The Sheffield Christmas Markets are back from November 13 until December 24Sheffield Christmas Market is back for another year, celebrating the best a ‘Sheffield Christmas’ has to offer(Image: Lyra Auld)

It takes some kind of Grinch to refuse the opportunity to visit a Christmas Market – so when I heard that the Sheffield Markets had returned for another year, I had to visit.

Since moving to the city for University four years ago, I have been a frequent visitor to the markets every holiday season.

It has this truly nostalgic quality that I associate with my housemates back in halls: Fighting for the best spot in the Peace Gardens Alpine Lodge, dipping in between the rows of locally sourced trinkets, and trying my very first Yorkshire Pudding Wrap.

However, this year was particularly special – with 60 log cabins, it is easily the largest (and arguably the best-looking) the market has ever been.

Sheffield Market’s iconic ‘Big Wheel'(Image: Lyra Auld)

Starting my route at the Moor, I watched as people ascended the stairs for the beloved ‘Big Wheel’ ride that I always associate with Christmas in Sheffield. It was a little empty, but completely understandable given the poor weather and it being the opening night.

I then strolled over to what is arguably the centre of the markets, taking a quick detour past the carousel rides and Heltar Skeltar. One thing I noted in particular was how well-spaced out everything was. The rides were far enough away so as not to block the main walkway through the Markets – but not so far that little legs would be fighting to make the entire route.

When I arrived at the Peace Gardens, I stopped to marvel at all of the wonderful light displays – including the iconic Sheffield sign – before heading over to my favourite food spot, Krombacher Traditional German Sausage.

There are plenty of locally-sourced treats are for sale (Image: Lyra Auld)

As I sat down with a complimentary cup of hot chocolate to tuck into my meal at one of the Alpine Lodge locations, I was surrounded by people full of festive cheer.

As a Southerner, I have always found Northerners to be generally more friendly and warm. Add in some festive cheer, and this notch gets cranked up by 10.

Looking around, everyone was smiling and laughing – going out of their way to wish each other a Merry Christmas (albeit we are still in November).

The Sheffield Christmas Markets are back from November 13 until December 24(Image: Lyra Auld)

At one point, I accidentally misplaced my phone, only realising when I went to step into my taxi home. Whether it was the ‘Christmas Spirit’ keeping everyone on their best behaviour, or just because Sheffield is just that special around the holiday season, a kind person approached me to let me know it was at the Fudge Sweet House.

Knowing that the Markets are truly a time for everyone in the community to come together – whether it’s to sell locally sourced produce, share a hot drink, or help silly journalists like me when they lose their things – the Markets reminded me just how special Sheffield can be at Christmas.

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