The Best Christmas Market Near You in 2024

No one loves the long winter nights that bring darkness by the afternoon, but in the build up to Christmas, this darkness is filled with the glimmering twinkle of Christmas markets. Come November, Britain’s towns and cities burst into full festive mode with chalets selling their wares, pop-up bars bustling with life and all manner of entertainment from giant wheels to magical ice rinks. There’s something special going on almost everywhere, but these are the Christmas markets that take things to that next level.

Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland, London

We can’t not include Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, promising, yet again, a festive dreamland that keeps visitors of all ages entertained. Home to the UK’s largest open-air ice-skating rink, carnival rides galore, and a sprawling Christmas market, this attraction is a London winter must-see on a scale not seen anywhere else. Not only are there the Bavarian stalls for handcrafted gifts and tasty treats like churros, bratwursts, and warming mugs of mulled wine, but other gates grant access to much more; the 70m observation wheel, a grotto, live music, ice bars, sculptures and fire pits to name a few. In terms of tickets, entrance costs between £5 and £7.50 (it’s London guys!), but there are a few different options and discounts depending on when you go and whether you pre-book rides – take a look on the site below. It’s also worth mentioning that it’s a stone’s throw from the incredible window displays of Regent and Oxford Street.

Dates: November 21 2024 - January 5 2025
Nearest station: Victoria and Paddington
Nearest tube: Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch
Nearest car park: Q-Park
Website

South Bank, London

Right by the London Eye, the South Bank Winter Festival brings unique stalls offering global food delights, the Rekorderlig Cider Lodge, and a breathtaking riverside view. Alongside the market, there’s a full line-up of festive shows and events to catch nearby, making it an ideal stop for a festive night out in the capital. Look out for multi-sensory experiences, exhibitions, live podcasts and more.

Dates: November 1 2024 –  26 December 2024 (though some events continue after this)
Nearest station: Waterloo and Southwark
Nearest tube: Waterloo, Southwark and Embankment
Nearest car park: APCOA South Bank
Website

Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham

If you want a huge Christmas market to explore, look no further. Birmingham’s festival is the biggest outside of Germany and Austria, bringing Bavarian charm and festive cheer to Victoria Square and New Street. Known for traditional bratwurst, gluhwein, and stollen, it is teeming with handcrafted gifts, charming chalets, and carol singing. Expect big wheels, ice rinks and a singing Christmas moose called ‘Chris Moose’ too.

Dates: November 1 2024 –  24 December 2024
Nearest station: Birmingham New Street
Nearest car park: Swallow Street/Town Hall
Website

Edinburgh Christmas Market, Edinburgh

Of course, this festival hotspot has a cracking Christmas Market. In recent years, it’s expanded across Princes Street Gardens to The Mound and up the Royal Mile, all set against possibly the best-looking backdrop in the UK. Expect stalls full of artisan crafts, gourmet foods, and Christmas magic including Santa’s stories, the big wheel, illuminated paths, and a 450 strong Christmas Tree maze. And all for free!

Dates: November 15, 2024 - January 4, 2024
Nearest station: Edinburgh Waverley
Nearest car park: Castle Terrace
Website

Winter Wonderland, Nottingham

Positioned underneath one of the most impressive giant Christmas trees is East Midlands’ largest Christmas market, lighting up Nottingham’s Old Market Square with 70 Bavarian-style stalls, fairground rides, and live music. Grotto, ice rink, observation wheel, rides and a stunning ice bar – it’s the complete package.

Dates: November 13, 2024 – December 31, 2024
Nearest station: Nottingham
Nearest car park: Lace Market, Trinity Square and Broad Marsh
Website

Manchester Christmas Market, Manchester

One of the UK’s longest-standing and largest Christmas markets, Manchester’s festive zones take over nine city locations, with Albert Square’s grand setting leading the way. Visit Exchange Square, Cathedral Gardens, and Piccadilly Gardens to experience the best of European market flair, with everything from handmade crafts to mulled wine… and we mean everything – the variety is remarkable. Bear in mind that many stalls here are cash-only!

Dates: November 8, 2024 – December 22, 2024
Nearest station: Victoria, Piccadilly, or Oxford Road Station
Nearest car park: King Street West and China Town (parking in Ancoats is quieter and cheaper, and still within walking distance)
Website

Bath Christmas Market, Bath

Nestled within UNESCO World Heritage site Bath’s Georgian streets, the Christmas market is beloved for its distinctive artisan crafts, handmade gifts, and local food and drink options. The 150+ chalet stalls, all locally sourced, reflect the market’s commitment to quality and authenticity. With Bath Abbey as a backdrop, it’s a truly scenic holiday setting, and the perfect stop for a day of festive shopping, then unwinding at Bath’s famous spa. This market is consistently recognised as one of the UK’s best.

