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 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
North London
Craft fair: Country Living Christmas Fair
Dates: 8th - 11th November 2023
Venue: Business Design Centre Islington, 52 Upper St, London N1 0QH
Shop in style at this seasonal marketplace with a glass of Prosecco in hand, and browse an abundance of products from a line-up of incredible artisan designers. Take part in one of the many craft workshops run by expert tutors and indulge in some delicious treats from the food and drink emporium.
Central London
Craft fair: Craft Fox Christmas Markets
Dates: 16th - 17th December 2023
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 across both days. 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.
Central North
Yorkshire
Craft fair: Crafts In The Pen
Dates: 18th -19th November 2023
Venue: Skipton Auction Market, Gargrave Road, BD23 1UD
A staple in the calendar for all Yorkshire crafters, Crafts in the Pen takes place each November at Skipton Auction Mart. The event has grown into a wonderful festive crafts market the whole family can enjoy, with over 220 stalls and a free grotto for kids.
Book tickets
Craft fair: Country Living Christmas Fair
Dates: 30th November - 2nd December 2023
Venue: Harrogate Convention Centre, King's Rd, Harrogate HG1 5LA
You'll be spoilt for choice when browsing this festive fair with beautifully crafted products from a range of talented artisan designers. You can try you hand at a crafty workshop or two, run by expert tutors. Don't forget to indulge to some delicious food and mulled wine too.
North East
Durham
Craft fair: Brancepeth Castle Christmas Craft Fair
Dates: 24th - 25th November 2023
Venue: Brancepeth Castle, Durham, DH7 8DF
A craft fair inside a castle - you can't get more a seasonal fairytale location than that! Browse over 70 stalls of handmade crafts and delicacies set against a picturesque, historic backdrop. Tickets are for specific time slots so you'll need to plan ahead.
South East
Hampshire
Craft fair: The Festive Fair
Dates: 24th - 26th November 2023
Venue: Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, Show Centre, Etps Rd, Farnborough GU14 6FD.
A unique Christmas shopping experience with bespoke and unusual decorations, gifts and crafts that you'll be excited to wrap ready for the big day.
Craft fair: Winchester Cathedral Christmas Markets
Dates: 17th November - 21st December 2023
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: 2nd December 2023
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: 4th - 5th November 2023
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: 10th - 12th November 2023
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: 2nd - 3rd December 2023
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: 18th - 19th November 2023
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: 25th - 26th November 2023 and 9th - 10th December 2023
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: 25th November - 10th December 2023
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: 17th November - 17th December 2023
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.
Midlands
Birmingham
Craft fair: Simply Christmas: The Crafty Christmas Show
Dates: 2nd - 5th November 2023
Venue: NEC Birmingham, Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT
Take a trip to the NEC and enjoy the festive atmosphere and wares from the many talented exhibitors at Simply Christmas: The Crafty Christmas Show. With an extensive selection of bespoke and unusual gifts including you'll be able to finish your Christmas shopping in no time at all!
Tickets to the show will also allow you access to the sister shows; The Creative Craft Show, Cake International show and Bake International – 4 shows for the price of 1!
Book ticket
Derbyshire
Craft fair: Christmas at Chatsworth
Dates: 4th Nov - 26th November for the market
Venue: Chatsworth House & Garden, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1PP
One of the most enjoyable Christmas family attractions in the UK, Christmas at Chatsworth sees the country house transformed into The Palace of Advent. 24 rooms will be transformed with seasonal decor including archways of candy canes and mistletoe. A particular highlight is set to be 'The Christmas Forest' – it's an exhibition of 8000 Christmas tree brooches which is a Guinness World Record-holding collection owned by brooch fan Adam Wide. Don't miss it!
Though the Christmas market ends on 26th November, the other Christmas displays are open until 7th January 2024.
Scotland
Glasgow
Craft fair: Simply Christmas: The Crafty Christmas Show
Dates: 26th - 29th October 2023
Venue: SEC Glasgow, Exhibition Way, Glasgow G3 8YW.
Simply Christmas: The Crafty Christmas Show is a seasonal dream with exhibitors showcasing exclusive ranges of artisan made gifts including glassware, jewellery, art, candles, ceramics, clothing and more.
Craft fair: Country Living Christmas Fair
Dates: 16th - 19th November 2023
Venue: SEC Glasgow, Exhibition Way, Glasgow G3 8YW.
Shop in style at this special seasonal marketplace. Browe handmade wares from a whole host of incredible artisan designers. Make sure to stop off at the food and drink emporium to keep yourself fuelled up and don't forget to book into one of the crafty expert-led workshops on offer.
Edinburgh
Craft fair: Edinburgh Christmas Art, Design & Craft Fair
Dates: 2 - 3rd December 2023
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: 9th November - 23rd December 2023
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.
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