Dont be a Grinch- its Christmas!!
The scent of roasting chestnuts wafting through the air, the glittering lights illuminating the night sky, the faint jingle of bells and the massive Christmas tree in the middle. Its that time of the year again, its Christmas!
This beloved season is sure to bring fond memories of childhood (for those who has always celebrated it) or new experiences for those who are experiencing Christmas on a big scale for the first time. Being in Europe is probably one of the best places to be this festive season, Christmas decorations are in full swing, sales everywhere, Christmas carols being blasted in every store and Christmas markets galore.
One of my favourite things about Christmas has got to be the Christmas markets. I mean, what's not to like? good food and friendly people- can't get any better than that. Coming from a country where Christmas isn't that big, I'm enjoying this European celebration of Christmas. Everything I used to see in TV, I'm now seeing in real life! (Ah, perks of studying abroad)
Walking down a row of stalls selling all kinds of food and gimmicks its just so entertaining. Your tastebuds are pampered with all kinds of food- be it sweet or savoury. Not to mention the pretty lights lining the stalls and the smell of hot food being cooked. A visit to one of the markets will definitely motivate you to put "exercise- to get rid of holiday weight" on your 2016 New Years Resolution. Lets all be round and jolly this season!
Well, enough talking about that, I'm sure most of you would want to go to a Christmas market now. Unfortunately for us, Norwich doesn't have an outdoor Christmas market but fear not, the nearest one is a mere train ride away. Sure, UK's Christmas Markets might not be as renowned as German ones but not to worry, we have our very own versions. Behold, I present to you, some of the best Christmas Markets in the UK (courtesy of the Telegraph of course, I couldn't possibly have gone round the country for this. After all, I'm just a mere second year student struggling to keep up with looming deadlines).
When: November 14 to December 20
Belfast's City Hall gardens are turned into a village setting for the Christmas market. Visitors can wander its stalls sampling festive treats from Belgian chocolates and French tarts to various cheeses and German sausages. As well as authentic continental food, you'll find clothing, arts crafts and decorations from across Europe.
When: November 14 to December 21
Manchester hosts several markets throughout the city, from a German-style market at St Ann's Square and French-themed stalls at King Street to arts and crafts at Exchange Street and a world Christmas market at Brazennose Street, selling an international selection of jewellery, leather goods and speciality foods.
3) Cirencester Christmas Market
When: ends December 16
This quaint Cotswolds town is full of Christmas activities and events, from skating in the Abbey Grounds of the parish church to a lantern parade. Guests can explore gourmet foods from the Charter Market, antiques at Corn Hall as well as clothes, accessories and crafts from festively decorated chalets.
When: November 19 to December 19
Devon's cathedral city is hosting its second Christmas market this year on the historic grounds of Cathedral Green. Locals showcase a variety of hand-crafted gifts and foods including roast hog, Baklava, Belgian chocolates, crepes and speciality cheeses.
When: November 20 to January 4
Edinburgh has a host of festive markets and fairs taking place into the new year. Visitors can choose from the traditional German Christmas market (ends January 4) or Edinburgh's Scottish market (ends January 4) which showcases the best locally sourced food and drink. St Mary's Christmas Market (ends December 22) also features children's activities and carol singing.
When: November 20 to January 6
Visitors can take their pick from several markets throughout the capital, from the traditional Southbank Centre Christmas Market (ends January 4) with its wooden chalet stalls to the festive extravagance of Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland (ends January 3), with its giant observation wheel, ice rink and circus alongside the Christmas market.
When: November 26 to December 20
Held at Guildhall Square, Salisbury's Christmas market - now in its fourth year - includes a Father Christmas Grotto, musical performances from choirs and local schools as well as a colourful paper lantern parade.
When: Novemer 12 to December 22
The largest German market held outside Germany and Austria is in its 11th year. Visitors can soak in the village atmosphere in Victoria Square, while enjoying a range of German fare from mulled wine and beers to meats and pastries. The Christmas Craft Fair next door extends onto Chamberlain Square, featuring various handmade gifts from local artists.
(See! No need to head to Germany, just get yourself to Birmingham :D)
When: November 28 to December 24
Visitors to Canterbury's small traditional market can enjoy the festive spirit in an intimate setting at Whitefriars Square, from German mulled wine and sausages to Christmas music and hand-crafted gifts from its 35 colourful cabins.
When: November 20 to January 3
Nottingham's Victorian-themed gift and craft market (ends December 24) is full of festive delights, from roasted chestnuts, cider and mulled wine to carol singing. The market is spread over Smithy Row, Albert Street and Lister Gate. Visitors can also enjoy Nottingham's Winter Wonderland (ends January 3) on the Old Market Square, with its Narnia-themed bar, a giant Christmas tree centrepiece and the towering North Star swing ride.
When: November 21 to January 6
Swansea's Oxford Street will have stalls selling arts and crafts and a specialty German food quarter at its Christmas street market (ends December 22). The festivities continue at the Waterfront Winterland (ends January 5) at Museum Park, which includes two ice rinks, a Santa's Grotto and various funfair rides from the Chiquito Giant ferris wheel to the Chair-o-Plane.
When: November 13 to December 20
The Glasgow Christmas Market continues at St Enoch Square, in front of St Enoch's shopping complex, with an international array of goods, featuring traders from Ecuador, Russia and Lapland. Visitors can sample Bavarian beers and mulled wine as well as gourmet foods including hog roast to French crepes.
So there you have it, Britain's best Christmas Markets spread out all over the country so whether you're up in the gaelic north or down south, a Christmas market is just nearby. Heck you don't even have to do your research for it, I've taken the liberty of posting it here. Don't be a Christmas Grinch, pile on the Christmas weight and make the most out of this season. To my fellow East Coast-ers: LONDON, HERE WE COME!
Credit (cause plagiarism is wrong, guys): http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/christmas/christmas-picture-galleries/9735625/Britains-best-Christmas-markets.html?frame=2425356
Merry Christmas Folks! May you be stuffing your face with all the Christmas goodness (I know that's what I'll be doing. I'll hit the gym in Jan :P ) oh and a HAPPY NEW YEAR (dats right, gym on your New Year resolution)
Karen- Brunei Student Ambassador
Merry Christmas Folks! May you be stuffing your face with all the Christmas goodness (I know that's what I'll be doing. I'll hit the gym in Jan :P ) oh and a HAPPY NEW YEAR (dats right, gym on your New Year resolution)
Karen- Brunei Student Ambassador
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