Exploring Boutique Christmas Markets Across Britain and Ireland

As the festive season draws near, Christmas markets light up the towns and cities of Britain and Ireland, filling the air with the scent of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and freshly baked mince pies. 

While many flock to the grand and bustling markets of London, Edinburgh, and Dublin, there’s something uniquely charming about exploring the smaller, more boutique Christmas markets. 

These markets offer an intimate, cosy experience, with artisan gifts, handcrafted wares, and local flavours that capture the magic of the season in a truly special way. Here are a few lesser-known gems worth visiting this Christmas.

1. Bath Artisan Market, England

Set in the stunning Georgian city of Bath, this quaint market has a focus on local craftsmanship. Located in Queen Square, Bath Artisan Market features stalls brimming with handmade jewellery, bespoke ceramics, and beautiful textiles. It’s the perfect spot to pick up unique gifts that support local artisans, with each piece carrying its own story. Beyond shopping, you can enjoy live music performances and warming winter treats as you wander through this picturesque market. Bath’s backdrop of historical architecture adds a touch of grandeur to the cosy market atmosphere.

https://visitbath.co.uk/shopping/markets

2. Swansea Christmas Street Market, Wales

While Cardiff’s Christmas market draws crowds from far and wide, Swansea offers a more intimate alternative with its Christmas Street Market. Located in the heart of the city, this market is known for its Welsh charm, showcasing a range of artisan products, from hand-poured candles to locally made cheeses. With traditional Welsh fare like cawl (a hearty soup) and bara brith (a fruit loaf) on offer, it’s a wonderful place to embrace the local culture while ticking off your Christmas shopping list. The market is smaller but full of festive cheer, making it a hidden gem in Wales.

https://www.visitwales.com/inspire-me/days-out/christmas-shopping-and-christmas-markets-wales

3. Belfast Christmas Market at St George’s, Northern Ireland

While Belfast’s City Hall Christmas market is one of the more popular destinations, St George’s Market offers a boutique alternative with a more relaxed vibe. Situated in one of Belfast’s oldest markets, St George’s transforms during the festive season into a haven of local food, handmade gifts, and artisan crafts. You’ll find everything from gourmet chocolate to locally brewed craft beers, perfect for the foodies in your life. St George’s has a distinctively local feel, giving you a chance to meet the makers and hear the stories behind their creations.

https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk

4. Oxford Christmas Market, England

Nestled in the historic heart of Oxford on Broad Street, this small but enchanting market is perfect for a winter’s day out. With around 60 wooden chalets, it’s an intimate affair, yet the selection of gifts, food, and drink is impressive. Many of the stalls feature items from local businesses, from handmade ornaments to artisan soaps. The smell of mulled wine and cinnamon rolls fills the air, and you can enjoy festive carols sung by local choirs as you browse. The market’s setting, surrounded by Oxford’s ancient university buildings, adds a magical, almost storybook quality to the experience.

https://www.oxfordchristmasmarket.co.uk

5. Galway Christmas Market, Ireland

Galway may be famed for its cultural festivals, but during December, its Christmas market brings a boutique festive experience to the west coast of Ireland. Set in Eyre Square, the market combines traditional German-style stalls with Irish artisans selling unique, handcrafted goods. It’s the perfect place to find beautiful Irish knitwear, intricate jewellery, and one-of-a-kind gifts. Galway’s bohemian vibe extends to the Christmas market, making it feel more like a community celebration than a tourist hotspot. From sampling local craft beers to indulging in fresh Irish seafood, Galway’s market offers a festive experience with a local twist.

https://www.christmasmarketgalway.com

6. Yorkshire’s Haworth Christmas Market, England

Haworth, the quaint village famously associated with the Brontë sisters, hosts a boutique Christmas market that’s as charming as the village itself. Set on the cobbled Main Street, the market is small but brimming with character. From vintage treasures to handmade crafts, you’ll find thoughtful and unique gifts for your loved ones. The entire village takes on a Dickensian feel during the festive season, with shopkeepers in Victorian dress and brass bands playing carols. For those seeking a Christmas market with literary and historical charm, Haworth is the perfect destination.

