The Monday Piece - Christmas Markets For Young Couples

Christmas markets for young couples

This week's Monday Piece is on Christmas markets for young couples! Christmas is just around the corner, but that doesn’t stop us from getting in the festive spirit now - plus time escapes me at this time of year so it's great to make the most of it.  Whether this is your first Christmas together or your tenth, throw on your Christmas jumpers and get out there — there is something for everyone to enjoy.

At Stagecoach, they understand that young couples don’t want to break the bank, so they have created a list of some of the best yet affordable Christmas markets around the UK with bargain bus fares. which i'd love to share. Wrap up warm and remember to capture plenty of selfies for Instagram!

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle transforms into the Christmas Capital during December and you don’t want to miss it. If you’re a lover of great architecture, this market is located just under Grey’s Monument at the top of a long and narrow street with plenty of coffee shops and restaurants close by if the cold gets a bit too much - Christmas is all about getting cosy with a glass of hot mulled wine or gingerbread latte!

If you want to experience different cultures, this is the market for you. Retailers from across Europe come to Geordieland to sell their traditional dishes, delicious treats and unusual beverages in romantic wooden huts that are decorated to get you in the festive mood. Once you’ve indulged in enough food from around the world, why not look for a unique gift for your other half – just make sure they’re not looking when you buy it! 

After looking at the trinkets and treasures on offer, head to the ice rink next to the Centre For Life to burn off all the yummy Christmas food you've been nibbling on - this is the ideal place for a couple selfie and a great opportunity to mess around and have fun with your loved one. I can kind of skate but it's definitely nothing fancy, but i love wrapping up in coats, scarves, gloves and bobble hats to get out on the rink and in the cosy Christmas spirit!

Open: 11th December – 17th December

Birmingham

The Germans are known for their beer festivals, and they always make their way to Birmingham for Christmas! Located in Victoria Square, the market makes a great setting for any Instagram post – with bright lights, big trees, fountains and the must-ride iconic carousel. The market takes over the centre of the city full of stalls and street food.

There are over 180 stalls for you to visit , and you’ll definitely see something that catches your eye, whether it is a gift for your parents or bespoke jewellery that will represent your relationship. I love picking up Christmas tree decorations and the flavoured nuts too, they're so good!

Nick and I go to this market every year, it's so convenient with the train station pretty much in the middle of the market so you can hop off and not worry about parking. It's always so busy but it adds to the Christmas spirit as everyone is always really excited and loving the Bailey's hot chocolate! If you're a Nutella fan (like me) then definitely check out the Nutella pancakes and waffles, SO tasty.

Open: 17th November – 29th December

Exeter

There’s nothing more magical than a lit cathedral towering over a Christmas market on a cold winter’s night. The wooden huts are taken over by different continents of the world, making for a fun evening of food tasting from different cultures and a unique date night for you and your partner!

If you both love music, this Christmas market has a bandstand which will be full of entertainment. You can even join in and sing some of your favourite Christmas carols – we know that it can be too hard to resist!

Once you’ve explored the Christmas market, there are two more close by, one on Castle Street and the other on Fore Street. Make sure to grab a hot drink to keep you warm for the walk and of course a Christmas cookie won’t hurt either...

Open: 16th November – 17th December

Lincoln

If you’re a fan of scenes that you see in the movies, head to Lincoln to make it a reality – this market’s backdrop is iconic, with both a castle and cathedral towering over the 280 stalls. It looks so beautiful and has heaps of history too if you're a historian like me. If you’re a fan of yummy freshly baked goods, look no further and if you want something more than a Christmas tipple or nibble, hot food is the market’s speciality - the Bratwurst sausages look delicious. You’ll definitely want to make a return next year!

In addition to the wooden huts, stores along the cobbled street make their way outdoor to add a little more magic to the Lincoln market, allowing you to shop at places you might not have dreamt of entering before - wear some comfy warm footwear!

Take your relationship to new heights by taking a trip on the big wheel and other fairground rides, remembering to capture that perfect selfie towering over Lincoln. Although the duration of this market isn’t long, it’s worth going!

Open: 7th December – 10th December

London

If you’re looking for something a little more populated with lots of activities, London is definitely the place to go to. Why not take a trip to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park? You won’t regret it as there is nothing that you can’t do, whether you want to go ice skating or visit the circus! London is mega romantic at this time of year (and is just like Love Actually), so it's ideal to just walk around and enjoy the Christmas vibe - we love going down to check out all of the Christmas window displays in the shops and do some Christmas shopping too.

Even if you can’t make it in time for Christmas, Winter Wonderland stays open after the Christmas period has cooled off. Finish off your day in the capital with a trip to Buckingham Palace and take a selfie outside of the iconic landmark.

Booking is strongly advised for Winter Wonderland in London, just to be on the safe side given the event’s high demand.

Open: 17th November – 1st January

There you have it — what market are you and your loved one going to this year?

Sources:

https://www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk/whats-on/exeter-christmas-market-on-cathedral-green-p1432623

http://visitbirmingham.com/birminghams-frankfurt-christmas-market/

https://www.skyscanner.net/news/the-uks11-best-christmas-markets

http://www.instyle.co.uk/celebrity/news/best-christmas-markets

http://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/