Blog

Food
General
Lifestyle
News
Property market

Christmas is set fair

Tis the season to be jolly, and Hampshire and Wiltshire’s Christmas fairs help make the season merrier than ever!

With twinkling lights, roasting chestnuts, and the scent of mulled wine in the air, Christmas fairs really do bring the festive cheer – and they’re a great way to hunt out some unique gifts, with many from local producers and artisans.

This year, we’ve rounded up some of the best ones, across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire.

Christmas on the Square, Salisbury

Nestled in the heart of the medieval city of Salisbury, Christmas on the Square brings festive food, live music, and the much-loved Santa’s Grotto. The Gift Fayre, from November 22 – December 19, will see an eclectic mix of local artisans selling handcrafted gifts and festive treats, and Sunday Festive Markets on the first four Sundays of December will give you even more chances to find the perfect gifts and soak up Salisbury’s festive spirit!

When: November 15 – January 5, 2025

Where: Guildhall Square, Salisbury

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

Set against the stunning backdrop of Winchester Cathedral, the Winchester Christmas Market is a true winter wonderland. This fair is recognised as one of the best in Europe, and for good reason. It’s an authentic German-style market with over 100 beautifully decorated wooden chalets. Think twinkling fairy lights, the scent of mulled wine and cinnamon in the air, and the sound of carol singers . Whether you’re picking up handcrafted gifts, indulging in delicious bratwurst, or simply enjoying a festive tipple, this market offers a truly magical experience.

When: November 22 – December 22, 2024

Where: Winchester Cathedral

Bath Christmas Market

One of the UK’s most famous Christmas markets, the Bath Christmas Market transforms the historic city into a twinkling winter wonderland. Set against the backdrop of Bath’s stunning Georgian architecture, this market features over 150 independent stalls. From gorgeous handmade gifts to gorgeous Christmas decorations, it’s a great place to find something special. As you wander through the cobbled streets, you’ll be surrounded by the scent of hot chocolate and mulled wine, and the Christmas lights twinkling above add to the magic.

When: November 28 – December 15, 2024

Where: Bath City Centre

Artisans on the Beach

A popular annual event on Swanage seafront with local crafters and artisans taking over the beach huts. You’ll find lots of Christmas gift inspiration, from paintings and photography to retro cushions and jewellery.

When: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from November 30 – January 1, 2025

Where: Swanage seafront

Bournemouth Alpine Market

Right in the heart of Bournemouth, this festive Alpine market offers a wonderful mix of festive shopping and entertainment. There’s something for everyone here, from local artisan stalls selling hand-painted baubles to food stands offering everything from hog roast and Yorkshire pudding wraps to luxury hot chocolate and Christmas crepes. There’ll be an Alpine Lodge serving up glasses of festive cheer, and don’t miss the live Christmas choir and carol singing.

When: November 14 – Jan 1, 2025, 11am til late. Market stalls close at 8pm and 7pm on Sundays, and food stalls will be open until 10pm every day.

Where: Bournemouth Square, Bournemouth

Sherborne Festive Shopping Day

More than 80 artisan stalls will like the streets of this beautiful town, with food and drink, unique gifts, children’s entertainment, Father Christmas and face painting. Don’t miss the Christmas tree lights switch on at 4pm.

Where: Sherborne, Dorset

When: December 1