You don’t have to head abroad for European-style Christmas markets – there are now plenty of them here in Blighty.
Edinburgh, for instance, sparkles in the winter with six weeks of festive celebration. Bursting into life with fireworks, lights and funfairs, Edinburgh’s Christmas (above) draws thousands every year. Central to the city’s celebrations are the Highland Village Christmas Market, Edinburgh Wheel and ice rink, all set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
To make the most of the city at this time of year, stay a night or two at one of the many hotels, B&Bs or apartments in the centre. There are some great deals currently available for early bird bookings, including The Point Hotel, which overlooks the Castle, where rooms are available from only £49BB per night based on two people sharing.
See www.edinburghschristmas.com or www.pointhoteledinburgh.co.uk
The Belfast Continental Christmas Market guarantees to add some world-famous Irish ‘craic’ to the festivities. Every December, the City Hall gardens are transformed into a bustling Continental village offering a wide range of traditional handmade arts, crafts and culinary specialities, along with music and entertainment to get visitors into the Christmas spirit. The market is set against the city’s iconic architecture, with its Gothic buildings and cobbled streets, and runs from 09 Nov – 29 Dec.
Enjoy some real Irish hospitality and stay a few nights at one of the nearby hotels and guesthouses. For a city break on a budget, the Ramada Encore Belfast is offering twin and double rooms in the centre from just £49BB for two people.
See www.belfastcity.gov.uk/Christmas or www.encorebelfast.co.uk
There’s also the great Christkindelmarkt in Leeds, one of the most established German markets in the UK. From Nov 9 to Dec 16, Millennium Square is transformed into a little piece of Germany with over 40 traditional wooden stalls, offering unique gift ideas, handcrafted decorations and Continental delicacies. The market also features a festive carousel and the ever popular Frank-furter Scheune, Kuh Stall and, for the first time this year, the Alp Chalet Bavarian eatery, all serving the very best authentic German cuisine.
Leeds is also home to some of the best shopping centres in the North, with over 1000 outlets, so make the most of the city with an overnight break. There are some great deals on hotel rooms this November and December, such as the three-star Holiday Inn Express City Centre Armouries, which is offering rooms from £39BB per night, for up to two people.
See www.leeds.gov.uk/christmasmarket or www.hiexleeds.co.uk
In the Midlands, Birmingham has a number of big events set for this Christmas. The Frankfurt Market and Craft Fair is the largest authentic German market outside of Germany and Austria, featuring an impressive 180 individual stalls. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the event is set in the city’s Victoria Square between November 15 and December 22. Visitors can enjoy perusing the array of handcrafted jewellery, wooden toys, candles and dolls, while a live band strikes up every lunchtime and evening to complete the festive atmosphere.
The Ramada Encore group is currently running a special winter offer across its hotels, including those in Birmingham City Centre and Birmingham NEC where rooms are priced from £39BB per night, for two people.
