Sigh, my birthday is over. I took myself on a solo date to see Wicked, the movie! Now the songs are stuck in my head. Although, I sadly say goodbye to November, my birthday month, let’s turn our sights to festive Christmas Markets. Every year visiting a Christmas market is on my list but I never make it. This year Winchester was on the cards, we had even booked accommodation then life began living and we had to cancel much to my disappointment. Nonetheless, I can commit to armchair travel and maybe just maybe you’ll be inspired for your next festive day out. Winter Wonderland in London is a crowd-pleaser. However, if like me you don’t like massive crowds look to the towns and cities further afield. This is a listing of some of the Christmas markets in the southeast and southwest of England for 2024.
Southeast Christmas Markets
When I think of the southeast, my mind immediately goes to gorgeous coastlines and beach days. Albeit, I’m not into cold water swimming. This Christmas, away from the icy waters, the towns are warming. Against a backdrop of twinkling lights, Christmas markets are opening up.
5th Dec Brighton Winter Fayre in St Peter’s Square. The event is a first for Brighton and will run for three long weekends. Visitors can expect entertainment spaces, workshops, a central hub with a selection of local food traders, bars, hot drinks, and sweet treats. Additionally, to set the tone there’s free entertainment. Visit the website for further details
8th December East Grinstead Christmas Market, 11 am to 3 pm on London Road. There will be market stalls selling Christmas gifts, and food. Live entertainment is planned.
21st Dec Wadhurst Christmas Market and Craft Fair, Commemoration Hall, High Street, 9 am – 1 pm. On the day there will be food, entertainment, and stalls by local artisans selling clothes, knits, ceramics, gifts, hand-crafted wooden tableware and so much more See less
South West Christmas Markets
There are also commuable Christmas markets in the southwest. The Southern Railway is your friend. Potentially, you can pair-up visits for example Bath and Bristol are under one hours drive from each other. Here’s what’s happening in the southwest.
1st Nov – 23rd Dec Bristol Christmas Market – The market in the heart of Bristol City Centre. It’s already kicked off and boasts over 35 festive stalls selling unique gifts, crafts, and seasonal treats.The stalls open from 10 am – 7 pm, while food stalls and bar open 10 am – 10 pm.
28th Nov – 15th Dec Bath Christmas Market – Bath’s Christmas market is well renowned. Just picture it, over 170 twinkling chalets in the scenic Georgian town. It’s where some of the best independent businesses that the South West and beyond have to offer. Vendors will be selling homeware, handmade jewellery, personalised presents, and more. Opening times:
Monday to Wednesday: 10 am to 7 pm, Thursday to Saturday: 10 am to 8 pm and Sundays: 10 am to 6 pm.
22 Nov – 22 Dec Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market – Winchester is under two hours’ drive from parts of south London. While commuting just over an hour. The Christmas market is quite popular and welcomes visitors both domestic and international This year the council recommends using the park-and-ride service.
The ambiance is set with attractive German wooden chalets and festive lighting on the historic grounds of the cathedral. Visitors are treated to Christmas carols and the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon drifting in the air while they shop for Christmas gifts. TIP: Don’t miss the Nativity Scene the optimum location for a fun photograph for Christmas to share with family and friends.
Dec 1 Guildford German Christmas Market – The Guildhall Hight Street, 11 am – 3 pm Sorry for the last-minute note on this one. The event is organised by Guildford Twinning Association. Guildford and Freiburg Breisgau signed a “promise of lasting friendship” in 1979, this friendship continues to this day.
At the market, German Bakery treats, wooden toys, gifts, stocking fillers, and more! There will be traditional Gluhwein. Don’t miss the chance to take a selfie at the festive special Selfie Scene!
1st Dec Salisbury Sunday Festive Markets (as well as on, 8, 15 & 22 Dec) 10 am -16 pm. The Salisbury Market Place will be filled with traders offering seasonal treats and handmade gifts on the first four Sundays of December. It’s the perfect way to stock up on holiday essentials while soaking in the festive spirit.
Christmas markets is one way to get into the festive spirit. No need to spend a fortune. I highly recommend it, even it just for a hot chocolate and ginerbread biscuit somewhere different.
For more all the year-round days out inspiration see the Xpat At Home lifestyle page. Remember to follow me @xpat_at_home on Instagram.
Photo Credit: Via Pexels.com
