Five of the best UK Christmas markets for food
We take a look at five of the largest Christmas markets that should appeal to lovers of good food and drink.
Lovefood loves a good Christmas market. All the sweets, cakes and treats you can shake a candy cane at, plus mulled wine and ale.
They’re perfect for getting in the mood for Christmas, so here are five of the biggest in the UK that are setting up for 2014. Of course, there are hundreds of markets and these are just a select few – so please do recommend your favourites in the Comments below.
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market
A fixture for more than a decade, Birmingham’s German-style market is the largest outdoor market in Britain.
There’s lots of German food on offer such as fresh pretzels and hot bratwursts served in brotchen – the German equivalent of a sausage in a bun. As well as German weissbeer to accompany your food, there’s also a range of ales produced by micro-breweries at the Christmas Craft Market, and a massive selection of locally produced food and drink including organic sausages, homemade chutneys and cheeses.
On the non-food side, there are plenty of interesting items on sale including toys, ornaments, musical instruments and lots more.
Open until 22nd December 2014.
More info
Edinburgh Christmas Market
There are actually a few markets going on in the Scottish capital, all taking place in the shadow of the dramatic vista of Edinburgh Castle.
Firstly, the Scottish Market will likely be of most interest to foodies. Locally produced sausages, fresh seafood, baked goods, gin and Scottish craft beer are on offer, as well as a range of crafted jewellery and woodwork. If you’d rather get a continental experience, head up the hill for the European Christmas Market, where you’ll find artists, gifts, and “gastronomic surprises”.
There’s also a Children’s Market with activities for the kids – find it in Santa Land (near the European market).
All three markets are open until 4th January 2015.
More info
Leeds German Christmas Market
Another German market, this time based in Leeds city centre. Again, there are plenty of treats to enjoy from our European cousins, such as goulash, stollen, gingerbread and plenty of gluhwein, which is similar to mulled wine.
Also on offer are a range of gifts to buy, plus there are weekly children’s activities on every Sunday of the festival from 10:30am to 12:30pm. These include a bakery session and craft-making.
Open until 20th December 2014.
More info
Manchester Christmas Markets
A large selection of markets are taking place in locations throughout the city, totalling a massive 300+ stalls, which will be selling gifts, clothes, and food and drink delicacies from across Europe.
There will be plenty of beer and wine on offer, and you can find treats like Dutch mini-pancakes, profiteroles and hot chocolate. There’s also a significant number of food producers in attendance, so you can take chocolate, cheese, pies, nuts and much more home with you.
Open until 21st December 2014
More info
Belfast Christmas Market
Northern Ireland’s capital hosts the tenth annual edition of its market this year, featuring a range of stalls offering food, drinks, decorations and more. Unusual meats like alligator and impala can be found at the market, or you can enjoy a bratwurst instead. There’s a traditional Irish bar with live music, and you can also grab a glass of gluhwein to sip as you wander.
Belfast hasalso set up a special post box, in which children can send off their wish lists to the North Pole for Santa to look at. If the letter is sent it by 17th December, they’ll receive a letter back from him too. Santa will also be setting up a grotto, so kids will have the chance to meet him in person too.
Open until 21st December 2014
More info
Recommend your favourites
Please use the Comments box below to tell us which Christmas markets you'll be attending this year and why they're the best!
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