Our pick of the local Christmas markets

Whether you are a complete foodie or looking for that extra special unique gift, here are our top tips for the best Christmas markets, all within an hour’s drive of The Forge.

The Light Up Local Food pop up local food markets, run by the Llangollen and Dee Valley Good Grub Club are wonderfully convivial events where local producers turn out to share samples of their goodies, demonstrate festive recipes and sell gorgeous hampers brimming with their lovingly hand-crafted products. They are not joking when they use the hashtag #arrivehungry…..! We didn’t need to eat again after our trip to the Llangollen fair last Saturday! Today they are popping up in Mold and then in Denbigh on Nov 30th, Ruthin on 1st December and Wrexham on 6th Dec.

If you are looking for a more traditional German style market, then the stunning city of Chester makes the perfect backdrop. Open from November 16th until December 22nd, here you will find over 70 traditional chalets, each focused on selling quality local and regional products, not to mention the ubiquitous mulled wine, bratwurst and pretzels! Head over at dusk or early evening when the twinkly lights come out for the full festive effect.

For those of you more interested in artisan crafts, The Boathouse at Chirk is hosting a Christmas Fair on Sunday 2nd December. As well as picking up a one of a kind Christmas gift, you can also enjoy a lovely stroll along the canal before tucking into one of their legendary Sunday roasts!

And last but not least, for a quirky Italianate take on Christmas in a fairytale location, Portmeirion has a Christmas event planned from November 30th to December 2nd showcasing the best in local wine, food, gifts and entertainment. Ok, so it might be just a little over an hour from The Forge, but it has to be worth if for the giant gingerbread village and the elf dash surely?!