Ask people what is their favourite thing about Christmas, and you will surely hear Christmas markets from at least one of them. If you love that too, you should consider going to coach holidays Christmas 2017. You might think that Christmas is far away, but if you want to cover all the markets in Europe, you will have to start preparing right away.
What is a Christmas Market?
A Christmas market, also known as Christkindlmarkt, is street markets that are associated with the celebration of Christmas and are usually held from December to January, though some of them may start as early as November in order to cater to the demands of the people. The history of these markets date back to late middle ages in the German speaking part of Europe and the tradition has continued since then.
Christmas Markets That You Should Not Miss
Birmingham
The Frankfurt Christmas market in Birmingham is one of the most popular ones in the UK because it has the privilege of being the largest outdoor Christmas market of Britain. The market is operational from the 14th of November till the 22nd of December, every day from 9 am. to 10pm at the Chamberlin Square, New Street, Victoria Square, and the Centenary Square. In the market, you will be able to find food, jewelry as well as crafts.
London
The Christmas Market in London is known as the Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. The market is held from 22nd of November till the 5th of January, every day from 10am till 10 pm at the Hyde Park. You will find all the Christmas related specialties in the market.
Sheffield
The Sheffield Christmas Market is held from the 16th of November till the 24th of December. The market takes place at the Peace Gardens in the City Centre from 10 am to 6 pm.
Leeds
Leeds Christkindelmarkt features over 40 stalls that sell German specialties from the 8th of November till the 18th of December from 10:30am to 9:30pm.
Manchester
The Manchester Christmas market has more than 300 stalls that run from the 15th of November till the 22nd of December every day from 10 am to 7:30pm
List of the Most Famous Markets in the UK
UK is the hub of Christmas markets, so if you really want to go on an adventure, you can check some of the markets below:
- AWBS Craft & Gift Fayre at Royal Holloway
- Bath Christmas Market
- Belfast Christmas Market
- Belgravia Christmas Sunday, London SW1
- Blenheim Palace – Living Crafts for Christmas Fair Skipton Christmas Market
- Botleigh Grange Hotel & Spa Christmas Fair
- Bristol Christmas Markets
- Brixham Christmas Market
- Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre
- Cardiff Christmas Market
- Cheltenham Christmas Market
- Chester Christmas Market
- Chichester Christmas Market
- Christmas Fair in Sussex at The Amex Stadium in Brighton
- Christmas Market at Tate Modern, London
- Deepdale Christmas Market, North Norfolk Coast
- Durham City Christmas Festival
- Edinburgh Christmas Market
- Exeter Christmas Market
- Glasgow Christmas Continental Market
- Gloucester Quays Victorian Christmas Market
- Grassington Dickensian Festival (Saturdays Only)
- Hampshire Christmas Markets
- Harrogate Christmas Market
- Hestercombe Gardens Christmas Market
- Ipswich Christmas Market
- Kelham Island Museum 23rd Victorian Christmas Market
- Knaresborough Edwardian Christmas Market
- Leeds Christkindelmarkt Traditional German Christmas Market
- Lincoln Christmas Markets
- Liverpool Christmas Market
- Llandudno Christmas Fayre
- Manchester Christmas Markets
- Newcastle Continental Christmas Market
- Nottingham Christmas Market & Ice Rink Winter Wonderland
- Oxford Christmas Market
- Petworth House Christmas Fair
- Redbourn Christmas Market
- Rochester Christmas Market
- Salisbury Christmas Market
- St Albans Christmas Market
- The Windsor Christmas Gift Fair
- Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Festival
- Winter Fair Ardingly W.Sussex
- Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre
- Wrexham Victorian Christmas Market
- York Christmas Markets
Attractions and Stalls in These Markets
Some of the most popular items that are sold in these markets are:
Food
- Zwetschgenmännl- These are figures made with plums
- Nussknacker- Nutcrackers
- Gebrannte Mandeln- Toasted almonds
- Lebkuchen and Magenbrot- These are ginger bread
- Glühwein- Hot wine
- Eierpunsch- Egg based alcoholic drink
- Christstollen- Bread with fruit
In addition to this, the markets also have decorative items, books, toys, and other handmade objects.
Tips to Attend the Christmas Markets
Here are some of the tips that will help you out:
When to Visit
The ideal day to visit the market is any weekday. So if you want to get some shopping done, these are the days you should go. The ideal time to visit these markets is during the morning because it gets crowded during the evenings. If you want to soak up the atmosphere and experience the joy of Christmas, then go during the night.
What to Pack
If you are travelling to another country, check the weather report so that you can pack accordingly. Some of the items that you should keep include:
- Warm clothes
- Under garments
- Neck pillow for the coach
- Umbrella
- Hat and gloves
- Medicines for emergency use
- Important documents like passport and visa
- Charger for the phone
- Credit card/cash
Plan Accordingly
Plan the journey well in advance to that you get hold of the bus tickets and are well aware of the itinerary because this will help you with packing as well.
Look First, and Then Buy
Make sure that you explore the entire market to learn about the places that offer the price and then buy the things that you want.
Go Without Eating
It is recommended that you go there without eating and drinking because you will be tempted to try out the food as well as the mulled wine.
Try Out Local Christmas Specialties
You won’t find these specialties again, so say yes to them and try them out.
In conclusion, this is all you need to know about Christmas markets.