London - Are you feeling festive? If you’re planning on visiting the UK this December, try out some of these Christmas markets.
Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham
Raise a mug of glühwein in Brum, at the largest Christmas market outside Germany. There are wooden stalls selling toys, decorations and gifts, as well as German food and drink. This year, for the first time, the market will run over the whole Christmas period, except Christmas Day.
Until 29 December; birmingham.gov.uk
A photo posted by Sue ~ Suzy Homemaker Blog (@suzyhomemakeruk) on Nov 18, 2016 at 7:56am PST
Christkindelmarkt, Leeds
Held each year in Millennium Square in Leeds, the city’s expansive effort features more than 40 stalls decked out in fairy lights, as well as a Christmas carousel. New for this year are daily music performances and a weekly children’s show on the open-air stage. Youngsters can also check out the Santa’s Breakfast on Sunday mornings (book in advance) while grown-ups can enjoy a tipple at the new Ski Hutte chalet-style bar.
Until 18 December; visitleeds.co.uk
Manchester Christmas Markets
Manchester has 10 markets dotted around the city centre, with more than 300 stalls in total. Fuel up with anything from goulash to paella or hog roast before picking up arts and crafts on Exchange Street, French treats on King Street or German specialities in St Ann’s Square.
Until 21 December; manchester.gov.uk
Christmas Markets, Edinburgh
The Scottish capital hosts two very different markets. The European Christmas Market is where you’ll find classic wooden stalls selling all the usual festive fare. The Scottish Market, meanwhile, is a patriotic affair where you can get a taste of Scotland’s best gifts and gastronomy.
European Christmas Market until 7 January, Scottish Market until 24 December; edinburghschristmas.com
Winchester Christmas Market
Fairy lights and wooden chalets line the grounds of the city’s cathedral, with a hand-picked selection of vendors selling one-off gifts, jewellery and crafts, along with festive food. Save some time for skating on the ice rink.
Until 20 December; winchester-cathedral.org.uk
The Independent