Where are all the best Christmas markets?
Chris Hogan, 14th December 2018, General
Here's our quick guide to the major markets in the UK, in no particular order
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London
This Christmas bonanza gets bigger every year with a funfair, bier keller and all sorts of entertainments like ice sculptures and games to play. It's open from Nov 22nd to Jan 6th apart from Christmas Day itself, from 10am to 10pm.
Leamington Spa Yuletide Fayre
Leamington Spa's Parade - the main street - transforms on every Sunday in the run-up to Christmas. More than a hundred stalls offer everything from local crafts to European foodie delights.
Belfast Christmas Continental Market
From Nov 17th to Dec 22nd and opening at 10am, this market takes place at City Hall. The market offers the best of festivities from countries such as Spain and France as well as Germany. Santa usually makes an appearance too.
Manchester
A trailblazer in German-style Christmas markets, Manchester held its first in 1999. This year it will run from Nov 9th to Dec 22nd, with the main location in Albert Square sating open until the 23rd.
Cardiff Christmas Market
The Christmas extravaganza runs from Nov 15th to Dec 23rd with over 200 exhibitors, with 85 wooden stalls. Shop for unique gifts in the heart of this bustling city, with lots of pedestrian areas for leisurely browsing.
Nottingham Winter Wonderland
Taking over Old Market Square and Long Row this festival includes a skating rink, helter skelter and Ice Bar, with plenty of stalls for Christmas shopping. It opened on Nov 15th and the stalls will be open until Dec 24th, with bars staying open until New Year's Day.
Edinburgh European Christmas Market
Located just below the Mound the market is perfectly placed for the main sights so it's perfect ideal if you're taking a last-minute city break. There are arts, crafts and gift shops along with some fantastic food surprises. It runs from Nov 16th to Jan 5th.
Newcastle
This year Newcastle's two Christmas markets, one for international treats and the other for local traders, combine into one at Grey's Monument, from Nov 16th to Dec 16th.
Birmingham German Christmas Market
Finally, Birmingham's offering is the largest outdoor Christmas market in the UK and has been running since 1997. It fills Victoria Square, New Street, Centenary Square and Chamberlain Square, with hundreds of stalls serving everything you could imagine. It opens on Nov 15th until Dec 23rd, from 10am to 9pm.
Many more
This isn't an exhaustive list of all the UK Christmas markets so have a look at your local press to see if there's anything going on in your area.
Happy Christmas to everyone!
