Celebrate the Season: Best Christmas Markets and Lights in Cambridgeshire (2024)
As the festive season approaches, Cambridgeshire transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, charming markets, and cozy festivities.
Whether you're hunting for unique gifts, indulging in delicious seasonal treats, or simply soaking up the holiday spirit, there’s something magical for everyone. Here are the best Christmas markets and light displays in Cambridgeshire this year.
Cambridge Christmas Market on Parker’s Piece
The Cambridge Christmas Market on Parker’s Piece is one of the city's most cherished holiday events, offering a festive celebration in the heart of Cambridge. Each year, the iconic green space transforms into a winter wonderland, drawing locals and visitors alike to enjoy the holiday spirit.
Dates: 14th November – 5th January
Highlights: Ice rink, gourmet street food, live music
At the market, you'll find a variety of seasonal stalls selling everything from handcrafted gifts and artisanal products to festive food and drink. Whether you're on the hunt for unique Christmas presents, like handmade jewelry or festive ornaments, or simply looking to indulge in some holiday treats, Parker’s Piece has something for everyone. Traditional favorites such as mulled wine, hot chocolate, and roasted chestnuts add to the market's cozy atmosphere. Get your tickets here.
Ely Cathedral Christmas Market and Lights
Ely’s iconic cathedral offers one of the most atmospheric Christmas markets in Cambridgeshire. The stunning medieval backdrop is adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, making it a must-visit destination. Local vendors gather inside the cathedral grounds, selling handmade gifts, festive foods, and unique Christmas decorations. Don't miss the beautiful light display that illuminates the cathedral at night.
Dates: 21st November – 23rd November
Highlights: Traditional Christmas carols, hot cider, artisan crafts
Tickets: get them from here.
The market itself is nestled within the cathedral grounds, providing a truly unique setting for Christmas shopping. Local vendors from across the region gather to offer an impressive array of handmade gifts, perfect for those looking to find one-of-a-kind presents for family and friends. From beautifully crafted jewellery and textiles to bespoke holiday ornaments and artisanal candles, the variety of products is bound to delight every shopper.
Huntingdon Christmas Market & Lights
Huntingdon truly captures the magic of Christmas with its vibrant market, bustling with festive stalls offering an array of seasonal treats and unique gifts. This joyful market aligns with the town’s annual light switch-on event, transforming the streets and historic buildings into a dazzling display of Christmas lights. Families can enjoy a variety of entertainment, including a fun fair with rides and games, ensuring a fun-filled experience for all ages. Special appearances from Santa Claus add to the holiday cheer, making Huntingdon’s Christmas market a delightful destination for everyone looking to celebrate the season.
Dates: 22nd – 24th November
Location: Market Square, Huntingdon
Highlights: Light switch-on event, children’s rides, Santa’s Grotto
Wisbech Christmas Fayre
The Wisbech Christmas Fayre is set to take place on Sunday, December 10th, 2024, and promises a day filled with festive fun for all ages. Held in the town centre, this annual event transforms Wisbech into a winter wonderland, featuring a variety of stalls offering local crafts, handmade gifts, and seasonal treats. In addition to the shopping experience, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, carol singing, and plenty of children’s activities, including a chance to meet Father Christmas. The Fayre brings the community together for a joyful celebration of the holiday season, with plenty of food vendors serving traditional festive fare and hot drinks to keep you warm.
Dates: 8th December, 2024
Highlights: Ice skating rink, Santa’s Grotto, funfair rides
This event is family-friendly, offering something for everyone—from unique gifts to festive performances and activities. Local performers, school choirs, and street entertainers add to the festive atmosphere, ensuring that the spirit of Christmas is felt throughout the town. Whether you're looking to find the perfect gift or simply soak up the holiday ambiance, the Wisbech Christmas Fayre is a must-visit event that will leave you with lasting holiday memories.
March Christmas Market and Light Parade
The March Christmas Market is a festive event held annually in the historic market town of March, located in Cambridgeshire. This year’s market, scheduled for Sunday, December 10th, 2024, promises to be a joyful celebration filled with holiday spirit. Visitors can explore a variety of stalls featuring handmade gifts, seasonal foods, and local crafts, making it an ideal destination for holiday shopping. In addition to the bustling market, there will be live entertainment, carol singing, and festive performances to keep the whole family entertained throughout the day.
Dates: December 1, 2024
Highlights: Light parade, festive floats, fireworks display
The atmosphere is further enhanced by stunning Christmas decorations and twinkling lights that illuminate the town center, creating a warm and inviting environment for shoppers and visitors alike. Children can enjoy special activities, including a chance to meet Father Christmas, while adults can indulge in mulled wine and festive treats from various food stalls.
Wimpole Hall Christmas Lights and Winter Festival
For those who want a more traditional and scenic experience, Wimpole Hall’s Christmas Lights and Winter Festival is the perfect retreat. Set in the grounds of the grand National Trust estate, the gardens are transformed into a spectacular display of lights. Wander through the illuminated trails, and then warm up with hot chocolate from the stalls in the courtyard.
Dates: 1st December – 2nd January
Highlights: Illuminated garden trails, hot chocolate stalls, festive crafts
Cambridgeshire’s Christmas markets and light displays in 2024 promise a perfect blend of holiday cheer, festive fun, and magical moments. Whether you're visiting one of the charming small towns or experiencing the grandeur of the larger events, you’re sure to find something to ignite the Christmas spirit in the heart of this historic county.
So, wrap up warm, grab a cup of mulled wine, and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year across Cambridgeshire’s festive destinations!
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