Over the festive period, England transforms into a magical winter
wonderland with a variety of Christmas markets across the country.
VisitEngland rounds up some of the best festive shopping experiences
below:
NORTH
An authentic European experience in Manchester (14 November – 21 December)
Considered to be one of the biggest in Europe, Manchester sparkles
over the festive season with markets spanning eight picturesque city
centre locations. There is an excellent selection of gifts on offer from
fine amber jewellery and handcrafted leather bags to Dutch flower-bulbs
and Spanish chorizo. Don't miss the iconic giant Father Christmas
perched on top of the town hall – perfect for a seasonal selfie!
http://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/500241/christmas_markets
Yodel in Leeds (14 November – 20 December)
Once again, Leeds is offering a host of festive activities
in Millennium Square. The ice-rink remains a firm favourite amongst both
adults and children, as well as the magical carousel ride transporting
visitors back to their childhood. The highlight of the market returns in
the form of the Oktoberfest inspired German Beer Tent. Join 'Mundy and
Friends' to enjoy some traditional yodelling and a sing-a-long to all
the classics. Expect copious mulled wine and dancing on tables – this is
not one to be missed!
http://www.visitleeds.co.uk/Leeds-Christkindelmarkt-at-Millennium-Square
SOUTH
Winter Wonderland returns to London (21 November 2014 - 4 January 2015)
A true family favourite, Winter Wonderland returns to London's Hyde
Park this November with big top shows, the iconic Giant Observation
Wheel and of course its famous Christmas market. The Wonderland has
already attracted over 14 million visitors, with the UK's largest
open-air ice rink and the Magical Ice Kingdom to delight both young and
old. Enjoy hot cider, mulled wine and farmhouse foods alongside a spot
of rustic revelry in the shape of an outdoor fire pit in the heart of
the park.
www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
EAST
A Canine Christmas in Norwich (from 29 November)
Why pick just one Christmas event when Norwich has so much on offer?
Visitors really are spoilt for choice with the Assembly House Christmas
Fair, which will feature a host of seasonal stalls. Or for something a
little quirkier, why not try the Dragon's Hall Medieval market with
costumed stallholders and period musicians? There's even something for
dogs! Back by popular demand, Santa's Grotto for dogs is being held in
the forum once again, so dog owners can treat their pooches to a photo
with its favourite festive character.
http://www.theforumnorwich.co.uk/events/view/norwich-global-village-christmas-market/05-12-2014
WEST
Festive fun in Bath (27 November – 14 December)
Each year, the cobbled streets and square between the stunning Bath
Abbey and the internationally-renowned Roman Baths become a Christmas
shopper's paradise. More than 150 traditional wooden chalets line the
streets of Bath, each one offering bespoke gifts, decorations and edible
goodies. Peruse locally-produced items and sip on hot mulled wine
accompanied by the sounds of Christmas carols.
www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk
A Dickensian Christmas in Gloucester (20-23 November)
Gloucester's impressive historic docks provide the magnificent
backdrop for a very Victorian Christmas experience. Explore an
authentic Victorian market selling high quality food and drink as well
as hand-made festive gifts. Enjoy choirs, brass bands and don't forget
to keep an eye out for a host of colourful and larger than life
Dickensian characters who bring the market to life including, street
urchins, Fagin-style gang masters, flower sellers, beggars and thieves,
all under the watchful eye of the faithful 'peeler'.
http://www.gloucesterquays.co.uk/events/victorian-christmas-market-2014
A Medieval Christmas in Ludlow (29 and 30 November)
Get ready for two days of non-stop merriment and tomfoolery at the
Ludlow medieval Christmas fayre, held in the ruins of Ludlow's ancient
castle. Expect chivalrous knights in full armour, dancing damsels, fire
breathing jesters and impressive bird of prey displays. Also, get your
hands on one-of-a-kind knight helmets and fine silver earrings; they
make a great gift for loved ones.
www.ludlowmedievalchristmas.co.uk
MIDLANDS
New and improved Winter Wonderland in Nottingham (19 November – 24 December)
The Nottingham Winter Wonderland is back this year and will be bigger
and better than ever before. This significantly expanded Christmas
market will include 20 new bespoke Tudor-style trading cabins offering
an even wider range of products, including unique trader made items for
the most discerning of shoppers. A truly unique Helter Skelter bar will
also be created for the occasion allowing shoppers to enjoy a warming
mulled wine or spiced cider whilst the little ones test out the ride.
http://www.nottinghamwinterwonderland.co.uk
England's biggest German Market in Birmingham (13 November – 22 December)
Inspired by its twin city, Frankfurt, Birmingham's Christmas market
is the largest German-style Christmas market outside Germany. Showcasing
some of the city's finest craftsmen, these markets should be firmly at
the top of anyone's Christmas list. Birmingham's markets comprise over
180 glowing wooden chalets sprawled across Victoria Square, Centenary
Square, Chamberlain Square and New Street, each one packed with treats
from glistening handmade baubles to traditional wooden toys. The edible
treats are equally irresistible as the aroma of mulled wine, rich
gingerbread and marzipan fill the air. The craft market opens on 15
November.
www.birmingham.gov.uk/frankfurtmarket
For more info visit www.visitengland.com/en/Christmas-markets
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