Christmas markets
Wrap up warm and head out to the region’s Christmas markets, large and small, for winter shopping with a festive difference
As the festive season draws near, there’s something magical about wandering through a traditional Christmas market. The air is filled with the scent of mulled wine and pine, and the glow of twinkling lights sets the perfect holiday mood. More than just a shopping experience, these markets offer a glimpse into the heart of artisanal craftsmanship, with local makers showcasing handmade gifts, unique crafts and gourmet treats. Whether you’re on the hunt for one-of-a-kind presents or simply looking to absorb the festive cheer, visiting an artisanal Christmas market allows you to slow down, support local craftspeople and embrace the spirit of the season in a truly authentic way.
Several major events are coming up this year, including Christmas in Cambridge at Parker’s Piece (14 November to 5 January). The event will feature a lively Christmas market with chalet-style huts selling unique gifts and street food, such as the popular Yorkshire pudding wrap. The centrepiece will be a large outdoor ice rink – ideal for all ages and abilities – with heated domes nearby for those who prefer to watch while enjoying seasonal treats.
Other attractions include the Alpine Lodge bar offering festive drinks and cosy seating; a Christmas tree maze with more than 300 trees; and a 36-metre-high big wheel perfect for taking in panoramic over-the-rooftop views of Cambridge. The Après Terrace will be packed with games like shuffleboard and curling, making it a great spot for group outings. Bookings are required for the Alpine Lodge bar booths, curling lanes, snow domes and ice skating.
Ely Cathedral Christmas Gift and Food Fair is another must – taking place from 21 to 23 November – featuring an exclusive shopping event on the evening of the 20th from 6.30pm to 9pm. Expect a wide variety of stalls with gifts, crafts, food and more, all set under the stunning vaulted ceilings of Ely Cathedral. This year, there will also be free entry to the Outdoor Festive Shopping Marquee located in the cathedral grounds.
The Bury St Edmunds Christmas Market at St Edmundsbury Cathedral will take place from 28 to 30 November. Running daily from 10am to 4.30pm, the market offers a cosy, festive atmosphere in the stunning 16th-century cathedral. Over 60 stalls will showcase a range of goods from local craftspeople – including books, jewellery, gin, clothing and personalised items, making it a great spot for unique Christmas gifts. In addition to shopping, visitors can enjoy live entertainment such as carol singing and musical performances.
Saffron Walden Christmas Market on 24 November will bring the town’s market square to life, boasting stalls packed with local crafts, gifts and food. Visitors can bask in the Christmas atmosphere with decorations, treats and live entertainment.It’s a great opportunity to pick up unique gifts while supporting businesses from the local area. Expect a vibrant and community-focused event that’s perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.
Look out for smaller shopping events in your own neighbourhood – each offering the chance to support local businesses and craftspeople. The warm, friendly mood on a cold afternoon is the ideal way to banish seasonal gloom; you’ll be doing your bit for the community in the process.
Diary dates
Ely Cathedral Christmas market
Ely, 21-23 November
Exclusive shopping experience, entry by £10 ticket only. Plus a ‘serious shopping’ event on the evening of 20 November! elycathedral.org
Christmas in Cambridge
Parker’s Piece, 14 November – 5 January 2025
Vibrant Christmas market with chalet-style huts offering unique gifts and street food. The outdoor skating rink is a highlight. christmasincambridge.co.uk
Museum of Cambridge Christmas Market
Enid Porter Building, 2-3 Castle Street, 29 November – 1 December
Featuring handmade local gifts from Cambridgeshire makers. museumofcambridge.org.uk
Mill Road Winter Fair
Mill Road, Cambridge, 7 December from 10.30am
An exciting combination of food, drink, market and craft stalls awaits visitors. Petersfield Green will also feature the same. The food fair will be based in the Gwydir Street Car Park. millroadwinterfair.org
Local Makers Market
Downing Place United Reformed Church, 22 November
Modern, curated craft market showcasing handmade products from local designer-makers. You can expect to find screen prints, ceramics, jewellery, homewares and textiles. localmakers.uk
Eddington Winter Warmer
Eddington Square, 29 November – 1 December
Pop-up festive village with a lodge bar and Christmas stalls – fortify yourself with Yorkshire wraps
and roasted chestnuts. eddington-cambridge.co.uk
St Edmundsbury Cathedral Christmas Market
Bury St Edmunds, 28-30 November
More than 60 stalls with gifts, crafts and food items set in the historic surroundings of St Edmundsbury Cathedral. visit-burystedmunds.co.uk
Bury St Edmunds Makers Market
Buttermarket and Cornhill, Bury St Edmunds, 1 December
Local makers selling clothing, jewellery, personalised goods and homewares. visit-burystedmunds.co.uk
Saffron Walden Christmas Market
Market Place, Saffron Walden, 24 November
Festive stalls with food, crafts and gifts in the heart of the town. Entertainment throughout the day. visitsaffronwalden.gov.uk
Christmas Begins
Burwash Manor, Barton, 30 November – 1 December
Annual event with food and drink stalls, local gifts, street food vendors and entertainment. Father Christmas will make a special appearance on the Sunday. burwashmanor.com
Christmas Shopping Evening
Franks Farm, Elsworth, 28 November
Mulled wine, mince pies, carol singers, plus a variety of fabulous stalls – including crafts, clothing and food. In support of local PTA. allevents.in/cambridge
Presents Galore
Newmarket Rowley Mile Racecourse, Newmarket, 29 November – 1 December
More than 100 stalls offering gifts, homeware, clothing and festive goods. Tickets cost £6, raising funds for charity.
thejockeyclub.co.uk