The best Christmas markets in the south…
What is the most festive way to get into the sprit come December? Surely, it has to be stepping into a magical Christmas wonderland with sweet smelling roasted chestnuts and warm, fruity mulled wine lingering in the air- otherwise known as The Christmas Market!
With beautifully decorated stalls, packed with crafted gifts and seasonal food and over the top Christmas lights, lighting up the way come dusk, what better way to spend an afternoon or two. I love wrapping up warm, indulging in a steaming cup of hot chocolate (or maybe something a bit stronger) and making my way from stall to stall, whilst embracing the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping at its best!
Christmas markets in Europe
Some of the best Christmas markets are across Europe, all steeped in history each with their own traditions. From Germany with their fabulous ornately dressed stalls and mouth watering traditional bratwursts, to France and their life-size gingerbread houses and sweet smelling pastries, to Poland with their stunning historic backdrops, festive lights and traditional polish food and crafts, are just some to mention.
But here in the South of England and close to each of our parks, we are equally lucky to have some wonderfully festive markets we can visit. One of my favourites is Bath Christmas market, slightly further afield but definitely worth the trip. The history of Bath city makes this the perfect host for a Christmas wonderland. With twinkling lit wooden hut stalls aligning every cobbled alleyway and the extravagant Christmas tree that takes centre stage in front of the Abbey, it certainly gives some of the larger and more grandeur European markets a run for their money! Local travel companies often put on coach trips, so it’s worth checking these out and can be a fun way to travel without having to worry about the hassle of driving and parking.
Local artisan Christmas markets in Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey
Another close favourite is Winchester Christmas market, it’s an ideal distance from Blackbushe Park and still has all the magic you can expect of a large Christmas market. If you are looking for somewhere even closer, Farnham Christmas market has some lovely craft stalls but on a smaller scale.
Close to Ferndale Park, why not rub elbows with royalty whilst shopping at Windsor Christmas market and just down the road, Ascot racecourse holds it’s annual Christmas market. If you fancy something a bit quieter, a little trip to the beautiful Georgian market town of Marlow on the River Thames will definitely have some quirky stalls that you can leisurely mooch along.
Dorking’s Christmas Festival, close to Merrywood Park, tends to have a different theme each year. An array of festivities are put on and can be enjoyed by the whole family, especially the grandchildren. Many of the stalls are occupied by local artisans, so you will be sure to find that unique special gift.
Christmas market traditions
So if you haven’t already, why not start a new Christmas tradition and add a touch of magic to the festive season by visiting a different Christmas market every year. Buy a locally crafted ornament as a souvenir of that particular market and add jolliness to your home each Christmas! And, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not book a fabulous festive weekend visiting some of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
From everyone at Greenfords Ltd, we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
