A Taste of Christmas
The sweet smell of roasted chestnuts and spicy mulled wine: there’s nothing like a Christmas food market to get you in the mood for the festive season
The greatest pleasures in life are often the simplest; and getting wrapped up in cosy jumpers and scarves to mooch around a Christmas food and drink market is a perfect example. It doesn’t have to cost a lot too – many stallholders will have little tasters of their produce for you to nibble on. Although going back for thirds and fourths may not go down too well!
During November and December, these markets – around since medieval times – pop up all over the country. We’ve picked out four of the best to tantalise your tastebuds.
Where? St Nicholas Fayre Christmas Market, York
When: 24 – 27 November
A flavour: Thousands already flock to this market, one of the UK’s most popular. Stalls pop up all over the light-festooned streets, with many of the area’s local farmers bringing their best produce to sell.
Where? Very Victorian Christmas, Gloucester Quays
When: 24 – 27 November
A flavour: You will mingle with Dickensian characters and street entertainers at this traditional street market. In the heart of the farm-rich Cotswolds, you’ll be spoilt for choice on the food front – star buys include Gloucester old spot sausages and local ales and cheeses.
Where? The Real Scottish Christmas Fair, Edinburgh
When: 3 – 8 December
A flavour: The market, housed in a marquee, takes place in Castle Street, with the capital’s breathtaking castle overlooking proceedings. Alongside typical Scottish fare like haggis and whisky, you will find traditional crafts, too.
Where? Caerphilly Medieval Christmas Market, Caerphilly
When: 11 December
A flavour: Alongside the stalls groaning with local produce, there’s also a continental market – a great place to buy unusual Christmas presents for the special foodies in your life.
