Does the constant wind and rain make you feel sad?
A trip to a Christmas market to enjoy some holiday cheer could be the answer. But be careful: go to the wrong one and your mood could end up getting worse.
To guide you to some of the most charming and welcoming Christmas markets in England, and far from the worst, is travel blogger and YouTuber Christina Guan (@happytowander).
She reveals her top five English Christmas markets, from one with “beautiful Georgian landscapes” to another with a “fun and lively” atmosphere. And it mentions two “overcrowded and overpriced” markets that should be avoided. And since he is Canadian, he offers objective opinions, free of regional biases.
Christina, whose partner is from Dorset, tells MailOnline Travel: “I love seeing the different twists destinations put on their festive decor, so I try to do a Christmas-themed trip every year.”
So which market tops the list?
She reveals: ‘Bathroom It’s probably my best choice. One thing I love about all the markets here is that all the vendors come from the local area, so the actual shopping experience is better than most other Christmas markets in the UK, plus the beautiful Georgian landscapes of Bath are unbeatable.
winchester also gets a thumbs up, with Christina describing her market as “charming, if small.” He continues: “Their main market takes place in the cathedral courtyard, so the atmosphere is really nice, and they have a separate Makers’ Market with handmade decorations, gifts and clothing from local businesses, as well as lots of food vendors. “food offering food from around the world.”
Christina, a travel blogger from Canada, has shared her favorite English Christmas markets and those to avoid with MailOnline Travel. She is pictured above at London’s Winter Wonderland.
Bath Christmas Market is Christina’s “top pick” as it features local vendors and “beautiful Georgian scenery”.
Christina describes Winchester Christmas Market as “lovely” with a “really nice atmosphere”
Your browser does not support iframes.
If you’re looking for something a little more “unique,” Christina says Stratford-upon-Avon It’s “so much fun” and should be on your list.
She reveals: “They only do their market a few days a year, but there are hundreds of vendors and a Victorian theme – at least during my visit – all set against the beautiful half-timbered backdrops of Shakespeare’s birthplace.
‘I liked the variety of stalls here, along with the fun, lively atmosphere and entertainment programme. There are also many stalls here where you can buy food and drinks.”
Blenheim Palace also gets a thumbs up from Christina, who explains: “I really enjoyed the experience at Blenheim Palace, not necessarily just for its Christmas market, which is quite small, but for the whole Christmas experience that goes on there.”
‘Every year they decorate the inside of the palace with a new theme and it is always impressive.
‘They also do a free light show along the façade and have a trail of lights, as well as dozens of Christmas market stalls, with great local food vendors, including a great place offering a divine Christmas dinner, complete with chips, sauce and stuffing. ‘
If what you are looking for is authenticity, Birmingham It’s your best bet, according to Christina, because the market there is inspired by those found in the supposed home of Christmas markets: Germany.
Christina spent five years living in Munich and has visited many markets in Germany, so she knows a lookalike when she sees one.
She comments: “Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market Aesthetically it’s the closest thing to a traditional German Christmas market I’ve seen, with lots of nice touches like proper Glühwein cups and stall decorations.
“I had heard that it was the largest German-style market outside of Central Europe, but I didn’t expect them to do such a good job with the stall decor and general atmosphere. Many of the stalls were remarkably similar to what you would actually see in Germany , which was great.
‘And it has a nice atmosphere, especially in the evenings!
‘However, I found the nearby market in Cathedral Square “I think it’s better for eating and drinking, so I would recommend you don’t miss it when you’re in town either.”
London’s Winter Wonderland, pictured above, is “your best bet” for rides, games and activities, says Christina.
LEFT: Christina describes the Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham as the most “authentic” in England. RIGHT: Christina explains that the stalls at Birmingham’s Christmas market are “remarkably similar to those you’d see in Germany.”
Stratford upon Avon market has a “fun” and “lively” atmosphere, says Christina
Blenheim Palace is home to a trail of lights and “dozens of Christmas market stalls”, explains Christina
Christina recommends avoiding the Trafalgar Square Christmas market (above) because it’s “too expensive”
Any negative points in general?
Christina warns that the “actual shopping experience” at Birmingham markets “leaves a lot to be desired” with “a lack of unique gifts to buy and quite expensive food.”
He also remembers that the cold beer was a surprise.
Christina explains: ‘Christmas markets in mainland Europe tend to stick to hot drinks like mulled wine, so seeing Birmingham Christmas Market’s branded pints was something of a shock.
“However, like I said, I love covering the unique aspects of each market, so I made sure to buy a cold one to explore the Christmas market.”
Christina also gives an honorable mention on the recommended list to Rochester Castle market, which has “a wide variety of activities, especially for children.”
And while she doesn’t consider it a proper “Christmas market,” Christina says, “I think it’s hard to beat the variety and spectacle of winter wonderland in London.
“If you’re looking for a day out with attractions, games, activities and lots to do, that’s really the best option…although you can expect big crowds and prices to match.”
THOSE THAT SHOULD BE AVOID
So where should you leave it off your UK Christmas market wish list?
Christina says, “In fact, I think the “Christmas markets” in London They are some of the worst I’ve ever been to!
“London has many wonderful festive things going for it – the lighting installations and Christmas displays are some of the most beautiful in the world, but London’s major Christmas markets Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square “They are very busy and overpriced, and all the stalls sell the same mass-produced product, which is a shame because I know a lot of people travel to London specifically to see them.”