Let the festive fun begin!
DECEMBER is here and it’s time to let the festive fun begin in earnest. Why not visit a Christmas market, celebrate with a fabulous trip to the seaside or see a stately home decked in all its festive finery? KATIE ROWE rounds up some of the best ideas.
BE DAZZLED BY THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OF BOURNEMOUTH
BOURNEMOUTH shimmers with all things festive. Pull on your thermals and skate under the stars before warming up with a hot chocolate in the cosy apres-skate chalets in the Lower Gardens. Make time, too, for The Alpine Market and Moose Bar in the town centre, where you can pick up quirky gifts galore and sample plenty of seasonal fare. If you’re still craving more Christmas activities, follow the new Nutcracker Kings Trail or see the Grade II listed Victorian Gardens twinkle and glow with fairy lights and snowflake projections until January 3.
GET IN THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT IN WINCHESTER
WITH the aroma of roasting chestnuts and mulled wine drifting from wooden chalets on Winchester Cathedral’s historic Close, a trip to this Hampshire city’s Christmas Market will get you feeling super festive. Browse hand-made gifts and indulge in freshly baked mince pies and bratwurst before taking a spin on the outdoor ice rink. The Cathedral’s dramatic medieval architecture makes for a magical backdrop, especially in the evening when it is lit up and a warm glow radiates from the market stalls. The market is open until December 20.
HOP ABOARD A FLOATING MARKET IN BIRMINGHAM
FOR a shopping experience that’s anything but ordinary, stroll alongside Birmingham’s canals to discover the Roving Canal Traders Association’s Christmas Floating Market. With traders moored by the Barclaycard Arena and selling everything from hand-crafted candles to leather goods, you’ll be able to pick up some one-ofa-kind goodies while also supporting local traders. December 10 to 18.
SOAK UP ALL THINGS FESTIVE IN BATH
IF YOU’RE looking to find the perfect Christmas gift, a visit to Bath Christmas Market should be high on your list. Sprawled across splendid Georgian streets and with the city’s historical, honey-hued landmarks as a backdrop, this enchanting market has more than 170 chalet-style stalls selling everything from gingerbread houses and vintage jewellery to delicious seasonal food and drink – and carol singers will entertain you while you shop. Until December 11.
CELEBRATE AT YORKSHIRE’S CASTLE HOWARD
NOTHING says Christmas like wreathes festooned with winter berries, glittering baubles, and flickering candles – and Castle Howard has it covered. Every year this country estate is dressed up with festive decorations – this year there’s even a gingerbread replica of the stately home. Treat yourself to afternoon tea by a roaring fire in the grand Grecian Hall before visiting the Christmas Market in the Boar Garden Marquee. Until December 23.
DISCOVER THE OUTLAW CHRISTMAS MARKET
THIS pop-up event in Falmouth, Cornwall, attracted more than 10,000 people in its first year and promises to be even bigger and better this festive season, showcasing 38 carefully selected Cornish producers and suppliers. Take your pick from a range of local artisan items such as Cornish blueberry vodka and hand-made Christmas wreaths. December 8 to 10.