Portsmouth: A Dickensian Christmas 30 November to 2 December
Charles Dickens’ father, helped manage the
Naval Pay Office here which you can still see at the end of College Road in
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Here, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, Oliver Twist and a fabulous market come together for a
Dickensian Christmas celebration, 200 years after his birth. Make time to visit
Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum too.
Birmingham: Heart-shaped Gingerbread and Neon St Nick 15 November to 22 December
The largest German-style
Christmas market outside Germany showcases some of the city’s finest craftsmen.
Birmingham’s markets comprise over 180 glowing wooden chalets sprawled across Victoria Square, Chamberlain Square and New Street, each one packed with everything from glistening handmade baubles to traditional wooden toys. You might stray from gift shopping though, as it’s rather difficult to resist the smells of moist marzipan, mulled wine and rich gingerbread.
Ludlow: Battling Knights and Mince Pies 24 to 25 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. Plus, get your hands on one-of-a-kind knight helmets and fine silver earrings as gifts for loved ones (or for yourself).
Bath: A Gorgeous Georgian Christmas 22 November to 9 December
Each year, the quaint streets and square between the stunning
Bath Abbey and the internationally renowned
Roman Baths are transformed into a
Christmas shopper's haven as more than
140 traditional wooden chalets adorn the streets; each one offering unique, handmade and unusual gifts, decorations and food items. Shop for locally produced handcrafted items and sip on hot mulled wine as the sounds of
Christmas carols fill the air.
Lincoln: Cobbled Streets and Cathedral Walls 6 to 9 December
Lincoln is the perfect place to visit this
Christmas. Take a trip back through time and stroll along the
cobbled streets of the city’s cultural quarter. The
medieval square between the impressive
Norman castle and magnificent
gothic cathedral is the perfect backdrop for the
Christmas Market, filled withstalls, selling gifts, crafts, Lincolnshire produce and more. Enjoy a stroll on
Steep Hill, Britain's Great Street 2012 and through the Bailgate, packed with independent retailers.
Norwich: Frankincense and Fudge 1 to 2 December
Ditch the overcrowded high streets in favour of a little time travel at
Dragon Hall’s Medieval Christmas Market in Norwich. Housed in a 900-year-old structure with the largest cloisters in England are a selection of atmospheric stalls dotted with pewter incense burners and Roman style mosaics. Mingle with
medieval characters selling odd potions and discover jesters performing yester-year hits on their medieval instruments.
Exeter: Christmas on the Green 23 November to 16 December
This year, for the first time,
Exeter Cathedral will host a Christmas Market on Cathedral Green. Set at the heart of the city centre, the traditional market will offer unique, handmade and unusual gifts, decorations and food items - everything needed for a perfect Christmas celebration. While inspired by Continental Markets, the majority of traders on the
Exeter Christmas Market will represent the best of what England and the
South West region has to offer - with a mix of great food, excellent crafts, unique gifts and decorations.
York: Costumes and Carols 25 November
York’s
St Nicholas Fayre kick starts the city’s Christmas celebrations. It’s York's biggest and most popular
Christmas market and sees the city come alive with Victorian costumed traders, carol singers and the delicious smells of roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate laced with brandy. The market sells a mixture of arts and crafts, gifts and locally-produced food and drink. Tickle your taste-buds at the food court, where liveried chefs serve global flavours, or amble through the Christmas trees to find that special gift from far away.
Manchester: The Bigger the Better 17 November to 23 December
Manchester’s
Christmas markets transform the city centre with their charming traditional wooden chalets. Get into the Christmas spirit by browsing hundreds of twinkling market stalls and soaking up the unique, bustling atmosphere across eight picturesque city centre locations. You'll find an amazing selection of goods on offer from European and local producers, selling everything from fine amber jewellery, handcrafted leather bags, and top quality bonsai trees, to Dutch flower-bulbs, French soaps, and Spanish chorizo.
London: Bavarian Village in the Heart of the Capital 23 November 2012 to 6 January 2013
A true family favourite,
Winter Wonderland returns to London's Hyde Park with big top shows, the observation wheel and of course it’s infamous Christmas market. Enjoy hot cider, mulled wine and farmhouse foods alongside a spot rustic revelry in the shape of an outdoor fire pit at the park’s heart. Also new for 2012 is the
Magical Ice Kingdom - created from over 200 tons of ice and snow over four months by 20 sculptors, this magical attraction has been specially created for
Winter Wonderland.
