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Iceni Magazine | February 9, 2025

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Why Everyone Should Go to At Least One Christmas Market This Year

Why Everyone Should Go to At Least One Christmas Market This Year

Christmas is once again around the corner, and not too soon – after a stressful year for many people, Christmas represents a time for us all to relax, regroup and take comfort in our friends and family.

It also means the return of Christmas markets to cities across the UK – magical places that it is imperative you and your family visit! Here’s why:

Unique, Sustainable Gifts for Family and Friends

Christmas markets are stippled with stalls from established brands and independent sellers alike, giving you a season, limited-time market space in which to find some truly unique items for your loved ones this Christmas. Rather than relying on big-name, high-street gifts or commercially abundant items for your Christmas gifts, why not buy something handmade and heartfelt? Whether a hand-wrought necklace, a one-of-a-kind drinking horn or even a set of small batch mulled wines and spiced spirits, your thoughtful gifts are sure to be received well in a sea of smartphone accessories and consumer goods. Not only that, but your purchasing choices have positive knock-on effects on the environment and the local economy; independent makers are more likely to use sustainable materials, and more likely to benefit from your Christmas budget to boot.

A Trip Out With Loved Ones

The Christmas market is more than an opportunity to pick up beautiful seasonal gifts – it is an event, a festive activity with fun for all the family. Whether you’re bringing your partner on a date, or your children for an afternoon of fun, there is much to see and much to do. Regional food and sweets stalls offer delicacies from bratwurst to crepes and far beyond, while delicious hot chocolates, mulled wines and meads are available from every other stall. Many Christmas markets come with a traditional carousel, which makes for a magical experience and a real Instagrammable moment, while, if the young ones are lucky, Santa may well make an appearance to hear their Christmas wishes.

The UK’s Best Christmas Markets

Manchester

Manchester’s public spaces transform in the Christmas season, as the entire city becomes a playground for festive fun. Piccadilly Gardens, Albert Square, St. Ann’s Square, Exchange Square… the list goes on, with hundreds of stalls, activities and food options available to the discerning visitor.

York

York is already a dream-like place to visit in the Christmas season, with its crooked alleyways and 14th century buildings – but the market, stippled amongst the Renaissance pubs and existing Shambles market, is something else entirely. Trains to York are easy to find, and land you mere seconds from the majesty of this city centre market, with all manner of makers and a record number of mulled wine stalls.

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire may seem like an oddly specific place to pinpoint for a Christmas market visit, but the country house is home to a truly magical event. From the Illuminated Trail in the Palace Gardens to the beautiful stalls right in front of the festively-lit palace itself, Blenheim Palace’s Christmas market feels like something out of a fairy-tale.


 

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