As we get closer to the festive season, I’d like to share with you some of my favourite winter markets. (I’m writing this in October, but it’s always good to plan ahead.)
If you hate Christmas or just hate hearing about Christmas this early on, you might want to skip this one… I love a Christmas market, which is slightly out of character for me because I’m not the biggest Christmas fan. Nevertheless, I enjoy walking around freezing or in a nice warm hall looking at all the different trinkets, crafts, and food on offer. I think it’s a great way to spend a day, and it is also where I get most of my gifts for my loved ones. It’s a clever way to get a variety of stuff in one place, and it feels nice to support small businesses or crafters.
The winter market that I’ve been attending for many years is the Wymondham College Winter Fayre. It’s a wonderful event put on every year for those who attend the school and their parents, but also for those who come from the surrounding villages or towns. There’s always a wide variety of different stalls and items up for grabs, and it takes place inside their sports halls, so no need to worry much about the weather.
Next up is the Christmas fair at the abbey. I love all the Abbey’s seasonal stuff. I think it’s a fabulous opportunity to see some of my favourite stallholders and grab some of my favourite food. Again, this market takes place inside the Abbey, so you won’t have to suffer the weather. It’s wonderful to see the Abbey decorated for Christmas, and it’s always a lovely time.
Leaving Wymondham now, there’s often a smaller Christmas market outside the forum library in Norwich. They also often have traditional wooden cabin stalls, and it is a great festive place to relax and enjoy while taking a break from your Christmas shopping around Norwich. There are also often musical performances taking place and various workshops, some on making seasonal arrangements and decorations. Also, at the Forum, they do a vegan Christmas market. This is a good place to go with some vegan friends or to try some vegan-friendly food. It’s also usually got a variety of eco-friendly gifts, which can be useful, particularly in a time of year that can be very unsustainable.
Back to Wymondham now for an event that’s not really a market, per se, but has lots of Christmas stalls…it is the Wymondham festive light switch-on event. It’s very Christmassy indeed with loads on for all the family. From musical guests to fake snow, toy stalls, and loads of food on offer, it’s always a great evening and a very popular event too.
I know I’ve only scratched the surface with all the Christmas markets going on in and around Wymondham, but I for one am very much looking forward to attending some this year. As ever, I’m sure there are events I’ve missed, so be sure to keep an eye out for any new events or lesser-known ones. I hope you’re all keeping well and warm.
