Days out diary - child friendly and family activities

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It's that time again - when the afternoons are dark, the Christmas Lights are on and you can't move through the crowds at the Christmas Markets and Fairs.

The Christmas fairs and markets are a great place to find that unique present or home made gift, or just a good excuse to have a Bratwurst and Pint of German beer in Brum City Centre. Whatever you are looking for it's worth having a visit to some of these. I know I'll be visiting a few and hopefully paying a repeat visit to sample some more of that German food.

Here are a list of the Christmas Fairs and Markets in Redditch, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Birmingham, West Midlands and some further afield. Descriptions are based on previous visits and the events on offer may differ this year.

This is based on dates for 2009 - see: Days Out Diary Christmas page for an updated list of dates for Christmas Markets.

Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market

Frankfurt Christmas Market at Birmingham City Centre

From Thursday 12 November 2009 to Wednesday 23 December 2009

with craft fair from 19 November 2009. Open 10am to 9pm each day.

A great place to buy unusual and handmade gifts. Try the Bratwurst or ham and saucraut sandwiches. You can also enjoy a German Beers whilst watching a singing talking moose if that's your thing. It can get very busy especially at weekends and in the evenings.

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market web page.

Statford Upon Avon Christmas Market

A large market in the main road of Stratford-upon-Avon town centre. A good selection of craft, charity and commercial stalls. Many of the town centre shops are also open late to coincide with the mark. Includes a whole spit roast pig.

Christmas Market and late night shopping in Stratford every Thursday from 26 November to 17 December 2009

Enjoy Warwickshire Stratford Events

Victorian Christmas Craft Fair at Forge Mill Needle Museum in Redditch, Worcestershire

A small craft fair located within the museum. An opportunity for children to make their own Christmas decorations or to visit Santa in his Grotto.

On Sunday 6 December 2009 from 11.00am to 4.00pm.

£1 admission fee for adults

Events at Forge Mill Needle Museum

Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre

Thursday 26 November 2009 to Sunday 29 November 2009

Thursday 4pm - 9pm

Friday 11am - 9pm

Saturday 10am - 7pm

Sunday 11am - 5pm

As well as the stores there is a full entertainment programme including choirs, school music and dance, Victorian Juggling and lots more.

Visit Worcester - Christmas Fayre information

Royal Leamington Spa Yuletide Fair

The Parade is closed to traffic and replaced with a selection of craft, charity and commercial market stalls.

Sundays from 22 November 2009 to 20 December 2009 from 10am to 4pm.

Royal Leamington Spa Events

Warwick Victorian Evening

Craft and charity stalls with traction engines and classic rides. Many stall holders and local shop keepers dress in traditional Victorian dress to add to the atmosphere.

Thursday 26 November 2009 from 5pm to 9pm.

Enjoy Warwick - Warwick Victorian Evening

School and smaller Christmas Fairs in the Redditch Area

Further afield

St John Ambulance Christmas Market - Clerkenwell London

Friday 4 December 2009 from 4-8pm.

Held in the central walkway of historic Smithfield Market in Clerkenwell, London, the market will feature a range of specialist stalls including jewellery, clothing, shoes, accessories and more, alongside lots of local produce.

Lincoln Christmas Market

One market worth travelling to is Lincoln Christmas Market. It's based around the castle and historic town of Lincoln. Don't miss the Lincolnshire Sausages.

Thursday 3rd December 2009 4pm - 9.30pm

Friday 4th December 2009 10am - 9.30pm

Saturday 5th December 2009 10am - 9.30pm

Sunday 6th December 2009 10am - 7pm

Lincoln Christmas Market web site

Any more

If there are any I've missed please leave a comment on this page