Fab Christmas Markets, Fairs & Festivals
Have you noticed how many Christmas markets have popped up in the last few years? They're becoming a bit of a British tradition and we're very glad about it too. Artisans and cottage producers, including lots of mums, get to sell their handcrafted wares and we get to buy lovely, quirky, unusual one-off presents whilst soaking up the festive atmosphere.
If you're not sure which Christmas market to head for here are a few of our favourites
Winchester Christmas Market
Winchester Cathedral’s Inner Close
22nd November – 23rd December
For a winter wonderland experience try one of Europe’s finest Christmas fairs. This German inspired market surrounds an open air ice rink and boasts over 100 stalls of quality, hand crafted and artisan goods.
http://winchester-cathedral.org.uk/christmas
The Travelling Souk
The Coronation Hall, East Grafton Marlborough
Tuesday 27th November 9.00am – 3.30pm
For an indulgent day out visit a hidden fair full of fab finds. This luxury pop up “one day only” sale set in a beautiful historic house offers an ideal opportunity to buy Christmas gifts of exceptional quality. Entry fee = £3.50
http://www.thetravellingsouk.com/Christmas-Fairs/Christmas-Gift-Fairs
Fowey Christmas Market
Fowey Quays and Leisure Centre, Cornwall
1st – 2nd December
For a Christmas fair with a nautical feel and a seafaring Santa visit Fowey. Watch Santa Claus arrive by boat and soak up the festive atmosphere whilst shopping at this traditional Cornish market
Dickensian Christmas Fair
Grassington Yorkshire
Sunday 1st, 8th and 15th December 10am – 5pm
Step back into a bygone era and combine a family fun day out with some Christmas gift buying. Highlights include street entertainment, buskers, shoe-shine boys, chestnut sellers, Santa’s grotto, pickpockets, living statues, traditional Christmas outdoor market and indoor craft fair
http://www.grassington.uk.com/#/dickensian-festival
Stamford's Handmade Christmas Market
Stamford Art Centre, Lincolnshire
2 December, 2012 @ 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Well worth a visit. Find unique handmade Christmas gifts and support local artisans, designers and makers from around this rural market town
http://www.stamfordartisansguild.co.uk/christmas-2012
Lincoln Christmas Market
Lincoln Town Centre
6th – 9th December
Possibly the prettiest Christmas market in the British Isles. Set in the medieval square and cobbled streets of this Cathedral city you are certain to find wonderful Christmas gifts amongst the 250 stalls selling crafts and artisan goods
http://lincoln-christmasmarket.co.uk
The Ethical Christmas Fair
Princes Street Edinburgh
8th – 16th December 10am – 6pm
This is a great place to buy fair trade, ethical, and environmentally friendly gifts. Exhibitors from across the globe will be selling their beautiful products.
http://www.edinburghschristmas.com/event/The-Ethical-Christmas-Fair/2923
Garden of Wales Christmas Craft Fair
National Botanical Gardens, Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire
8 - 9th December 10am – 4.30pm
Find locally handcrafted gifts and artisan products at this craft fair housed in a magnificent greenhouse
http://www.gardenofwales.org.uk
Bath Artisan Christmas Market
Green Park Station Bath
Sunday 9th December 9.30 – 4pm
Support this new venture in Bath and buy quirky, beautifully crafted and original stocking fillers and artisan food at this trendy Christmas market.
http://www.bathartisanmarket.com
Other Seasonal Events
Alternatively why not soak up the seasonal atmosphere at a family event in the lead up to Christmas. There are some great happenings taking place in rural parts of the country this Yuletide so come along and support them.
Hay Christmas Festival
Hay on Wye
30th November – 2nd December
Visit Hay festival for a fun family weekend. Listen to guest speakers such as Ben Fogle, watch puppet theatre, enjoy dancing at a traditional ceilidh, and buy exquisite Christmas gifts.
Betwys y Coed Christmas
Betwys y Coed, Snowdonia
1st – 2nd December
Come camping and experience a magical weekend as Christmas sparkles to life in this rural village. Set up camp next to Santa and his elves, make crafts in their marquee, go on a lantern parade and, if you’ve got energy to spare, take part in a fun run to raise funds for St David’s Hospice.
www.betws-y-coed-christmas.co.uk
Christmas Fayre Weekend
Jimmy’s Farm, Ipswich Suffolk
8-9th December
Welcome in the festive season with carol singing, hog roast, craft market and lots of other seasonal family entertainment.
If you know of any other fabulous Christmas markets, fairs or festivities taking place in the run up to Christmas we'd love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below or email us with details at christmas@ruralmums.com
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