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 be able to visit?
Bath Christmas Market
When: 24th November 2022 – 11th December 2022
Where: Stall Street, Bath, BA1 1LT
What: After a break of 2 years (because of covid) Bath Christmas market will be back with a bang celebrating their 20th anniversary. Over 150 independent and sustainable retailers will be showcasing their crafts and offering you the opportunity to purchase your usual market favourites. This year will see the introduction of the Christmas Carts allowing micro businesses the chance to try-out the market for a shorter duration, can be found on Green Street. 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://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: 18th November 2022 – 2nd January 2023
Where: Bournemouth Square, Bournemouth, BH1 3JP
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 book a table to enjoy a quiz every Monday night, Karaoke every Wednesday, and live music every Sunday - 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 Christmas Gift Fair
When: 19th November 2022
Where: St Margaret's Hall, St Margaret's Street, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1DE,
What: On 19th December 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://bradfordonavontowncouncil.gov.uk/events/event/made-in-bradford-on-avon-christmas-fair/
Opening Times: 10:00 – 15:00
Bristol Bearpit festive market
When: Sundays from 13th November 2022 – 18th December 2022
Where: The Bearpit, St James Barton Roundabout, Bristol, BS1 3LY
What: A new market launched this year, and they’re bringing you their festive spectacular over 6 weeeks through November and December. 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.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/bristolbearpitmarket/
Opening Times: 10:00 – 17:00
Bristol Christmas Market
When: 4th November 2022 – 23rd December 2022
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, or new ski gondolas 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/
Opening Times: The market - 10:00 – 19:00
Food & Bar - 10:00 – 22:00
Bristol Future Leap Festive Market
When: Select from 18th November 2022 – 23rd December 2022
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/2022/11/18/festive-market/
Opening Times: 18th November – 20th November – 10:00 – 17:00
25th November – 10:00 – 17:00
2nd December – 4th December – 10:00 – 17:00
16th December – 23rd December – 10:00 – 17:00
Bristol Open Studios & Makers Market
When: Select dates from 19th November 2022 – 18th December 2022
Where: Estate of the Arts, South Liberty Lane, Bedminster Ashton, Bristol, BS3 2SG
What: An unexpected market showcasing some of Bristol’s most lovingly made and imaginative gifts. Over the three weekends you can explore the artists’ studios and makers workshops for a peep behind the curtain on how these real-life Santa’s elves create and bring to you the selection of food, ceramics, jewellery, fashion, art, toys and cosmetics.
Website: https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/open-studios-and-makers-market-at-estate-of-the-arts-p3191853
Opening Times: 19th November – 20th November – 11:00 – 17:00
3rd December – 4th December – 11:00 – 17:00
17th December – 18th December – 11:00 – 17:00
Door Entry, suggested £2 donation per person
Cardiff Christmas Market
When: 10th November 2022 – 23rd December 2022
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: Mon – Sat - 10:00 – 18:00
Sun – 10:00 – 17:00
Chard Christmas Cracker Fair
When: 26th November 2022
Where: The Guildhall, 14 Fore Street, Chard, TA20 1PP
What: Get your retail therapy fix and have a cracking good time at the Cracker Fair. With plenty of stalls exhibiting their banging gifts, that are far better than the items you will find in your average Christmas cracker. Treat your nearest and dearest and finish your Christmas shopping off with a month to spare!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/the-guildhall-chard/christmas-cracker-chard/304462698367511/
Opening Times: 10:00 – 16:00
Devizes Winter Festival
When: 25th November 2022 – 26th November 2022
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, the window winter wanderland, air giant spectacular lantern parade, 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 19th November 2022 – 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. 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 tofu turkey from the exciting vegan fair, which will offer up a huge variety of food and drink, clothing, gifts, cosmetics, and free tasters just in time for Christmas.
Website: https://www.cheeseandgrain.com/?s=christmas&search_cat=events
Opening Times: 19th November – Christmas Makers Market – 9:00 – 14:00
26th November – Christmas Charity Far - 9:00 – 14:00
3rd December – Christmas Gift Market - 9:00 – 14:00
11th December – Christmas Vegan Fair – 10:00 – 16:00
Tickets for the Charity Fair: TBC.
Christmas Vegan Fair £2 door entry (under 14s free)
Frome Independent Market
When: 6th November 2022 & 4th December 2022
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 says 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: 26th November 2022
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!
Opening Times: 12:00 – 18:00
Mistletoe in Marlborough at Christmas
When: 18th November 2022 & 4th December 2022
Where: The Town Hall, 5 High Street, Malborough, SN8 1AA
What: Make Christmas 2022 a memorable one starting off with the Christmas lights switch on, on 18th 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 Mistletoe in Marlborough Christmas fair on 4th December where you will discover fabulous finds within the vibrant array of products from the talented stallholders.
Opening Times: 18th November - 10:00 – 20:00
4th December – 10:00 – 16:00
Oxford Christmas Market
When: 1st December 2022 – 18th December 2022
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 27th November 2022 – 18th December 2022
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. On 11th December there will be the chance to support young entrepreneurs at the teenage market, and 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/2022/november/sunday-festive-markets/
Opening Times: Sundays - 10:00 – 16:00
Street Festive Market
When: 3rd December 2022
Where: High Street, Street, BA16 0EZ
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 at The Grange.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/1148953416038285/?ref=newsfeed
Opening Times: 11:00 – 16:00
Swindon Christmas Market
When: 17th November 2022 – 20th November 2022
Where: 37 Bridge Street, Swindon, SN1 1BP
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 3 day spectacular.
Website: https://www.cotswoldmarkets.com/swindon-christmas-market
Opening Times: Thurs - Sat - 10:30 – 19:00
Sun – 11:00 – 17:00
Trowbridge Civic Christmas Market
When: 18th November 2022 – 19th November 2022
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/civic-christmas-market-17th-nov/
Opening Times: Friday- 16:00 – 21:00
Saturday – 10:00 – 18:00
Taunton, Hestercombe Christmas Market
When: 18th November 2022 – 20th November 2022
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: 5th November - 6th November 2022 & 17th December 2022
Where: The Bishops Palace & Gardens, Wells, BA5 2PD
What: Back for the 7th 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: 3rd December 2022
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 tombola in aid of ‘The Friends of Weston Museum’ who aim to raise funds for the museum’s redevelopment. 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-2022/
Opening Times: 10:00 – 15:00
Wincanton Christmas Fair
When: 22nd November 2022
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: £5 per person. Purchasing information on the website above.
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
When: 18th November 2022 – 22nd December 2022
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: 1st December 2022 – 4th December 2022
Where: High Street, Worcester, WR1 2EY
What: The historic streets of Worcester come to life during the Victorian themed Christmas market, and especially this year as they are celebrating their 30th anniversary. 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 Blitzen’s Bazaar
When: 10th December 2022
Where: Yeovil Community Church, Addlewell Lane, Yeovil, BA20 1QN
What: There’s nothing bizarre about this bazaar in the run up to the big day. Blitzen himself has not yet confirmed his attendance, however 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.
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/blitzens-bazaar-yeovil-tickets-336465867467
Opening Times: 10:00 – 16:00
