Despite the festive lights switch-on being cancelled for a second-consecutive year, Sheffield’s Christmas Market has still received plaudits in an online feature by The Independent.
Construction work in Fargate raised safety concerns for large crowds gathering in the city centre, and so the annual event was cancelled.
The festive market still received praise in the listing, which said: “Over 60 log cabins feature all the clothing, trinkets, crafts and stocking fillers you can lay your hands on, while three Alpine Bars, a traditional German sausage grill and many other food and drink experiences mean you won’t go hungry while browsing.”
Santa’s Grotto and the “new-for-2024 illuminated helter skelter” were also highlighted.
The market is named alongside those in other major UK cities, such as London, Birmingham and Edinburgh.
Sheffield City Council said: “We’re proud to showcase lots of lovely local, independent sellers across more than 60 log cabins stretching from Town Hall Square to the bottom of The Moor.”
The market hosts a variety of independent traders, with 80% being local businesses.
Derek Hawkins from Hawkins Distillery shared that this was the business’ second year trading at Sheffield Christmas Market.
He said some stalls that have been trading for many years feel footfall is down due to the works in Fargate, but are generally positive about trade.
He said: “It is just getting progressively busier, which is great.”
Lenka from The Yorkshire Print Company said the market wouldn’t be the same without local traders.
She said: “It’s great to bring a little bit of Yorkshire to Yorkshire people, it’s the way it should be.”
Francesca, a trader at Beauty Scents Candles, said: “If you see that in the paper and you live a bit further away, you’ll think ‘why wouldn’t I have a day out in Sheffield?’ I think it’s great for the market.”
The Market will be open until Christmas Eve, from 10am every day.
