Christmas markets and winter light trails in our region

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

 

The Stowe House Christmas Fayre, Bucks, 23- 24 November

The historic state rooms are transformed into a shopping village showcasing the best local small businesses. Festive activities for the children include writing a letter to Santa, and there are food vans and refreshments available. Tickets must be pre-booked. 

Dickens of a Christmas, Olney, Sunday 1 December

Bringing a taste of Victorian England to Olney, this popular event sees stall holders dressed in costumes of the era. Stalls stretch from the Market Place along the High Street, offering Christmas gifts, all whilst supporting local charities. Street organ entertainers, singers and the Olney Brass Band add to the atmosphere and charm of the event.

Waddesdon Christmas Fair and Light Trail, 15 December -  22 December

Waddesdon Manor is lighting up for Christmas once again, this year following the story of Sleeping Beauty. Wander through the indoor installations and the trees outside, illuminated by a kaleidoscope of colour. Waddesdon’s Christmas Fair also features a bespoke Food Village offering takeaway food and drinks served from artisan chalets.

 

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

The Lost Magic of Christmas, Evenley Wood Garden, 23 Nov – 24 Dec

Evenley Wood Garden is a 60-acre private garden carefully curated with a range of rare plants that wouldn’t usually grow in the region. Themed events happen regularly here and the woodland is perfect for a light trail. The theme of this years’  festive trail is to search for the ‘lost magic of Christmas’.

Winter Light Trail, Delapré Abbey, Northampton, 22 Nov – 31 Dec

Step into an enchanting illuminated trail in the ancient grounds of Northampton’s Delapré Abbey. From interactive displays, soundscapes and larger than life illuminations, this year’s Winter Light Trail promises unforgettable memories. Plus there’s a ski lodge bar and mini chalets for mulled wine and winter cocktails.

 

BEDFORDSHIRE

 

Christmas Craft and Food Fayre Spectacular, Jordans Mill, Biggleswade, 7-8 December

There is a popular monthly craft fayres at this Victorian Heritage mill which champions locally made artisan gifts from a huge array of makers and creators. The markets on 7 and 8 December will have an added festive flourish with different stall holders each day and goody bags for the first 25 families to arrive, (9.30am – 3.30pm). A late night shopping event in the shop offers discounts and tastings on 29 Nov (4 – 6pm).

Twilight Market, Dunstable, 13 – 15 Dec

The Square and Middle Row will be packed out with stalls for two evening markets: 13 – 14 Dec (3pm – 8pm) and one daytime one: 15 Dec (10am – 3pm). There’ll be festive lights, live music on stage from local groups, festive crafts, a FREE Santa’s grotto and children’s ride.

Bedford Christmas Market Weekender, 7 – 8 December

This weekend extravaganza of Christmas shopping in the heart of Bedford is put on by artist and producer Talia Giles and artist Laura Holmes with BedfordBID, who host the monthly Bedford Flea, Affordable Art & Local Produce Market. You can expect artisan and flea stalls, street food, FREE bubble train rides, and festive rides at Harpur Suite and Harper Square. (7 Dec: 10am – 5pm, 8 Dec: 10am – 4pm).

 

WARWICKSHIRE

Christmas at Warwick Castle, Warks, 23 Nov – 5 Jan

Christmas at the Castle is returning with a stunning light trail. The grounds and gardens will be dressed in thousands of twinkling lights with projections on the castle walls. There will  be a Christmas market and a spectacular open-air ice rink underneath towers and turrets.

 

HERTFORDSHIRE

 

Hertford Castle Christmas Market, 22 – 24 Nov

The Christmas Gala on 22 November is when the town centre will be buzzing with food stalls, fairground rides, live music from local performers, and a walkabout Santa, with the big light switch on at 6pm in Salisbury Square. Fri 22 Nov (3pm – 8pm); Sat 23 Nov (11am – 6pm); Sunday 24 Nov (11am – 5pm).

Letchworth Christmas Lights Switch On, 23 Nov

The big switch on happens at 5pm but there’s plenty to enjoy before then, including stalls from local stores, fun fair and amusements, local food and drink vendors, all located around the Garden Square Shopping Centre and Leys Avenue. Plus there’ll be a full schedule of on-stage entertainment and a parade from Leys Ave to Eastcheap with the Garden City Samba Band, Elsa and Anna and plenty more from 4.30pm. (12 noon – 7pm).

Tring Christmas Festival, 30 Nov

Tring’s Victorian Christmas Festival is the town’s biggest free event. The High Street is closed off to traffic and becomes packed with stalls offering gifts and refreshments. There’ll be funfair rides and performances from schools and community groups on stage in Church Square, whilst the High Street doors are kept open for some late night shopping, discounts (and often free nibbles). And there’s usually a Christmas tree competition, as well as the chance to meet Santa’s reindeer. (3.30 – 8.30pm).

 

OXFORDSHIRE

 

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, 15 Nov – 22 Dec

Blenheim Palace will be serving up its show-stopping Christmas market in The Great Court. Browse chalets stocked with gifts, decorations and tasty treats, all open until 8pm. The Christmas Market is included with a ticket for the light trail and entry to the Palace where the state rooms will be decked out in the theme of Neverland.

 

LONDON

 

Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, 17 Nov – 1 Jan

Back for its 16th year, Winter Wonderland is far more than just a Christmas market. There are also fairground rides, ice sculpting workshops, Santa Land, and an ice rink. You do need to book ahead.

Winter Festival, Southbank Centre, 3 Nov – 26 Dec

Wander along the Thames and revel in twinkling lights, indulgent street food and Alpine-style chalets selling gifts.