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When shelves start to stack with festive goods in early September and television advertisements arrive in October, it can be easy to get cynical about Christmas. Yet one surefire way to get yourself in the spirit is to visit a market, eat some seasonal food and meet with friends or family. This year, the Christmas market returns to Sheffield. Below, we discuss this tradition and how you can get involved.
Where Did the Christmas Market Tradition Originate?
Christmas markets are now quite prevalent in the UK. An easy way to buy unique gifts for the festive season, and one that feeds into the nostalgic spirit, they combine both retail and social events. Yet the first one in the UK can be dated back to 1982 when the city of Lincoln opened a Christmas market. The idea came from a visit to its twin town, Neustadt an der Weinstrasse, in Germany. The council set up a small market of just eleven stalls when they returned from a visit there. This has now grown into one of the biggest markets in Europe and started a string of similar events in different cities.
German culture has long held a place in British hearts. The Christmas tree itself was brought to the United Kingdom by Queen Charlotte, who had been born and raised in Germany. Here, a decorated tree in the house is a long-held custom. This love of German culture has continued, from sausage festivals and even to pursuits such as casinos. Germany has one of the oldest casinos in the world, dating back to 1810. Located in the spa town of Baden-Baden, it was a mecca for the European elite of the day. It also has a thriving iGaming industry, with providers allowing people to play online. When using these, you should be sure to only trust licensed, legit sites. By doing this you will get the best bonuses and can play with peace of mind.
Sheffield Christmas Market
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This year, the market has grown compared to some of its previous outings. It now stretches along Fargate, Town Hall Square, the Peace Gardens and onto the Moor. Comprising fifty cabins, it has unique foods and gifts for all your holiday needs. By visiting, you are also supporting many local businesses with an astounding 80% of the cabins being staffed and operated by regional traders.
For gastronomy, a whole world kitchen is on offer. Mexican Churro stands and the Eastern European tradition of the chimney cake can be sampled. If sweet treats are not your thing, the fabled Yorkshire Pudding Wrap is at one hut, along with the ubiquitous German Bratwurst Grill. You can also have a ride on the big wheel located on the Moor to see the majesty of the city at night and the markets below.
When Can We Visit?
The Sheffield Christmas Market opened on November 18th and will be open throughout December. You can visit from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm from Sunday to Thursday. It is open until 8:00 pm on Friday and Saturday. The event is free, though you may want to bring some money for delicious food and the beautiful gifts on offer.
