Christmas markets to visit in Cambridgeshire. A fun and festive day out for the whole family. Opening dates and what’s on.
Christmas Gift and Craft Fair, St Ives, 9 November, 10am-4pm
Burgess Hall, St Ives
Entry: £3
Browse the stalls of festive treats, traditional decorations and handmade gifts, perfect for picking up presents for family and friends.
Christmas Cracker 2019, 9 November – 24 December
Byard Art, 14 King’s Parade, Cambridge CB2 1SJ
The exhibition offers a constantly evolving display of original paintings, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media artwork, limited edition prints, photography and handmade jewellery by over 50 artists and designer-makers. www.byardart.co.uk
Ely Cathedral Christmas Gift & Craft Fair, 14 – 16 November
Chapter House, The College, Ely CB7 4DL
Entry: £4 per person. Under 16’s free.
Now in its eighth year, this huge event sees over 120 stalls located in the Cathedral’s magnificent nave, the Lady Chapel and even a heated marquee in the grounds. As well as the chance to pick up gifts and homemade treats, the fair also features live demonstrations, a festive food hall, reindeer and children’s entertainment. Tickets must be purchased in advance. www.elycathedral.org/events/christmas-gift-food-fair-2019
Cathedral Christmas Market, 15-16 November
Peterborough Cathedral, Peterborough PE1 1XS
Coinciding with the city’s Christmas light switch on, the market allows shoppers to browse a range of gifts, crafts and decorations in the cosy, warm surroundings of the cathedral. www.facebook.com/events/peterborough-cathedral/cathedral-christmas-market
Peterborough City Christmas Market, 16 November – 28 December (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day)
The City’s Christmas Market will feature traditional market stalls on Cathedral Green joining those in the city centre. There will be gift ideas, alpine chalets and Yuletide food and drink outlets, so pop along and experience Christmas in a beautiful setting.
The North Pole, 16 November 2019 – 5 January 2020
Parker’s Piece, Cambridge
Skate price: Adults from £12.50, children (aged between 3 and 12 years old) from £10.50, family ticket from £40
There’s no need to jet off to the artic as the North Pole once again pops up at Parker’s Piece in Cambridge. A fabulous festive location for the whole family to enjoy. Tuck into tasty treats from the food stalls, warm up with mulled wine at the Alpine Bar and before going for a 45 minute spin on the ice rink. This year there’s special promotions including music nights, ‘Buy One Get One Free’ tickets for students during November off-peak sessions, plus 25% off on admission for Save The Children’s Christmas Jumper Day for those who wear a Christmas sweater on 13 December. www.thenorthpolecambridge.co.uk
Huntingdon’s Christmas Celebrations, 22-24 November
Huntingdon Town Centre
The market will be launched with the popular Christmas Lights Switch On, which will take place at 6.30pm on 22 November. The event, supported by local businesses and charity stalls, will be a hub of festive fun, with gifts, food and a visit by Father Christmas and his elves to keep children entertained. www.huntingdonchristmasmarket.co.uk
Presents Galore, 22-24 November
The Millennium Stand, Rowley Mile Racecourse, Newmarket, CB8 0TF
Entry: £6 in advance, £8 on the door
The Christmas shopping extravaganza is the perfect start to the festive season. Offering all of the atmosphere, sights and aromas of Christmas and featuring over 100 boutique stalls, the fair is a treasure trove of special gifts waiting to be found. Presents Galore kicks off with a late-night shopping event on Friday evening from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, continuing throughout the weekend, from 10am to 5pm, and until 4pm on Sunday, to allow you to purchase all of your Christmas presents in one place. With ample free parking and culinary delights available to suit every taste, Presents Galore has it all. Funds raised by the event are set to benefit Racing Welfare, the Jockey Club’s charity, and Palace House, Newmarket. www.presentsgalore.org
St Neots Christmas Market, 24 November
Market Square, St Neots, PE19 2AA
The town hosts a market of gifts, crafts and street food alongside it’s Christmas light switch on. There’s lots of entertainment too including a Santa’s grotto, street performances and firework finale. www.visitstneots.co.uk/event/christmas-lights-switch-on
Burghley House Christmas Fair, 28 November – 1 December
Burghley House, Peterborough
Free entry, parking £10
Bigger and better than ever before, wander amongst the chalets, heated marquees and the Fine Food Market and enjoy the perfect Christmas shopping opportunity in the festive and historic surroundings of Burghley. www.burghley.co.uk/events/christmas-fair
Histon Handmade Christmas, 30 November, 12pm-7pm
The St Andrew’s Centre, School Hill, Histon
This is the perfect market for picking up quirky gifts and stocking fillers. Make a day of it and stop for lunch at The Boot, Histon. www.histonhandmade.com
Mill Road Winter Fair, 7 December, 10.30am-4.30pm
C/o Al Amin, 100a Mill Rd, Cambridge CB1 2BD
Enjoy the atmospheric buzz of this popular fair. Cambridge businesses come together with a range of stalls selling gifts and decorations and delicious food. The fair takes over Cambridge’s trendy Mill Road with music and entertainment guaranteed to get you into the festive spirit. Last year the event attracted over 10,000 visitors so expect it to be busy. One not to be missed! www.millroadwinterfair.org
Christmas Fair, 7 December, 11am-4pm
The Green Backyard, Oundle Road, PE2 8AT Peterborough
Free Entry
A lovely day of festive fun and an opportunity to support local creators and businesses. Expect a great selection of stalls, music, entertainment, food and drink. www.facebook.com/events/the-green-backyard/christmas-fair/1152552734928844
