Glowing in the dark, Christmas Markets at the base of Bath Abbey.
After a whirlwind tour of France and England these last two weeks and with so much to do before we celebrate the holidays ourselves, we’re offering you, our readers, small glimpses of the English holiday season rather than lengthy posts for the next few days. We’re calling them “postcards” since we’ll share one or two pictures each day — of decorations or markets or holiday color — ’til the 25th. Here’s hoping these daily glimpses of seasonal sightings in England — some splashy, some subtle — will put you in the spirit of the holidays and transport you to a land where charm abounds.
From us to you: Christmas 2016 Postcards from England!
December 15, 2016 — Greetings from Bath, England
At the base of Bath Abbey, Christmas Markets glow in the dark. Over 170 wooden structures house crafty things, imported goods, handmade items, or whatever the vendor wants to share with you. We loved the markets for color and charm, for unique qualities of workmanship or just for what the vendor wanted to share with us. And we were content to look, listen to the exchanges, and purchase a little — as we sampled life in England at Christmastime.
Come back tomorrow for another postcard. Merry Christmas!
— Bert and Rusha
dawnkinster
Wow! Christmas in England! Thanks for sharing with us!
Oh, the Places We See
You are so welcome, Dawn. I loved the magic at every turn — from glitz at the department stores to subtle, tasteful wreaths in the Cotswolds.
Andy Oldham
Almost makes you feel like a kid again! Beautiful!
Oh, the Places We See
You betcha. We did feel kid-like! In fact, we asked the boomerang demonstrator to do it again and again. Then we bought two boomerangs. It remains to be seen if we can make a go of it! Best wishes for happy holidays!
Andy Oldham
Merry Christmas! Enjoy being a kid🎁
Debi @ My Kitchen Witch
Making me nostalgic for our home back in the UK. Being here in Greece means we miss out on all these holiday markets! Looks like you have having a grand time in England. Don’t miss Oxford – the covered market this time of year is spectacular with all sorts of game hanging from hooks outside the butchers and the cheesemonger sells the best seasonal cheeses from around England.
Oh, the Places We See
I’d love to live a while in England, especially the Cotswolds, so we could visit and explore more. We had to miss Oxford so that’s definitely a destination for next time. Hope your holidays are wonderful!
Martha Gill
Thank you for sharing, Rusha and Bert. And thanks for arranging to have us at the Manor House this week—a wonderful setting.
Oh, the Places We See
Martha, it was our pleasure to host this year, and we may be doing it again next year. So glad to see you and Jim, two of our favorite people! Best wishes for happy holidays!
Tvor
It would be a great spot for a market, there in front of the abbey. I’ve been to the Christmas markets in Manchester which are next to the town hall and a few close by streets. They’re a lot of fun but sooo crowded!
Oh, the Places We See
I know what you mean. These had reasonable crowds, and we could shop. But the ones in Paris near the Champs-Elysees, forget it! Packed!
Supriya
the photos look lovely!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. I’m still not adept at night photography, but you all got an idea of what we saw — and it was lovely!!!
Supriya
I think you’ve done well 😀
Wendy
Bath is a lovely City and I’m glad you’re enjoying your visit here in the UK… Happy Xmas from this Manchester blogger… You’ll have to travel ‘North’ on your next visit… Enjoy the rest of your trip. x
Oh, the Places We See
I so want to go back. Been thinking ever since we returned to the States about how I could find a place to rent for a couple of weeks. But don’t know if we can drive on left side. This is one country, however, that I really want to explore fully. — Rusha
Wendy
How lovely.. you can get around our ‘little’ Country really well by train if you don’t fancy driving.. It’s only 2 hours by train from London to Manchester now and from here you have links to the Lake District – definitely worth a visit. I hope you get chance to return.. x
cindy knoke
Wonderful but half of your photos are cut off in the new WordPress Reader!
https://cindyknoke.com/2016/12/15/changes-to-wp-reader/
Oh, the Places We See
So glad you told me about this and included the link which led me to see what they’re up to. Not right. But is there anything I can do about it?
cindy knoke
Oh I wish I was there!
Oh, the Places We See
And I wish I could return. Already thinking how I could wrangle a way to spend a month in England and just travel around those sweet towns. Would have to drive on left side, however!!! — Rusha
diane frisch
lovely!
Oh, the Places We See
You are so right. My favorite was the dried fruit booth — totally covered even in on top with merchandise!
Tee Shaw
Beautiful pics! I’ve been there. It’s amazing!
Oh, the Places We See
I wish I had had more time. There were more stalls behind the church than in front, and I missed them. My husband, however, is glad. I heard him say, “We have no more room in the suitcase” a million times!!! — Rusha