The most magical time of the year is just around the corner and soon all the twinkling lights in our local towns will be on! There’ll be music floating out from the doorways and there’ll be some wonderful local Christmas markets showcasing independent businesses, food stalls and bursting with Christmas spirit! We’ve rounded up some of the best festive markets and Christmas light events around for you and all the family to enjoy.
Ely Cathedral Christmas Gift & Food Fair
Thursday 17th-19th November at Ely Cathedral
This annual event is widely acknowledged as one of East Anglia’s exceptional Christmas shopping experiences.Discover perfect presents for friends and family from over a hundred boutique stalls and designers all located in the Cathedral’s magnificent nave and aisles. This year there will also be Free Entry to the Outdoor Christmas Village located in the Cathedral Grounds with 140 stalls selling wonderful tasty food options, warming drinks and many gifts and treasures.
St Ives Christmas Light Switch On
Friday 19th – 20th November at Market Square, St Ives
The Christmas light switch on and festive market is one of the highlights of the year, head down to the town centre to soak up all the festivities, enjoy some great treats and enjoy the magic with the family!
St Neots Victorian Christmas Craft Fayre
Saturday 19th November at Brook House, St Neots
Head to Brook House in St Neots for the Victorian Christmas Craft Fayre, where you can find a traditional market full of festive gift ideas. An authentic Victorian atmosphere with beautiful craft and gift stalls indoors and out. Join in with the coconut shy, Santa’s grotto and enjoy freshly made popcorn, winter desserts, hot chocolate and hot pies!
Dobbies Christmas Shopping Night
Thursday 24th November 5pm – 9pm at Dobbie Garden Centre, Banks End, Wyton, Huntingdon
Kick off your Christmas shopping at Dobbies this November. Browse the new Christmas stock, and try out the new festive menu with an offer of 2 courses for £14.95
Tickets cost £1 and all proceeds go to our charity partner, Teenage Cancer Trust.
including a welcome drink and money off vouchers.
Burghley Christmas Fair
Thursday 24 Nov 2022 – 27 Nov 2022 at Burghley House
Enjoy a magical festive shopping experience in the idyllic surroundings of Burghley House. Wander amongst the traditional chalets, heated marquees and avenue of pagodas bedecked in sparkling Christmas decorations and lights. With over 130 stalls offering everything from luxury gifts, artisan food and drink to Christmas decorations and winter clothing. Bring the whole family along for a wonderful festive day out with carol singers, a Victorian carousel and much more.
Huntingdon Christmas Market & Light Switch On
Friday 25th – 27th November at Market Square, Huntingdon
The Market will be packed full of traders with unique gift ideas, delicious food, and naughty treats. There will be live music from the stage and you’ll be able to meet Father Christmas! Come along and support small businesses and enjoy the seasonal atmosphere. The Mayor of Huntingdon, Cllr David Landon Cole will officially switch on the lights for everyone to enjoy at 6.30pm on Saturday 26th November!
Christmas Illuminations
Friday 25th November 2022 – 1 January 2023 at Wimpole Estat
Look forward to some time together with friends and family as you discover sparkling tunnels of light, then walk under giant baubles and beneath glistening trees drenched in jewel-like colour. For a moment of reflection pause at mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden, gaze at the larger-than-life illuminations and, to make a moment to remember, don’t forget to glimpse Father Christmas along the way.
Our crew of talented independent street food vendors bring a delicious twist to tempting treats on offer. Complete your walk under the stars with a perfectly festive *spiced winter warmer, *hot chocolate or *toasted marshmallows shared with someone special.
Mill Road Winter Fair
Saturday 3rd December at Mill Road, Cambridge
Mill Road Winter Fair is a celebration of community along one of the most diverse and vibrant roads in Cambridge. The Fair brings together local businesses and organisations, shops and stallholders, musicians, artists and dancers in one day of festival joy.
Skylark Christmas Market
Saturday 3rd December at Skylark Garden Centre
There will be tons of special offers across the Garden Centre, samples of their local food and drink suppliers, a range of stalls, festive specials in Café Skylark and live festive entertainment to get everyone into the spirit. Santa’s Grotto will also be open late for the kids to see Santa, pop online to our events website to check what spaces are still available! Don’t miss out on seeing Santa in the evening! There will also be their Christmas cabin on site to serve Bratwurst, burgers and much more for the evening, including German beer and waffles.
Santa Paws
Monday 5th – 6th December at Hinchingbrooke Country Park, Huntingdon
Santa has come to Hinchingbrooke and he would love to meet your Dogs, Bring your 4 legged friends along through our magical woodland grotto, have the chance to meet the elves, with lots of photo opportunities along the way! Then Santa will be waiting with a gift.
Nature by Night. Nature by Light.
Friday 9th – 21st December at Anglesey Abbey, Quy Rd, Lode, Cambridge
Their biggest annual fundraiser is back for 2022. From Friday 9 – Wednesday 21 December they invite you to join them for an enchanting, magical celebration of the natural world. An alternative to traditional Christmas experiences ‘Nature by Night, Nature by Light’ is a beautiful, sensory after-dark journey that brings the gardens of Anglesey Abbey to life in all their wonder.
The Christmas Courtyard
Saturday 10th – 11th December at Waresley Park Estate
With a selection of artisan makers, festive treats and Christmas lights, The Christmas Courtyard combines the very best of the festive season. Spend the afternoon with family and friends, tucking into tasty seasonal treats, listening to live acoustic music and enjoying our twinkling light display.
Live at Christmas
Thursday 15th December at Cambridge Corn Exchange
It’s nearly Christmas and the country’s best comedians are coming to Cambridge for a spectacular all-star festive show!
Legendary BAFTA and Perrier award winning comedian Dylan Moran headlines this year’s incredible Live At Christmas line-up. You’ll be floored as he takes you on a joyously furious romp through the frustration and folly of modern day life.