Christmas markets to visit in Cambridgeshire. A fun and festive day out for the whole family. Opening dates and what’s on.
Huntingdon Christmas Market, 19-21 November
Set in the Market Square, the festive celebrations include a mix of wooden chalets and stalls, bringing together a great selection of local businesses. Gifts, food and entertainment are all on the agenda. Though there will be no official light switch on this year, there will be live music and acts on stage at the opening of the market on 19 November. Find out more.
Christmas Craft and Gift Market at Peterborough Cathedral, 19-20 November
The grand architecture of Peterborough Cathedral is the perfect backdrop for a Christmas market. Featuring handcrafted jewellery, glassware, wooden crafts, vegan soaps, bamboo socks and delicious sweet treats, finding stocking fillers won’t be difficult. Attendees must book a ticket in advance for £2, under 16s go free.
The North Pole Ice Rink, 19 November – 3 January
Frozen fun is coming to Cambridge this winter with the return of The North Pole Ice Rink at Parker’s Piece. A great festive day out for adults, teenagers and children (penguin skating aids are available for little ones), the rink is available for skating during the day and evening. The fun continues with the addition of the Big Wheel and a three lane, real ice slide. After a whizz around the rink, visitors can warm up at the bar serving traditional bratwursts, hot chocolate and mulled wine. Prices from £13 per adult, £11 per child. Family discounts available. This year also sees the addition of a real ice bar. Tickets are priced at £12, and each 20-minute session will include either one free cocktail or mocktail to enjoy, as well as a space blanket to keep you warm. Book here.
Presents Galore at Newmarket Rowley Mile Racecourse, 19 – 21 November
Welcome Christmas at East Anglia’s biggest Christmas fair! The three-day extravaganza includes over 100 boutique stalls packed with delicious aromas, treasures and festive cheer. All proceeds raised will be shared between Racing Welfare and the National Horse Racing Museum. More information here.
Burghley House Christmas Fair, 25-28 November
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. Entry £5. Find out more.
St Neots Christmas Light Switch On and Market, 28 November
Head to the Market Square in St Neots for a day of festive fun. The market, fun fair and Santa’s Grotto will open from midday with live music throughout the day. The Christmas lights will be switched on at 5pm, with festivities winding down at 6pm.
A Wimpole Christmas, December Weekends
Enjoy a festive day out to Wimpole Estate this Christmas. Discover the gardens and parkland on a winter’s walk with family or friends, spotting magical Christmas trees and sparkling decorations as you explore the estate. Visit The Stables to listen to Christmas carols sung by local choirs. Have your spirits lifted by festive tunes, sip on a warming hot chocolate whilst you enjoy and perhaps even join in with some well-known yuletide favourites, sure to leave you feeling jolly.
Mill Road Saturdays, 4 December
Unfortunately, due to the uncertainty over COVID, this year’s Mill Road Winter Fair has been cancelled. However, residents and visitors of Cambridge can still enjoy festive fun with Mill Road Saturdays. A series of small events will be held on Donkey Common and Petersfield. Expect stalls, buskers and bunting! It’s a great chance to explore the independents of Cambridge and immerse yourself in the community spirit.
March Christmas Market, 5 December, 10am – 3pm
A lovely town event to celebrate Christmas. The festivities begin at 10am with a day of live entertainment, mulled wine, speciality foods, quality gifts and activities in the Town Hall. More info here.
Rural Magpie Antiques and Vintage Fair, 5 December, 10am – 4pm
Located at the Village Hall in Great Chishill, this is a warm and welcoming fair with approximately 20 stalls packed full with antiques and collectables including Moorcroft, antique jewellery and glass, and much more. Refreshments will be available.
East of England Christmas Craft, Food and Gift Fair, 11-12 December
Taking place at the East of England Showground, the fair features hundreds of exhibits, crafts and gifts from talented tradesmen, designers, jewellers and more. The food hall tempts the taste buds with festive delights. This is a one-stop shop for all your Christmas needs. Price adults £10, children £4. Book tickets here.
Ely Christmas Market Special, 22 December
Held in the city’s Market Place, this mini market will feature festive food, gifts and flowers. It’s the perfect opportunity to pick up those last-minute essentials before the big day. Find out more.
Is the St Neots market staying open in the days after the lights switch on 28th Nov?