Whether it’s finding the perfect gift at an independent stall selling handcrafted items, or sipping on a warming cup of mulled wine in the crisp winter’s air, Christmas Markets certainly put you in the festive mood.
But we all know that things were a little bit different last year, and the run up to Christmas wasn’t quite as festive as it usually is.
Christmas Markets across the country were cancelled or scaled back due to the pandemic, including Manchester’s own which usually draws in thousands of visitors.
However this year things are returning to normal as we look ahead to Christmas, with popular markets set to be held again.
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There is still some uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus situation in the months ahead, with Leeds German Christmas market cancelling for the second year running, but many major markets will be back.
Here’s a round up of some of the Christmas Markets which are returning this year in the UK.
Manchester
No list of Christmas markets would be complete without our very own. One of the biggest festive markets in the north, it will run from November 12 to December 22.
Last year the Christmas market was cancelled, with only a small selection of traders being able to open for a limited time.
This year festive stalls are set to be scattered across the city centre. Although details of the market are yet to be revealed, this year could see Piccadilly Gardens turned into a winter wonderland.
Birmingham
If you’re looking for an authentic German Christmas market - this is it. Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the largest outside of Germany and Austria, so a great alternative to heading abroad this festive season.
Expect plenty of German food and drink stalls, as well as plenty of hand-crafted items made by Birmingham artists.
Opening on November 4, the market will have fewer stalls this year, but there will be a big wheel and an ice rink operating until January 9, while the market itself closes on December 23.
Edinburgh
Festival stalls are set to take over Edinburgh’s streets once more this year, with plenty of extra attractions, including a big wheel and a Santa’s Grotto, to boot.
A city rich in history and full of festivities around New Year, Edinburgh’s Christmas Market promises to impress.
Beginning on November 19, it will run all the way to January 2 with over 60 stalls expected to pop up.
Nottingham
Offering plenty of Bavarian-style stalls and fun rides, Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland is perfect for a festive trip away.
You can even take in the market from above thanks to the observation wheel overlooking the stalls.
The market will be spread out across the city so it’s ideal for getting all of your Christmas shopping done. It will open on November 18 and close on January 3.
London’s Winter Wonderland
More than just a Christmas market, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park has just about everything you could want, from fairground rides to ice skating.
Running from November 19 to January 3, London’s biggest festive event is family-friendly and there’s enough to keep everyone entertained.
There’s circus shows for children as well as cocktail bars for adults, but make sure you get a ticket in advance.
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