Christmas market 2020: Which Christmas markets are going ahead and which are cancelled?
CHRISTMAS markets are a much-loved part of the festive period but the coronavirus pandemic has taken a sledgehammer to public gatherings this year. Many UK markets are sadly no longer going ahead. This is your guide to which cities are doing what in 2020.
Matt Hancock defends plans to relax lockdown over Christmas
Christmas markets are terrific for getting people into the festive spirit. From swigging mulled wine to stocking up on Christmas presents, markets are a staple over the winter. Tragically, coronavirus has taken its toll on big gatherings - so which Christmas markets are going ahead in the UK this year and which are cancelled?
UK Christmas Markets taking place this year
Cardiff
Cardiff Christmas Market has already returned to the pedestrian streets of Cardiff City Centre.
The winter event is “subject to any COVID relevant legislation/guidelines current at the time from the Welsh Assembly and Cardiff Council respectively, in order to make your visit as safe and as enjoyable as possible,” said Cardiff Christmas Market.
The team previously said of the market: “We are planning another exciting and eclectic mix of both new and returning exhibitors to tempt you as their original, hand made work is the essence of what makes our market so different and special every year.”
Swansea
Swansea Christmas Market is still going ahead this year.
“Following the latest government advice and with daily on-site support, Swansea Christmas Market plans to deliver a festive and safe shopping experience for traders and customers!” said Swansea City Centre.
The dates are: Friday, November 27 – Monday, December 21, 2020.
READ MORE: Flights: TUI, Jet2, Ryanair & easyJet post-lockdown update
UK Christmas Markets cancelled this year
York
York’s St Nicholas Fair will not be going ahead this year.
However, a virtual equivalent of the event is taking place so you can still emjoy the market's classic shops.
Manchester
Manchester’s Christmas market has been cancelled.
Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester's Christmas spokesperson, previously said that even the proposed smaller markets did not meet public health approval and that the city council "could never take any risks" with people's wellbeing.
Manchester will still be lit up with Christmas lights and seasonal light installations, including the giant glowing Santa at Piccadilly Gardens.
Liverpool
The Liverpool Christmas Market is cancelled for 2020.
Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for culture, tourism and events, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “The majority of shops and leisure venues remain open, so to provide some festive cheer for people spending time in the city centre, we have worked closely with partners to produce an extended lighting programme which will illuminate a trail from the Town Hall all the way up to Chinatown.
"And for the first time, Christmas lights will also line Hope Street, connecting our two majestic cathedrals and bringing some much-needed brightness and hope to the city.”
Edinburgh
Edinburgh's Christmas market is also axed.
“Instead, the focus will move to celebrating Edinburgh’s Christmas 2020 online," organisers said.
Winchester
The Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market will not be taking place this year amid “growing uncertainty and the tightening of government restrictions.”
“We will be working hard with our partners to find alternative ways to support the city, after what has been a difficult year for many, and to bring festive cheer to Winchester in both traditional and new creative ways,” said Winchester Cathedral.
Lincoln
Lincoln Christmas Market 2020 has been axed “due to the ongoing threat of the UK’s coronavirus outbreak.”
Instead, the market has gone "virtual" so shoppers can still get their hand on festive goods.
London
London’s biggest Christmas market Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park will not be taking place in 2020.
“In light of ongoing health concerns and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, and considering the size and scale of this event, we just couldn’t find a way to do that without compromising the magical attractions, shows, rides, bars and experience that makes Hyde Park Winter Wonderland so special,” said Winter Wonderland.
Bath
This year’s Bath Christmas Market has been cancelled.
“We have adapted our event to offer a Virtual Bath Christmas Market, letting you shop directly from our local creatives and meaning you can still tick off everything on your Christmas list and feel reassured that you’re supporting Bath’s small businesses,” said Bath Christmas Market.
Birmingham
Birmingham's German Christmas Market has been cancelled for 2020.
According to the city’s tourist office, Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market is the largest authentic German market outside Germany and Austria.
Leeds
Christkindelmarkt - Leeds' annual traditional German Christmas market - has been cancelled.
“The council will now be working with partners locally to look at alternative ways to celebrate the festive season safely in Leeds, in line with social distancing and the latest government guidance around events and social gatherings,” said Millennium Square.
Newcastle
Newcastle City Council has confirmed the main Christmas market for 2020 has been axed.