Bath Christmas Market. Photo: M Etherington We know we're in to December and it is getting close to Christmas when the main streets in Cheddar all "bling up" with lights and small Christmas trees on most houses and shops. A tradition that started several years ago has developed a bit and now other local villages are following suit. Cheddar Festive Night is always on the first Friday in December and at around 4.00 o'clock in the afternoon the main roads from the village up to the top of the Gorge shops and caves is closed to traffic. Cheddar become a pedestrian zone and families come and stroll amongst the many charity stalls lining the streets (lots of mulled wine and of course cider going down). All the shops stay open and many are offering small treats. It is indeed very festive.
In our nearby cities the rise of the German market has taken hold. Bristol is a fairly commercial and "oompah" affair, but our favourite is Bath Christmas Market. Great shops to browse, a compact centre, and the floodlit Abbey dominating the squares that are filled with market "chalets". What is particularly nice about the Bath market is that most of the stalls are local Somerset and area artisans or small businesses: food or crafts, selling their wares. And you are often talking to the artist or cook who makes the items.
Roll on Christmas!
In our nearby cities the rise of the German market has taken hold. Bristol is a fairly commercial and "oompah" affair, but our favourite is Bath Christmas Market. Great shops to browse, a compact centre, and the floodlit Abbey dominating the squares that are filled with market "chalets". What is particularly nice about the Bath market is that most of the stalls are local Somerset and area artisans or small businesses: food or crafts, selling their wares. And you are often talking to the artist or cook who makes the items.
Roll on Christmas!
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