14 Christmas Fairs Worth Visiting This Year
Spirit of Christmas, Olympia London
The Spirit of Christmas Fair is the ultimate way to kickstart the festive season. Bringing together over 700 boutiques and designers-makers, the seven-day event offers everything you need to complete your Christmas shopping. With plenty of inspiration across fashion, jewellery, home accessories and decorations, plus toys, men’s gifts and food and drink ideas, the annual event is a great day out. Celebrating its 21st anniversary this year, for 2022 it’s bigger than ever, featuring 700 small independent businesses, over 200 new and exclusive brands and many returning favourites – think Addison Ross, Belazu, Bias Editions, Freddie’s Flowers, If Only If Nightwear, Lucy’s Dressings, Nio Cocktails and Rebecca Udall.
When: 31st October-6th November
Country Living Christmas Fair, UK-Wide
At the three Country Living Christmas Fairs, you’ll find one-off gifts for friends and family, home styling advice, beautiful handmade decorations and tempting food and drink made by small artisan producers – all under one roof. There’ll also be food demonstrations from a line-up of celebrity chefs, workshop sessions hosted by expert crafters and at-home entertaining talks given by members of Country Living magazine’s editorial team. To round off the day, sip on a glass or two in the popular champagne bar or enjoy an afternoon tea dining experience. Ticket prices range from £20-£200.
When: London, 9th-14th November; Glasgow, 17th-20th November; Harrogate, 1st-4th December
Visit CountryLivingFair.com
Chatsworth House Christmas Fair, Derbyshire
Few festive fair venues are more impressive than Chatsworth house. With over 100 stalls offering a wide range of gifts and decorations, set time aside to explore the house’s own exclusive ranges in the Stables shop, too, which sells a wide range of home and fashion gifts and plenty of stocking fillers. Then, take a break to enjoy mulled wine or craft beer at one of the outdoor bars or sample some of the delicious food. There'll also be live music guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit. Admission is free.
When: 17th-20th November
Visit NationalTrust.org.uk
St Nicholas Fair, York, North Yorkshire
York is always beautiful, but at Christmas it really comes into its own as the city’s restaurants, shops and attractions are beautifully decorated. This year marks the 30th anniversary of St Nicholas Fair, which has been a staple in York’s streets since 1992. Alpine chalets will line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square creating a festive wonderland, with an array of local traders and artisan products. New for 2022 is a traditional Swiss chalet, The Winter Hütte, which offers a ‘Swiss with a Twist’ dining experience from one of Yorkshire’s best-known chefs, Michelin-starred Andrew Pern. For passers-by, there is a bar area serving seasonal favourites such as gluhwein and spiced cider.
When: 17th November-23rd December
Visit VisitYork.org
The Burghley Christmas Fair, Lincolnshire
Wander among the decorative chalets, marquees and pagodas at the Burghley Christmas Fair. From luxury gifts to artisan foods, festive treats to winter fashion and much more, there will be more than 130 different stalls, as well as a Victorian carousel and carol singers. Entry is £6 for adults and parking is complimentary for all ticket holders.
When: 24th-27th November
Visit Burghley.co.uk
Festive Fair at the Forum, Norwich
Enjoy a cup of warming mulled wine while listening to Christmas carols from Norfolk’s own Pavilion Brass Quintet, who will be playing festive tunes outside The Forum’s festive event each day. Plus, there’ll be food and drink stands outside on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from hot waffles and gourmet doughnuts to delicious Norfolk rum. Inside, expect a range of East Anglian stalls selling everything from jewellery, pottery, textiles, woodcraft, glassware, art, preserves, calendars, cards, prints, Christmas decorations, chocolates, candles, clothes and more. In the spirit of Christmas, the event will be raising funds for charity, with a quality second-hand book stall and tombola in aid of Norwich-based breast cancer reconstruction charity, Keeping Abreast.
When: 24th-27th November
Visit TheForumNorwich.co.uk
Malton Christmas Festival, Yorkshire
This huge two-day Christmas festival is one of the biggest Christmas markets in Yorkshire. Expect delicious food, festive gift stalls, street food, live music and family entertainment in a picturesque setting. Alongside traditional Christmas music from Malton’s local brass bands, the market will offer top street food, figgy puddings, turkey and goose, award-winning macarons, mulled wine, gin and beers alongside festive gift stalls, choirs and seasonal entertainment.
