‘Tis The Season

For many of our members, Christmas markets are an integral and hugely enjoyable part of the festive countdown; don’t miss out on a trip to Bath’s seasonal event this year and Woodcote Park’s own Christmas Emporium

Words by Annabel Harrison

Previous page: Bath Christmas Market

Clockwise from above: Blenheim Palace Christmas lights; Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London; Woodcote Park’s Christmas Emporium AS WITH SO many of our favourite festive traditions – decorating a tree, opening advent calendars, enjoying mince pies and cooking a turkey on Christmas Day – the history of Christmas markets in Europe stretches back centuries. The first record of Vienna’s December Market is from as far back as 1298 – its residents were allowed to hold a Krippenmarkt during Advent – while open-air street markets can be traced to Germany, with the first Christkindlmarkt taking place in Saxony in 1384. Only meat was on offer at the earliest of these events but, as they grew, everyday goods became available, then seasonal treats, decorations and crafts too – and often festive cheer was provided by singing and dancing.

A big boost in popularity came in the 16th century, when German Protestant reformer Martin Luther suggested in his teachings that Christ’s day of birth was a more appropriate day for gift-giving than other saints’ days; Christmas presents and festive markets have been part of our festive period ever since.

Some of the largest in Europe today include the Christkindlmarkt in Vienna, with around 200 chalet-style stalls, and the equivalent event hosted by the beautiful city of Bath, with more than 150 stalls. So, mark the start of December with a Club trip to the spa city, with its market celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. You’ll start the day with a champagne brunch at Pall Mall then travel by coach to Bath. The market organisers promise a “magical, festive experience”, to the soundtrack of community choirs and local bands, and Blue Badge guide Kim Dewdney will be on hand to paint a knowledgeable picture of the city’s picturesque streets and illuminated buildings. You’ll have plenty of time to browse the hundreds of chalets, adorned with twinkling lights and stocked with handmade jewellery, personalised gifts, festive food and drinks, and much more.

Closer to home, for many, is Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland – one of London’s biggest, and longest running, Christmas markets with 100 stallholders, an ice rink, rides, shows, Santa’s Grotto and Giant Observation Wheel. This is an event for those who embrace Christmas in its brightest, most excessive and joyous form; its neon lights can be seen by those flying over the city. The Southbank Centre’s twinkling riverside offering is also very popular, as is Covent Garden’s; you’ll find festive markets

in Leicester Square, Borough Market, Tower Bridge, Greenwich and Kingston too.

In the South East, Winchester Cathedral’s offering is very popular. Oxford has a special quality all year round and it’s worth a visit at Christmas in particular; charming, historic Broad Street will be lit up for the event and last year featured a traditional carousel and local singers and musicians, while nearby Blenheim Palace boasts an after-dark illuminated trail and the Kingdom of the Snow Queen, as well as a Christmas Market within its Great Court.

For a weekend away, head to the historic city of York, full of Christmas cheer; take in Santa sightings, traditional services, a pantomime and be part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of the St Nicholas Fair, along Parliament Street and in St Sampson’s Square. For a Welsh festive experience, Cardiff’s event is proud to support hundreds of artists and craftspeople, encouraging ‘in action’ demonstrations to show off and preserve their skills, many of which are generations old.

As with so many of our favourite festive traditions, the history of Christmas markets in Europe stretches back centuries.

Last but not least, and closest to home, is the extremely popular annual Woodcote Park Christmas Emporium, taking place this year on Saturday 19 November. Members with places booked will be able to explore the Cedar Lawn marquee from 11.00am to 1.30pm or from 1.30pm to 4.00pm.

Local stallholders will be selling everything from beautiful jewellery and fine wine to handmade homeware and gifts. Children will be delighted by a visit to Father Christmas and his elves at their grotto in the clubhouse, and extra festive cheer will come in the form of mince pies, mulled wine and warming pulled turkey baps.

Whether you’re visiting us at Woodcote Park, heading to Bath or enjoying one of the UK’s many markets this year, Merry Christmas to one and all!

For information about the Club trip to Bath’s Christmas Market on Thursday 1 December, please turn to the Events section of this magazine.