https://www.christmasinhaworth.com

7. Kelso Christmas Market, Scotland

In the picturesque Borders town of Kelso, the Christmas market is a local affair where community spirit shines through. The market is held in the town square, with a collection of stalls selling handmade crafts, artisanal foods, and bespoke gifts from local vendors. Kelso’s Christmas market is the epitome of boutique charm, offering high-quality, unique items in a tranquil setting. Surrounded by the stunning Scottish Borders countryside, it’s the ideal place for a festive day out away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities.

https://www.visitkelso.com/event/visit-kelso-christmas-market

Whether you’re seeking artisan gifts, local delicacies, or simply a bit of festive magic away from the crowds, these boutique Christmas markets across Britain and Ireland offer a more intimate, authentic experience. Each one is a celebration of local culture, craftsmanship, and community, ensuring that your Christmas shopping is not only enjoyable but meaningful as well. So, grab a mulled wine, wrap up warm, and immerse yourself in the festive spirit at one of these hidden gems this winter.

You can check your local news magazines, Facebook groups council websites, to see if there are any other local Chirstmas markets in your area.

This Christmas remember that churches are good for health and good for the NHS

The UK’s churches provide vital health-related support services that would cost billions of pounds a year to deliver, ‘The House of Good: Health’, new research from the National Churches Trust shows.

From youth groups to food banks, from drug and alcohol addiction support to mental health counselling, churches directly provide or host a growing list of vital health related services for people in urgent need. Especially noticeable at Christmas time.

In the process, churches relieve huge cost pressures on the National Health Service, worth an amazing £8.4 billion annually. That’s the equivalent to the cost of employing 230,000 nurses.

The £8.4 billion is how much it would cost the NHS to ‘produce’ the same level of health improvements provided by churches, equivalent to around 4% of total UK public health spending.

But this health dividend is at risk as an increasing number of churches are at risk of closure.

The report is set to launch in the House of Commons at an event sponsored by Ruth Jones MP on Tuesday 15 October 2024.

Welcoming the report, The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Bishop of London, said: “Churches and other faith groups play an extremely important role in the health and wellbeing of their communities, and in our collective health. “

“There is a church in every community, including the most deprived, and many have been serving their communities for generations. It is encouraging to see the value of their provision being recognised in this report, with inspiring case studies.”

“The report helps to highlight the importance of faith group partnership, which will be vital in reducing health inequalities. Church buildings are important and rich assets in the delivery of this work, which we must look after, and for which we give thanks.“

Will Watt, Allan Little and Jasmine Kazantzis from value and social impact consultancy, State of Life, co-authors of the report produced for the National Churches Trust, explain the economics behind their findings.

“ Our approach involved using Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs), a value for money metric used by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) to determine the healthcare value of four support services provided in church buildings: youth groups, food banks, drug and alcohol addiction support and mental health counselling.”

“We also incorporated the positive health benefits experienced by volunteers, who not only contribute their time to support these services, but also improve their own wellbeing in the process.”

“Whilst the £8.4 billion in cost relief is not directly visible to NHS commissioners, the range of healthcare support and services provided in church buildings will in practice reduce what is already and excess demand for health services.”

“It's vital to stress, that this is a conservative valuation. In reality, churches provide a much wider range of support, from warm spaces and lunch clubs to activities that alleviate loneliness, and a host of musical and cultural activities. All of these can be expected to contribute to health and wellbeing , and thus further relieve costs.”

“Our research shows that church buildings provide significant cost relief, underscoring their vital role in care and wellbeing.”

Said Claire Walker, CEO of the National Churches Trust: “The UK’s 38,500 churches promote the positive mental and physical health that helps people thrive. They provide locations for health treatments.

"They prevent conditions that would otherwise send more patients through GP or hospital doors. They’re our National Help Service. Our new research, ‘The House of Good: Health’ shows for the ­ first time that the value of the health-related support services provided in church buildings is at least £8.4 billion a year.”

“These ­findings and ­figures are truly remarkable. But they’re also alarming. Because the UK’s church buildings are dangerously underfunded, with many in the most deprived areas falling into disrepair and facing closure. Around 3,500 have closed in recent years.”

