Christmas Fairs and Markets in Central England
Festive Fun and Holiday Shopping For All The Family
Indoor and Outdoor Christmas Markets in Birmingham
The National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham is the scene for the Festive Gift Fair from 20-23 November. Admission costs from £7.50 and provides access to over 350 stands full of gifts, food and drink, decorations and seasonal goodies of all kinds. Last year over 30,000 visitors packed the tinsel-decorated halls. Close to Birmingham International Airport, the NEC is just under an hour and a half by train from London's Euston Station and has plenty of parking spaces.
Birmingham also hosts the Frankfurt Christmas Market, the largest German-style market outside Germany. It runs from 13 November to 23 December, in Victoria Square and New Street, alongside a craft market in Centenary Square. There's no admission charge. A giant helter-skelter and carousel plus live music, carol singers and special events will provide lots of fun for all the family. Birmingham New Street is the nearest station, about fifteen minutes by train from the NEC and an hour and a half from London Euston.
Lincoln Hosts One of Europe's Biggest Outdoor Markets
The Lincoln Christmas Market from 4-7 December is one of Europe's largest Christmas craft fairs and attracts both traders and visitors from all over the Continent. The 12th century castle and cathedral form a backdrop for over 300 stalls selling everything from metalwork and ceramics to food and jewellery. With 170,000 visitors last year, competition for stalls is fierce, and the organizers operate strict selection criteria to guarantee quality merchandise and a welcoming atmosphere. The nearby town of Louth has a one-day Christmas market with 100 stalls a week before the Lincoln event, on 30 November. Trains from London St. Pancras take just over 2 hours.
Victorian Christmas Cheer
The charming town of Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire hosts its Victorian Christmas Fair on 7 December. Santa parades to the Fair at 11 a.m., supported by marching bands, and starts a day of street entertainment and celebration embracing the whole town. Falconry and balloon modeling are just two of the events on offer. Local churches host a Christmas Tree Festival and a Crib festival. This free event offers traditional entertainment for the whole family. Trains from London Kings Cross take just over an hour and a half.
Christmas In The Duchess's Parlour
Kedleston Hall, a National Trust property, hosts a Christmas craft fair, featuring unique locally made gifts, on 22 November. Admission is £1. The Hall was designed by 18th-century architectural superstar Robert Adam and was used as one of the settings for the Keira Knightley film "The Duchess". Trains from London to Derby take about one and a half hours and a bus service from Derby will take you to the Hall.
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