WHILE Hereford might not play host to a Christmas market that the likes of Birmingham and Cardiff offer, you only have to go 90 minutes from the city centre to find some pop-up festive shopping.

With the big day now less than five weeks away, heading somewhere to pick up a hot chocolate and mooch around gift stall for inspiration might to be a bad idea.

So here is our list of some of the Christmas markets you can visit, and they’re all within a 90-minute drive of Hereford.

Leominster Victorian Christmas Market

Leominster Victorian Christmas Market is held in Leominster each year, with a wide variety of stallholders, dressed in traditional Victorian dress, lining Corn Square and Broad Street, and selling a range of crafts and gifts plus local and seasonal produce.

Leominster’s Victorian Street Market will be held on 11th December, with the benefit of free parking in Herefordshire Council car parks.

Ross Christmas Fayre

Ross-on-Wye Town Council looks forward to welcoming everyone to this year’s Christmas Fayre on Sunday 21st November, when the town centre, Broad Street and Croft Court, will come alive with over 50 stalls selling locally handmade arts and crafts plus delicious artisan food and drink.

There will be a huge range of gorgeous gifts to choose from, so why not do all of your Christmas shopping there? From decorations, candles, bath bombs, ceramics and jewellery, to cheese, chutneys, hampers, brownies and blankets – there will most definitely be something for everyone.

Whilst you’re browsing the stalls, enjoy a drink or grab a delicious Herefordshire beef burger from The Beefy Boys – and to really get you in the festive spirit, during the afternoon there will be live music at the Market House from local choirs and bands.

For the little ones, pay Santa‘s Grotto a visit at The Venue on Hill Street, where there will also be an array of charity stalls with plenty more gift ideas.

Kington Christmas Art and Craft Markets

The events at Kington Market Hall will be a good way of finding inspiration for gifts ahead of the big day.

Organisers say that unusual and special Christmas presents will be found here, with stalls offering a wide range of handcrafted gifts.

So whether you’re looking for cards or gifts, then pop along the hall between 9.30am and 3pm on November 20, November 27, December 11 or December 18.

Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre

Popular Shropshire annual spectacle Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre is to return as a live event to provide its unique mix of family entertainment in the run-up to Christmas.

The well-loved south Shropshire celebration will attract thousands of people to Ludlow Castle as they travel back in time for a weekend of fun, hearty food and live performances over November 27-28, all in its full traditional style.

Leading local businesses and regular performers will again be on board for the 2021 Fayre, with its unique mix of theatre, music, comedy and storytelling, along with workshops, tours, demonstrations and more.

To keep audiences safe, the event will be for pre-booked ticket holders so with a limited number available, Fayre lovers should make sure they are ready to book early.

Exhibitors and entertainers from across the UK will join the celebrations, alongside visitors who travel from across Shropshire and the wider West Midlands. Regular Fayre goers travel from as far afield as Scotland and Cornwall to be among the audiences.

Llanvihangel Crucorney Christmas Fair

On December 11 and 12, between 10am and 5pm, a Christmas Fair will be held at Llanvihangel Court.

Organisers have a sparkling line up of goodies to share with shoppers, with local makers and crafters on show. Bookings will be for 90-minute slots throughout the weekend, with a quiet hour from 10am for adults only.

Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre

The Victorian Fayre was first started back in 1992 by traders from picturesque New Street and Friar Street.

The fayre might have grown a lot but it has stayed true to its traditional roots with plenty of Victorian themed characters, festive treats and a wonderful atmosphere.

This year there will be almost 200 stalls across the city centre, selling local arts and crafts, delicious street food and gifts.

As well as a wonderful array of stalls, we are looking forward to a fantastic programme of entertainment. Look out for Victorian characters in Gin Lane, lofty entertainers on stilts, brilliant musicians on our stages and buskers on every street corner.

There really is something for everyone. Open December 2 until December 5.

Festive Orchard Street Market at Gloucester Keys

On weekends through November and December, Festive Orchard Street Market, Gloucester Quays, is spread across High Orchard Street, Llanthony Road and Mariners Square.

Shopping at Gloucester Quays this year is exciting, with all the fabulous shops plus this beautiful market.

Don’t miss the fabulous traders every weekend from Saturday, November 6 until Sunday, December 19, local makers, bakers and artisans, will tempt visitors with a seasonal pick of festive food and drink, art, gift, craft, treats and shopping inspiration.

Plus, don’t miss their weekly mix of delicious street food, bars and hot drinks. Mulled wine to luxury hot chocolates, from the region’s delicious Welsh cakes, best burgers and pulled meats, pizza, Greek, Lebanese and vegan food to tasty, sweet treats with waffles and churros.

The Cheltenham Christmas Market

Cheltenham Business Improvement District welcomes you to the new Cheltenham Christmas Market from Saturday 20 November to Sunday 19 December 2021.

Cheltenham BID said it has invested heavily in the Gloucestershire town this Christmas, resulting in an even better and bigger festive offering including the new Cheltenham Christmas Market operated by the UK’s largest specialist market operator, Market Place Europe.

In the first year of the new Christmas Market, traders will come together to offer residents and visitors to Cheltenham a very Merry Christmas.

The market stalls will run along the pedestrianised Promenade, providing shoppers with lots of opportunities to pick up some unique treats, gifts and Christmas decorations. Entrance is free and there is no need to book.

Featuring local and visiting traders there will be a variety of delicious treats and wonderful products on offer: giant bratwurst from the iconic German Schwenkegrill, an exotic selection of ostrich, wild boar and crocodile burgers, Italian macaroons, liquorice, fudge and the very best in cheeses and chutneys.