Winter Arts Market 2017, Liverpool

It simply wouldn’t be Christmas without Liverpool’s annual Winter Arts Market, this year featuring beautiful handcraft gifts by over 200 contemporary artists, designers and makers from across the region, all housed within the festive setting of the iconic Liverpool Cathedral.

The independent market, run by local arts organisation Open Culture, is a treasure trove of surprises, featuring everything from original photography, ceramics and jewellery, to screen-prints, woodwork, glassware, textiles and beauty products. It’s a stress-free opportunity to get your Christmas shopping done and dusted, whilst sipping on mulled wine and chatting to the creative talent behind the presents you buy.

Foodies and vintage lovers are also well provided for, with a whole basement of second-hand clothing, jewellery, homewares, books and vinyl waiting to be discovered, and a dedicated food fair, featuring locally produced chocolate, fruit liqueurs, beer, port, blended teas, jams, cake and more. There’s even something for the kids, thanks to the Super Silly Scientists of KECS Creative who’ll be providing at truly inventive array of unusual craft activities.

Shopping aside, with live music and a Yuletide BBQ courtesy of the Cathedral’s Welsford Café, the Winter Arts Market is the perfect way to ease yourself into the Christmas countdown.