When: 3rd-4th December
Visit VisitMalton.com
Surrey Hills Christmas Fair, Surrey
The Surrey Hills Christmas Fair showcases the very best of Surrey arts, crafts and artisanal produce. Taking place across the Manor House, Walled Garden and Place Farm Barn at West Horsley Place, there’ll be a variety of stalls to browse, including food and drink, skincare, jewellery and fashion – plus, visitors can sample refreshments and light bites in the courtyard. This year’s exhibiting partners include Wey Ceramics, Surrey Hills Enterprises, Guildford Art Society, Surrey Sculpture Society, The Artshed Surrey, Surrey Guild of Craftsmen, Aaronson Hauck & Friends. Under-fives go free.
When: 25th-27th November
Visit WestHorsleyPlace.org
Flatford Christmas Craft Fayre, Suffolk
Anyone who’s been to Suffolk or the surrounding area will be familiar with the picturesque setting of Flatford Mill – the inspiration for many of John Constable’s most famous landscape paintings. This year, it’s playing host to The Bourne Valley Crafters as part of the annual Christmas Craft Fayre. There, you’ll be able to browse wares from a talented group of local crafters and designers, from ceramics to jewellery, art to textiles. Guests can also enjoy refreshments at the on-site tearoom.
When: 26th-27th November
Visit NationalTrust.org.uk
Twinkle of Christmas, London
The Design Centre at Chelsea Harbour is set to launch Twinkle of Christmas. The fair will showcase luxury lifestyle brands including Bamford, Tatiana Alida, Fiona Finds, Rebecca Udall, Brazen Botany, Boodlah, Wilkin & Sons, Emma J Shipley, Initially London, Nostara, Knug & Knugwear, Birdie London, Rachel Bottomley, Amuse La Bouche, Okapi, Halcyon Days, Emma Jane Knight, Araminta Campbell, Marion Ayonote, Fiona Finds, Heirlooms Linens and Addison Ross. There will also be a pop-up shop full of seasonal gift ideas from the showrooms, courtesy of the Design Centre’s Personal Shopping team, while Ruuby, the digital beauty concierge service, will be offering up complimentary festive manicures.
When: 1st-3rd December
Visit DCCH.co.uk
Powis Castle Christmas, Wales
Don’t miss this opportunity to do a little Christmas shopping in the grounds of one of Wales’s most beautiful castles. From decorations to Christmas cards, gifts to festive food, you’re bound to find something for any friend or loved one. Visitors will also be able to enjoy a sneak preview of some of the beautiful Christmas decorations in the castle’s ornate Entrance Hall and State Dining Room, delight in some festive singing in the courtyard and warm up with a hot drink or glass of mulled wine and a mince pie in the Courtyard Café.
When: 3rd-24th December
Visit NationalTrust.org.uk
Sissinghurst Festive Market, Kent
The 10th anniversary of the Sissinghurst Castle Garden Festive Market will take place on 26th and 27th November. Stalls will include local food, drinks and crafts, meaning you're sure to find the perfect Christmas gift (and maybe even a treat for yourself). There’ll be live music throughout the weekend plus the National Trust property’s shop and restaurant will be open for any extra shopping or winter warmers you might need.
When: 26th-27th November
Visit NationalTrust.org.uk
Hampton Court Festive Fayre, Surrey
Hampton Court Palace will transform its courtyards into a food-lover's Christmas wonderland for this year’s Festive Fayre. Soak up the spirit of the season with delicious street food, warming festive drinks and even the odd sing-along around the bandstand. Visitors will be able to browse a selection of stalls, offering plenty of foodie Christmas treats and special presents for everyone on your list. Admission is included as part of a standard entrance ticket to Hampton Court, which costs £26.10 per adult. Historic Royal Palaces members go free.
When: 2nd-4th December
Visit HRP.org.uk
Christmas Makers Market at Petworth
Best known for its grand National Trust property, Petworth House, this West Sussex town is close to the border of Surrey, so is easy to get to from the capital. At Petworth House’s festive fair, you’ll find a range of beautiful handmade products including jewellery, homewares, textiles and art. The event is held in partnership with Petworth Pop Up: Makers Market. Petworth House will be opening late on Saturday 3rd December too, so you can see the house decorated for Christmas – normal admission applies and is free for National Trust members.
When: 3rd-4th December
Visit NationalTrust.org.uk
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