Dates: November 28, 2024 – December 15, 2024
Nearest station: Bath Spa (it’s also not far from London)
Nearest car park: Manvers Street, Avon Street and Kingsmead Square
Website

Cardiff Christmas Market, Cardiff

Named The Times’ Number One market in the UK, Cardiff’s Christmas Market has been perfecting its festive charm for 30 years this year, so it’s a big anniversary! Celebrating handmade craftsmanship, it features unique items from local artisans, whether that’s stunning glasswork, intricate ceramics, or beautifully crafted jewellery. Vendors change every 5-10 days, so you’ll find new treasures every week. Stroll through Hayes, Trinity Street, St. John, and Working Street to enjoy seasonal aromas and the sparkle of one-of-a-kind gifts, all in charming pedestrian-only areas.

Dates: November 14, 2024 – December 23, 2024
Nearest station: Cardiff Central and Queen Street
Nearest car park: NCP Westgate Street, NCP Cardiff Rappots
Website

Winchester Cathedral, Winchester

Winchester Cathedral’s enchanting Christmas market has earned its place among Europe’s Top Ten and was named the UK’s second-best Christmas market in 2018. With around 100 thoughtfully chosen chalets, it transforms the Cathedral grounds into a festive wonderland, filled with tempting treats and unique gifts. The atmosphere is completed by the Cathedral Choir’s uplifting carols, adding an unforgettable, magical touch to this historic setting.

Dates: November 22, 2024 – December 22, 2024
Nearest station: Winchester (near Southampton, and 1hr from London)
Nearest car park: Barfied P&R and St. Catherines P&R
Website

St Nicholas Fair, York

York’s beautiful Christmas Market is set against a backdrop of historical charm, making it a must-visit during the festive season. Stroll past alpine-style chalets filled with locally crafted gifts, artwork, and delicious seasonal treats. The towering Christmas tree and talented buskers fill the streets with holiday spirit, while the twinkling lights set a cozy, magical mood. York’s compact layout makes exploring on foot easy, with highlights like The Shambles Market adding an extra touch of medieval allure. This award-winning market is a true festive gem.

Dates: November 17, 2024 – December 23, 2024
Nearest station: York
Nearest car park: Coppergate or Q-Park, but York Park & Ride is free, with £3.60 buses every 12mins.
Website

If you really want to embrace the Christmas countdown, how about a Wine Advent Calendar?

The Best Wine Advent Calendars of 2024

Why should kids have all the countdown fun? Boozy advent calendars have redefined holiday anticipation, turning December into a delightfully wine-filled journey. Each year, new and imaginative creations emerge, with offerings that aren’t just about quantity but real quality. And the best bit? You don’t need to risk buying a whole bottle to get a taste. This year, whether it’s 12 full-sized bottles or 24 perfectly poured sippers, there’s a treat waiting behind every door, so even if the rest of your days are filled with buildup and stress, you get a moment to yourself.

If wine discovery sparks your joy, then these calendars are your ticket to exploring new varietals from around the world. We’ve scoured the options to help you find the best of the bunch and arrived at this selection. Go on, treat yourself - you deserve it!

Laithwaites Mixed 2024 Advent Calendar

Laithwaites offers a merry mix of red, white, and rosé, perfect for any wine lover. Each day holds a 187ml bottle, and the grand finale? A 750ml pricey Prosecco for a true Christmas Eve toast! It’s a thoughtful and crowd-pleasing selection from an industry favourite, making it easy to try something new each day while sticking to trusted wines. A festive choice for classic tastes with a touch of surprise. You simply pay your £10 deposit (which gets taken off the price later on) to secure your calendar.

Advent Days included: 24
Bottle/Can Size: 187ml plus 1 x full size bottle
Find here: £89.99

Virgin Wines Mixed Wine Advent Calendar 2024

Virgin Wines led the charge in bringing wine advent calendars to the UK, and they’re still nailing it. This aesthetic selection boasts reds, whites, rosés, and fizz, each tucked behind a festive door, building to a celebratory full bottle on Christmas Day – yep, 25 doors. Each wine is handpicked and many are from small producers you won’t find at your local store. So, if you’re the type who loves a holiday surprise and discovering hidden wine gems, this calendar is the perfect countdown companion. If you’d rather zero in on red or white, then they have those options too.

