Authentic Christmas markets
A christmas market can be a real treat, sup on a mulled wine, enjoy a Bratwurst and wander around artisan markets full of unique hand made pieces to add to Christmas stockings.
Personally I love an artisan market, less so the big German markets full of the same stuff, and more little discoveries of things that are unique and special.
So here are a few local recommendations to go searching for little gems which have been loveingly made for your loved ones.
Malvern Hills Christmas Markets
There are some gorgeous little markets to visit on the run up to Christmas around the Malvern Hills.
From artisan food markets to Christmas markets, makers and artisan markets as well as plenty of workshops to make your own!
Get in the Festive mood at the Christmas Lights switch on in Malvern. 30th November. Under the iconic victorian gas lights, with carols and twinkling lights Malvern really is a the perfect place to get in the Christmassy mood.
Victorian Christmas market - Worcester. With street entertainment, over 200 stalls and lots of food and drink to feast on. 28th Nov - 1st Dec
Great Malvern Christmas Market - 30th Nov by the priory with plenty of hand made and artisan pieces to choose from
Malvern Farmers market - 17th Nov and 21st Dec - stock up on home made jams and pickles for the festive season or enjoy a treat whilst wondering around the stalls.
Worcestershire Christmas markets
The go to event in Worcestershire is the Victorian Christmas market which takes over the whole of Worcester city centre over 3 days - 30th Nov-1st Dec. Enjoy street entertainment as people don their Victoriana, wander around over 200 stalls with plenty of festive food on offer. - go early though as in the evenings it really does get rammed.
Further afield Tewkesbury, Winchcombe and Moreton in the Marsh hold Christmas markets as well as in Cheltenham Discover the many Cotswold Christmas Markets within an hour of Elsie's cottage
Gloucestershire Christmas markets
If you are looking to travel a little further to get a taste of Cotswolds Christmas markets then head towards Winchcombe or Cheltenham which holds festive markets Through November nas December. For other Cotswold Christmas Markets within an hour of Elsie's cottage head to Moreton in the Marsh and at a stretch Cirencester. Both are lovely places to wander around anyway, with some lovely boutique shops and the signature honey coloured buildings.
If you are staying for New Years Eve, then the go to event in the Cotswolds is the New Years Day racing meet at Cheltenham. With plenty of excitement and the champagne flowing, extend your celebrations for another day!