Written by Lisa Proffitt | 9th December 2022
Christmas markets across the country are bringing much-needed festive cheer as we countdown to Christmas. All across our region, squares, town halls and National Trust properties are transformed into magical scenes as markets and winter light trails get under way. Here are some of our favourites to head to now.
CENTRAL LONDON
Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park until 2 January
London doesn’t do anything by halves and its enormous Winter Wonderland, which sprawls across Hyde Park, is a prime example. Everything here is on a huge scale, from the biggest outdoor ice-skating rink in the UK to the giant observation wheel and circus shows. Colourful lights fill the park, where 100 stalls offer gifts and festive food and drink. Book ahead and bear in mind that mornings are better for families when Winter Wonderland can be enjoyed at a more leisurely pace.
Winter Market, Southbank Centre until 23 December
If you’re looking for the polar opposite of the Winter Wonderland experience, London’s Southbank is for you. Take a stroll along the Thames and enjoy the twinkling lights, indulgent street food, and Christmas gifts sold from traditional alpine-style chalets.
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Stowe Craft Fair, until 16 December
Stowe Landscape Garden is one of the most influential gardens in English history. Now is the perfect time to visit this National Trust property near Buckingham as the historic Parlour Rooms of Stowe House are open for Christmas. Local artisans, artists and hand-made food producers will be selling everything from door garlands and dog accessories to cushions, candles and chocolates.
Waddesdon Christmas Market and Winter Light Trail, Aylesbury
Christmas at Waddesdon is back with magical lights, the gardens aglow and dazzling displays inside the house creating a Waddesdon-inspired Christmas fantasy for the first time since 2019. The bustling Christmas market, with its majestic Rothschild manor backdrop, is full of traditional wooden chalets and an array of local artisan gifts. Go with an appetite as there’s plenty of seasonal food and drink to dive into while you’re there and don’t miss the amazing light trail in the grounds.
Milton Keynes Christmas Fair, Middleton Hall centre:mk until 24 December
Pop up Christmas cabins selling unique and handcrafted gifts including artwork, candles, decorations and jewellery. Virtual reality sleigh rides are also on offer as well as a Christmas street food market.
BEDFORDSHIRE
Bedford Christmas Town Market 10-11 December
Local is the key word at this two-day fair showcasing work by the county’s best artists and craftspeople. Find unique art, gifts and decorations and enjoy performances from local bands and choirs, free train rides between Silver Street Square and Midland Road on the Love Bedford Express, free fairground rides for children and a Santa’s Grotto in the Harpur Centre.
Twilight Market Dunstable, 9-11 December
Stalls selling Christmas trinkets and gifts, a free carousel and a strangely non-seasonal but fun-sounding surf simulator. Head to The Square and Middle Row.
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
Christmas Fair, Delapre Abbey, London Road until 2 January
The winter light trail here is now over a mile long and winds through the grounds and woodland of Delapre Abbey. There is also a great selection of independent food stalls, an alpine ski lodge bar and funfair rides.
Boughton House, Kettering, Christmas trees and gifts until 18 December
Choose between beautiful British grown Nordmann Firs or assorted potted trees plus gifts for the whole family including local award winning Harrington Gin, Two Birds Vodka and handmade wreaths.
Beckworth Emporium, Mears Ashby, open throughout December
This garden centre, farmers market and restaurant is a destination for gardeners and foodies all year round and also offers an enormous Christmas emporium.
CAMBRIDGESHIRE
Cambridge Christmas Market, Cambridge, 10-11 December
This award winning Christmas market has grown enormously over the last 10 years and this year will welcome around 60 local artisans and crafters. The location is the Cambridge Centre for the Arts and in the City Hall Civic Square food trucks and live music will be keeping shoppers fuelled and entertained.
HERTFORDSHIRE
Hitchin Christmas Market, Market Place, Hitchin 8-21 December
Gifts, homeware, crafts and food are just some of the things on offer at Hitchin’s German-style market which opens from 11am to 7pm daily, providing the perfect opportunity to shop local to support the market town and its independent businesses this festive season.
Whatever your plans this Christmas, all of us here at Michael Graham send our warmest wishes to you and your families for a very happy festive period and a peaceful new year.