The magic of the Christmas Market
“Three eggy Hoppers, Two Cashew Curries, and some drinks in The Coconut Treeeeeeee!”
IIIIIIIIIIT’S CHRISTMAAAAAAAAAS!
And if you’ve not been to a Christmas market yet, where have you been for the last three decades? Since the very first UK market was established in Lincoln in the 80’s, they have gradually spread across the country – and we love ‘em.
The twinkly lights. Those nostril tingling smells. And thousands of individual not-seen-anywhere-else gifts and trinkets. It makes you feel like you’re in a quaint Lapland village.
Alas, it’s not Lapland. Though the chances are, you’re in a town or city with a Coconut Tree restaurant serving the best mouth-awakening Sri Lankan cuisine this side of Santa’s Grotto. To help you find the perfect crimbo day (and night) out, we’ve created a guide of our favourite Christmas markets that’ll keep you shoppin’ till you drop in – to one of our restaurants. See what we did there?
On your markets, get set, shop!
Bath
Boasting no less than 268 stalls nestled amongst the historic, and quite frankly beautiful, buildings that make up this world heritage city, this place is a winter wonderland like no other. Most weekends you’ll find some live music from guitar soloists to all-out carol-singing choirs. If you listen closely, you can hear them from our restaurant.
When is it? Thursday 23rd November to Sunday 10th December.
Where is it? From Milsom Street down to the Abbey and the side streets along the way.
For more information, visit: https://bathchristmasmarket.co.uk
Birmingham
Of all the markets, this one is perhaps the most widely known. With an oompah Bavarian theme, spanning over a mile through the city centre, it claims to be the largest authentic German market outside Germany or Austria. And we’d agree. As an authentic Sri Lankan restaurant, we know a bit about being the real deal.
When is it? Thursday 2nd November to Sunday 24th December.
Where is it? From Centenary Square (not far from us) to the famous bull ring shopping centre.
For more information, visit: https://www.thebfcm.co.uk
Bournemouth
Fancy a bit of Crimbo by the sea? Bournemouth is just the ticket. This beautiful market has 100 glittering trees and illuminations lining the route down to the seafront and Ferris wheel. And there’s nothing better than the warmth of scrummy Sri Lankan food to shake off a cold nose, fingers and toes.
When is it? Friday 17th November – Monday 1st January.
Where is it? This beautiful festive treat starts in The Square, through the Lower Gardens all the way to the seashore.
For more information, visit: https://www.christmasinbournemouth.co.uk
Bristol
From Turkish ceramics to wooden chess sets, the range of gifts at this market means you’ll be able to find something for everyone this year. A gorgeous little set-up right in the city centre means you can bounce from stall to stall with all the excitement of, well, Christmas! Then, top it off perfectly with a bit of beautiful Sri Lankan grub.
When is it? Friday 3rd November – Saturday 23rd December.
Where is it? Perfectly placed right in the heart of Bristol’s shopping district, not far from the popular Cabot Circus.
For more information, visit: https://bristolchristmasmarket.com
Cardiff
Sat underneath the city’s historic castle, there is no better spot for this incredible craft-oriented market. This treasure trove of unique gifting ideas is crammed with artwork, glassware and jewellery. Once you’re done, stop by for a one-of-a-kind cocotail served in coconut shells!
When is it? Thursday 9th November – Saturday 23rd December.
Where is it? Running down from the castle along St Johns Street and around St Johns Church. Very pretty.
For more information, visit: https://www.cardiffchristmasmarket.com
Cheltenham
In Cheltenham, there isn’t just one but two Christmas markets. The Christmas Gift Market, specialising in home wear and artisan produce, and the Arts and Crafts Christmas Market, packed with original art, jewellery and pottery. There’s more variety here than a table of Sri Lankan home cooking.
When is it? Thursday 16th– Sunday 19th November (Christmas Gift Market) and Thursday 14th – Saturday 23rd December (Arts and Crafts Christmas Market).
Where is it? Find the Neptune Fountain, then head on all the way down the pedestrianised Promenade.
For more information, visit: https://www.visitcheltenham.com/whats-on/cheltenham-christmas-gift-market-p160723
Oxford
Okay. We want to be on Santa’s list. So, we’re going to be totally honest. There is no Christmas market in Oxford. But it’s a glorious city with many incredible shops and ladles of festive spirit. The old city lit up in all its glory will have you tingling with excitement. Talking of ladles, we’ve bought Chef a new one for Secret Santa. Shhh. Don’t tell.
When is it? Welllll, we suppose anytime now, right up until Christmas. The Christmas lights switch on is Sunday 19th November. That’s a good starting point.
Where is it? The Westgate Centre is the place to check out. Then, New Inn Hall Street is perfect for some more traditional shopping.
For more information, visit: https://westgateoxford.co.uk/
Reading
Reading doesn’t just have a market. It has an entire winter wonderland. With rides, stalls, and an ice rink, this is the kind of place where you can really burn off that excited Christmas energy. And if you want to dust off your inner child, we’ve heard that Santa’s Grotto is pretty cool. Not as cool as our vibrant restaurant, obvs. Sorry, Santa.
When is it? Saturday 11th November to Sunday 7th January (closed Christmas Day. Obvs).
Where is it? Beautifully set by the river Thames. Head for Meadow Hill Car Park, it’s right there.
For more information, visit: https://www.readingwinterwonderland.co.uk
Wherever you’re headed this Christmas to soak up the cheer, we’re never far away. We have three cracking Christmas package deals starting from just 20 quid per person to refuel you and your army of shoppers.
Jack Frost might be nipping your nose, and the cold will have made its way under your scarf, but the warmth of our hospitality, home inspired food and funky cocotail sparklers will sort you right out.
Are you counting the sleeps?
We are.
See you soon,
TCT.
The Coconut Tree is an authentic vibrant Sri Lankan restaurant catering to all parties. You can pre-order any one of our three festive packages for your festive celebrations. Be sure to ask us about our latest offers when you book or when you’re seated. For more information about our menus, cocotails and locations, click here.