From London to Bath, it’s that time again when you start venturing out in your hats and scarves in search of the best winter markets of 2019. Whether you want to be walking amongst the handcrafted stalls to ice skating in front of a spectacular backdrop, here are the top 5 Christmas winter markets to satisfy your needs.
London-
One of London’s most popular parks has transformed into Winter Wonderland yet again this Christmas. From 21 November to 5 January, visitors will be able to visit the usual attractions of skating on the open-air ice rink, laughing in the Winter Wonderland Comedy Club and strolling through over 100 fairy-lit wooden chalets. Winter Wonderland also offers the world’s tallest transportable Observation Wheel, A Christmas Carol theme at the Magical Ice Kingdom.
Birmingham –
This year marks the Frankfurt Christmas Market’s 20th visit to Birmingham, where it is the centrepiece of the city’s festive offer. The market will open on 7 November and run until 23 December 2019. It offers a large range of traditional goods and gifts, such as handcrafted decorations, toys, jewellery and more. There’s also a selection of tempting food and drink. Pretzels, schnitzels, bratwursts, and roasted almonds that will tempt your taste buds and can be washed down with glühwein, weissbier, or hot chocolate.
Manchester –
More than 300 stalls and chalets are dotted across the city centre, here you can easily fill a day at Manchester’s Christmas markets. Whilst you may want to enjoy traditional German bratwurst and beers, visitors can also treat themselves to everything from Hungarian goulash to Spanish paella with food from across the continent. Running from 8 November to 22 December, the Christmas markets will also offer amber jewellery, handmade Belgian kitchenware, and French soaps.
Nottingham –
Not to be missed off the list, Nottingham has once again transformed into a traditional Christmas market even with an ice rink, Christmas trees, and an ice bar. The free Winter Wonderland started from the 15 November, with over 70 specialist stalls at its festive market. Many of which are locally based and offer something for everyone including artisan cheeses, jewellery, fashion and Christmas decorations to name just a few. With a number of bars, eateries, and entertainment in and around the city, it’s sure to get you in the festive spirit.
Bath –
Featuring over 150 wooden chalets along the cobbled streets of the city centre, Bath’s Christmas market is not to be missed to find an original or handcrafted gift for a loved one this Christmas. Throughout the Market, you’ll find tasty food to satisfy any appetite; grab a delicious burger or hog roast, caramelised nuts and mulled wine to keep you toasty while you browse. The market will open from 28 November until 15 December.
By Abi Trünk
Feature image courtesy of the Evening standard