With Halloween over for another year, festive feelings are in the air, and with the big day not too far away, I think it’s fair to say that Christmas shopping needs to be started, and Christmas cheer needs to be had. So, what perfect way to kill two turkeys with one stone than to visit a local Christmas market. Read on to find details of the festive markets happening in Somerset and the surrounding areas, how many will you get to visit this year?
Bath Christmas Market
When: 28th November 2024 – 15th December 2024
Where: Stall Street, Bath, BA1 1LT
What: Over 200 independent and sustainable retailers will be showcasing their crafts and offering you the opportunity to purchase your usual market favourites. Often featured on the lists of best Christmas Markets in Europe, Bath is not one to miss - and luckily for us, is right on our doorstep! The market offers short-term rentals of the twinkling chalets allowing small businesses the chance to try-out the market for a shorter duration, so you will find different stall holders every time you visit.
Website: https://bathchristmasmarket.co.uk/
Opening Times: Mon – Wed – 10:00 – 19:00
Thurs – Sat – 10:00 – 20:00
Sun – 10:00 – 18:00
Bournemouth Christmas Market
When: 14th November 2024 – 1st January 2024
Where: The Square, Bournemouth, BH2 6ED
What: The sights, smells and sounds of Christmas come alive at Bournemouth’s Christmas market. Take a trip through the enchanting, illuminated Christmas tree trail to reach the Alpine market on Bournemouth Square, where you will find a wide array of handmade gifts. Then eat, drink and be merry at the 2-storey alpine lodge where you will find edible festive treats that won’t disappoint. Finally join one of the arts and crafts workshops, grab an activity booklet and try to solve the ‘Great Bournemouth Christmas trail’, or come and listen to one of the live choirs - just the excuse needed to get into the Christmas spirit!
Website: https://www.christmasinbournemouth.co.uk/
Opening Times: 11:00 – 23:00
Bradford on Avon Winter Market
When: 23rd November 2024
Where: St Margaret's Hall, St Margaret's Street, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1DE,
What: On 23rd November you can visit Margaret Hall to explore the wonderful array of local handmade products of Bradford on Avon’s small, independent traders. It will be the festive annual gathering of independent artists, designer/makers, vintage sellers, and local food producers.
Website: https://www.bradfordonavon.co.uk/events/event/made-in-bradford-on-avon-winter-market/
Opening Times: 10:00 – 15:00
Bristol Christmas Market
When: 1st November 2024 – 23rd December 2024
Where: Broadmead in Bristol Shopping Quarter, BS1 1UX
What: Home to over 35 unique stalls, food, drink and live music in the Jäger Barn Bar (with heated seating!), and private Igloos, or ski gondolas can be hired for 90-minute time slots. It’s also rumoured that Santa and his elves may be visiting throughout December, so make sure you’re on your best behaviour.
Website: https://www.bristolchristmasmarket.com/
Opening Times: The market - 10:00 – 19:00
Food & Bar - 10:00 – 22:00
Bristol Beacon Gift Fair
When: 23rd November 2024, 7th December 2024 & 14th December 2024
Where: Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR
What: Returning for the 16th consecutive year this Christmas, this carefully curated gift fair is a celebration of over 200 designer-makers from in and around Bristol. You can grab unique gifts from the artists themselves at this bustling market and grab a local coffee whilst you do it.
Website: https://www.madeinbristolshop.co.uk/giftfair
Opening Times: 10:00 – 16:00
Bristol Future Leap Festive Market
When: Weekends from 30th November 2024
Where: 1-3 Gloucester Road, Bristol, BS7 8AA
What: You'll find an alternative shopping experience located in the heart of Bristol’s independent shopping district showcasing the very best of local Bristol produce. Hosting A different selection of stallholders each weekend, It's a treasure trove of artisan crafts, unique gifts, and eco-friendly products. Not one to miss!
Website: https://futureleap.co.uk/events/upcoming-events/
Opening Times: 10:00 – 17:00
Bristol Finzels Festive Fridays
When: Fridays from 2nd December 2024 – 16th December 2024
Where: Finzels Reach, Bristol, BS1 6EU
What: Foodies rejoice, Finzels is offering up the festive spirit this year, inviting some very special producers and traders to help get you in the festive mood. Some of the highlights include mulled mince pie gin, comforting hot chocolates and an array of jolly street food. So surround yourself with the smells and tastes of Christmas, and on the 16th treat yourself to the ultimate winter staple – hot chestnuts!
