If you are
booking one of our 4 star log cabin holidays over the
Christmas period, you might want to stock up on seasonal delights at one of
Suffolk’s Christmas markets. Lights, carol singing and the enticing smell of
mulled wine and hot roasted chestnuts will add to the magic of the occasion
while you browse the wonderful handmade gifts, decorations, and food and drink
stalls. Why not soak up the atmosphere this winter at our pick of five of the
county’s best Christmas markets?
Christkindlmarkt
Christmas Market, near Lavenham
Not
far from the stunning medieval streets of Lavenham, this traditional German
Christkindlmarkt is one of our favourites. With its 15th century
half-timber framed homes, Lavenham was historically one of the wealthiest in
England. Home to merchants and nobility, and those who made their fortune in
the wool trade, this picture-postcard village is now a much-photographed
tourist destination.
Lavenham
has teamed up with the neighbouring village of Preston for the market at the
attractive Preston Manor Barn, on Saturday 19 November. Preston is two miles
from Lavenham, and, although both villages are just under an hour’s drive from
Windmill Lodges, it is still worth a visit as you can make a day of it and
combine your trip with a walk around Lavenham. This pretty market takes place
between 10am-4pm, and there is an entry charge of £3 per person.
Ipswich
Christmas Market
If you would
prefer a market closer to our holiday accommodation (not far from Woodbridge), Ipswich
Christmas Market could fit the bill. Suffolk’s county town is a half hour drive
from Windmill Lodges and you will be rewarded with an atmospheric market that
will put you in the mood for celebration.
Set against a
background of twinkling lights, and the town’s landmark Christmas tree, this
fabulous outdoor market on the Cornhill offers an array of street entertainment
and a fantastic range of stalls. A top tip is not to dine before you go as
there will be a host of food stalls to choose from. Just make sure you queue up
early!
This three-day
Christmas market takes place between Friday 9- Sunday 11 December, 10am-6pm. It
closes at 4pm on Sunday. There is no charge for entry.
Bury St
Edmunds Christmas Fayre
You can’t
help but be swept along with the festivities at this marvellous annual street
market on Bury St Edmunds’ historic Angel Hill. You can browse traditional
crafts and gifts at one of the 300 stalls, while sipping mulled wine and
snacking on Christmas treats.
It’s a major
family-friendly event, and if you are holidaying with little ones in tow, then
pop in to Santa’s grotto to visit the man himself. The market, now in its 13th
year, also promises some street entertainment and activities for children, and
is just less than an hour’s drive from Windmill Lodges.
This four-day
event takes place from Thursday 24 -Sunday 27 November and starts at 10am.
Entry is free.
Felixstowe
Christmas Craft Market
For more
Christmas cheer, head to Felixstowe Christmas Craft Market, which is about a 45-minute
drive from our holiday lodges. You could combine your visit with a day by the
sea to make the whole experience even more memorable.
As well as
the craft and snack stalls, guests of honour include Father Christmas and the
town’s Mayor, who will be switching on the festive lights! This free event,
along Hamilton Road, takes place on Saturday, 26 November, 10am-6pm.
Framlingham
Christmas Charity Market
This
Christmas charity market is an easy drive from the lodges and takes place on a
smaller scale on Framlingham Market Hill. The Leiston Royal British Legion Band
will provide background music for the occasion and Morris Men will add some
festive cheer.
The many
gifts to buy at the various stalls include cards, flower arrangements, books
and decorations. You can also fill up on cakes, hot soup, roasted chestnuts and
mince pies. This free
event runs from
1pm to 6pm.
Windmill Lodges is an exclusive complex
of seven luxury wooden holiday lodges, offering 4 star log cabin holidays. For
more information, or to book one of our lodges this winter, just click on the
link above.
