1. German Holiday Market in San Francisco
2. Christkindlmarkt in Chicago
3. Union Square Holiday Market in NYC
4. Downtown Holiday Market in Washington DC
5. Sinter Klausen Christmas Market in Milwaukee
Dave, last time I went to the Brum Xmas market, the gluhwein was £6 for a thimble-full, so not much chance of 'relaxation' there. But it is a lovely market all the same.
Re. Manchester Christmas market - we went last December, and to be honest found it a bit repetitive ie 'craft' stalls selling same goods again and again. The hot food area near the town hall was alright but sticky and mucky - unwiped tables and overflowing bins and this was around mid-day. Of you searched about thee were some good cheese / olives type of stalls but all told I'd say for the most part 'tat in a wooden hut'.
But having afternoon tea in the Town Hall is a good idea.