It might be October, but Christmas is right around the corner and it won’t be long until people put away their pumpkins in place of trees and tinsel.
With Christmas fast approaching, you should also be thinking about presents to buy for your loved ones. And with so many gadgets, gizmos and gifts out there, picking the right one can be tricky. Why not share the gift of health with our fabulous beanbag tablet stands. Not only are they multi-purpose and suitable for all tablets, but they'll also prevent a whole range of nasty tablet injuries.
As always, you’ll be able to find us at plenty of Christmas Markets this year, so if you’re looking for the perfect present, your search ends now. Here are all the Christmas fairs and festivals we'll be attending in 2018.
Festive Gift Fair (15th – 18th November)
Location: NEC, Birmingham
Stand: D14
This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the NEC Birmingham Festive Gift Fair, and iBeani is proud to be a part of it! You can find us at stand D14, although we advise you look into prepaid parking due to it's popularity. Remember, everyone will want to take advantage of this opportunity to get a head start on their Christmas shopping – and you don’t want to end up spending most of the day looking for a parking spot!
You can grab tickets here for a very reasonable price, and that also includes “taste before you buy” from over 40 different food stands. These stands offer everything from chocolates to champagne, so you won’t be feeling peckish while you get an up-close look at our iBeanis!
York Xmas Market (15th November – 23rd December)
Location: Parliament Street, York
Stand: 30
For many people, Christmas shopping is a stressful rush, trying to get everyone’s presents sorted at the last minute; That shouldn’t be the case. At the York Christmas Market, you can enjoy the cities medieval architecture as you meander through the streets – one of the many reasons it’s one of the most popular Christmas markets in the country.
The market comes alive with the sound of Christmas carols and the smell of Mulled wine filling the streets. It doesn’t stop there though, you can also partake of some brandy-laced hot chocolate and chestnuts freshly roasted on the street corner.
You can find us and our iBeani’s at chalet 30, and after you’ve done a bit of shopping, why not visit Santa at his Grotto? It’s sure to be a hit with the kids! There’s also plenty of Christmas shows for you to attend at the Grand Opera House. These include “Cinderella” “A Christmas Carol” and “The Magic Hatter’s Christmas Cracker.”
If you’re looking to take your time while shopping and really get into the Christmas spirit, then this is the market for you.
Harrogate Christmas Market (15th – 18th November)
Location: Harrogate
Stand: Y02
What makes the Harrogate Christmas Market unique is its strong focus on regionally made products. You’ll find the best home-made and fairly traded Christmas goods here, and these four days of festivities are absolutely free for everyone!
There’s plenty of family entertainment to be found, with funfair rides and live music from local street musicians. This all combines to create a merry and joyful atmosphere that fills the walkways of stalls.
If you want a break from browsing our selection of iBeani’s, the Christmas Market is surrounded by Harrogate's bustling town centre. There you’ll find even more shopping opportunities, cosy cafes, fine cuisine, and some grand hotels, as well as thermal spas to help warm up.
If the cold doesn’t bother you, then you’ll find an abundance of parks and gardens, lit up and transformed into winter wonderlands. And of course, there’s a vast selection of museums and cathedrals for the history buffs. Come and find us at Chalet Y02.
Lincoln Christmas Market (6th – 9th December)
Location: Lincoln
Stand: 273
The Lincoln Christmas Market packs plenty of extraordinary activities into such a short length of time. There are over 280 stalls nestled in and around the ancient Lincoln Castle, which has stood since 1068! Convicts and Kings alike have walked this Castles halls, which are now filled with plenty of Christmas spirit! Speaking of Christmas spirit, you can choose to partake of plenty of Mulled wine, authentic German glühwein, and Spiced Cider.
It wouldn’t be Christmas without the food though, which is why many stalls are filled with enticing local Lincolnshire cuisine. Plus, plenty of nibbles from all over the world, and, of course, authentic Lincolnshire sausages.
If you’re looking for something extra to go along with your iBeani, then why not visit the artist's village? Here you’ll find a vast selection of unique gifts to surprise your loved ones; All the stalls are run by local artists, and you can find the village just off the main High Street – an excellent stop on your way up to the main Christmas Market.
You can even visit the local Lincoln Cathedral and enjoy some classic Christmas Carols – and if you’re feeling brave, you could even join in with the choir! The Cathedral itself is free to enter; However, if you’re interested in a tour of the roof and tower, then that will set you back £4 per person. A bargain compared to many other places...
And with all the other markets, there’s plenty to keep the kids happy too. We hope to see you at one of these Christmas Markets, and no matter which you choose, they’re guaranteed to put you in a festive mood!