When you think of a Christmas market, it conjures up images of carol singers, twinkling festive lights and the resonating sound of Christmas music.
So, imagine how dismayed reporter Samantha Teasdale was during her inaugural visit to York, when she found it sorely lacking.
As reports Yorkshire Live, Samantha said: « Christmas is my favourite season, filled with cheesy Hallmark romances, classic films like Elf and Jack Frost, and of course, the food.
« Therefore, I thought a trip to the York Christmas Markets would be ideal, but sadly, I felt more akin to the Grinch. »
Despite the beautiful tree lights (half of which were functioning) and wooden stalls showcasing products, Samantha felt the event lacked a Christmassy feel.
In an attempt to inject some cheer, she treated herself to an obligatory hot chocolate with Baileys, followed by a superb apple crumble topped with Biscoff crumbs before exploring the row of stalls.
Samantha said: « The market was as expansive as I had imagined, and there was no denying that the entire place was beautifully illuminated with Christmas lights.
« However, the background music was disappointingly non-festive, sounding more like regular radio tunes. I listened attentively, hoping I had merely missed a Christmas song or one was about to play, but to no avail.
« It was only when I discovered a small market corner that I heard any Christmas songs all night! »
To Samantha’s surprise, a flash mob choir appeared as she was meandering through the market tucking into a bratwurst.
She said: « I halted in delight, hoping for a Christmas melody, but was met with ‘Country Roads’ and other songs, much to my dismay. »
The festive fan concluded: « Could it be that Christmas Markets are over-hyped, romanticised by festive films, and my expectations were simply too lofty? »
