Britain’s Christmas markets will soon be opening their doors. Get ready for some festive fun with our pick of the best.
Cheltenham Christmas Market
Housed in charming traditional wooden chalets, Cheltenham’s magical Christmas Market twinkles under fairy lights on the Promenade. With 40 stalls selling a delectable range of local produce, unique gifts, hand-made jewellery and arts and crafts, there’s plenty of Christmas cheer, washed down with a glass of Gluhwein. Make an experience of it and stay the night just around the corner at our beautiful Georgian townhouse No. 131, which boasts 11 beautifully-designed bedrooms which come complete with Egyptian cotton bed linen, unique furniture and original artworks from the likes of David Hockney. Finish the day in our restaurant with traditional classics and modern European dishes, created using the best seasonal ingredients.
Cheltenham Christmas Market takes place from 22nd November to 15th December.
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Southbank Christmas Market
Eat, drink and be merry beside the River Thames at the Southbank Christmas Market. One of the biggest and best Christmas celebrations in the capital, all things festive can be found here from baubles to gingerbread to twinkly lights. Stock up on artisan gifts, stocking fillers and tasty treats before grabbing at bite to eat at one of the exciting food pop-ups – try Bar Under the Bridge, a cosy hideaway serving cheese-themed food, including an excellent baked camembert. But don’t stop there – check out the enchanting family shows, including a turn-of-the-century circus with sensational animal puppetry and Rumpelstiltskin, a fantastic fairy tale with theatrical spectacle, rocking music and endless fun.
9th November – 6th January 2019
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Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market
Set against the stunning honey-coloured backdrop of Exeter Cathedral, one of Devon’s most impressive ecclesiastical sights with extraordinary medieval statuary, 80 Bavarian chalets will showcase an exciting mix of local and continental traders with beautiful gifts, Christmassy food and innovative arts and crafts. The hog roast is an annual tradition. Other delights can be found in the ‘food village’ such as Belgian chocolates, crepes, baklava, charcuterie and cheese. Local company The Oddfellows is heading up the bar – don’t miss their legendary mulled apple gin. To top it off, bands, carol singers and choirs will be performing suitably festive numbers throughout the day from the bandstand on the Green.
15th November – 16th December