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. After the pandemic meant that many were cancelled in 2020 (Bah Humbug!), there has been an abundance announced for this year. Read on to find details of the festive markets happening in Somerset and the surrounding areas, how many will you be able to visit?
Virtual Bath Christmas Market
When: 1st November – 31st December
Where: Virtually
What: Whilst the spectacular physical market won’t be going ahead this year (Boo, Covid!), all the same festive shopping can be done online. Over 160 independent and sustainable retailers will be showcasing their crafts during this period offering you the opportunity to purchase your usual market favourites, alongside some Festive Features and behind-the-scenes action.
Website: https://bathchristmasmarket.co.uk/
Bath Artisan Markets
When: 20th November – 19th December
Where: Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2NT / Abbey Quarter Market, Bath, BA1 1LT
What: You get 2 for the price of one with Bath Artisan markets. From 20th November you can visit Queen’s Square, to explore the local, handmade products of Bath’s small, independent traders, and the tasty treats they have to offer. Then from 26th November head on over to Bath’s iconic Abbey Quarter where you will find Bath's biggest gathering of independent artists, designer/makers, vintage sellers, and local food producers. Complete with a Victorian Carousel and live entertainment, it’s the perfect time to browse the stalls and grab a gift for the whole family.
Website: https://www.bathartisanmarket.com/ / https://www.abbeyquartermarket.com/
Bournemouth Christmas Market
When: 19th November 2021 – 2nd January 2022
Where: Westover Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2BU
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 hand made 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 book and enjoy a cosy snow dome, 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 Floating Fayre
When: 4th December 2021 – 5th December 2021
Where: Kennet and Avon Canal, Below the Lock (towards Bath), Frome Road, BA15 1LE
What: Christmas shopping with a difference, as I don’t believe any of the other Christmas markets on this list happen on the water! The floating Fayre will exhibit the local community’s crafts and talent, all from their boats along the tow path.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/kennetandavonfloatingfayre
Opening Times: 10:30 – 17:00
Bradford on Avon Christmas Gift Fair
When: 4th December 2021 – 5th December 2021
Where: St Margaret's Hall, St Margaret's Street, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1DE,
What: Taking place on the night of the town’s lights switch-on, there will be stalls filled with gifts galore along with a host of family-friendly festive outdoor entertainment, including (very impressively!) bumper cars, bungee trampolines and a festive merry go round!
Website: https://bradfordonavontowncouncil.gov.uk/events/event/christmas-gift-fair-2/
Opening Times: 16:00 – 20:30
Bristol Christmas Market
When: 5th November – 23rd December 2021
Where: Broadmead in Bristol Shopping Quarter, BS1 1UX
What: 50 unique stalls, food, drink and live music in the Jäger Barn Bar (with heated seating!), and private Igloos can be hired for 90-minute time slots. It’s also rumoured that Santa and his reindeers may be visiting throughout December, so make sure you’re on your best behaviour.
Website: https://www.bristolchristmasmarket.com/
Bristol Local Market
When: 29th November – 23rd December 2021
Where: Broadmead in Bristol Shopping Quarter, BS1 1UX – between the podium and Union Street
What: You'll find 20 chalets of the very best of local Bristol produce. It's a treasure trove of artisan crafts, unique gifts, and delicious foods. Not one to miss!
Website: http://www.bristollocalchristmasmarket.com/
Opening Times: Mon – Wed – 10:30 – 18:00
Thurs – Sat – 10:30 – 20:00
Sun – 10:30 – 17:00
Cardiff Christmas Market
When: 11th November 2021 – 23rd December 2021
Where: Working Steet, Cardiff, CF10 1GN (along with Trinity Street, St Johns Street & The Hayes)
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: 11th November – 12:00 – 18:00
Mon – Sat - 10:00 – 18:00
Sun – 10:00 – 17:00
Devizes Winter Festival
When: 26th November – 27th November 2021
Where: Market Square and Corn Exchange, Market Square, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 1HT
What: The winter makery market 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 a live band, fireworks, the ghost caribou walkabout, air giant spectacular and lantern parade.
Website: https://www.docadevizes.org.uk/winter-festival/
Opening Times: 12:00 – 20:00
Frome Christmas Markets
When: Select dates from 27th November – 19th December 2021
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. The Charity Fair will enable local charities, church groups and non-profits to increase their awareness whilst you can enjoy the festive fun. Then you can go grab your turkey from the award-winning farmers market, which will offer up a huge variety of food and drink just in time for Christmas.
27th November – Christmas Charity Fair
4th December – Christmas Gift Market
18th December – Christmas Gift Market
19th December – Christmas Farmers Market
Website: https://www.cheeseandgrain.com/?s=christmas&search_cat=events
Opening Times: 09:00 – 14:00
Tickets for the Charity Fair: £10 + booking fee - Purchasing information on the website above.
Frome Independent Market
When: 7th November 2021 & 5th December 2021 (+ night market on 26th November 2021)
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. They will also be hosting a bonus little night market on 26th November from 4pm outside the library, in union with the Frome Christmas Light switch on!