Website: https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/finzels-reach-christmas-market/302891301/
Opening Times: 11:00 – 14:00
Bruton Late Night Christmas
When: 5th December 2024
Where: High Street, Bruton, BA10 0AE
What: Celebrate peace and goodwill and enjoy the late-night shopping on offer in Bruton. There will be craft stalls, Christmas Carols and a visit from St Nick.
Website: https://brutontowncouncil.gov.uk/2024/08/12/5th-december-2024-bruton-christmas-late-night-shopping/
Opening Times: 17:30 – 20:30
Cardiff Christmas Market
When: 14th November 2024 – 23rd December 2024
Where: Working Steet, Cardiff, CF10 1GN (along with Trinity Street, St Johns Street & Hills Street
What: It’s their 30th anniversary! So get your winter warmers ready and head on over to Cardiff’s market for a magical Christmas adventure. Soak up the atmosphere of vibrant colours, harmonious sounds and enticing scents of Christmas, that will keep you smiling throughout the day. You won’t be disappointed with the varied choice on offer of unusual gifts, handmade decorations and live exhibitions taking place. Then go grab some grub to tickle the taste buds for the ultimate festive feeling.
Website: https://www.cardiffchristmasmarket.com/
Opening Times: Mon – Sat - 10:00 – 18:00
Sun – 10:00 – 17:00
Chard Christmas Fayre at Ferne Sanctuary
When: 1st December 2024
Where: Ferne Animal Sanctuary Chard, TA20 1PP
What: Join Ferne Animal Sanctuary for some fundraising fun, a variety of stalls, Christmas Carols, some delicious festive treats and get the chance to meet Santa Claus. On Sunday there is an extra special and unique animal blessing not to be missed!
Website: https://www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org/about-ferne/events-and-whats-on/
Opening Times: 10:00 – 16:00
Clevedon Christmas Special
When: 1st December 2024
Where: Clevedon Community Centre, Princes Road, Clevedon, UK
What: This December Clevedon will be bringing you their Christmas Market special! Over 100 stalls will be showcasing their handmade items, so head on down and enjoy some food, drink and Christmassy loveliness whilst you’re there.
Website: https://www.discoverclevedon.co.uk/event/clevedon-sunday-market-christmas-special/
Opening Times: 10:00 – 14:00
Devizes Winter Festival
When: 29th November 2024 – 30th November 2024
Where: Market Square and Corn Exchange, Market Square, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 1HT
What: This year’s winter festival brings you the ultimate festive shopping experience with plenty of sweet treats to sample and handmade gifts from local traders. Along with this there will be the window winter wonderland, spectacular lantern parade, Shambles installation and the Christmas light switch on.
Website: https://www.docadevizes.org.uk/winter-festival/
Opening Times: 12:00 – 20:00
Frome Cheese & Grain Christmas Markets
When: Select dates from 16th November 2024 – 7th December 2024
Where: Cheese & Grain, Market Yard, Justice Lane, Frome, BA11 1BE
What: The Cheese & Grain will be chock-a-block with Christmassy gifts, crafts and produce. Independent traders will once again be filling the iconic Frome venue offering up a huge variety of food and drink, clothing, gifts, cosmetics, and free tasters just in time for Christmas.
Website: https://www.cheeseandgrain.com/whats-on/
Opening Times: 16th November – Winter Charity Fair – 9:00 – 14:00
17th November –Christmas Flea Collectables Market – 9:00 – 14:00
30th November – Christmas Markers Market - 9:00 – 14:00
7th December – Christmas Gift Market - 9:00 – 14:00
Frome Independent Market
When: 3rd November 2024 & 1st December 2024
Where: Frome Town Centre, Frome, BA11 1DS
What: A market with a difference, showcasing independent and local retailers with an emphasis on sustainability. Frome’s largest market will be back on the first Sunday of November and December offering a plethora of festive finds. Lots of the traders offer special deals on market days so stock up on your Christmas goodies and feel good about supporting independent producers.