“Without urgent support, we risk losing this shock absorber for the NHS, and a vital safety net for the most vulnerable people in our society.”

“Churches were providing health services long before the introduction of the NHS and continue to do so today. As healthcare costs rise, their role in preventative care becomes increasingly important. This is also true for buildings used by other faiths.”

“By investing in church buildings and integrating churches into local health service provision through initiatives including social prescribing, we can alleviate pressures on healthcare budgets while delivering immense value to individuals and communities across the UK.”

nationalchurchestrust.org

The Pros and Cons of Having a Christmas Wedding

When the festive season approaches, the magic of Christmas becomes a time many people cherish. For couples considering a winter wedding, particularly around Christmas, the allure of the holiday season can seem like a perfect backdrop for their big day. 

However, there are both advantages and challenges to choosing such a special time of year. Below are the pros and cons of having a Christmas wedding.

Pros

Festive Atmosphere Christmas is synonymous with joy, warmth, and celebration. Holding your wedding during this period means that the festive cheer is already in the air. With twinkling lights, festive decorations, and a general sense of goodwill, the atmosphere can enhance the magic of your wedding day, creating a cosy and joyful environment for your guests.

Beautiful Winter Aesthetic A Christmas wedding allows for stunning and unique wedding aesthetics. From rustic, warm decor to elegant winter wonderlands, the possibilities are endless. Snow-dusted landscapes, festive colour palettes (deep reds, greens, golds, silvers), and seasonal flowers such as poinsettias and holly can add to the romantic charm.

Memorable Date Having your wedding during Christmas ensures that it becomes an unforgettable event for both you and your guests. A Christmas wedding can make your anniversary extra special, as it will always be celebrated in a season that’s already full of meaning and joy.

Seasonal Entertainment Christmas carols, mulled wine, and festive treats can elevate your wedding reception, giving it a warm, festive feeling. Incorporating holiday traditions into your day, such as a hot chocolate bar or a Christmas-themed photobooth, can make your wedding stand out.

Family Togetherness Christmas is often a time when families come together. With people likely to have already arranged to be off work or travelling home for the holidays, it may be easier to gather loved ones from far and wide to attend your wedding.

Cons

Higher Costs and Competition One of the biggest drawbacks of a Christmas wedding is the potential for higher costs. Venues and vendors may charge more due to the busy holiday season, and availability can be limited. Many venues host Christmas parties or festive events, which can make it more challenging to secure your desired date or location.

Holiday Stress The Christmas season is already a hectic time for many, with shopping, decorating, and family obligations. Planning a wedding on top of that can add extra stress for both you and your guests. Additionally, some guests may already have holiday commitments, making it harder for them to attend your wedding.

Weather Challenges While a snowy backdrop can look beautiful in photos, winter weather can be unpredictable. Snowstorms, icy roads, and cold temperatures may cause travel disruptions or discomfort for your guests. You may need to prepare contingency plans if bad weather impacts travel arrangements.

Competition for Attention With the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, your wedding might not receive as much attention or focus as it would at other times of the year. People are often busy with their own holiday plans, and your wedding may feel like just another event in a packed festive calendar.

Fewer Vendor Choices Many wedding vendors, such as photographers, caterers, and florists, might be in high demand during the festive period. With limited availability and potential holiday closures, you may find it difficult to secure your preferred suppliers or services.

A Christmas wedding can be a magical and memorable occasion, but it’s not without its challenges. The festive atmosphere, unique winter aesthetics, and the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends are certainly appealing. 

However, the increased costs, holiday stress, and potential weather disruptions are important considerations. If you love the idea of incorporating the spirit of Christmas into your wedding day and are prepared for the added complexity, a Christmas wedding could be the perfect way to make your big day even more special.

Would you choose to tie the knot during the most wonderful time of the year?

How to Organise the Ultimate Bowl of Sweets for Your Christmas Guests

The Christmas season is all about indulging, celebrating with loved ones, and creating that warm, festive atmosphere. 

And what better way to add some Christmas cheer than by offering a massive bowl of sweets for your guests to enjoy throughout the season?

