Christmas Markets

A few weeks previous, I took a trip to Cardiff Christmas Market then more recently, I took a trip to Bath Christmas Market. Both lovely markets but completely contrasting from each other. Cardiff's certainly wasn't as big as Bath's, but I loved the Welsh feel about it (well, being in Wales, it would be wouldn't it?!). Bath's was on a grander scale, albeit a lot more busy.




Bath was one Christmas Market I had always wanted to visit. Purely for the setting and just to visit Bath itself. I enjoyed the time I had there very much, it was lovely to see all the different stalls that were situated on the picturesque streets of Bath. There was really something there for everyone.


Christmas Markets


Christmas Markets, I think, are an essential thing to do and visit during the festivities. During my visit to the Cardiff Christmas Market, it was less busy and very calm and there was no sense of overcrowding, even if the Coca Cola truck was parked for everyone to have a selfie in front of. Bath was a completely different kettle of fish - very busy, a little overcrowded but still very civilised nonetheless. I know this is this going to send off negative vibes, but there are things to consider when going to a market. I'm only saying these things so you can get the maximum enjoyment out of it




Here's what I learnt from going to Christmas Markets:



1) TIMING  IS  EVERYTHING
Go early and leave earlier. I learnt that from my first and only visit to Bath. It's surprising what you do pick up on! When I went on the train, it was so hectic that on both train journey's, I had to stand up as did a few other passengers. I hate standing up, I always lose my balance and end up falling into someone's crotch. Anyway, whilst untying the huge knot ball that my headphones had entangled themselves in, the train ticket man (or conductor, are they still called that?!) announced over the announcer that there was a queuing system at Bath cause of the busy-ness of the market. Completely understandable, but it also made me incredibly relieved that I had booked an earlier train home cause the afternoon would have been CARNAGE at Bath Spa Station. Maybe there is such a thing as hindsight after all.


Christmas Markets


2) WALK  AROUND  A  FEW  TIMES
There's so much to see at Markets, it's surprising how much you miss out on when it's busy. I went home from Bath realising that I had missed out on some of the stalls because I couldn't get to them, well, not unless I bulldozed them out of the way. I would definitely recommend walking around the same streets a few times so you can get a better chance of looking at everything. So yeah, wear comfortable shoes. Trainers/Converse's are the way to go.
3) ALWAYS  HELP  SMALL  BUSINESSES
One thing I have come to love about Christmas Markets is that you're helping small businesses. When I went to Cardiff's Market, I stopped at this one stall as it was selling the tastiest looking macaroons I've ever seen. The stall owner was so grateful for my custom that it really brightened my day. It really highlights the importance of helping small businesses, not just at Christmas time, but all year round. At the end of the day, they're there to make their business a success, something that can be done by customers like ourselves.


Christmas Markets


4) PRE  PLAN  TRAVEL
However you're getting there, whether it's by car, bike, train or even walking, make sure you know your route of how to get there. Look at the easiest, most convenient journey. With me, I took the train to Bath as I knew that parking in Bath may possibly be a little on the expensive side, plus the cost of petrol to get my car there. When I went to Cardiff, it was easier to drive there as parking in the multi storey was much cheaper. If you're visiting a Christmas Market from afar, look at all the travel expenses.




5) GO  TO  EVERY  FOOD  STALL  YOU  FIND
Surely that's everyone's target at a Christmas Market? Come on people, it's food for gods sake, fill your bellies to their maximum! Christmas is a year which, for me personally, is when I pile on the pounds, even CF can't stop the weight gain! There are so much food on offer at Christmas Markets, I'm telling ya, eat everything that is on offer! Seriously, the pork I had at the hog roast in Bath - HUBBA HUBBA.




6) JUST  ENJOY  IT!
These markets only get set up once a year, so frigging enjoy them while they're around! I'm definitely going to venture to more markets next year, so any recommendations are very welcome so I can get planning!
Christmas Markets
Let me know your experiences of visiting Christmas Markets!
18 comments
  1. Great tips. I wish I could visit a Christmas markets but have been ill for like 3 weeks . anyway ...thanks for sharing.

    http://www.mariesconnections.com/

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    1. Ah that's such a shame Marie, I hope you feel better in time for Christmas! x

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  2. Wow, i didn't even know they had Christmas markets!!

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    1. You need to go and visit one, they're so lovely and festive!

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  3. I work in Bath slap bang in the middle of the Christmas market so it's never the most popular thing with me but my friend and I always make a special trip each year and it's become our festive tradition! The downside is that it's so busy and like you we often had to skip some stalls because you just can't get to them (plus the trains are horrific!), but it's so pretty to look at and it definitely gets you feeling festive :) x

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    1. What a lovely festive tradition! The trains are shocking! They train companies don't plan well enough for the busy Christmas period! x

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  4. I visited bath markets the other day and it tipped it down the whole time! I have never seen them so quiet before, EVER! It was a completely different atmosphere and gave the whole festiveness a different feel. But I definitely agree about going earlier! And don't drive into the city - get the park and ride or the train in!
    Amber | www.amberatlanta.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Ah that's such a shame about the weather Amber! Oh yeah I wouldn't drive to Bath, puely because of the cost of parking! I like getting the train anyway! x

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  5. I only managed to get to one this year, hoping to do some different ones next year. But I totally agree with you about getting there earlier and going around a couple of time. You always miss something the first time, or two...x

    Sophie
    www.glowsteady.co.uk

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    1. I'm hoping to visit different ones next year too Sophie! Yeah I found that getting there earlier and leaving earlier is always the best way to go about them! x

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  6. Great tips! I absolutely love a Christmas markets.

    I recently went to York and it was spectacular!

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    1. I would go to York but it's quite far away from me! x

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  7. I have been wanting to visit the Bath Christmas market for ages - everyone seems to say how amazing it is!

    http://www.theemeralddove.co.uk

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    1. You have to visit when it comes back next year lovely, it's amazing there! x

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  8. I love Christmas markets but I hardly ever visit them for some reason! The weather is always so rubbish in Liverpool so it's not ideal for outdoor browsing. They're such a great way to feel festive though x

    https://www.femaleoriginal.com

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    1. A lot of Christmas markets are outdoors which is a shame in a way because, as you say, they're not great when the weather is bad x

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  9. I couldn't agree more with these pointers, especially the timing point. Helpful!

    https://missymayification.co.uk

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    1. I'm glad you found this post helpful lovely! x

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