101 places to go – UK Christmas markets
Festive markets may have their origins in Germany and France, but in recent times they’ve become such a fixture of Christmas celebrations in the UK that the season to be jolly doesn’t really feel like it’s started until you can enjoy the smell of gluhwein and gingerbread! So as towns and cities around the country open their Christmas markets we thought we’d take a look at some of the best for this week’s 101 places to go.
As always we’d love to hear your suggestions so if we’ve missed any leave a comment below and let us know!
• Bath’s most stunning landmarks make for an incredibly atmospheric festive experience. You’ll find over 130 stalls at Bath’s Christmas market set against the incredible backdrop of the Abbey and Roman Baths. If you fancy a further exploration of Christmas in Bath then The Jane Austen Centre also offers a snapshot of how the festive period was spent in the 1800s.
• Lincoln has offered a Christmas market since 1982 and it seems to get bigger and better each year. 2011’s offering is located in the medieval square between the stunning Gothic cathedral and the castle. It offers 250 stalls selling a variety of delightful and delicious wares over four days from 1 December.
• Christmas in Edinburgh offers such an authentic festive experience that it’s not unlike being in a giant snow-globe. There’s a giant Ferris wheel, an ice rink and of course the traditional German market all under the magnificent backdrop of the castle. Perhaps the best thing about Christmas in Edinburgh is the celebrations don’t stop until well into the New Year!
• Now in its tenth year, the Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham is the UK’s biggest. With hundred of stalls to browse, including a large craft fair, there’s more than enough to keep you busy in the run-up to Christmas. The market runs from Thursday 17 November – Friday 23 December 2011.
