It takes a few years to make a tradition
But you have to start somewhere! Ok it will not be as big as Manchester, yet, but you don’t have as far to travel
Why do we all LOVE a Continental Xmas market, originating in the colder central/Northern European countries, such as Germany, Austria & Hungary. It’s the sights the sounds and the smells, the atmosphere, happy families, friends, browsing for Xmas gifts eating outdoors at one of the food stalls (trying some form of German Sausage LOL) oh and for us adults, it’s the ‘warms the cockles of your heart’ ………….gluhwien.
So lets see what St Annes on Sea can do to start a new tradition for the town
Coming over all Continental
December 9th – 12th sees Ashton Gardens go all Continental with a Christmas Market and will see a Winter Wonderland of stalls and cabins, with festive lighting to guide you through the food, drink, and gift options available.
Come hungry as there will be Pizzas, dips, marinades, arts & crafts, candles, cards, sweet treats, wreaths, beer chalice glasses, driftwood homewares, savory grazing cups, Scotch eggs, alcohol, ink art, doughnuts, drink shimmers, gins & rums, baked treats, ceramics and Christmas goods are just a taster of your options
Guess who’ll be Dropping by
Santa will be arriving in his Grotto on Thursday and will be listening to children’s list of gift requests until 6pm each day. No need to book, just turn up and bring your list as there’s a special post box which his elves will make sure returns to the North Pole. He would like £3.50 to visit him, so that he can pay for carrots for the reindeer fuel in travelling to St Anne’s and he would like you to make sure that all grown-ups wear masks in his Grotto, as he can’t risk picking up any bugs for the big day. 
He is happy for grown-ups to take photos of him in his Grotto to remember the visit and we believe he is bringing a sack of presents, so that he can give one to each visitor too. Santa has also agreed to a special ‘quiet hour’ for children with Autism (ASD) before the market officially opens on Sunday, so that between 9:45-10:45 pre-booked visitors, whose senses can get a bit overloaded at times, can go through slowly and quietly to see Santa.
Let them Entertain You
The evenings will have entertainment from local artists, starting at 6pm until the market closes at 8pm. 
Friday Evening will be Chelsea Stevens from 6-8pm
“Inner State” are strolling players who will be there on Saturday, Andy and Christine will be doing their ‘circus routine’ in period costume interacting with visitors and offering hobby horse rides and tickets to the free children’s raffle to young children<
Saturday evening’s entertainment will be brought to you by the amazing Lucy Ella Smith, who will be singing from 6-8pm.
Organised by STEP – The St. Anne’s Enterprise Partnership was formed in 2015 and launched in 2017 by traders and businesses in the town with the aim to improve all aspects of St. Anne’s, in conjunction with St Annes Town Council, Fylde Borough Council and others (see Poster)