Advent Days included: 25
Bottle/Can Size: 187ml
Find here: £89.99

Perfect Cellars Fine Wine Advent Calendar 2024

Perfect Cellars brings elegance to every festive sip with this line up of 24 premium wines. From Bordeaux classics to Italian icons, the focus here is on world-leading regions, with each 100ml pouch includes a story of provenance, making each day a refined journey in wine. If you’re after something rich and sophisticated without breaking the bank, this calendar is your go-to for luxurious tasting nights at home.

Advent Days included: 24
Bottle/Can Size: 100ml
Find here: £189

Naked Wines Advent Calendar 2024

Naked Wines has crafted a line up of wine pouches from its independent winemaker network, each with its own special twist. Expect reds, whites, and perhaps even a dessert wine to keep things interesting. Packaged in a pull-out bookshelf design, it’s an affordable yet generous choice for anyone keen on supporting indie winemakers and exploring something new each day. You even get a QR code to read about where the wine you’re currently drinking came from… and the money you spend on it will be reinvested into supporting small winemakers too!

Advent Days included: 24
Bottle/Can Size: 100ml
Find here: £99.99

Brixton Wine Club Advent Calendar 2024  

Get adventurous with Brixton Wine Club’s fun-filled calendar, featuring a mix of award-winning wines from the UK’s independent wine scene as well as nine other nations. Each day delivers a unique taste, like Mediterranean orange wine or low-intervention Riesling. The sleek can design is a convenient and eco-friendly way to enjoy your wines, making this an ideal pick for the curious and eco-conscious drinker. Interesting and accessible wines every day – what’s not to love?

Advent Days included: 24
Bottle/Can Size: 187ml-250ml
Find here: £130

If you’re after a spirit advent then fear not, we’re all over that too – check here!

Christmas Leftovers Made Fun: Festive Afternoon Tea

Be it making too much or receiving loads of foody presents, you’re bound to have lots of leftovers and little bites in the days after Christmas.

It could be instead of the traditional Boxing Day cold buffet, or just as a replacement for weeks of turkey soup, but a Festive Afternoon Tea is a great way to get all those spare bits together and assemble them into something special.  We’ve got a handy guide below for ideas of what foods to include and the drinks that perfectly accompany them!

The Perfect Food for a Festive Afternoon Tea

First Course

First up, those festive finger sandwiches. Turkey and cranberry sauce are a must, but brie or camembert with cranberry would also be a lovely twist if you’re willing to include some toasted elements.  Smoked salmon, avocado and cream cheese is also a winner.

If you have any spare from the Christmas dinner (not likely as they’re many people’s favourite bit), then pigs in blankets are perfect bite sized foods for the savoury rung. The same goes for any mini sausage rolls, which is also great excuse to get any festive chutneys involved (spiced, cranberry, apple etc.)

A nice festive quiche with winter vegetables and thyme would make a great vegetarian option here, or a slice of the nut roast from Christmas Dinner if there’s leftovers.

Second Course

It’s not really an afternoon tea without scones, jam and cream occupying that middle rung, is it? For a festive twist, cranberry scones are delicious, especially with orange and cinnamon.

Chances are there will be a few preserves given as gifts, so it’s time to crack them open. If you didn’t get any, then any flavour will do, but focus on berries. Strawberry and champagne jam is perfect for the occasion. Keep the clotted cream simple.

Third Course

It goes without saying that there will probably be plenty of sweet treats to use up here.

Get those slices of leftover Christmas cake up on the top rung, and you have to include a few mince pies if they’re still going strong.

There’s no reason not to include traditional afternoon tea favourites like macarons, profiteroles, fruit tartes or Victoria sponges either.

We think some liquor chocolates are gorgeous peppered in and out of bigger sweet treats too, so it’s time to make a dent in those boxes if you haven’t already.

The Perfect Drinks for a Festive Afternoon Tea

Champagne

When Champagne is enjoyed alongside Afternoon Tea, it becomes a Royal Afternoon Tea, so I guess this would be a Royal Festive Afternoon Tea. Far from being just an extravagance, it is actually ideal for the bites above. A gorgeous Brut Champagne is a great all-rounder, because the gentle fizz and delicate fruitiness soothes throughout. Creamy, brioche and nutty notes pair well with the sweets as well as clotted cream and cheeses, and there’s enough acidity to cut through fatty oils in the pigs in blankets, sausage rolls and pastries. Every sip feels special too, which helps the festive celebrations along.

