The
Christmas period is all about gathering together with your family and friends, eating
far too much together and exchanging presents. But how do you go about buying
your loved ones presents? Do you feel the need to save all your money for them?
Well think again!
Christmas
markets can be found in almost every town and city during the party season,
including Bournemouth, York and Edinburgh. The markets spring up all over the
UK around November, and there’s nothing better to lift your spirits as the days
get shorter and the nights get colder.
If you’re
feeling a little more adventurous, why not try out a new setting and see what a
new city has to offer. If not, there’s sure to be many a unique gift to be found
at your local market. From trinkets, to household ornaments, to Christmas
decorations, toys and jewellery, you can find the perfect and affordable
present for any loved one.
Edinburgh:
This historical Scottish gem celebrates
Christmas like nowhere else! Edinburgh is well known for getting into the
Christmas mood as soon as summer disappears! It hosts the Great Scottish Santa
Run, an annual Giant Snow Globe and carousels galore, as well as three
Christmas markets in and around the city centre. There is a German-style street
market on the Mound Precinct, where many of those selling products travel from
Frankfurt, so everything’s authentically German. Stallholders sell everything
from food products, to toys, jewellery and wonderful handmade gifts.
The Traditional Highland Village Market is
close to the Edinburgh Wheel and an ice-rink in East Princes Street Gardens,
and showcases the very best that Scotland has to offer. Shoppers can expect
great quality food and drink such as cheese, whisky and confectionary, and for
a fair-trade and charitable season, the Ethical Christmas Fair is a must go! It
is held on Castle and Princes Street in mid-December and plays host to original
gifts that your family and friends are sure to love.
York:
York town centre is home to various market
stalls during the winter season, offering a variety of gifts for loved ones and
a little something to treat yourself to. If you’re a little bit short for money
at the moment, there are also a lot of free samples to be found, so there’s no
excuse to get your teeth into the food and drink available. Stalls include
accessories, including winter essentials such as scarves and hats, authentic
fudge with every flavour under the sun as well as tonnes of other sweet treats,
unique clothing items and wonderful Christmas decorations and ornaments.
On the 29th of November until
the 2nd of December, York really comes to life with the St. Nicholas
Christmas Fayre. Traders dressed in Victorian costume, carol singers and every
edible product you can think of that’s perfect for Christmas time. Think
roasted chestnuts, Christmas pudding, mulled wine, mince pies and hot drinks
with a little alcoholic kick, along with market favourites like crafts,
beautiful gifts and top quality local farm produce.
Bournemouth:
The annual Bournemouth Christmas
Festival takes its inspiration from German markets known as Weihnachtsmarkt,
but it’s a perfect blend of old-fashioned German and more contemporary English
products. It has been running for six years and takes places for 40 days each
year. The festival offers great quality gifts, confectionary and a jolly
environment that comes to life with custom-built chalets for exhibitors
decorated with every kind of Christmas decoration you can think of. As the
nights get darker, the Christmas lights scattered around the town create a
delightful yule-perfect ambiance. Each trader has been specially selected for
their authentic produce, not just from England and Germany, but a number of
other European countries as well. From food to toys to gifts, there’s something
for every age group, whatever you’re looking for.
For an added Victorian quality, a carousel
is also available in the square, as well as carol singing, karaoke and even a
mobile stage offering top-notch entertainment from volunteers in and around the
local community. Home FM, Bournemouth’s Christian Radio will also open the
stage to local school choirs, musicals and church bands. Whether you’re
Christian yourself or not, the Christmas season is rooted in these religious
beliefs, so it is something captivating and charming to experience. The market
and festival take place from the 15th of November until the 24th
of December and will run for a further 7 days from the 7th of
January. Bournemouth really has it all wrapped up!
Many of the markets have
continental influences, as well as more local produce and a truly traditional
vibe, so there’s no excuse to be a scrooge this year! Even if you don’t need to
buy anything, the cheerful atmosphere and amazing entertainment at each market
is sure to make a fantastic day out.
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