It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing idea that can also add a colourful and decorative element to your home. Here’s how to organise the ultimate bowl of sweets for Christmas.

1. Choose the Right Bowl

The first step is selecting a bowl that’s large enough to hold an impressive variety of sweets while also fitting in with your Christmas decor. A large glass bowl can showcase the colours and textures of the sweets, but ceramic bowls with festive patterns or traditional wicker baskets lined with a Christmas napkin also work beautifully. Ensure the bowl is sturdy and wide enough for guests to easily grab their favourite treats.

2. Pick a Variety of Sweets

Your sweet selection should cater to different tastes, so think about variety. Consider including:

Traditional Christmas sweets: Think peppermint candy canes, chocolate Santas, or marzipan fruits. These are classic Christmas treats that many guests will expect.

Luxury chocolates: Offer some high-quality chocolate truffles or chocolate coins wrapped in shiny foil for that extra indulgence.

Sweets for everyone: Make sure to include some sugar-free options, vegan-friendly sweets, or gluten-free goodies for guests with dietary requirements.

Chewy and crunchy textures: Add a mix of toffees, fudge, soft caramels, and perhaps some crunchy nougat or peanut brittle for a good balance of textures.

Fruity sweets: Don’t forget fruity flavours! Jellies, gummies, and sour sweets can offer a fun contrast to the rich, chocolate-heavy options.

3. Go Big on Presentation

A well-organised bowl of sweets can be a centrepiece in your festive decor. Layer the sweets in a way that looks appealing and encourages guests to reach in. Group similar items together, and consider colour-coordinating the sweets in red, green, gold, and silver for a Christmassy vibe. You can also add some small Christmas ornaments, like tiny baubles or sprigs of holly, nestled among the sweets for a decorative touch.

4. Keep It Replenished

A key to impressing your guests is ensuring the bowl stays filled throughout the festive season. Set aside some extra sweets in a cupboard, so you can easily top it up when it starts to look a little sparse. This will keep your sweets display looking bountiful and inviting no matter when guests pop round.

5. Add a Personal Touch

To make your sweets display even more special, add a personal touch. You could tie little festive ribbons around wrapped sweets, create small handwritten labels or tags, or include some homemade treats like chocolate bark, gingerbread men, or peppermint creams. Guests love a personal touch, and it’s a great way to show you’ve gone the extra mile.

6. Mind the Wrappers

One downside of a sweets bowl is that it can lead to a pile-up of empty wrappers if you don’t have a solution in place. Consider placing a small, festive bin or a decorative bowl nearby where guests can easily dispose of their wrappers. This keeps things tidy without interrupting the festive fun.

7. Encourage Sharing

Place the bowl of sweets in a central, accessible location, such as on the coffee table, a sideboard, or near the Christmas tree. This will encourage guests to help themselves and share the treats as they gather. It creates a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where people can nibble on sweets at their leisure.

A massive bowl of sweets is a simple yet delightful addition to your Christmas celebrations, bringing joy to both children and adults alike. 

By offering a well-organised selection of sweets, with thoughtful attention to variety, presentation, and personal touches, you’ll ensure your guests have something sweet to enjoy throughout the season. So go ahead, embrace the festive spirit and treat your guests to an irresistible sweet experience this Christmas!

Happy organising, and may your bowl of sweets be as full of joy as the season itself!

Why You Should Buy Your Christmas Gifts Locally, Whenever Possible

As the festive season approaches, the excitement of gift-giving begins to build. 

Whether you're seeking the perfect present for a loved one or a unique token of appreciation for a colleague, there is one decision that can truly make a difference this year: buying locally. 

Supporting local businesses offers numerous benefits, not just for you as the consumer, but also for your community and the environment. Here’s why you should consider doing your Christmas shopping close to home this year.

1. Support Your Local Economy

When you purchase from independent shops or local artisans, the money stays within your community. These small businesses are often the backbone of your town or city’s economy. By choosing to spend your money locally, you're directly helping to sustain jobs and ensure that these businesses continue to thrive. It’s a fantastic way to contribute to the prosperity of your area and ensure that local shops remain an integral part of your community for years to come.