Moscato d’Asti

Moscato d’Asti isn’t the one if you’re looking for something to pair with every level of the Afternoon Tea, but it does absolutely shine with the sweeter bites. It’s so refreshing, with delicate bubbles, low alcohol and an ideal balance of acidity and sweetness. Cakes, sponges, and anything citrus – this is delightful.

Prosecco

Similar to Moscato d’Asti above, Prosecco is a companion that shines with the sweeter dishes. It’s light and fruity, and as long as you get one with a bit of intensity and complexity, it shouldn’t be overwhelmed by the flavours in the food. There’s enough fruity sweetness to avoid becoming horribly bitter and acidic, and the effervescence clears everything between bites nicely.

Riesling

Riesling has a fantastic food-friendly reputation, being armed to deal with all sorts of textures and flavours. Sharp acidity cuts through any fats and grease in meats, with residual sugar to deal with sweeter finishes. It’s fresh and lively to give a break from any overwhelming richness too.

Festive tea

We had to include tea of course. Why not fully embrace the season with a Christmas tea blend? There are lots out there, but you’ll usually find winter spices, citrus and orchard fruits – so expect cinnamon, clove, cardamom, orange and alike. It’ll throw up lots of complimentary flavours with other seasonal flavours in the food, and high heat is surprising in its ability to refresh the palate.

Sherry

A sure-fire way to put an Afternoon Tea through the Christmas transformation machine, we’re looking at sherry for those puddings. More precisely, Pedro Ximenez or Oloroso, with good sweetness and those delicious notes of dried fruits, nutsy and rich chocolates.

Pinot Noir

There’s no need for anything as heavy as a Barolo with light and varied bites like this, but a light Pinot Noir with tonnes of those soft red fruits is perfect. New Zealand Pinot is often the vibrant, fruity character we’re after, and they also happen to be rich and structured too, so can handle a little sweet spice. It’s absolutely delicious with cranberry sauce too. It’s a favourite for those Boxing Day cold spreads, so why not an Afternoon Tea twist?

If you’ve still got loads of Christmas Cake, Christmas Pudding and Mince Pies to chomp through, then we’ve got a detailed guide on drinks that marry them deliciously.

What Should I Drink With Christmas Dinner?

Christmas Dinner is usually most people’s biggest meal of the year, with a lot of flavours jostling for position, and if you’re hosting, lots of different tastes at the table. Food might be the main focus, but don’t let the drinks get lost under all those different dishes!

Everyone has different opinions and the perfect wine for all simply doesn’t exist, so alongside Christmas dinner, it’s best to seek out crowd-pleasers that will let the food shine. We know every Christmas dinner is different, so we’ll highlight particularly delicious pairings in bold so you can find the ideal wine for you. Let the feast commence.

WHITE WINE

Riesling

We’ve got a few food pairing guides now, and there is a good reason why we pretty much always return to Riesling. It can deal with so many flavours and textures and is a fantastic all-rounder. Bringing sharp acidity, it’s perfect for cutting through the fatty goodness of goose, duck, ham and roasties – pretty much anything with a bit of grease. Dry Riesling bring a touch of residual sugar and be less alcohol intensive, and therefore food-friendly with sweet glazes or honeyed meats.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £13

Chardonnay

Whites need to big and bold, particularly with the crispy skin of turkey, but also something to relieve the richness on the table, so we’re looking at lightly oaked Chardonnay. Make sure it still has fruity flavours, and it will be a versatile pairing for salty ham and gammon too, as well as the increasingly popular vegetarian or vegan nut roast, that needs its richness offset.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 9.8%
Find here: £8.99

SPARKLING WINE

Champagne

Bubbles are always great with heavy feasts like the Christmas dinner, and sparkling wine is of course, a food-friendly option. Rich, salty flavours will likely be present, so avoid sweet or rosé champagnes, and instead look to brut. Particularly after the meal, the gentle fizz and fragrant fruitiness is beautifully soothing. It also helps that is screams celebration. Also, if you’re on of the few people embracing seafood on the big day, then the saline mineral character of bubbly is a famous pairing. Of course, there’s no need to splash out (although there are great value Champagnes like this one), and affordable alternatives like Crémant and Cava would work just as well.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £48.50

