Durham Christmas Festival among UK's top Christmas markets

This year, residents are in luck as Durham Christmas Festival has been revealed as one of the best Christmas markets to visit in the UK for 2023 by Big 7 Travel.

It’s the ideal place to be surrounded by twinkling lights and jolly music as you hunt for the perfect gift for loved ones (or even yourself).

Not to mention, there are typically dozens of stalls to sample all sorts of food and drink - from German bratwursts to bags of fudge and luxury hot chocolates.

Big 7 Travel said: “The best way to celebrate the season is by visiting bustling Christmas markets.

"They originated in Germany in the Middle Ages, and have spread across Europe and some parts of the world.”

They added: “If you’re not in the spirit yet, a visit to any of these UK Christmas markets will change that.”

You can see the top 25 Christmas markets to visit in the UK this year here.

What did Big 7 Travel say about Durham Christmas Festival?

The travel experts said that Durham Christmas Festival is “best for handcrafted Christmas gifts.”

They went to on to explain: “Durham is a wintry wonderland, plucked straight out of a Harry Potter film.

“The city’s famous Christmas Festival might be just across one weekend, but it’ll fill your boots with festive cheer to last all December.

“It’s spread across three days and three locations; the Craft & Producers’ Marquee at Palace Green, the Festive Outdoor Market at Durham Market Place, and Durham Market Hall.

Will you be attending Durham Christmas Festival on all three days this year? (Image: Getty)

“There’s a wide range of unique gifts to pick up from local vendors, as well as carol singers, Santa’s Grotto, falconry displays, and other special events.

Durham Christmas Festival will run from December 1-3, across three markets, and there will be more than 200 independent traders and entertainment for all the family.

Visit the Durham Christmas Festival website to see the opening times for each day's events.