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

22^nd November – 23^rd 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 27^th 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

1^st – 2^nd 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

http://www.foweymarket.co.uk

Dickensian Christmas Fair

Grassington Yorkshire

Sunday 1^st, 8^th and 15^th 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

6^th – 9^th 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

8^th – 16^th 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 - 9^th 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 9^th 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

30^th November – 2^nd 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.

www.hay-festival.com

Betwys y Coed Christmas

Betwys y Coed, Snowdonia

 1^st – 2^nd 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

8-9^th December

Welcome in the festive season with carol singing, hog roast, craft market and lots of other seasonal family entertainment.

http://jimmysfarm.com

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