RED WINE

Merlot

A serial crowd-pleaser, find a merlot in the smooth and velvety style, because some others can be heavily oaked. Chilean merlot is a great source of value in this area. Particularly with turkey, it’s more about sauce and stuffing than the meat, and as cranberry sauce is nailed on, we want bright, fruity wines to match. And if the turkey has ended up a bit dry, then the juicy feel doesn’t hurt either. Chilean bottles in particular bring that vibrance, as well as acidity to cut through any fats and refresh the palate. It’s a good option for Christmas ham too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £11.60

Barolo

If you’re serving goose or even duck and red is a must, then an Italian number like Barolo could be the answer. The foods are very indulgent and fatty, so you need something like a well-structured Barolo to slice through. If you’ve scrapped the turkey and gone for any darker, more savoury meats like the above or beef, then big, punchy Barolo is the answer.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £24.99 (less with Mix Six)

Pinot Noir

Light-bodied and brimming with soft red fruits, Pinot Noir will sing with those cranberry sauce helpings alongside the turkey. Central Otago New Zealand Pinot tends to fit the bright and fruity profile we’re looking for, and they’re also some of the richest and structured, so work particularly well with any sweet glazes (usually ham), or spices. Make sure you don’t go for something too tannic, because it will seem harsh without the fat to soften the tannins. The great thing about leftover Christmas day Pinot is that it’s perfect for the Boxing Day leftovers, ideally light for cold meats.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £19.99

This is just a guide for the big meal itself, but we know as well as you do that Christmas grazing is an all day and all night affair. What should you drink with Christmas pudding or mince pies? Or perhaps you’re after some wine and cheese pairings in the evening? We’ve got recommended bottles for every occasion on the site, as well as tonnes of handy gift guides and recipes.

What Should I Drink With Christmas Cake, Pudding and Mince Pies?

If you’re not gorging on at least one of these this December, then are you even doing Christmas? Of course, mince pies, Christmas cake, and Christmas pudding have their differences, but they’re all based around rich fruits, usually dried, or candied, as well as nuts and spices. Because of this, the same kind of drinks tend to work with them, and work they certainly do – these pairings are mouth-watering, and exactly what Christmas indulgence is about.

Sherry

Sweet, luxurious sherry is such a perfect match. Stick to Pedro Ximenez or Oloroso styles, and the dried fruits, nuts, and silky, rich chocolatey notes will pair up like a match made in taste heaven. It’s a traditional pairing too, so fully embraces the season. We’ve just uploaded our sherry guide for Christmas too, which details recommendations and information about all the styles.

Size: 375ml (half bottle)
ABV: 17%
Find here: £13.65

Port

Tawny Port in particular is a great way to go, brimming with red and black fruits, and if it’s got decent aging, nutty undertones too. The tawny is slightly less sweet than ruby ports, so the richer, nuttier, treacley flavours work well, especially if you’re using brandy butter. This Kopke Tawny is lovely and rich, with a velvety mouthfeel complimenting any cream.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 19.5%
Find here: £14.99

Madeira

Part of Madeira wine’s fundamental manufacturing is heat, giving tonnes of stewed fruits and burnt sugar notes, as well as delicious nutty flavours. I mean, the nose often smells of Christmas cake even! They also keep their acidity nicely, which helps to avoid everything becoming a bit weighed down and cloying. It isn’t as traditional as a glass of sherry but works just as well.  This Blandy’s number is full-on and fruity, but most decent sweet Maderia wines will do the job.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 19%
Find here: £12.99 (usually more!)

Muscat

Dessert wines with carrying hints of apricot or orange work nicely, playing into the festive fruits nicely. Spanish Moscatel de Valencia is a good option – it’s a honeyed wine that’s also fresh and fruity, with lofty florality. It also provides a bit of refreshment and tang if the richness is getting a bit much,

Size: 750ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £7.99

These Christmas sweet treats are all similar in profile, but the same cannot be said for other desserts, where they may be sharp citrus, custard or other difficult to match flavours and textures. Luckily, we have a whole guide on what to drink with Classic British Puddings here!

8 Stunning Christmas Hampers from DukesHill

Without question, a magically presented hamper is a wonderful Christmas gift, but the festive feast within has to live up to expectations, and we’ve found some that do just that.

DukesHill have built a reputation for delivering artisan hampers that blow people away, putting provenance and quality at the heart of everything they do, from their best-in-class ham to their brandy steeped award-winning Christmas pudding. They’ve even got a Royal Warrant for their cured hams, so these hampers are literally fit for a king, as well as The Ritz, Harrods, and Fortnum & Mason to name a few.