2. Unique and Thoughtful Gifts

One of the joys of shopping locally is discovering unique and one-of-a-kind items that simply can’t be found in large chain stores or online giants. Local shops often stock handcrafted or carefully curated products that make for special, thoughtful gifts. These gifts often come with stories – whether it’s a handmade scarf woven by a local artisan or an exclusive piece of art from a nearby gallery, they show your loved ones that you’ve put thought and effort into finding something truly special.

3. Environmental Benefits

Shopping locally can also be a more sustainable option. When you buy gifts from nearby stores, the products are less likely to have travelled long distances, reducing the carbon footprint of your purchase. Many local businesses also pride themselves on using eco-friendly packaging or sourcing products from sustainable materials. Plus, by cutting down on the need for excessive shipping and packaging waste, you're doing your bit to make this Christmas a little greener.

4. Personalised Customer Service

One of the greatest advantages of local shopping is the personalised service you receive. Independent shop owners often go above and beyond to ensure their customers have a positive experience. Whether it’s offering gift-wrapping services, giving personalised recommendations, or even remembering your previous purchases, shopping locally can feel more like a bespoke experience. This level of service adds to the festive joy and helps you find the perfect gift without the stress.

5. Strengthening Community Bonds

Shopping at local businesses often leads to encounters with neighbours, friends, and other community members. It’s an opportunity to connect with those around you and foster a sense of belonging. The bustling atmosphere of local markets or high streets during the festive season can enhance your Christmas spirit and remind you of the importance of community. By supporting local shops, you’re also contributing to keeping your town vibrant and full of life.

6. Avoid the Stress of Delays

We’ve all heard the horror stories of online orders delayed, arriving damaged, or not showing up at all due to the surge in deliveries during the holiday season. When you buy locally, you can eliminate much of this worry. You can physically see and inspect the product before purchase, ensuring it meets your expectations. Plus, you won’t have to worry about shipping deadlines or lost parcels, making for a smoother, stress-free shopping experience.

7. Encourage Creativity and Entrepreneurship

By supporting local businesses, you're also nurturing creativity and entrepreneurship. Many local shops are run by individuals who are passionate about their craft and want to share their unique creations with the world. Your support enables these creative minds to continue doing what they love and encourages a diverse and vibrant business landscape in your area.

This Christmas, consider giving more than just a gift – give back to your community by shopping locally. Not only will you find unique, high-quality presents, but you'll also be supporting local businesses, reducing your environmental impact, and strengthening the bonds within your community. It’s a small change that can make a big difference.

So, when you head out on your Christmas shopping adventure this year, remember: local is the way to go!

Why You Should Support Local, Independent Bookshops This Christmas

As the Christmas season draws near, thoughts of presents and festive cheer fill our minds. 

While it might be tempting to jump online for the convenience of next-day delivery, this Christmas offers a perfect opportunity to rethink your shopping habits and support local, independent bookshops. 

Here’s why doing so can bring both personal satisfaction and community benefits.

1. Personalised Service with a Personal Touch

Independent bookshops are the antithesis of anonymous, so-called big-box retailers. When you step into a local bookshop, you are greeted by staff who are often passionate about books and knowledgeable about their collections. 

These booksellers can offer personalised recommendations that algorithms simply can't match. They take the time to get to know you, your preferences, and the perfect book that would suit your needs – whether it’s for a loved one or a treat for yourself.

Additionally, independent shops often take pride in curating unique and diverse selections. You’re likely to find hidden gems, rare editions, or locally published works that you wouldn’t come across in a typical online search. It’s this personal connection that turns gift-buying into a more meaningful experience.

2. Supporting the Local Economy

Every time you spend money at a local, independent bookshop, a larger proportion of that money stays in your community. By choosing to support a local business, you contribute to the livelihoods of your neighbours and help keep your high street vibrant. This is especially important as many small businesses, including bookshops, face increasing pressure from online giants.

The ripple effect of your purchase goes beyond the bookshop itself. Independent bookshops often collaborate with local authors, publishers, and other businesses. By buying locally, you help sustain this network and contribute to a thriving literary culture in your community.

