Life as a SEN mum

It’s that time of year where Christmas Markets are starting to open up again. Whether you’re all for it or think that it’s still too early, there isn’t really any avoiding it. I did cover Christmas Markets last year, but thought it was worth a little refresh on tips and tricks to enjoy them without breaking the bank, as well as making sure that you avoid sensory overload, as it is very easy for this to happen.

Best Markets

You’ll see lots of posts this time of year on what the best Christmas Market is. Funny thing is they vary drastically from list to list, with just the occasional one cropping up in the top 5 on more than one. Of course this is going to happen, as we all have different opinions, and what we are looking for from a market probably varies. If you actually look at some of these lists they also don’t actually provide any sort of review. Which really begs the question as to how they are being ranked. The only real way to judge is to go yourself. I know sometimes we like to know in advance, and I always find word of mouth, or even social media is a good way to judge this. It will be easier to gage when is overly busy, what stalls there are and an idea of prices etc so that you can make your own judgments. If you happen to be in the Midlands though there are a few we go to every year that I’ll quickly run through my opinion of.

Birmingham Frankfurt Market

If you want a traditional German Market, Birmingham is a good shout. It’s open from the first weekend of November, so there’s plenty of time to visit, and it makes it easier to be able to visit and take in the whole atmosphere, but also be able to avoid some of the crowds. That being said, it wouldn’t be my top pick. There are a few independent sellers, but most of the stalls are hotdogs or bars. There’s a few other food options and there is a lovely carousel, but other than that it maybe isn’t the best pick. Outside of the market, however, there is an ice rink and some other fairground rides (I’d say more for teens and adults) that until this year I didn’t even realise were there as we’d never actually walked that far up past the museum before.

Nottingham Winter Wonderland

I personally think this is a really good shout if you want to encompass everything about the festive season, with something for all ages. You do still have an alpine bar with steins, mulled wine and hot chocolates, plus lots of other drinks. It’s also lovely to be able to sit somewhere with heaters. You’ll also find your typical frankfurter stalls. But there are so many other stalls selling everything from Yorkshire pudding wraps to Noodles, and so many sweet options. There is also a large number of small businesses, perfect for stocking up on last minute gifts, or even your Christmas sweets and snacks, including making sure you’ve got everything for your Christmas cheeseboard. There is also a ferris wheel, helter skelter, toboggan ride and fairground rides for younger kids. Alongside all of this you’ll find the ice rink and sky path. I’ve also read that there will be a second rink for 2024 which is dedicated to children.

Matlock Christmas Markets

At the start of December Matlock holds their Victorian Christmas market, whilst there is another large market closer to Christmas. Both are worth a visit, although personally I prefer the Victorian Market, there is still plenty of stalls and you really get the Christmassy atmosphere, but it somehow feels a bit calmer. Maybe this was just last years experience, as we have been to both for the past few years, and I don’t necessarily feel like it was anywhere near as chaotic in previous years as last year. But the market just before Christmas seemed completely unorganised and everyone walking round not really knowing where they were. Maybe it’s also because it was bigger than previous years and this threw us all out of sync. I really wouldn’t be able to say. Either way I would recommend visiting Matlock at some point in the run up to Christmas, with a traditional feel, marquees to protect you from the elements and plenty of small independent sellers to get those last minute gifts, as well as fairground rides for all ages, you can’t really go wrong. Just be sure to get there early as parking in Matlock can be difficult.

Top tips

Go early in the season: if you aren’t a fan of crowds, have SEN children, or just want a calmer atmosphere, head to the markets early in the season, or early in the day when they are at their quietest. Having children who get very easily overwhelmed with crowds and personally preferring not to have to have people constantly walking into me, I always prefer to go when markets are going to be a bit quieter. After all, everyone should be able to enjoy a Christmas Market.

Set a budget: It can be so easy to spend a small fortune, but you really don’t need to. Yes you might want to enjoy the food and a hot chocolate or two, but set a realistic budget. If you can afford to go all out and buy every sweet treat the kids see then great, if you’re hoping to spend that money on gifts instead than stand firm. Have a small amount set aside for sweets or cakes if that’s going to save any arguments. But there’s no need to go too overboard. You can enjoy the markets without breaking the bank.

Think about what you want: Do you want somewhere with rides? Is it all about the food and drink? Even think about location, if you’re heading to a city market you have the benefit of the shops and restaurants so that you aren’t restricted to the market stalls and can get all your shopping done in one, but those in little towns often have a little more charm to them.