It’s never too early to start getting into the Christmas spirit, and there’s no better way to feel Christmassy than to visit a Christmas event! With plenty of deadlines around the corner, it can be challenging to remember to take a break. Visiting a Christmas market or going ice-skating with your friends can be a great way to have a break from work and to feel excited about the holidays. There are plenty of significant events happening in Lancaster over the next month and, if you have a little more free time, there are some events further afield.
LANCASTER CHRISTMAS MARKET
The atmosphere surrounding Christmas is one of the best things about this time of year, and there is no better place to experience that Christmassy feeling than a Christmas Market. Open between the 22nd and 24th November at the Lancaster Brewery; the Lancaster Christmas Markets boast a vast range of stalls. Spend an evening eating delicious food, enjoying warm festive drinks and shopping for handmade cards and decorations. The market is under cover of an indoor marque, which protects it from Lancaster weather. Festive music will accompany the market too, and the best part – it is free to enter!
CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE
If you’re still in Lancaster for the 14th and 15th of December, then there is no better way to spend the weekend than visiting the Christmas Markets in the Lancaster Castle. There will be over 50 stalls selling a variety of goods, from fudges and sweets to crepes, and candles to liqueurs. With more live music and the castle scenery, this is the perfect way to get you a festive mood in time for Christmas. If you haven’t yet visited the Castle, then Christmas is the ideal time!
DALTON SQUARE
Open from the 23rd November until January; Dalton Square’s infamous ice-rink is back. This years’ Lancaster on Ice will be even more impressive after having been given the go-ahead for a big wheel and Christmas market. Skating with a group of friends under the Christmas lights does wonders for your festive spirit! The tipi tent will be serving hot drinks and beers to help you warm up afterwards; you can also gather around the fire pit to roast marshmallows.
MANCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKETS
If you have time to spare this month, it is worth travelling to see the Manchester Christmas Markets. There is no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than wandering around beautifully decorated markets, drinking mulled wine and listening to the sounds of carol singers. The markets are spread out across several locations, and many are close to several of Manchester’s shopping centres, so you can get out of the cold for a bit and finish off your Christmas shopping. There is also an ice skating rink by the Cathedral Gardens, and an Ice Village complete with ice sculptures of mythical beasts. Many trains run between Lancaster and Manchester, and a return ticket can often cost less than £10, so it is not much of a cost to visit one of the best markets in the country!
The festive season can be one of the best parts of the year, but it can also be quite a stressful time, especially for students. It is essential to take the time to enjoy the Christmas period and spend time with friends and family. Spending a day or even an afternoon visiting a Christmas market, skating at Dalton Square or listening to some Christmas music is worth it.