We’re featuring eight of our favourite Christmas hampers here, but rest assured, they have an entire mouthwatering food hall on their site, as well as gift boxes and year-round hampers that are just as suitable for Christmas to be honest. Also, every single hamper comes with a wicker basket for that authentic quality feel, which we love.

Without further ado, let’s get stuck into some of their juiciest offerings and enter a festive feast paradise.

DukesHill Christmas Hampers to Gift

DukesHill Deck The Halls Christmas Hamper

7 premium items fill this 14” wicker basket, which is perfect for sampling and sharing, especially for those with a sweet tooth. Gran Moravia & pistachio sables are included with fig chutney, as well as the highly acclaimed Christmas pudding, classic panettone, authentic shortbread, and a ginger biscuit chocolate bar. Oh, and it’s all washed down with a bottle of Tanners Cava Brut. Fa la la la la, la la la la!

Find here: £60

DukesHill Wine & Cheese Hamper

One of the cheaper DukesHill Hampers but completely indulgent all the same, the charming wicker basket contains a big slab of Isle of Mull cheddar and potent Cote Hill Blue Cheese, ready to marry with the crackers, apple, and sultana chutney and, the star of the show, the Chateau Argadens Bordeaux – rich, oaky and deep. It’s a complete package of harmonious pairings for a festive wine and cheese experience.

Find here: £65

DukesHill Whisky Cask Cider Savoury Hamper

This hearty hamper gets the ball rolling with the flavoursome Isle of Mull cheddar, perfectly paired with the finest charcuterie – lomo, bresaola, porchetta and pastrami. Complimenting this is their signature fig chutney and crackers, before the shining star – a litre of whisky cask cider. It’s matured for half a year in single malt Scotch casks, and delivers refreshing smoothness alongside warm, oaky vanilla.

Find here: £69

DukesHill Jingle Bells Christmas Hamper

A best-seller, this 14” wicker basket contains savoury and sweet treats for all tastes. It mostly focuses on the classics, so that’s rich honey honey-baked ham, delicate smoked salmon, black waxed cheddar, and apple & sultana chutney. The Jingle Bells sweet section is just as pleasing, with the compulsory Christmas pudding, panettone, and a dreamy premium biscuit bundle. So much quality for the price.

Find here: £75

DukesHill Bah Humbug! Christmas Hamper

This is one to get even the most anti-Christmas person into the festive spirit, with 12 delicious items representing their most popular treats. Honey baked honey ham is cured by DukeHill’s own experts, joining sliced oak smoked salmon and pork rillettes, which are an exclusive creation using peppers and spices. Beyond this, fig chutney is waiting to be paired with the black waxed cheddar, and delving into dessert, there’s handmade Loch Lomond shortbread, award-winning Christmas Pudding, Panettone and a selection of gorgeous biscuits and chocolates. Splendid.

Find here: £95

DukesHill Chocolatier's Collection Chocolate Christmas Hamper

An absolute dream for the chocoholics, this exceptional collection contains a handy hot chocolate shaker for velvety smooth hot choccy all year round, and bags of milk chocolate drops, dark chocolate orange flakes and blonde chocolate flakes to start making them with. 16 hand decorated artisan Christmas truffles are also included, alongside two luxury chocolate bars – pistachio & cranberry, and marmalade dark chocolate. Willy Wonka would be proud.

Find here: £95

DukesHill It’s A Wonderful Life Hamper

This is a top-notch all-rounder, bursting with 14 quality items. For the savoury treasures, there’s the signature Wiltshire ham (1.2kg min.), oak-smoked salmon (perfect for blinis), pork rillettes which are joined by the deliciously creamy Cote Hill blue cheese and Isle of Mull Cheddar. A fresh fruit cake, chocolate honeycomb, premium mince pies and Scottish shortbread satisfy the sweet tooth, and Tanners Cava Brut washes everything down. Dig into the basket and you’ll keep finding more… chutney, sables, oatcakes, Christmas Pudding… all generously portioned and of quintessential British quality. Christmas is well and truly sorted with this.

Find here: £195

DukesHill Truly Magnificent Christmas Hamper

We couldn’t resist including this, because if you can afford it, it’s very, very special indeed. ‘Truly Magnificent’ is the pièce de resistance of DukesHill, featuring two 20” baskets bulging with 39 festive treasures. Carefully curated, it includes a panoramic range of the best food and drink. A 4.5kg St. George’s Boneless Ham, 1k of Sliced Oak Smoked Salmon Side, a host of iconic cheeses and chutneys, award-winning Christmas pudding, brandy butter, fine chocolates… there is just too much to list. There are even five of their finest bottles, including Champagne, port and wine. ‘Truly Magnificent’ says it all really.

