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: 23rd November 2023 – 10th December 2023
Where: Stall Street, Bath, BA1 1LT
What: Over 170 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: 17th November 2023 – 1st November 2023
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
Bristol Bearpit festive market
When: 10th December 2023
Where: The Bearpit, St James Barton Roundabout, Bristol, BS1 3LY
What: They have markets running throughout the year, but this December they bring you their festive special! Up to 50 stalls will be showcasing items you will not find on the Highstreet - from Pokemon terrariums to wreaths made from recycled toys, and everything in between. The aim of the market is to break down the barrier’s vendors have in accessing bigger markets, to help them grow their businesses. So, head on down and you may even catch a glimpse of Bear the mascot wandering around.
Opening Times: 11:00 – 17:00
Bristol Christmas Market
When: 3rd November 2023 – 23rd December 2023
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 Future Leap Festive Market
When: Weekends in December 2023
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 Beacon Gift Fair
When: 25th November 2023– 26th November 2023 & 9th December 2023 – 10th December 2023
Where: Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR
What: returning for the 15th consecutive year this Christmas, the 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://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/open-studios-and-makers-market-at-estate-of-the-arts-p3191853
Opening Times: 10:00 – 16:00
Door Entry, suggested £2 donation per person
Bruton Late Night Christmas
When: 7th December 2023
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. The Chapel will also be hosting a festive event in their club room where you can eat, drink until your hearts content to get you in the festive spirit.
Website: https://brutontowncouncil.gov.uk/2023/10/03/bruton-late-night-christmas-shopping-7th-december-2023/
Opening Times: 17:30 – 20:30
Cardiff Christmas Market
When: 9th November 2023 – 23rd December 2023
Where: Working Steet, Cardiff, CF10 1GN (along with Trinity Street, St Johns Street & Hills Street
What: Grab your winter warmers 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: 2nd December 2023 – 3rd December 2023
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/
Opening Times: 10:00 – 16:00
Clevedon Winter Market
When: 7th December 2023
Where: Hill Road, Clevedon, BS21 7LN
What: Held under the twinkly Christmas illuminations, visit the selection of local traders and enjoy the late-night shopping from the Christmas market stalls. There will also be festive street food, traditional Fete games, live music from local choirs and bands, a VW Cruz parade, and Father Christmas himself!
Website: https://www.discoverclevedon.co.uk/event/clevedon-winter-market/
Opening Times: 18:00 – 21:00
Devizes Winter Festival
When: 24th November 2023 – 25th November 2023
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 Christmas Markets
When: Select dates from 18th November 2023 – 11th December 2022
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: 18th November – Christmas Makers Market – 9:00 – 14:00
2nd December – Christmas Gift Market - 9:00 – 14:00
16th December – Christmas Gift Market - 9:00 – 14:00
Frome Independent Market
When: 5th November 2023, 24th November 2023 & 3rd December 2023
Where: Frome Town Centre, Frome, BA11 1DS
What: The Frome Independent is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this November. 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. In addition to the usual monthly offering, you have another chance to get ahead in the gifst-buying game with a ‘Little Night Market’ on Friday 24th November. You’ll find local traders selling top notch contemporary crafts and design, delicious food and drink and some great music to get you in the festive mood before the Frome Christmas Light Switch On and Night lantern parade.
Website: https://thefromeindependent.org.uk/visit/
Opening Times: 10:00 – 15:00
24th November – 16:00- 21:00
Glastonbury Frost Fayre
When: 25th November 2023
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: 2nd December 2023
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 ladies choir, and you can also pick up your fresh Christmas Tree whilst your there.
Website: https://www.hartley-farm.co.uk/event/christmas-tasting-day/
Opening Times: 10:00 – 15:00
Marlborough Craft Fair at Christmas
When: 24th November 2023 & 16th December 2023
Where: The Town Hall, 5 High Street, Marlborough, SN8 1AA
What: Make Christmas 2023 a memorable one starting off with the Christmas lights switch on, on 24th 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://allevents.in/marlborough/south-west-craft-fair-marlborough/200023999763109
Opening Times: 18th November - 10:00 – 20:00
16th December – 11:00 – 17:00
Oxford Christmas Market
When: 30th November 2023 – 23rd December 2023
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 for the entire run up to Christmas. New organisers have taken over this year’s event so I may have a new lease of life in 2023.
