Fresh Air & Festive Frolics
Words / Lou Andrews
We are back with our second edition of this seasonal segment! And, once again, we bring you the low-down on the top Christmas festivals this year….and it’s a cracker (get it?!). I love the feel of a good Christmas festival. Theres something about being outdoors all wrapped up warm, with the lingering smell of wood burning fires and mulled wine. It sort of feels like home and captures that nostalgic essence of Christmas. And it doesn’t need to cost the earth either. There are plenty of things you can go to for a reasonable price to soak up the scents and festive cheer. We have listed some of the best ones below at varying costs to suit all your needs.
Christmas Markets
Bath Christmas Market
This one was first on the list this year because, well, I’m going! I missed it last year, but it looked so good I vowed to go this year. Bath is so beautiful anyway, but mix that with 200 top quality, quirky stalls and some festive entertainment and you have the perfect storm. On top of that it’s free to go! Looking at the stall listings for this year there is something for everyone; hand crafted chocolates, tea and coffee brewers, jewellery, perfume, art, a peanut butter stall (yep, I’m heading there!) and there is even a luxury pet gifts stall for your furry friends! And of course, there will be food and drinks on offer, so fill your festive boots.
Where: Bath city centre
When: 28 November – 15 December 2024
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
Every year, Birmingham plays host to the largest authentic German Christmas Market outside of Germany and Austria. Looking at the images on the website, it is clearly the place to be, and I can imagine the atmosphere is electric. There’s an array of traditional goods up for grabs such as crystal lamps, toys, jewellery, glass baubles and wooden decorations. Theres a bandstand with some great acts to gets you in the Christmas party mood. And of course, some traditional foods, so grab yourself some Gluhwein and a few ‘Stollen’ moments (groan!).
Where: Victoria Square, Birmingham, BE 3AA
When: 1 November – 24 December 2024
Cardiff Christmas Market
This market has been running for 30 years and is focused around original, handmade works, which I love. There’s a mass array of quirky and unusual gifts on offer this year – polymer clay jewellery, fruit wines, flavoured rum & gins, fused glass decorations & jewellery, vintage Welsh blankets & tapestry and much more. If all that shopping works up your appetite, grab yourself some grub from the Melted Cheese Company or some stuffed cookies from The Chunky Square or even some Japanese street food. Theres nothing like a bit of creativity to get the inspirational juices flowing, so get yourself down there and gift your loved ones something unique this year. And, of course, there’s no cost to enter for this one!
Where: Woking Street, Cardiff, CF10 2DP
When: 14 November – 23 December 2024
Experiences
Christmas at Blenheim Palace
What could be more impressive than a Christmas event in a castle?! Blenheim Palace has stood strong since 1704, so just being there is to be a part of history…not to mention that some of Bridgerton was filmed there! The Christmas event promises to be a dazzler…and I mean quite literally – the videos on the website show some of the most impressive Christmas light displays I have seen. There is a light trail, Neverland in the palace, an ice-skating rink, Neverland afternoon tea and of course a Christmas market, where you can pick up some festive goodies. Get yourself down there!
Where: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1UL
When: 15 November – 1 January 2025 (market runs up to 22nd December)
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
This one is on the expensive side, but I can honestly say if you have the money then go, because it really ramps up that feeling of Christmas. They don’t do things by halves in London so it’s BIG and there’s a lot to do. Alongside the usual Christmas markets and food stalls they also have some epic high adrenaline rides for all the family and some festive shows. You can also book a multitude of things to do (at varying costs) such as the magical ice kingdom, ice skating, circus, Santaland ride pass, the giant wheel and there’s even ice sculpting workshops to name just a few! It really is an epic day out so check out the link below.
Where: Hyde Park, London
When: 21 November – 5 January 2025
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland
The last time I went to this, we stayed for a few nights in the New Forest (only about a 25 minute drive away). The New Forest at Christmas has such a lovely warm, comforting feeling with lots of old pubs and animals wandering around freely, so I would recommend doing that and then heading to Bournemouth for a day of festive fun! It’s no cost to enter so you can experience the enchanting illuminations and maybe grab a drink in the Alpine lodge bar. Theres an ice rink and of course some great market stalls in the Alpine market. And if you fancy some afters, there is of course Bournemouth pier where you can cash in (or out!) at the amusements.
Where: Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2 BU
When: 15 November – 31 December 2024