Website: https://thefromeindependent.org.uk/visit/
Opening Times: 10:00 – 15:00
Glastonbury Frost Fayre
When: 30th November 2024
Where: High Street, Glastonbury, BA6 9EL
What: Possibly the quirkiest Christmas market on this list, the town is steeped in history, myth, and the smell of incense. Here you will find an extravaganza of seasonal magnificence to suit all tastes. Market stalls, unique shopping, buskers, fairground rides, and even a rumour that Father Christmas and his helpers are set to be making an appearance.
Opening Times: 10:00 – 18:00
Hartley Farm’s Makers Market
When: 30th November 2024
Where: Hartley Farm Shop and Kitchen, Winsley, Bradford on Avon, BA15 2JB
What: The perfect festive farm for foodies! Not only will the makers market include an array of local producers and makers selling their handmade gifts, there will also be a day of tasting, Christmas carols from the Courage Choir, and you can also pick up your fresh Christmas Tree whilst your there.
Website: https://www.hartley-farm.co.uk/event/christmas-tasters-makers-market/
Opening Times: 10:00 – 16:00
Marlborough Craft Fair at Christmas
When: 29th November 2024 & 14th December 2024
Where: The Town Hall, 5 High Street, Marlborough, SN8 1AA
What: Make Christmas 2024 a memorable one starting off with the Christmas lights switch on, on 29th November. There will be a market, music, entertainment, craft workshop and the chance to take balcony selfies. You better not shout, and you better not cry as I’ve heard a rumour Santa will be nearby! Then join the Christmas craft fair on 16th December where you will discover fabulous finds within the vibrant array of products from the talented stallholders.
Website: https://www.ukcraftfairs.com/craft-events/24746/marlborough-craft-and-gift-market
Opening Times: 29th November - 10:00 – 19:00
16th December – 10:00 – 16:00
Oxford Christmas Market
When: 14th November 2024 – 17th November 2024
Where: Broad Street, Oxford City Centre, Oxford, OX1 3AS
What: The most wonderful time of the year is finally here, and the city of dreaming spires is promising to bring you an array of exhibitors and plenty of performances to keep you busy. This year the Market is going back in time so you can experience a Victorian era Christmas. God bless us, every one!
Website: https://www.whatsoninoxford.net/event/oxford-victorian-christmas-market-2024/
Opening Times: Differing times between 10:00 – 20:00
Salisbury Christmas on the Square
When: 15th November 2024 – 5th January 2025
Where: Salisbury Market Place, Guildhall Square, Salisbury, SP1 1JH
What: Bask in the Christmas shopping experience in the historic marketplace of Salisbury. It’s the perfect opportunity to support the local traders and grab yourself some gifts for all your friends and family. Delight in the Christmas lights trail of Salisbury’s historic streets, embark in the Cathedral’s twilight tower tour, and finally head on over to Santa’s grotto and have some festive fun whilst your there. There will also be an extra special market running on Sundays up until the big day, all under one giant chalet.
Website: https://www.experiencesalisbury.co.uk/whats-on/2024/november/christmas-on-the-square/
Opening Times: Sundays - 10:00 – 19:00
Shepton Mallet Christmas Market
When: 24th November 2024
Where: The Market Place, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5AZ
What: Celebrate Christmas at Shepton Mallet’s festive gem, bringing together the finest local produce and markets from across the Southwest. Expect an enchanting mix of vintage finds, unique designer-makers, festive food, antiques, home & garden goodies, and seasonal art. Plus, enjoy kids' activities, workshops, and live music, all with a sprinkle of Christmas magic!
Website: https://sheptonmalletsundaymarket.org.uk/
Opening Times: Sundays – 10:00 – 15:00
Street Festive Market at Clarks Village
When: 29th November 2024 – 24 December 2024
Where: Clarks Village, Farm Road, Street, BA16 0BB
What: Street’s merry extravaganza is back and will be better than ever. Food, fun, and festivities is on the cards to entertain all ages and tastes. There will be range of stalls, and the ice rink is coming to town to create picture perfect Christmas memories.
Website: https://clarksvillage.co.uk/articles/artisan-christmas-market-2024
Opening Times: 09:00 – 19:00
Swindon Christmas Market
When: 23rd November 2024 – 21st December 2024
Where: The Parade, Swindon, SN1 1BA
What: There will be festive activities a-plenty in Swindon this year, along with local and independent businesses selling gifts galore for you to peruse. So, lets rock around the Christmas tree and shop till we drop during this festive spectacular.
