm both days.
Children’s activities, Santa’s Grotto, festive food and drink and live entertainment will complete the line-up.
Entry is £2.50 for adults, £1.50 for children aged five to 15, with under fives free.
A family ticket is £6.50 (two adults and two children). All proceeds go to support animals in need at Woodside.
FESTIVE GIFT FAIR
Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse Eaves Saturday, November 20 and Sunday, November 21
The splendid Beaumanor Hall will host more than 40 craft stalls filled with Christmas gift ideas.
Refreshments will be available including mince pies and mulled wine and a winter barbecue. There will be festive music and a lounge area in which you can relax.
Entry is £3 per person (by contactless payment) and parking is free. The event will run from 10am until 4pm each day.
CHRISTMAS ART AND CRAFT FAIR
Sock Gallery, Loughborough Town Hall
Sunday, November 21
The Sock Christmas Art and Craft Fair will take place from 11am until 5pm. Stalls will be selling handmade products, including jewellery, ceramics, felt and fine art, from talented makers locally and further afield. Entry is free.
CHRISTMAS FAIR
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, Sutton Cheney Friday, November 26
This Christmas Fair will be held from 6pm until 9pm.
In the 1485 Tithe Barn Cafe, Heritage Room cabins and around the site, there will be a range of homeware, gift and handmade craft stalls. Admission to the fair is free. There will also be a chance to visit Santa’s Grotto for £3.50.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
Leicester Guildhall Saturday, November 27
Support local artists and makers and enjoy a unique festive shopping experience at this annual fair.
Refreshments will be available. The event will run from 11am until 4.30pm. Entry is £1 per adult.
FESTIVE MARKET
The Brewery, Sileby Friday, November 26
This coffee shop will be holding a festive market on Friday, November 26, from 5.30pm until 8.30pm.
You’ll be able to purchase items from local businesses, such as jewellery, plants, macrame, homeware and festive wreaths.
There will also be handmade chocolate, local gin, rum and beer, pet gifts, Christmas Eve boxes and Christmas hampers.
Plus, you can enjoy hot rolls, mince pies, gingerbread brownies and blondies, as well as festive drinks.
Free entry.
MARKET HARBOROUGH CHRISTMAS FAIR
Friday, December 3
This free family event will include an array of stalls, music, food and drink, and Santa’s grotto . It will run from 5pm until 9pm. Free entry.
MELTON MOWBRAY CHRISTMAS MARKET
Friday, December 3 to Sunday, December 5
This event in the town centre will feature a traditional Christmas market, Santa’s grotto and live music and entertainment.
It will run from 10am until 4pm each day. Entry is free.
You could also pay a visit to the Melton Christmas Tree Festival in St Mary’s Church, running from December 1 to 8. Entrance fee is £2, accompanied children free.
CHRISTMAS FAIR
March House Farm, Great Dalby Saturday, December 4 and Sunday, December 5
Stalls from local, independent and artisan producers will dominate this event.
Visitors will also find fresh cut and potted Christmas trees, luxury hampers and wreaths, hot food, mince pies and wine tasting and more.
You’ll be able to meet the animals and enjoy music from a choir. The events will run from 10am until 5pm. Free entry.
FURNACE CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
Moira Furnace Sunday, December 5
There will be more than 50 stalls, selling gifts for Christmas and hot food with a seasonal twist at this event, which runs from 10am until 3pm.
A range of traditional festive drinks, including mulled wine and hot spiced apple punch, will be available.
Santa will be in his grotto with bookable five minute slots available throughout the day.
Each paying child will receive a gift at the end of their visit.
Force Ten Big Band will be performing some festive classics throughout the day, and you’ll have the chance to enjoy a festive boat ride.
Entry is free.
CLARENDON PARK CHRISTMAS MARKET
Clarendon Park, Leicester Sunday, December 5
This popular festive treat will be set up in Queens Road.
There will be 50 stalls, selling crafts, gifts and homemade food, plus live entertainment and fairground rides for children.
The event will run from 11am until 5pm. Free entry.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Pennbury Farm, Great Glen Thursday, December 9 and Thursday, December 16
Pennbury Farm will be holding Christmas markets where you can shop at more than 20 craft stalls.
In addition, on-site shops Lot Liv and Paper House will be open late, as will St Martin’s Coffee Roasters and the Pennbury farm shop with range of festive food and drinks. The events will run from 3pm until 8pm. Free entry.
CHRISTMAS FAIR
Croft CofE Primary School Saturday, December 11
The school fair is from 3pm until 5pm. There will be lots of craft stalls, food, raffles and tombolas.
Free entry.