What time does the Ardingly Christmas market open?
The Winter Fair at the South of England Showground in Ardingly in 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, and Sunday, November 22. The event typically opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM on Saturday, and 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sunday, featuring local artisans, food, and festive entertainment.
You can use both cash and card at the Edinburgh Christmas Market, but cards (especially contactless/phone payments) are widely accepted and often preferred, though it's wise to carry some cash for smaller stalls, emergencies, or patchy Wi-Fi/signal issues. Most major stalls and attractions take cards, but some smaller vendors might be cash-only or have minimum card spends.
Christmas market hours vary significantly by location, but generally run from mid-November to late December, with typical weekday hours around 10 AM - 7 PM and later closures (8 PM - 10 PM) on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and shorter hours on Sundays (e.g., 11 AM - 5 PM). Always check the specific market's official website (like for Manchester, Belfast, or Liverpool) for exact 2025 dates and times, as some have late-night shopping or different schedules for food stalls.
Yes, entry to the Southbank Centre Winter Market is free to wander around and soak up the festive atmosphere, though you'll pay for any food, drinks (like mulled wine), or purchases from the stalls, notes Londonist, Time Out, and The Cumberland. It's a popular spot with wooden chalets and festive lights, but it gets very busy, especially on weekends.
Wander through stalls packed with artisan foods, handmade crafts and gorgeous gifts, perfect for stocking fillers and special presents. Soak up the atmosphere, enjoy some seasonal treats and relax to live music while you browse.
Discover the Worthing Market every Wednesday on Montague Street! With up to 40 unique stalls, this bustling market offers an incredible variety of goods! Located in the heart of the town, the market runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, .
Yes, you absolutely can just sit and relax at the Southbank Centre, which offers many free seating areas like the Clore Ballroom (Level 2) and various lobby spots with tables and sofas, making it a great place to work, meet, or people-watch without pressure to buy anything, though sitting on the floor isn't allowed, and shoes must be worn.
How to find us (please read as people do tend to get lost the first time they visit): Between the Bridges is the colourful popup next to Jubilee Gardens & the London Eye. The entrance is by the carousel along Southbank.
What do Germans do on the 25th and 26th of December?
On December 25th (First Christmas Day) and 26th (Second Christmas Day, Zweiter Weihnachtstag), Germans enjoy official public holidays focused on quiet family time, large festive meals with traditional foods like roast goose or carp, exchanging gifts (which often happens on Christmas Eve), and visiting relatives, with most shops remaining closed as the celebration continues after the main gift-giving on Christmas Eve (Heiligabend).
You can't visit the Edinburgh Christmas market without sampling some of its key specialties. Of course, Edinburgh's festive foods are a must, such as rich minced pies, succulent bratwurst, earthy haggis, and buttery Scottish shortbread.
Do any Christmas markets stay open after Christmas?
Yes, many Christmas markets stay open after Christmas, often until New Year's Eve or the first week of January, though some traditional ones close by December 23rd or 24th. Major cities like London, Edinburgh, Prague, and various French/German locations frequently run markets through the holiday period, sometimes rebranding as New Year's markets. It's essential to check specific market dates, as they vary widely.
A large part of it comes down to the 'captive audience' of revellers at a Christmas market, though there are a few other reasons too. In major cities like London or Manchester, stallholders can pay upwards of £10,000 for a spot at a Christmas market - a fee that's reflected in higher prices.
Living in Southbank can be considered moderately expensive, especially when you compare it to other parts of Melbourne. The median house price is currently around $535,000, and for units, it's about $491,000.
While London is generally safe, you might want to avoid staying in areas known for higher petty crime (like Westminster Bridge/South Bank for pickpicking) or those with reputations for drug issues like parts of Brixton, Peckham, or Elephant & Castle, though these areas offer unique culture; instead, prioritize central locations like Covent Garden, South Kensington, or Bloomsbury for charm, or Shoreditch/Angel for trendy vibes, while being vigilant everywhere for phone theft.
Think oversized coats, statement accessories, and chunky knits that are easy, effortless, and perfect for whatever the weather throws at you. For a chic outfit for the Christmas markets, layer a chunky knit over leather-look trousers, finishing the look with a long wool coat and heeled boots.
Crowned the least Christmassy town in the UK was… Luton. The city scored the lowest on the festive spirit score, making it home to the Grinchiest of souls in the country. Second place went to Bradford, followed by Southampton in third.
Castle Combe is often called the prettiest village in England and one of the most beautiful towns in the Cotswolds. Walking through this village truly feels like stepping back in time; no new houses have been built here for over 400 years, so it has kept its authentic, old-world charm.
