It is almost the most wonderful time of the year once again. Which in turn prompts the novelty Christmas jumpers, cheesy Christmas songs, and of course plenty of delicious traditional seasonal food.
Although the holiday season removes pounds from your pockets and places them on your waistline, the chance to overindulge cannot be missed. Do You Know Christmas Markets Gaining Favor.
Christmas Markets:
One of the most popular places to get traditional Christmas food and drink is through numerous Christmas Markets. In recent years Christmas markets which are bursting with toys, the smell of hot mulled wine, and bright decorations have been popping up all over the UK.
Although Christmas Markets in the UK are a relatively growing trend with consistent rises in popularity from year to year. The history of Christmas markets goes as far back as the Middle Ages with the event originating from German-speaking parts of Europe such as Germany and Austria.
Rise Of Christmas Markets In The UK:
Despite such a great history, it wasn’t until the late 1990s and early 2000s that large Christmas markets within the United Kingdom took off. Lincoln started the trend of Christmas Markets within the UK back in 1982 when a group of city councilors decided to set up their very own European Christmas Market with 11 stalls after a visit to Lincoln’s twinned town of Neustadt in Germany. Over the past 30 years, the market has grown from 11 stalls to well over 250 stalls which displays a positive reflection of increases in popularity around the rest of the UK.
Exploring The Best Christmas Markets In The UK:
If you are venturing out and visiting one of the many Christmas Markets around the UK. Get ready for a continental atmosphere, fantastic smells, delightful tastes, and unique hand-crafted toys and decorations.
With so many potential markets to visit here are a few of the best we found in the UK which are sure to get you into the festive spirit this holiday season.
Discover Lincoln’s Historic Christmas Market:
Lincoln Christmas Market – This is a must-visit for any Christmas fanatic. As previously stated this is the oldest large Christmas market within the United Kingdom. The Christmas Market is located in a medieval square between the remarkable Norman castle. And glorious Gothic cathedral, which provides the perfect backdrop for the Christmas Market. The market itself is only short-lived and only active between Thursday 6th of December and Sunday 9th of December. The market which offers a wide range of handmade jewelry, ceramics, and local fresh produce attracts over 150,000 visitors to Lincoln each year so expect crowds.
Manchester Christmas Market:
Located within the city center of Manchester, the Manchester Christmas is arguably the biggest in the UK. With an array of 200 stores spilling out from Albert Square into nearby streets and squares around the city. This festive market mixes the best of Europe with some more local award-winning produce from Lancashire. A great variety of smells fills the air, ranging from hot hog roast and hot chocolate to the more exotic scent of Spanish paella. The Market is already open and will continue trading until the 23rd of December.
Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham:
This is an established Christmas Market that has been running now for a total of 11 years. The city twinned with Frankfurt offers a great selection of traditional German foods such as grilled sausages, German beer, and gingerbreads for those with a sweet tooth. The Market is in operation from the 15th of November to the 22nd of December. Moreover, the city also hosts the Christmas Craft Market, offering a selection of beautiful hand-crafted goods, some created locally and others imported from abroad.