Find here: £895

The Best Whisky to Gift for Christmas

We all know whisky can take a while to get into, and once you’re in, there are so many delicious styles to try, so buying the right bottle for someone this Christmas is a challenge.

From sweeter, ex-bourbon casks to smoky peat expressions, we’ve sniffed out the best whiskies in each category to gift for Christmas. They’re all bottles that we love, with rave reviews, and crucially, they more than justify their price tags. Let’s start with a wee dram…

The Best Scotch Whisky to Gift for Christmas

Arran Barrel Reserve Whisky

This is a bourbon-matured single malt from, of course, the Isle of Arran, a picturesque place rich with whisky heritage. It’s light and soft, with surprising citrus and crisp green apples, as well as a touch of fiery smoke. The smoothness and distinct profile will be a winner for those wanting to try something a little different.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £34.24

Mac-Talla Terra Whisky

Over to Islay now, for a single malt bringing that signature woody smoke and sea salt. ‘Mac-Talla’ means echo in Gaelic, and ‘Terra’ is Earth, so the name hints at the savoury peat, oaky cinders and peppery earthiness that stretches deep into the finish. Vanilla lifts things up a little too, and makes this one of the more approachable smoky drams.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £47.49

The Best Irish Whiskey to Gift for Christmas

Proclamation Blended Irish Whiskey

Celebrating Ireland’s independence, Proclamation is a glass of history, even down to the ABV which is a nod to the 1916 document’s 7 signatures. The blended liquid itself is really delicious, full of character with créme brulée and fruity caramel infused from bourbon maturation and the sherry finish. Smooth, complex, and fantastically rounded, it’s well worth the hype and top notch value too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.7%
Find here: £27.49

Kinahan’s The Kasc Project Whiskey

This is a brave exploration of hybrid casks, making use of 5 different woods (Portuguese, American, French, Hungarian oak, and chestnut), all in 1 barrel. Tasting this is such an adventure, with so much depth behind the dark amber hue, and smoothness on every sip. Expect charred tropical fruits, winter spices, nutty undertones, caramel chocolates, and overall, an Irish whisky that draws comparisons to bourbon and cognac.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £33.95

The Best American Whiskey to Gift for Christmas

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey

This is one of the best value whiskies in America, delivering a seductively creamy profile laced with fruity sweetness. The expression is rounded out by being half wheat, 20% malt, 20% corn and a little rye too, so you get great vanilla and rich toasty notes too. Fabulously balanced.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 45.2%
Find here: £39.94

WhistlePig PiggyBack 6 Year Old Whiskey

WhistlePig have blazed a trail in the world of rye, bringing it back to the premium positioning it deserves. This was made with cocktails in mind, so for any Manhattans and Old Fashioneds, it’s perfect. It delivers great spice and sharpness, but it’s a smooth ride the whole way, with citrus, ripe fruits and toasted winter spices.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 48.3%
Find here: £49.90

The Best Japanese Whisky to Gift for Christmas

Toki Blended Japanese Whisky

This is a blend of The House of Suntory’s 3 distilleries, primarily made of Hakashu single malt and Chita grain whisky, and what an introduction to Japanese whisky it is. It’s light in colour and feel, but full of flavour with lofty vanilla and caramel notes, as well as fruity citrus. It’s approachable and rounded, and therefore very quaffable.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £31.89

Nikka Whisky From The Barrel

Nikka Whisky has great oomph with that boosted strength packing lots of precise flavour, hence the awards. Bourbon, sherry, and hogsheads are all used to age it, and the palate punches with winter spice, caramel, and toffee, plus plenty of rich fruit. It doesn’t lack smoothness either, delivering that classic Japanese elegance.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 51.4%
Find here: £40.25

The Best World Whisky to Gift for Christmas

Starward Left-Field Whisky

Whisky from Melbourne is sure to make for an interesting Christmas gift, right? All the ingredients are sourced nearby to the distillery, and that includes the red wine barrels used for ageing. The wine-woodiness quality here is noticeable, rich with dried fruits, maple syrup and baking spice. It isn’t the most complex whisky out there, but it’s super smooth and full of characterful fruity deliciousness.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £32.95

Paul John Bold Whisky

This is a fully peated single malt from Paul Distilleries, using quality Islay peat which is brought to Goa to dry their Indian barley. All that work pays off because it’s deliciously intense, playing off peat, fruits and honey harmoniously. The tobacco, coffee and smoke come through at the end for an in-your face Indian whisky that demands your attention.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £39.94 (usually more!)

