Get firmly into the festive spirit with a visit to one of the many Christmas fairs and markets taking place locally and a little further afield, all offering gift inspiration, mince pies and the occasional glass of warming mulled wine...
December 14
"When I heard ‘village market’ I thought I would be coming to a market where there would be a few stalls selling Granny’s knitted socks in a drafty cold church," said one first-time visitor to Grosmont Market, which is back with the annual Christmas market. "But what a delightful surprise to come to this market where the atmosphere was warm and buzzing, and the stalls were unique, local and beautiful. A true unique gem of a market."
Until December 21, 10am to 4.30pm
Christmas Show
Herefordshire Guild of Craftsemen’s annual festive event returns to the historic Market House in Ledbury with a huge selection of Christmas gift inspiration from around 18 of its members. Featuring wood work, intricate fretwork and fine turning, stained and fused glass, jewellery, ceramics, art and illustrations. Open every day except Sundays and admission is free. Please be aware that access is restricted due to stairs
herefordcraftguild.co.uk/01432 769543
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Until December 22
Christmas Winter Wonderland at Ralph Court Gardens
Thousands of lights and snow machines throughout the gardens create a truly magical Christmas event for all ages. For the young and the young at heart, there are singing reindeer (and donkey) providing a show in their stables and Boris, the friendly bear, will be telling children’s stories from his log cabin.
Every weekend and at the Winter Wonderland evening events, Santa will be in attendance.
ralphcourtgardens.co.uk
December 12, 13, 18, 19, 20
Hereford’s Christmas markets
Around 40 stalls each day with festive treats and gifts on offer and including locally made crafts, decorations and jewellery as well as delicious hot street food and drinks. Soak up the festive atmosphere beneath the wonderful giant Christmas tree and lights.
Herefordshire.gov.uk
December 14
Saturday Arts Market
High Town, Hereford
Hereford Arts Markets act as showcases for local talent and designer/makers from the region and are held regularly throughout the year. Offering a range of original artworks, traditional and contemporary crafts and handmade jewellery, the Art Markets offer visitors the chance to meet the professional and semi-professional designer-makers.
herefordshire.gov.uk
Saturday, December 14
Victorian Christmas market
Held in Leominster every year, with a wide variety of stallholders, dressed in traditional Victorian dress, lining Corn Square and Broad Street and selling a range of crafts and gifts plus local and seasonal produce. A festive treat, with numerous stalls, street entertainment, tasty dishes and lots more.
Saturday, December 14
Hereford Cathedral Christmas Fair
More than 40 stallholders offering homemade produce, handcrafted items and plenty of gift ideas. At 1 pm the popular Carols for Shoppers will be performed by Hereford Church Singers and Herefordshire Junior Youth Choir.
Herefordcathedral.org.uk
Wednesday, December 18, 6-8.30pm
A Festive Christmas Evening
Eastnor Castle
An opportunity to see the magnificent Eastnor Castle Christmas decorations and enjoy some festive entertainment to raise money for the Eastnor Church Tower Appeal. Admission includes tours by James Hervey-Bathurst, (please select a tour time when booking tickets; tours at 6.15pm, 7.00pm and 7.45pm), Christmas carols by members of the Ledbury Choral Society and a mince pie and a glass of wine.
Tickets are limited and must be purchased online at eastnorcastle.com
Further afield:
Until Sunday, December 15
From unique homeware to personalised presents, Christmas decorations, handcrafted jewellery and more, you’re guaranteed to find something special for your loved ones. With so many local makers and designers showcasing their artisan gifts, you can tick off everything on your Christmas list all in one place and support Bath’s small businesses at the same time.
Throughout the Market, you’ll find delicious food, from a burger or hog roast to caramelised nuts and aromatic mulled wine to keep you well warmed through.
bathchristmasmarket.co.uk
Until December 23
Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is a firm fixture in the city’s annual calendar and, together with the neighbouring Christmas Craft Market, a massive favourite with both residents and visitors to the city from across the UK and Europe. Birmingham comes alive every winter with the arrival of the Market, a clear sign that Christmas is just around the corner. With more than 80 stalls there is something for everyone.
thebfcm.co.uk
Until December 23
Nestled within the heart of Bristol City Centre, you’ll find over 50 stalls selling a wide variety of unique gifts and crafts. Pick up a warming hot chocolate or mulled wine and browse the huts to discover plenty of gift inspiration.
A selection of food stalls promises plenty of temptation, with delicious offerings such as traditional German bratwursts and Aberdeen aged burgers, to crepes and other treats for those with a sweet tooth. Or head for the Jäger Barn Bar, where you'll find heated seating, delicious drinks and live music as well as trying your hand at the much-loved sport of curling for some competitive fun.
Until December 14
Christmas gifts, crafts, food and drink creating a unique Christmas Market atmosphere. Why not enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a bratwurst sausage while you wander and browse along the rows of stalls with family and friends?
Find the markets on The Promenade outside Cavendish House. Open daily.
Until December 23
The Cardiff Christmas Market is back on the pedestrian streets of Cardiff City Centre with another exciting and eclectic mix of both new and returning exhibitors with original, hand made work. The beautifully decorated wooden stalls can be found in St John Street, Working Street, Hills Street, Trinity Street and the Hayes.
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