Website: https://pedddle.com/market/oxford-city-christmas-market-2023/
Opening Times: Fri – Sat – 10:00 – 20:00
Sun - Thurs - 10:00 – 18:00
Salisbury Christmas Market
When: 18th November 2023 – 31st December 2023
Where: Salisbury Market Place, Salisbury, SP1 1JH
What: Running on Sundays up until the big day, bask in the Christmas shopping experience in the historic marketplace of Salisbury. ‘City of Stars’ is the theme for this year’s event and it’s the perfect opportunity to support the local traders and grab yourself some gifts for all your friends and family in this celestial wonderland. There will be the chance to support the ’Stars Appeal’ through the ‘Twelve Elves of Christmas’ trail, and the Salvation Army will be running a community Carol sing-a-long on Christmas Eve. Finally head on over to Santa’s grotto and have some festive fun whilst your there.
Website: https://christmasmarkets.io/uk/salisbury-christmas-market/
Opening Times: Sundays - 11:00 – 19:00
Shepton Mallet Windsor Wonderland
When: 9th December 2023
Where: Rock Farm, Nr Windsor Hill Lane, Shepton Mallet, BA4 4JE
What: Celebrate Christmas at the farm at Shepton Mallet’s Windsor Wonderland, the perfect place to do some Christmas shopping, while supporting local, small businesses. There will be stalls selling handmade crafts, plants, Christmas wreaths and trees, cakes, mulled cider, wine and delicious festive grub.
Website: https://www.thegoodlifeprojects.co.uk/events
Opening Times: Sundays – 10:00 – 15:00
Street Festive Market at Clarks Village
When: 9th November 2023 – 7th January 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/terms/whats-categories/events
Opening Times: 09:00 – 19:00
Swindon’s Local Christmas Market
When: 4th November 2023 –5th November 2023
Where: Doubletree, Lydiard Fields, Great Western Way, Swindon, SN5 8UB
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 2-day spectacular. Be transported to Whoville and meet The Grinch who’s heart will hopefully have grown 3 sizes by then.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/819724182818437
Opening Times: Thurs - Sat - 11:00 – 17:00
Trowbridge Civic Christmas Market
When: 17th November 2023 – 18th November 2023
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-2023-2/
Opening Times: Friday- 16:00 – 21:00
Saturday – 10:00 – 16:00
Taunton, Hestercombe Christmas Market
When: 17th November 2023 – 19th November 2023
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 per adult, children (aged 5-15) go free. Purchasing information on the website above.
Wells Christmas Artisan Market
When: 4th November 2023 – 5th November 2023
Where: The Bishops Palace & Gardens, Wells, BA5 2PD
What: Back for the 8th 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: 2nd December 2023 – 3rd December 2023
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://westonmuseum.org/event/christmas-market-weekend/2023-12-02/
Opening Times: 10:00 – 15:00
Wincanton Christmas Fair
When: 21st November 2023
Where: Wincanton Racecourse, Wincanton, BA9 8BJ
What: 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, South West.
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: 17th November 2023 – 21st December 2023
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: 30th November 2023 – 3rd December 2023
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: Thurs – 12:00 – 21:00
Fri – 11:00 – 21:00
Sat – 10:00 – 20:00
Sun – 11:00 – 17:00
Yeovil’s Christmas Market
When: 15th December 2023 - 22nd December 2023
Where: Yeovil Showground, Two Tower Lane, Yeovil, BA22 9TA
What: Yeovil’s going fantastically festive this year in the run up to the big day. Father Christmas himself has not yet confirmed his attendance, however the reindeers are set to be making an appearance and a good time can still be had by all. Browse and buy until your hearts content the selection of gifts and goodies that will be on offer, along with an ice rink, and UV mini gold for this week of fun!
Website: https://www.yeovilshowground.co.uk/events/view/yeovil-christmas-market-01-01-1970
Opening Times: 10:00 – 19:00
