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Christmas Markets in Wrexham |
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Christmas Markets in the UK were very popular until Oliver Cromwell banned the celebration of Christmas in the fashion people had become used to and this affected the Christmas Markets which died out instantly. There were of course many markets in Britain during the Victorian era which would sell Christmas related products and foodstuffs in the run-up to Christmas but they were not known as Christmas Markets.
Lincoln in the East of England was the first UK Christmas Market to be revived and from small beginnings is now in its 26th year.
UK Christmas Markets often have continental themes bringing over French, German or Italian traders. There are traditional German markets in Birmingham, Bournemouth, Leeds, London, Glasgow and Oxford..
Christmas Markets in the UK can be found in all sorts of venues ranging from town centres to stately homes. Some happen just over a weekend and others last for six weeks or more.
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Wrexham Victorian Christmas Market
Wrexham’s Christmas market has become one of the most eagerly awaited events in the town’s calendar and attracts shoppers back year after year. December 2011 will see a return to the original Victorian theme and visitors will find around 70 stalls filling Church Street and St Giles' churyard to overflowing in this most picturesque part of the town centre.
Stalls this year will include hand made wooden toys; candles; jewellery; books by local authors; cards; crafts; all sorts of gifts; Christmas decorations; freshly cut trees; pottery and lots of local produce, including pies, cakes, brownies; chocolates, cooked-on-the-spot Welshcakes, local beers and wine jellies, as well as preserves and sauces made from local grown blueberries.
What makes this market really special is that it spills over into the beautiful parish church, which is a real haven of warmth on a cold winter’s evening. There are more stalls inside the church, as well as refreshments, music and carols and many of the 6,000 plus visitors are so captivated by the surroundings that they take an opportunity to just sit and soak up the atmosphere for a while.
The market will be open from 12 noon – 8pm, but why not come early and spend the day in Wrexham? There are many small, independent shops, national brands and restaurants, as well as popular indoor markets and the Eagles Meadow shopping centre, which is full of major national retailers.
Other Christmas dates:
• Thurs 17 November – Christmas lights Switch-on with Andy Scott Lee, Dale Howard, Alison Crawford and other members of the cast from The Stiwt's Cinderella pantomime, as well as Ant and Al from S4C's Stwnsh and some of the team from Calon FM.
• Thurs 1 December – Join the Frosty Lantern Parade and help to welcome Father Christmas to town in his sleigh pulled by Snowdogs. The Grotto will open daily until 12 noon on 24 December.
• Have breakfast with Father Christmas at Wrexham Museum (3 or 17 December) or join him for tea and a story (15 or 20 December).
For further information on events or to find out about lantern making classes, contact the Events Team 01978 667320
For accommodation details contact the Tourist Information Centre 01978 292015
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ERDDIG CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
Experience the excitement and unique atmosphere of a traditional Christmas Market and the Father Christmas Winter Wonderland set within the outbuildings of Erddig.
Wander through the Christmas village with fifty picturesque wooden cabins and stalls selling hand crafted gifts including jewellery, ceramics, clothes, toys, leather work, glass ware and decorations.
Food and drink on sale. Be tempted with hot mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, pastries, sausages, waffles and chocolates.
Plus the magic of seeing Father Christmas in the ice palace grotto. See also the toy workshop with the elves busily making and wrapping presents warmed by a roaring log fire. To avoid disappointment try and arrive early to ensure you get your ticket to see Santa.
See inside the kitchens of the House with the staff preparing for Christmas.
Live music and entertainment.
Horse & Carriage rides available (weather permitting)
Free entry to the Christmas Village
To visit Father Christmas £5 per child
To see the House £2 Adult £1 Child £5 Family ticket (2 adults & 2 children)
Gardens, Restaurant and Shop open as usual.
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