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LikeDate Posted: 18-12-2018
No doubt many of us are listening out for delivery drivers right now as we tick off that online gifting -list. Sure, we love online shopping for its ease and convenience, but it does sap some of that old Christmas spirit we used to see on the shopping trips.
We want more of you to get out there and enjoy the final shopping days to Christmas. And what better way than a trip to one of the big Christmas Markets and Fairs around the UK this year?
If you’re looking for something special and are willing to travel further afield, we’ve pulled together a list of some of the biggest Christmas Markets and fairs to get you properly festive in time for the big day.
Open until 23rd December
It’s worth getting to Albert Square this year to enjoy the large and traditional European market, as the market won’t be back there for another 4 years to make way for refurbishment until 2023. Alongside the main square, there are plenty of smaller markets across the city and the ice rink at Cathedral Gardens up until early January. The Albert Square Market will be open until 9pm each evening, with all other markets closing at 8pm throughout December.
Find more information and opening times here.
Open until 23rd December
This is officially the biggest outdoor Christmas market in Britain attracting a staggering 5 million visitors each year, staged as always in Victoria Square and along New Street. Definitely the best place in Britain to enjoy bratwursts, currywursts, schnitzels, pretzels and fine German lagers. And even pizzas and burgers for those less adventurous!
With the redevelopment of Centenary Square, a Christmas market is also being hosted in the nearby grounds on Birmingham Cathedral.
Open until 9pm every day. We recommend weekdays for those wanting a browse and evenings for Christmas with more bustle!
Find more information and opening times here.
Open until 23rd December
Sited across the pedestrian streets of Cardiff City Centre, including St John St, Trinity St and Hayes. The market will offer a range of handmade products from local producers, including food and ales from a range of Welsh and West Country producers. Open until 5:00 pm throughout, with late night shopping days across December.
Find more information and opening times here.
Open until January 6th 2019
A departure from traditional Christmas markets, with a large indoor ice rink, flanked by a fun fair, right in the centre of beautiful Cambridge. You won’t find anything last minute to put under the Christmas tree, but the temptation of a Dodgems, Waltzer and traditional German fayre is too much to pass up. Entry is free, with rides and ice rinks subject to fees. Ice rink closes at 9pm.
Find more information and opening times here.
Open until 22nd December
With close proximity to the M25 and M1, St Albans is a very festive venue to enjoy some Christmas cheer. The Meraki festival includes a small and charming outdoor market close the Cathedral with a larger site in the local Verulam park. With festive bars, fairground rides and a Comedy festival featuring some major stand-up comedians, this is worth putting on the list for many living in and around London and the South East. Event entry is fee, Comedy Festival tickets available through the link below.
Find more information and opening times here.
Open until 23rd December
If you’re looking for tradition, you’re going to be hard-pushed to find anything better than the spectacular and medieval surrounds of York. The festival boasts a St Nicholas Fair across Parliament Street, hosting a traditional Christmas market with produce from Yorkshire itself and a fun fair in Kings Square. Festive food and drink can be found at St Sampson’s Square too.
Opening times vary and more information can be found here.
A Welcome Break all through Christmas!
Wherever you venture this Christmas, we hope it’s suitably festive and you enjoy a safe journey. We’re open throughout Christmas, including our Waitrose stores on Christmas and New Year’s Day for any of those last-minute essentials.