3. A More Ethical and Sustainable Choice

Supporting independent bookshops is often a more ethical and sustainable option compared to shopping with large online retailers. Independent shops tend to prioritise quality over quantity, stocking books that align with the values of their community, including works by underrepresented authors and publishers.

Moreover, by choosing to shop locally, you reduce the environmental impact of long-distance shipping, excess packaging, and emissions. Many independent bookshops offer sustainable packaging options or even gift wrapping, making your Christmas presents both thoughtful and eco-friendly.

4. Fostering Community Spirit

Independent bookshops are more than just retail spaces; they are hubs of cultural and intellectual life. Many bookshops host readings, book clubs, signings, and literary events. 

They provide a space for people to gather, share ideas, and build connections. When you choose to shop at your local bookshop, you help sustain these vibrant cultural spaces.

During the festive season, many independent bookshops go the extra mile to create a welcoming, magical atmosphere. Whether it’s twinkling lights, cosy nooks, or festive events, these shops make Christmas shopping a memorable experience rather than a hurried task.

5. The Gift of a Thoughtful Present

Books have a timeless quality that makes them excellent gifts. They’re personal, thoughtful, and can provide enjoyment long after the festive season ends. By choosing to buy from an independent bookshop, you add another layer of meaning to your gift. The recipient can take pride in knowing that their present supports local businesses, and that you’ve put time and care into finding something special for them.

This Christmas, consider slowing down, avoiding the rush of online shopping, and taking a trip to your local independent bookshop. You’ll not only find unique gifts with a personal touch, but you’ll also support your local economy, foster community spirit, and make more ethical choices.

Supporting local bookshops during the festive season helps ensure that they remain a vibrant part of our communities for years to come. So, whether it’s the latest bestseller or a treasured classic, make your gift a special one by shopping local this Christmas.

To find the details of your nearest bookshops you can use https://uk.bookshop.org

Just in time for Christmas! Luscombe Drinks Now Available in Your Waitrose branch

Royal Warrant holder Luscombe Drinks is thrilled to announce its delicious organic soft drinks will now be available nationally in Waitrose stores. 

Thirsty shoppers can find 74cl bottles of its Elderflower Bubbly, Sicilian Lemonade and Rhubarb Crush in-store and online at £3.95 each.

Offering a refreshing taste of Devonshire goodness, Luscombe's handcrafted drinks are made using only the finest organic ingredients and are perfect for any occasion. But especially Christmas we at That's Christmas believe. 

Said Gabriel David, who is the founder of Luscombe Drinks: "Securing our 74cl range on the shelves at Waitrose is a great achievement for our team. 

"Our Elderflower Bubbly, Rhubarb Crush and Sicilian Lemonade have been firm favourites with our customers for a good many years and this new listing will allow more customers across the country to enjoy our handcrafted drinks in convenient sharing sized bottles.”

FACTFILE:

Delivering a genuine taste of the English countryside, Luscombe Organic Elderflower Bubbly is crafted with hand-picked elderflowers harvested during the June sunshine. Boasting a zingy, lemony taste that perfectly complements the creamy white blooms of the organic elderflower, this delicious serve has a gentle sparkle which lifts its floral notes creating an elegant taste. And is ideal during Christmas feasting.

Intensely flavoured, Luscombe Sicilian Lemonde is a traditional still lemonade packed with the finest organic Sicilian lemons and rounded off with an indulgent splash of Madagascan vanilla, creating an authentic taste of Italy.

Luscombe Rhubarb Crush boasts a fresh and bright flavour profile, the tartness of rhubarb tempered by the soft sweetness of vanilla. A subtle soft pink, gently sparkling Rhubarb Crush combines organic rhubarb juice with organic blueberry juice, organic Madagascan vanilla extract and organic lemon oil.  

Luscombe Drinks has consistently been recognised for its dedication to producing exceptional organic beverages, garnering over 110 Great Taste Awards. The availability of these three refreshing flavours in Waitrose supermarkets marks another milestone in the company's growth within the retail sector.

For further information on Luscombe Drinks, please visit www.luscombe.co.uk, follow Luscombe Drinks on TikTok @luscombedrinks, Instagram: @luscombedrinks or 'Like' on Facebook.