This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Nottingham chapter.

Everyone knows Christmas is well and truly on its way when you wake up in the morning and can see your breath, the shops have started to play cheesy carols, the markets have opened and the Christmas lights have been turned on! If you haven’t made it to the Nottingham Christmas Market yet, we don’t know where you’ve been, but here are the top 5 stalls worth leaving the comfort of your bed for. You can sample some festive food, or squeeze in some early shopping for those special gifts.

1) Victorian Potato Co.

With such a range of food on offer, it’s easy to panic and go for the classic cheeseburger and feel slightly ripped off for £4.50. No doubt the best food we tried (and we tried lots!) was from the Victorian Potato Co. where they served German Kartoffel, sautéed potatoes with sausage and bacon, and garlic mushrooms in a creamy sauce all for £5.50. Have it with the cheese sauce or if you fancy something spicy, the curry ketchup.

2) The Winter Bar

Although fairly pricey, the drinks were delicious and you’ll definitely need a hot beverage to keep your hands warm! Our favourite was the traditional Mulled Wine, £3.50, but also high scoring was the Hot Toddy, £4.50, a mixture of Famous Grouse whiskey, honey, lemon and cinnamon. There are plenty of other available options like Mulled Cider or Hot Cherry Beer, and there are even alcohol free recipes for you non-drinkers.

3) Lincolnshire Poacher Cheese

If you simply love cheese or know someone who does, this is the perfect stall to stock up on free tasters and then buy a block or two for a tasty Christmas gift. They sell a variety of cheese, not only Lincolnshire Poacher as the name suggests, but Cropwell Bishop Stilton and Colston Bassett too. Grab yourself a bargain (each block is a fiver) or, if you’re feeling generous, why not buy 3 for £12 and get a free jar of Chutney thrown in as well.

4) Hedgehog Rescue

Selling pretty glass aroma globes and with all profits being donated to Hedgehog Rescue, pop along and part with some cash knowing that it’s all going to a good cause! If you’re lucky you might even get to see Andrew, a rescue hedgehog who minds the stall when it’s open- he’s really quite cute.

5) Churros

For most people it’s a given to eat Churros when any opportunity arises and after all the savoury delights you’ve been trying it’s probably time to treat yourself to something sweet anyway. Cinnamon or chocolate, you can’t go wrong with either and the respective prices of £3.50 and £4.00 are a more than justified spend on the sugary Spanish snack.

Edited by Nicole Jones

Sources

https://www.facebook.com/wonderlandnottingham/photos/pcb.857543507612098/857541584278957/?type=1&theater

https://www.facebook.com/wonderlandnottingham?ref=ts&fref=ts

http://www.sheknows.co.uk/food/articles/967269/mulled-wine-recipe

http://www.lincolnshirepoachercheese.com

http://localmarket.seemysale.co.uk/seller/seemylocalmarket/stall-details.php?id=1439#

http://www.templeofcuteanimals.com/photos/hedgehog-christmas/

http://honeyvillefarms.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/churro-mix-recipe.html#.VH9xo4tU9SU