Cologne Christmas Market – South Bank, London

The South Bank in London is cute enough at the best of times (it’s right near the London eye and the National Theatre), but at Christmas, it really comes to life. With little wooden chalets dotted around the edge of the Thames, the South Bank Winter Market  really is one of the best places for getting in the Christmas spirit. Whether you want to eat drink and be merry, or you want to actually shop for one off individual gifts for people, you can easily spend an afternoon having a good wander.

Date: Friday 20 November – Thursday 24 December

Christmas in Leicester Square – Leicester Square, London

This is a new one this year, and it looks really exciting. I must admit, I love the atmosphere of Leicester Square any time of year, but Christmas is something else. The artist’s impression looks amazing, and you could easily hit this one then the South Bank one in the same day.

Dates: 11 November 2016 – 8 January 2017

Oxford Christmas Market- Broad Street, Oxford

I went to Oxford Christmas market couple of years ago, and I loved it. I actually went on one of those old peoples coach trips.  Not only do they have traditional wooden chalets, but they also have choirs and performances throughout the days. Not only can you shop for gifts and, unsurprisingly because it’s mentioned in this blog, you can also get Christmas lights and decorations.

Dates: 8 – 18 December 2016

Winter Wonderland – Hyde Park, London

Some people say that Hyde Parks Winter Wonderland is packed and over-priced, and some people love it. Personally I haven’t been for quite a while, but you can’t deny it looks truly magical. As well as the traditional Christmas market, the excellent and varied food, there is also more stuff to do entertainment wise than you can shake a stick at (don’t shake a stick there though, security is pretty tight). There are rides, magicians, an ice rink if you fancy falling a&t and also there is an ice bar! Winter Wonderland is a great family day out, and lets face it if you can’t treat yourself at Christmas when can you?

Dates: 8th November for six weeks of festive fun

Rochester Christmas Market – Rochester Castle Gardens, Rochester, Kent

This is one that is on the haven’t been to but definitely want to list. I have been to Rochester castle, and conjuring up the images of what the castle looks like normally, I can imagine that the Christmas market there is spectacular. If anyone has been I’d love to hear your thoughts?

Dates:  26 Nov 2016 – 11 Dec 2016