Nothing says festive December fun more than an outdoor market in the snow; with hot chocolates, home-made fudge and feeding carrots to reindeer, there’s no better way to step into Christmas.

Manchester Christmas markets:

Manchester is home to more than just one Christmas market. From Saturday November 14th to Monday December 21st, you can join in a French themed market at King Street, arts and craft stalls at Exchange Street or stay in Albert Square for the main attractions.

Leeds’ Christkindelmarkt:

Leeds hosts the most traditional German market in the UK over the festive period as Millennium Square is transformed into a sweet little winter wonderland. With pretzels the size of your hand and authentic Frankfurters, you and your family can enjoy a slice of Christmas in Germany, right on your doorstep from Friday November 13th to Sunday December 20th.

Edinburgh Christmas markets:

The Scottish capital has some of the longest running markets, starting November 20th all the way through the New Year to January 4th. The Scottish Market in St Andrew Square shows the best bits of Scotland. They have locally produced food, and Scottish brewed craft beer. The European market is right in the heart of the city centre, with quaint and traditional stalls of arts and crafts, your selfies will look Christmas card worthy.

Exeter Christmas market:

With more than 50 traders this year, The Cathedral Green will come alive to host an event to find everything you need for perfect Christmas gifts. Enjoy looking through stalls kept in little wooden log shelters housing speciality cheeses, a hog roast and Belgian chocolates while having a hot drink in a specially designed Exeter Christmas market mug. Enjoy the Winner of the National Association of British Market Authorities “Best Speciality Award 2014” from November 19th to December 19th.

Kent’s Gift Fair:

The annual fair on Cedar Lawn of Leeds Castle, Kent has lots of stalls full of gift ideas, food and drink and toys. It has a fairground, birds of prey and a bandstand where acts play throughout the day to keep the Christmas cheer. You can admire the castle and fair in its entirety from the big wheel while the organ from the horse carousel plays. The fair is open December 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th and 19th to 23rd.

So enjoy the coming festivities wherever you may be, and get yourself to a Christmas market to practice your ice skating, you can’t be any worse than me.

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