It’s no secret we love feeling festive and we need no excuse to wander around a Christmas market on a weekend, but there’s a host of unusual Christmas festivals around the UK we can’t wait to explore.
Christmas reggae in Reading
Yep- you read that right, Christmas reggae in Reading! What’s not to love about the combining of Christmas with Caribbean culture. A night long celebration of the festive season with musical entertainment from some of the UK’s top reggae artists.
With four rooms each playing a different reggae style from roots and culture to soul and RnB it’s a unique way to welcome in the festive season.
Wear your brightest clothes, and get ready to sweat as you wind your way in to Christmas.
Victorian Christmas in Portsmouth
We cannot wait to visit Portsmouth for their Victorian Christmas fest. Set in the historic harbour town down cobbled streets, we are travelling like the Victorians to the market by taking the train from Chichester to Portsmouth harbour.
Celebrating it’s 20th anniversary, The Victorian Christmas Festival feels like you’ve stepped in to a Dickensian novel and travelling by train means we can enjoy all the mulled wine on offer with a helping of roasted chestnuts!
Dickensian Christmas Festival in Grassington
Not to be outdone, if you’re in the north of England head to Grassington’s Dickensian Christmas Festival. Set to the backdrop of the pretty Yorkshire Dale’s Grassington’s Dickensian Christmas market is a feast for the senses.
The whole village goes back in time as shopkeepers, villagers and visitors dress in Victorian costume- there’s even a park and ride to keep cars at bay.
Wander around the traditional Christmas Market in the village square and once you’ve worked up an appetite head to any one of the traditional pubs, or family run cafes.
Lantern parade in Winchester
Known as the Last Kingdom, Winchester was at one time the heart of Christianity in Britain and perhaps it’s fitting that the city hosts a lantern parade through the streets. The procession starts at the awe inspiring Winchester Cathedral, through the ancient streets and ends with a firework display.
It’s perfect for all the family whether you participate- you can make your own lantern, or simply stand and admire the colourful creations.
We like to get to the Cathedral earlier and take part in the festive Christmas Carols- it’s the ultimate way to kick off the festive period.
Whatever you decide to do to get you in the Christmas mood, there are plenty of Christmas festivals throughout the UK- the more unusual the better! We’d love to hear if you head to any unusual Christmas festivals.
