The best Christmas craft fairs to visit this year
Get into the festive spirit by planning a trip to a Christmas craft fair. They're a beloved tradition in the UK, are family-friendly and full of creative inspiration.
Christmas craft fairs in 2024 offer a unique opportunity to support independent artisans and pick up one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones. From jewellery to ceramics, textiles to woodwork, there's something for everyone at these festive fair, whether you visit a local one or make a trip of it and venture to somewhere new.
Not only do craft fairs offer a chance to find gifts you won't find anywhere else, they also provide a fun and friendly atmosphere to get into the holiday spirit. Many events feature live music, food vendors, and even visits from Santa Claus himself. It’s a great opportunity to grab a hot chocolate and explore the stalls, chat with the makers, and discover the perfect present for that special someone.
We’ve compiled a list of the best Christmas craft fairs across the UK, so you can plan your festive shopping and support local artisans and crafters in the process.
London
Craft fair: Craft Fox Christmas Markets
Dates: 8 December 2024
Venue: The Crossing, 1 Granary Square, London, N1C 4AA
Join Crafty Fox Market for a fun-filled market weekend in Kings Cross. Located at one of the hippest hang-outs in the capital, The Crossing, Granary Square, it runs from 11am-5pm. Shop from an awesome line up of talented makers and join in with some creative workshops where you can make yourself a Christmas gift too.
Cheshire
Craft fair: Chester Christmas Market
Dates: 15 November - 22 December 2024
Venue: Town Hall Square, Northgate Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2HQ
This magical Christmas event is guaranteed to get you in the mood for the festive period. There will be 70 traders situated around the town hall, selling everything from beautiful jewellery to handmade stocking fillers. It's the perfect place to work through your Christmas shopping list!
Yorkshire
Craft fair: York Christmas Gift & Craft Fair
Dates: 7 December 2024
Venue: 52A Stonegate, York, North Yorkshire Y01 8AS
The York Christmas Gift and Craft Fair has been running with huge success for 35 years. It's free entry and open 10am until 4.30pm. Make sure to drop in while you're out doing your Christmas shopping, for some crafty bits and bobs to add to your stockings!
Midlands
Craft fair: Midlands Art Centre's Christmas Arts Markets
Dates: 30 November - 8 December 2024
Venue: Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH
Midlands Art Centre will be showcasing works made by the crafters, makers and designers from Birmingham and beyond at this annual event. From ceramics and jewellery to paintings and textiles, there will be plenty of handmade pieces on offer. The markets are free to attend and take place between 11am - 5pm.
Hampshire
Craft fair: Winchester Cathedral Christmas Markets
Dates: 22 November - 22 December 2024
Venue: Winchester Cathedral, 9 The Cl, Winchester SO23 9LS
Enjoy one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe, and don’t forget to step inside the cathedral to explore over 1,000 years of history and attend Advent and Christmas services sung by an internationally acclaimed choir.
Buckinghamshire
Craft fair: Christmas Fair at Danesfield House
Dates: 7 December 2024
Venue: Danesfiels House, Henley Road, Marlow, Buck, SL7 2EY
Enjoy twinkling lights, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and festive cheer at this magical event. The annual Christmas Fair is a winter wonderland of quirky and traditional stalls selling their handmade treasures and festive delights.
Suffolk
Craft fair: Suffolk Christmas Shopping Fair
Dates: 2 - 3 November 2024
Venue: Suffolk Showground, Trinity Park, Ipswich IP3 8UH
This long-running Christmas event is a delightfully simple fair with fantastic exhibitors selling a great array of festive goodies to tempt you. Whether you are looking for gifts for love ones or for treats for yourself, this well laid out fair will give you plenty of options.
Essex
Craft fair: Essex Christmas Shopping Fair
Dates: 8 - 10 November 2024
Venue: Cressing Temple Barns, Witham, Essex CM77 8PD
One of the best craft fairs in Essex, the popular Christmas Shopping Fair at Cressing Temple is not one to be missed. With wonderful surroundings, great exhibitors and a fun festive atmosphere it should be top of your list to visit.
Hertfordshire
Craft fair: Hertfordshire Christmas Shopping Fair
Dates: 30 November - 1 December 2024
Venue: The Showground, Redbourn, Herts, AL3 7PT
Enjoy a wide range of items from talented crafters at the Hertfordshire Christmas Shopping Fair. Held at the spacious purpose-built showground, it's a great festive day out for a spot of seasonal shopping.
Windsor
Craft fair: Windsor Christmas Fair
Dates: 23-24 November 2024
Venue: Royal Windsor Racecourse, Maidenhead Road, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 5EZ
The weather might be getting colder but you'll be toasty warm if you visit the Windsor Craft Fair. Held in a heated marquee, you can browse the 120+ stalls in comfort and pick up some lovely unique handmade gifts for your loved ones.
Kent
Craft fair: Artisan Crafts and Gift Market @TheAlex
Dates: 2 November 2024
Venue: The Alexander Centre 15 Preston Street, Faversham, Kent, ME13 8NZ
Faversham Artisan Crafts and Gift Market offers a selection of the best of Kent’s craft and gift products, including jewellery, homeware, artwork, photography, candles, soaps, clothing, beauty, food and much, much more.
Craft fair: Rochester Christmas Market
Dates: 29 November - 15 December 2024
Venue: Rochester Castle Gardens, Castle Hill, Rochester ME1 1SW.
Roasted chestnuts and mulled wine await you at this much-loved annual event in the quaint Historic town of Rochester which is filled with charm. Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts direct from maker designers.
Oxfordshire
Craft fair: Christmas at Blenheim Palace
Dates: 15 November 2024 - 1 January 2025
Venue: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
Christmas is serious business at Blenheim. Their annual Christmas market and craft fair takes place in The Great Court where you'll find a treasure trove of gifts sold from idyllic wooden chalets. Expect art, crafts, ceramics, textiles, homewares and jewellery.
Don't stop at shopping. There's also a magical after dark trail where you can walk through dazzling LED lit archways and inside you'll be captivated by the Sleeping Beauty themed decor.
Scotland
Stirling
Craft fair: Stirling Christmas Market
Dates: 25 and 26 November 2024
Venue: Albert Halls, Dumbarton Road, Stirling FK8 2QL
This is such a lovely date to get in your diary if you live in or around Stirling. As well as craft gift ideas and workshops, there will also be plenty of food, drink and live music. Tickets are £4 on the door, and under 12s can enter for free.
Edinburgh
Craft fair: Edinburgh Christmas Art, Design & Craft Fair
Dates: 7-8 December 2024
Venue: The Assembly Rooms, 54 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2LR.
A much-loved annual Christmas craft market in this charming city, its central location makes it a perfect activity as part of a weekend away in Edinburgh. Shop direct from over 120 designer/makers in stunning surroundings. There's no need to book a ticket. Simply turn up - entrance is £4 and the fair is open 10.30am-5pm each day.
Wales
Cardiff
Craft fair: Cardiff Christmas Market
Dates: 14 November - 23 December 2024
Venue: Cardiff City Centre
With each talented maker being carefully selected to sell their unique products at the Cardiff Christmas Market, you can't get a better or more special festive shopping experience in Wales.
From wood turning, hand poured candles, to tasty cheeses, fruit wines, silver jewellery, pottery and original artwork, you’ll be able to find something for everyone on your Christmas gifts list, whilst enjoying some hot mulled wine as you browse.
All exhibitors are true makers, the majority representing small Welsh businesses, and their products can't be found in any high street shop.
Do you love crafting? Share your creations with us by tagging @primamag in your pictures on Instagram!
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