Website: https://swindonchristmasmarket.com/
Opening Times: Tue - Sun - 10:00 – 20:00
Trowbridge Civic Christmas Market
When: 15th November 2024 – 16th November 2024
Where: The Civic Centre, St Stephen’s Place, Trowbridge, BA14 8AH
What: Trowbridge’s Christmas market is back, with a wide array of artisan gifts, and decorations, all whilst supporting local businesses. So, get your season started off with a celebration with the abundance of things to see, try and taste.
Website: https://thecivictrowbridge.co.uk/tc-events/christmas-market-saturday/
Opening Times: Friday- 16:00 – 21:00
Saturday – 10:00 – 16:00
Taunton, Hestercombe Christmas Market
When: 15th November 2024 – 17th November 2024
Where: Hestercombe Gardens, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton, TA2 8LG (use TA2 8LQ for satnav)
What: Deck the halls with gifts, treats and hand-crafted items, then go and indulge in crumbly mince pies, creamy hot chocolate and moreish mulled wine. The price of your ticket gifts you free admission to the gardens, house, and art gallery.
Website: https://www.hestercombe.com/whats-on/christmas-market
Opening Times: 09:00 – 17:00
Tickets: £6.50 per adult, children (aged 5-15) go free. Purchasing information on the website above.
Wells Christmas Artisan Market
When: 2nd November 2024 – 3rd November 2024
Where: The Bishops Palace & Gardens, Wells, BA5 2PD
What: Back for the 9th year, grab your tickets and get your Christmas shopping started at the medieval rooms of the palace. Over the 2 floors there will be a variety of artisan stalls from the South-West offering a plethora of unique and hand-made gifts, along with decorations, cards and much-more. Once you’re done shopping (or just need a pitstop), head on over to the café for festive drinks and live musical performances.
Website: https://bishopspalace.org.uk/event/christmas-artisan-market/
Opening Times: 10:00 – 16:00
Tickets: £8 per adult, £4 per child (aged 5-17). Under 5’s and Palace Members go free. Purchasing information on the website above.
Weston-Super-Mare Festive Fayre
When: 30th November 2024 – 1st December 2024
Where: Burlington Street, Weston-Super-Mare, BS23 1PR
What: You are invited to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at Weston-Super-Mare! Visit the numerous market stalls whilst basking in the Christmas ambience. There will be a Christmas trail that will have you hunting the galleries to find Santa’s missing reindeer, and you didn’t hear this from me, but I have it on good authority that the big man himself will be in attendance!
Website: https://www.visit-westonsupermare.com/whats-on/christmas-market-weekend-p3585313
Opening Times: 10:00 – 15:00
Wincanton Christmas Fair
When: 26th November 2024
Where: Wincanton Racecourse, Wincanton, BA9 8BJ
What: After 20 successful years, you can once again get all your Christmas Shopping done under the grand marquee erected at Wincanton Racecourse. Featuring 50 independent stalls selling products you won’t find on the high street. All in support of Children’s Hospice, Southwest.
Website: https://www.wincantonchristmasfair.co.uk/
Opening Times: 10:00 – 16:00
Tickets: £5 per person. Purchasing information on the website above.
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
When: 22nd November 2024 – 22nd December 2024
Where: 9 The Close, Winchester, SO23 9LS
What: Known as one of the most charming Christmas markets in the UK, and we can see why. Inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, the festive atmosphere is enhanced by the impressive location. Browse the wooden chalets of handpicked, high-quality exhibitors and indulge in the Christmas cheer.
Website: https://www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/event/christmas-market/
Opening Times: Sun - Thurs – 10:00 – 18:00
Fri – Sat - 10:00 – 20:00
Worcester Victorian Christmas Market
When: 28th November 2024 – 1st December 2024
Where: High Street, Worcester, WR1 2EY
What: The historic streets of Worcester come to life during the Victorian themed Christmas market. There will be over 200 stalls selling tempting products, so you can have your pick from a wide array of hand made and traditional Christmas gifts and decorations, before refuelling at one of the many street-food vendors, scattered throughout the market. Many of the vendors will be dressed as Victorian characters so you will be transported back in time to ye Christmas of olde, so have a go on the carousel and enjoy the fun of the fayre!
Website: https://www.worcesterchristmasfayre.co.uk/
Opening Times: Various times between 10:00 - 21:00
