We’re well into November and it’s too late to deny it: Christmas is coming. Towns all across the country are getting ready and Sheffield has some exciting plans for the Festive Season this year.
If you’re studying at the University and living in student accommodation in Sheffield you’ll want to move quickly to get a dose of festive fun with your friends before you head home for the season. The Sheffield Christmas Markets are ideal: open from the 15th of November and runs until Christmas Eve, so you have plenty of time to get down there. The event is centred on the Town Hall Square and over the years has grown to spill over onto Fargate and the Peace Gardens as well. This year there are over 50 cabins to explore, so it gives you a great chance to pick some Christmas gifts, or at least soak up the atmosphere and some mulled wine from the infamous Sleigh Bar!
If you’ve got young family in Sheffield you’ve got lots of options to give the kids a touch of Christmas magic. One of the most exciting is the annual Christmas at Castle Howard. It’s a bit of a trip out of town, but it’s well worth the journey. The castle’s striking enough every other day of the year, but this Christmas the celebrations have taken it to another level! The theme is Angels on High and a heavenly host of angels are descending to fill the castle. As well as the angels, children can enjoy the gigantic Christmas Tree in the Main Hall, the traditional Gingerbread Castle and a chance to meet Father Christmas. Parents be warned and book ahead for ‘An Audience with Father Christmas’, as it’s a popular attraction and you don’t want disappointed children on the long journey home.
To really kick off the festivities, consider heading into the city centre for the Christmas Illuminations Switch On. Sunday the 19th of November will be a festive fun packed evening with music, rides, face painting and more chances for eager children to meet Father Christmas and reassure him they’ve been good all through the year.
These are just three of the highlights of the season you can look forward to in Sheffield this year – plenty more are coming so keep your ear to the ground to make sure you don’t miss any of the celebrations!
