Christmas has arrived in Coventry

The well-known tradition of the Christmas markets is one shared by many cities across the globe; I visited Coventry’s own to get into the festive spirit.

When planning to go to the Christmas markets, you prepare yourself for over-priced mulled wine and Bratwurst sausages; however, to my surprise Coventry’s mulled wine was £3.50 for 250ml. Yes, I know what you’re thinking, that’s still quite pricey. Although, it does beat the price of £7.50 I paid at the Birmingham markets down the road.

Admittedly, it is hard to compare the two markets as Coventry is merely a dot on the map compared to the maze that is Birmingham city centre; but Coventry has certainly given Christmas it’s best shot.

 The warm, golden glow from all the lights lit up the area as wooden huts were lined up around Broadgate. As we walked closer, we began to hear a live singer belting out some Christmas classics. This immediately heightened our festive mood and we slowly found ourselves singing along to Mariah Carey’s classic “All I Want for Christmas is You”.

A noticeable aspect of the markets was the lack of visitors. Coventry is a small city in comparison to others but it’s population count is still relatively large, yet it only seemed that a few wanted to help us celebrate the start of the Christmas period. It began to pick up around six o’clock in the evening at the bar with people enjoying a pint whilst listening to the live singer; however, the markets themselves close at six o’clock. This doesn’t help attract people as on a Friday evening people are willing to stay out late and enjoy themselves.

This didn’t stop us having a lovely, festive evening though as we admired the christmas decor and searched the markets for the best angle to get an Instagram-worthy picture from. There’s something about simple fairy lights and festive music in the background that can warm you up on a cold, winter’s evening and Coventry certainly embraced this as every part of the markets were lit up.

The Christmas markets are also known as the International Winter Markets and this was obvious from the moment we arrived. If the shopping works up an appetite then there is a vast range of food to choose from. Whether you want to fill up on the traditional Christmas gingerbread or try something more exotic like an ostrich burger, there’s something to wet everyone’s appetite.

The markets are perfect for families with a carousel and big wheel to keep children entertained and hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows available at the bar so they can enjoy the live festive music too.

It’s a simple yet brilliant way of getting into the Christmas spirit so it’s really worth a trip to Broadgate.

The Christmas markets are open until December 28.