A CHRISTMAS fayre in the city has been officially ranked as one of the best Christmas markets in the UK.

The Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre has been recognised as one of the top 25 Christmas markets in the UK according to Enjoy Travel.

Christmas markets originated in Germany in the Middle Ages but continue to be popular in the UK, and across Europe, today.

Worcester's Fayre is ranked 24th on the list of the top 25 Christmas markets in the UK with the city council's chair of Worcester City Council’s Place and Economic Development committee, Robyn Norfolk, saying it was 'not a surprise' the city was ranked so highly.

A spokesperson for Enjoy Travel said Worcester's Christmas fayre between November 30 and December 3 was best for 'historic family entertainment'. 

They added: "Step into the past with a visit to Worcester’s Victorian Christmas Fayre.

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"Embrace the festive atmosphere and enjoy the wonderful entertainment programme, full of Victorian characters, musicians, and towering entertainers on stilts.

"Along with joyful entertainment, the Christmas Fayre puts on over 200 stalls selling international products, handmade crafts, festive gifts, unique jewellery, and more. It’s a charming setting, festooned with twinkling fairy lights and warmly lit chalets."

The top spot is taken by Edinburgh with Glasgow and Birmingham coming in second and third.

A spokesperson for Enjoy Travel said: "When the weather starts to chill, there’s one thing on our minds – Christmas. There’s nothing like the frosty mornings, warm country pubs, and thick-knitted jumpers that characterise the cosy, wintry Christmastime.

"The best way to celebrate the season is by visiting bustling Christmas markets. They originated in Germany in the Middle Ages, and have spread across Europe and some parts of the world."

Cllr Robyn Norfolk, chair of Worcester City Council’s Place and Economic Development committee, said: “It’s great news to find our Victorian Christmas Fayre is listed in the UK’s top 25, but it’s no surprise!

“So much hard work goes into the event and we work closely with stallholders, our local shops and Cotswold Markets to make sure it’s a weekend to remember. This year’s event is being sponsored by First Bus who will be ensuring everyone can visit the Fayre in a way that is both cheap and convenient.

“I think the fact that our Fayre has a Victorian theme makes it even more magical, after all it was the Victorians who started so many of our festive traditions such as Christmas cards, turkey and crackers. Worcester’s Victorian Christmas Fayre is a wonderful festive event for all the family to enjoy.”

Here is the complete list

(1) Edinburgh Christmas Market

(2) Glasgow George Square Winterfest

(3) Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market

(4) Blenheim Palace Christmas Market, Oxfordshire

(5) Manchester Christmas Market

(6) Southampton Christmas Festival

(7) Winter Wonderland – Hyde Park, London

(8) Bath Christmas Market

(9) Nottingham Winter Wonderland

(10) Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market

(11) Aberdeen Christmas Village

(12) Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

(13) Liverpool Christmas Market

(14) Cardiff Christmas Market

(15) Durham Christmas Festival

(16) Chester Christmas Market

(17) York St Nicholas Fair

(18) Belfast Christmas Market

(19) Bristol Christmas Market

(20) Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas Market Festival

(21) Dundee Ethical Christmas Fair

(22) Leeds Christmas Market

(23) Rochester Christmas Market

(24) Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre

(25) Llandudno Christmas Extravaganza