Over the course of my childhood, spending weekends exploring the hidden treats tucked away in the nooks and crannies of Kingston with my dad, lead us to discover the ‘8th wonder of the word,’ the famous Kingston Christmas Market!
During the festive season, ever since my first amazing experience of tasting a mouthful of homemade pulled-pork marinated in apple sauce served alongside sage and onion stuffing, all crammed between two warm and doughy buns, with a dollop of fresh cranberry dip, it immediately drew me in to explore further and try even more tantalising treats.
The Kingston Christmas market had become a wonderful and enjoyable tradition for all of us to look forward to every year! Hence, the grand re-opening of this year’s remarkable market display made me reminisce about my earliest memories of this magical time; sitting on my dad’s shoulders whilst we shared large and luxurious strawberry marshmallows coated in perfect, creamy chocolate from one of the stalls- it went down a treat.
The devastating effects of the year 2020, evidently started a catalyst of emotions for us all, that affected not only the high street, but unfortunately completely cancelled the Kingston Christmas market. Witnessing the year having had taken its toll on everyone and especially dampened the Christmas spirit, it highlighted how it was all the small businesses and market stalls which had been hit the hardest, having had to sadly close their doors to the public, leaving high street stores desolated.
Despite the harsh financial hurdles they faced throughout such a dismal year, it was noticeable how whilst some big brands profiteered at this time, small businesses and market stalls truly struggled and suffered in the wake of the financial collapse of the high street. The lockdowns had stole the Christmas spirit and festive cheer from Kingston as all plans for the Christmas market tradition usually held every year, for the first time, had to go on pause until the next!
However, after the year of heartbreak, 2021 thankfully welcomed the Christmas cheer back to Kingston again, after a long episode without it, as we started to rediscover our Christmas spirits. November 2021, the time we had all patiently waited for had finally arrived at our footsteps and the fantastic news that the market will be going ahead, got Kingstonians on their feet and instilled a sense of community spirit that had been missing all this while! The market had expanded bigger, bolder, and brighter than ever before, into an extravagant display with a variety of delightful stalls and entertainment thanks to the introduction of ‘Alpine village,’ and delectable surprises for foodie fans and for all to enjoy!
It brought back memories of spinning and twirling to jazzy and upbeat live Christmas music whilst holding a cup of warm hot chocolate accompanied by the sweet aromas of candy cane and served alongside sugar-sprinkled waffles, as the market we all thought we wouldn’t see for yet another year, had come back greater!
This is reinforced by the positive feedback from shoppers and visitors, locals and from elsewhere having their first Kingston Christmas experience. Parents, Liz and Justin Jacobs (39 & 42) stated, "It looks lovely this year, I’ve never seen Kingston decorated like this. I know the kids will be impressed!” and “Yeah, I think it’s wonderful that they’ve brought this back. I’ve never seen Kingston so lively. It’s a buzz!”
In addition, student, Zoya Bajwa (14) said, “I’ve lived here for nearly my whole life and I can see how much effort they put this year cause I know they didn’t have this last time. It looks really good and I can’t wait to check the market village stalls out to do some last minute Christmas shopping.”
The reaction of first time visitors in Kingston, Osama and Fumiko San (68 & 72) said, “It’s actually our first Christmas here and it looks marvellous. We haven’t seen any town this decorated before. I love the lights and big ornaments with fairy lights around,” and , “It’s superb and very cosy. I rate, 5/5 star, can’t wait to grab a malt wine and check the market village out and hopefully we will be returning next year if it’s on. Fingers crossed!”
The Kingston Christmas market has it all and offers a huge selection of mouth- watering treats: Dutch mini pancakes, hot dogs and cheese-dogs (Käsekrainer) etc., Turkish delight, traditional Christmas pudding, the kids' all time favourite - the classic ‘pick n mix,’ toasted marshmallows on a choice of warm waffles or crêpesand even more! Plus, there’s loads of theme rides, jewellery, fashion stands, diffusers, candles and even a stall for the WWF ( Worldwide Fund For Nature) from what I witnessed after exploring- it’s perfect for accommodating your whole family.
So, I’ve learnt from this festive tradition in Kingston that good things come when you least expect it, therefore, we must be grateful for the local treasures around us and appreciate the small things, as we may never know what tomorrow brings. Sadly, everyone waved their goodbyes to this year’s magical Christmas display, having ended on the 24th December, and until 2022, the Kingston community will sit tight and wait for the festive cheer and entertainment to happen all over again! Until then, be sure to support small businesses or your local market stalls which are available all season and hope to see you there next year.
Have a happy new year!
Kommentare