Website: https://thefromeindependent.org.uk/welcoming-the-festive-season/
Opening Times: 10:00 – 15:00
Glastonbury Frost Fayre
When: 27th November 2021
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 and Father Christmas and his helpers are rumoured to be making an appearance. You can also get free entrance to the Abbey!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/915390182574993/
Opening Times: 12:00 – 18:00
Marlborough Christmas Cracker Fair
When: 18th December 2021
Where: The Town Hall, 5 High Street, Malborough, SN8 1AA
What: Get your retail therapy fix and have a cracking good time at the Cracker Fair. With over 80 stalls so you can finish your Christmas shopping off with 7 whole days to spare!
Website: https://m.facebook.com/events/2953402808104110?active_tab=about
Opening Times: 10:00 – 16:00
Oxford Christmas Market
When: 9th December 2021 – 19th December 2021
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.
Website: https://www.oxfordchristmasmarket.co.uk/
Opening Times: Thurs – Sat - 10:00 – 20:00
Sun – Wed – 10:00 – 18:30
Salisbury Christmas Market
When: Sundays from 28th November 2021 – 19th December 2021
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. It’s the perfect opportunity to support the local traders and grab yourself some gifts for all your friends and family. Whilst you’re there, head on over to Guildhall Square for the Christmas on the Square event for some festive fun.
Website: https://www.experiencesalisbury.co.uk/what-s-on/2021/november/sunday-festive-markets/
Opening Times: Sundays - 10:00 – 16:00
Southampton Christmas Market
When: 18th November 2021 – 23rd December 2021
Where: Above Bar Street and Bargate Street, Southampton, SO14 7DQ
What: This German-themed Christmas market draws huge crowds each year, due to its focus on high-quality products all sold from wooden alpine chalets. The emphasis is on gifts and crafts, rather than food, but there is still plenty of snacks to be had from the two bar areas, offering traditional German draught beers, warming mulled wine and scrumptious hot chocolates. The main attraction is the interactive flying Santa show, which happens twice daily and is great fun for all the family.
Website: http://www.xmasfestival.com/
Opening Times: Mon – Wed - 10:00 – 20:00
Thurs – 10:00 – 20:30
Fri – Sat – 09:30 – 20:30
Sun – 10:00 – 19:30
Swindon BizSpace Christmas Market
When: Selected dates from 20th November 2021 – 18th December 2021
Where: BizSpace, Cheney Manor Road, Cheney Manor Industrial Estate, SN2 2PJ
What: There will be festive activities a-plenty all under one roof, along with 30 local and independent businesses selling gifts galore for you to peruse. There will also be a choir serenading you with cheerful tunes to get you in the Christmassy mood.
November 26th 2021
December 11th 2021
December 18th 2021
Website: https://www.facebook.com/BizSpaceSwindon/events/?ref=page_internal
Opening Times: Sundays - 10:00 – 16:00
Trowbridge Innox Christmas Market
When: 19th November 2021 – 21st November 2021
Where: Innox Mills Buildings, Stallard Street, Trowbridge, BA14 8HH
What: Following its success last year, the Innox Christmas market is back, with a wide array of artisan gifts, decorations and Christmas trees! If you’re after a little winter warmer whilst your busy browsing, there will be an abundance of refreshments on offer, including local ales and spirits, spiced cider and mulled wine. In addition, and in conjunction with the Christmas lights switch on, a pop-up Christmas market at The Civic will be held on 27th - 28th November supporting local businesses.
Website: https://www.theatm.co.uk/events/trowbridge-innox-christmas-market-4-6-december-2020/
Opening Times: Friday- 09:00 – 21:00
Saturday – 09:00 – 18:00
Sunday – 09:00 – 16:00
Taunton Christmas Market
When: 19th November 2021 – 21st November 2021
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: £5 per adult, children (aged 5-15) go free. Purchasing information on the website above.
Wells Christmas Artisan Market
When: 6th November - 7th November 2021
Where: The Bishops Palace & Gardens, Wells, BA5 2PD
What: 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.
Wells Christmas Markets
When: Select dates from 6th November 2021 – 22nd December 2021
Where: Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells BA5 2RB
What: Throughout November and December Wells Town Hall is hosting over 60 stalls showcasing gifts and treats for your nearest and dearest. Get your Christmas shopping sorted on the following dates:
6th November – Step into Christmas
20th November The Best of Somerset, Christmas Edit
8th December – Winter Wednesday
11th December – Deck the Halls
15th December – Christmas Cracker
18th December – Holly Jolly Christmas
22nd December – Blitzen’s Bazar
Website: https://www.visitwellssomerset.co.uk/whats-on?month=2021-12
Opening Times: 10:00 – 16:00
Weston-Super-Mare Festive Fayre
When: 27th November 2021 – 28th November 2021
Where: The Italian Gardens, South Parade, Weston-Super-Mare, BS23 1HU
What: From 10am each day visit the numerous market stalls, listen and bop along to the live music and try the tasty treats. The Christmas lights will be turned on on the Saturday followed by carols and a brass brand. 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.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/event/christmas-market/
Wincanton Christmas Fair
When: 23rd November 2021
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 fin 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: £3 per person. Purchasing information on the website above.
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
When: 19th November 2021 – 22nd December 2021
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/
Worcester Victorian Christmas Market
When: 2nd December 2021 – 5th December 2021
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