Lot 40 Rye Whisky

Now for some Canadian rye, and this is a legendary representative of it. Once discontinued, Lot 40 is now back, to the delight of whisky connoisseurs. The rye is earthy and kicks straight away before spices like cardamom and pepper florally unfold alongside vanilla. The spice lingers on the finish as you expect. This is one of the best ryes around this price, if not the best.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £37.99

Mackmyra Svensk Rök (Swedish Smoke) Whisky

The fundamentals of this whisky sort of explain themselves – it’s from Sweden, and it’s packed full of smoky peat. The nose is expected but lovely, but there is a bright juniper note in the mouth that comes out of left field, before a smoky, aniseed finish. If you know someone who’s into peaty Islay numbers, then this is a great twist to give them.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 46.1%
Find here: £48.65

We’ve been busy bees lately, working to get Christmas guides and recommendations for tonnes of drinks on the website, so you can deliver a memorable gift that hits the spot. Perhaps you’re looking for unique bottles that stand out? Or maybe you know a gin lover? Or rum? They’re all there and more on the site.

The Best Sherry to Sip on this Christmas

Far, far too many drinkers are disregarding Sherry as an overly sweet, fortified wine that only your Nan drinks and missing out on a really varied and delicious world.

With Christmas coming up, there is no better time to give it another go, because between the tangy crispness of the paler expressions, and the richer complexity of the darker liquids, you’re bound to find one you fall in love with.

We’ll touch on the styles as we go, but for a more detailed breakdown, check out our handy ABC Guide to Sherry Styles.

Fino

Tio Pepe Fino

When it comes to Sherry, Fino is the epitome of bone-dry crispness. Palomino fino grapes (hence the name) are what’s used, and this Tio Pepe Fino is so dry, with no sweetness. Instead, it cuts through with salted almonds and umami touches, and makes an incredible dance partner with salty snacks. It won’t be for everyone, but those that love it really love it.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £13 Sainsbury’s (£10 Nectar price)

Manzanilla

M. Antonio de la Riva Manzanilla Fina Miraflores Baja N.V.

Manzanilla styles like this take on the salts in the soil and the air from being made in the port of Sanlúcar, as well as humidity meaning more yeast (flor), and therefore more protection against oxygen… meaning supreme lightness and freshness. This is a particularly complex Manzanilla, with nutty, olive-y lightness and salinity right through to the finish.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £24.50

Amontillado

Gonzalez Byass Vina AB Amontillado

Amontillado Sherry takes up a similar position to Fino, but with more exposure to oxygen in the oak barrels (butts) and longer ageing, there’s a noticeably darker colouring and complexity, with richer, nutty flavours. This Gonzales Byass is a fantastic representative of the style, bringing super smooth, intense, almonds and raisins. The nose is sweeter than the palate, which is wonderfully dry, with a savoury umami profile.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 16.5%
Find here: £16.50

Palo Cortado

Very Rare Palo Cortado

This style falls somewhere between Amontillado and Oloroso, delivering freshness from the former, and complex body from the latter. It’s the trendiest style of Sherry if you want to look like you know what you’re talking about, and this bottle is delivers dry intensity with citrus tang, as well as plummy almond notes.

Size: 375ml
ABV: 19%
Find here: £8.50

Pedro Ximenez

San Emilio Pedro Ximenez Solera Reserva Emilio Lustau - HALF BOTTLE

PX is where you go for your sweetness, named after the grape, that makes it, and therefore standing out from the other styles. Semi-dried grapes give all that natural sweetness, the texture is far treaclier, and the colour is an extremely dark red. The prestigious Lustau are behind this indulgent Sherry, filled out with lush chocolatey raisins, dried figs and toffee.

Size: 375ml
ABV: 17%
Find here: £13.65

Oloroso

Sandeman Armada Superior Cream Oloroso Sherry

One of the most famous styles, Olorosos like this develop because of a lack of yeast (flor), so you get a deliciously dark, rich, and complex expression like this mahogany gem, with notes like cocoa and fig popping up and a velvety lingering aftertaste.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 17.5%
Find here: £11

If you’re after more recommendations for drinkers to stock up on this Christmas, or perfect gifts,  then we’ve got tonnes of guides up on the site now, like Rum, Gin and Champagne.