November 20th 2024.
It's that time of year again, almost December, and you know what that means - the Christmas season is upon us! With it comes all the festive cheer, the smell of glühwein, bratwurst, roasted chestnuts, and gingerbread cookies filling the air, and of course, the iconic hit by Wham! playing on repeat. These are all the things we look forward to during the run-up to December 25th, but there's one special place where you can find them all in one location - Christmas markets.
Every year, major cities across the UK get into the Christmas spirit and transform their town squares into magical winter wonderlands. These markets are a hit for all ages, offering family fun, romantic settings, and even unique hangout spots for teenagers on the weekends. But like any public event, there are always cities that go the extra mile for their visitors. And when it comes to Christmas markets, you're about to find out which ones go above and beyond.
Is your local market on this list? Which?, the largest consumer body in the UK, has done the research and rounded up the best markets in the country for you to visit this year. Based on their survey of over 4,000 visitors, they have determined that eight locations reign supreme. According to Which?, these cities have great food and drink options, fantastic cultural attractions, or both, scoring at least four out of five in these categories. Are you ready to get into the Christmas spirit and Step Into Christmas like Elton John? Here are the top Christmas markets in the UK for 2024, in no particular order.
First up is Bath, with its market running from November 28th to December 15th. Visitors can enjoy lots of local festive products at this famous market. The official Bath Christmas Market website invites you to meander through the cobbled streets of the heritage city center, soaking in the festive atmosphere while browsing some of the best independent makers from the South West and beyond. And if that description hasn't convinced you, how about this - over 200 chalets will line Bath's Georgian streets, offering everything from local foods to festive baked goods. The Which? survey also gave Bath four stars for its food and drink offerings and cultural sights, making it a must-visit destination.
Next up is Chester, with its market running from November 15th to December 22nd. This free market is said to provide visitors with a magical experience. With its Tudor-style half-timber buildings and ancient Roman walls, Chester is already a magical place to visit, but add in the twinkling fairy lights, pretty wreaths, and Christmas trees, and it feels like you're stepping into a Harry Potter set. The Visit Chester and Cheshire website describes the market as a handmade, historical, and magical experience. With 70 stalls built temporarily in the shadow of Chester's Victorian Gothic town hall and medieval cathedral, visitors will find traditional German Christmas market offerings like bratwurst and mulled wine, as well as local independent traders selling scented candles and fudge.
Then there's Durham, with its market running from December 6th to 8th. Although it may only run for two days, there's a reason why Durham's Christmas market has made this list. Sometimes, smaller, understated events have more charm, and Durham's market definitely has this in spades. The free market boasts 70 stalls outside the market hall, but if you want to access the other 150+ inside, you'll have to pay a small entrance fee. Regardless of whether you pay or not, you'll find everything you want from a Christmas market, from festive wrapping paper to candy cane stalls and handcrafted tree decorations. But you'll also find some unique stalls selling things like locally made hot sauce and upcycled vintage clothes.
Last but certainly not least is Winchester, with its market running from November 22nd to December 22nd. Located outside the majestic Winchester Cathedral, this market is a must-visit for anyone in the area. Throughout the year, visitors come from all over to see the iconic building, so it only makes sense that the city's free Christmas market is located right outside. What sets Winchester's market apart is the live entertainment provided by local choirs, singing both Christmas classics and more religious hymns. After browsing the stalls and indulging in some mulled wine and crêpes, visitors can head into the Cathedral for live events (note: booking in advance and a fee are required).
In conclusion, these are the top Christmas markets in the UK for 2024, according to Which?. So why not get into the festive spirit and check them out for yourself? With their festive foods, unique gifts, and charming atmosphere, these markets are sure to be a hit for all ages. Happy holidays!
It's finally that time of year again - December is just around the corner and the holiday season is in full swing. With the festive season comes all the usual traditions - drinking glühwein, eating bratwurst, roasting chestnuts, indulging in gingerbread cookies, and of course, listening to Wham's "Last Christmas" on repeat.
But while these are all beloved staples of the holiday season, there's one special place where you can find them all conveniently in one location - Christmas markets. Every year, major cities across the UK transform their town squares into magical winter wonderlands, offering something for everyone. Families can enjoy fun activities, couples can experience romantic settings, and even teenagers can find unique hangout spots for a weekend outing.
Of course, with any public event - whether it's festive or not - there are always some cities that go above and beyond to make it truly special for their visitors. And Christmas markets are no exception. Which?, the largest consumer body in the UK, has done the research and revealed the top markets in the country based on their "best UK cities" survey, which gathered feedback from over 4,000 visitors. So, is your local market on the list?
Bath, Chester, Durham, and Winchester are just a few of the eight cities that have made the cut. In Bath, visitors can meander through the cobbled streets of the heritage city center and shop for unique gifts from over 200 chalets. Chester's Tudor-style buildings and ancient Roman walls make for a magical setting, especially with the added festive decorations. Durham's market may only run for two days, but it has a charm that can't be beat, with 70 stalls outside and over 150 inside. And Winchester's market, located outside the iconic Winchester Cathedral, offers a truly unique experience with local choirs performing and live events inside the cathedral.
But it's not just about the atmosphere - these markets also received high scores for their food and drink offerings as well as their cultural attractions. So, whether you're looking for traditional German fare like bratwurst and mulled wine, or locally made products like scented candles and upcycled clothes, these markets have it all. And the best part? Most of them are free to enter.
So, why not get into the holiday spirit and check out one (or all) of these top Christmas markets in the UK for 2024? You won't be disappointed.
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