It feels like Christmas has crept up on us this year, and suddenly it is almost here. If you’re not feeling festive yet, why not visit one of the wonderful Christmas markets or Winter Wonderlands we have around the country.
We’ve summed up our favourites, but remember you’ve only got one more week before the big day is here, so get your seasonal day out planned quickly.
A bit of mulled wine and some festive music should get you in the mood, and you could even get some Christmas shopping done while you’re there. Don’t forget to check into Snizl while you’re out and about to get the latest offers and competitions.
If a trip to one of these doesn’t get you feeling in the Christmas mood, then your middle name must be Scrooge.
Birmingham (open until 29 December)
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas market is the largest Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria. You’ll find a huge range of stalls selling everything from handcrafted wooden decorations to exquisite jewellery, from fresh pretzels to roasted almonds, and from delicious weissbeer to warming hot chocolate.
Running adjacent to the Christmas market, the Christmas craft market features local traders selling delightful handcrafted goods, and an amazing array of gifts imported from all over the world.
A live music programme is planned for the Christmas Eve and Boxing Day to add to the Christmassy cheer, so get down there on one of those days if you can.
Edinburgh (European market open until 1st January, Edinburgh Christmas Market open until 3rd Jan)
The 2022-23 Edinburgh Winter Festivals will take place between 25 November and 3 January. Check back for more information soon.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay will also be returning from 30 December 2022 – 1 January 2023
The twin markets provide the perfect opportunity to find some really outstanding, unique presents and are a great place to enjoy festivities with friends.
Nottingham (Christmas Market open until 24 December, Winter Wonderland open until 8 January)
Nottingham combines a Victorian Christmas market and a Winter Wonderland into one great event. The Christmas market offers a wide selection of gifts, confectionery, and delicious food, as well as a unique helter skelter bar serving mulled wine and spiced cider.
The Winter Wonderland is centred round a large ice skating rink in Old Market Square. A large Victorian styled bar provides ample space to sit and relax, while you watch people skate or enjoy live music on the bandstand. Food stalls and children’s rides also mean there is something for everyone to enjoy. As a new attraction for this year, visitors can drink in sub-zero temperatures in the Ice Bar, where even the glasses are made out of ice.