The best of Christmas shopping and fun
Nothing says Christmas like strolling through the cobbled streets of Cambridge, local markets and being hit with smells of hot pastries and mulled wine.
The best Winter fairs and Christmas markets
Step into a world of festive delights with some of the best Christmas markets and winter fairs in Cambridge and Beyond. Browse handmade treasures and be inspired for your Christmas presents. Discover unique gifts for your loved ones at Cambridge’s Christmas markets and winter fairs, where you can find locally handmade ornaments, crafts, jewellery and much more.
The Ely Cathedral Christmas Gift and Food Fair is back
Wildly known as one of East Anglia’s most exciting Christmas shopping events, the Ely Cathedral Christmas Fair is perfect for all of your festive needs.
From Wednesday through to Saturday, you will be able to access a unique shopping experience, browsing through the iconic nave and aisles of the Cathedral, including an array of food vendors to provide refreshments and hot drinks.
Over 90 boutique stalls and designers are located in the Cathedral’s magnificent nave and interior.
A super-sized Festive Marquee in the Cathedral grounds, packed with 80 artisan producers, crafters and other seasonal treasures.
Specialist street food vendors providing ‘on the go’ treats. New experiences to enjoy alongside the vintage carousel.
Christmas event this festive season
Seventa Events is delighted to bring back ‘Christmas in Cambridge’ to the historic Parker’s Piece.
Having collaborated closely with Cambridge City Council, ‘Christmas in Cambridge’ will run from November 13 to December 31, 2025.
The beautifully curated Christmas village has been designed to appeal to residents of all ages with an exciting range of entertainment, food stalls and shopping options, all in the heart of Cambridge. Running daily from 11am, ‘Christmas in Cambridge’ promises an enchanting celebration for all ages. This reimagined festive offering will transform Parker’s Piece with a host of immersive entertainment and attractions,
Magical Christmas at the Grand Arcade
The Grand Arcade has a magical festive season planned this year. Do join them for celebrations, storytime, interactive installations and late night shopping.
An unforgettable Christmas at Wimpole
Step into a winter wonderland at Christmas at Wimpole, one of the best Christmas events in the UK. This after-dark illuminated trail transforms the stunning National Trust Wimpole Estate into a dazzling display of twinkling lights and festive magic, making it the perfect Christmas day out for families, friends, and couples.
Cambridge Botanic Lights trail at the Botanic Gardens
The much-anticipated Cambridge Botanic Lights returns for its third year, transforming Cambridge University Botanic Garden into a spectacular illuminated trail celebrating the extraordinary world of plants. This year’s event will again bring the Garden to life after dark with stunning displays and artistic interventions – creating a beautiful landscape for everyone to enjoy.
The Enchanted Elevator is back in Great Shelford
The Enchanted Elevator returns to Great Shelford to escort you on a magical journey to the North Pole and Santa’s Grotto.
Online only. Pre-booking is essential for the Enchanted Elevator.
Our Grotto is always in high demand so please ensure you have read the FAQ and booking conditions before booking – it will give you information on what to expect when you make your booking.
Festive fun activity for the kids
From the 30th of November to the 31st of December, our Christmas Scavenger Hunt & Activity Booklets are available when booking a private or shared Cambridge Punting Tour. Fantastic fun & festive activity to do with the kids – enjoy a 50-minute punting tour with fun activities and a city centre scavenger hunt.
Burwash Christmas Market
It’s what we’ve been waiting for, the date for the Burwash Manor Christmas Market has been announced – Sunday 30 November 10am to 4pm in the marquee (free entry).
Guests include Kitsch Hen, Rachel Bakes, Night Cap (booze), J&A sauces, Mons Cheese, Cambridge Juice Company and more. There will be a free scavenger hunt for kids – with prizes, and Father Christmas will be at the farm for one day only – see Burwash Manor’s Facebook page to book your slot!
Kick off Christmas at Trumpington’s Fair
The Trumpington Eco Christmas Market is returning to Clay Farm on Sunday 30th November. With a big line-up of planet-friendly stalls: Christmas cards and decorations, coffee, cake, ceramics, candles, soaps, plants and pots, gin, t-shirts, jewellery, artwork and tea.
This is the perfect opportunity to shop sustainably this Christmas whilst supporting small, local, eco-conscious businesses.
A fantastic celebration of the local community
Mill Road Winter Fair is a celebration of community along one of the most diverse and vibrant roads in Cambridge. Usually held on the first Saturday of December, the Fair brings together local businesses and organisations, shops and stallholders, musicians, artists and dancers in one day of festival joy.
The most wonderful start of Christmas
Carols in a wonderfully atmospheric setting at one of the oldest buildings in Cambridge, the Leper Chapel.
Led by Christ the Redeemer Church with a brass band. Mince pies and mulled wine will be served.
Knights Park Festive Market Eddington
The laughter, the togetherness, the festive spirit – it’s time for Eddington’s Winter Welcome! Join friends, neighbours and the wider community for this outdoor event and celebrate the start of the winter season.
From a sprinkle of seasonal activities – like curling, board games on the bus, and the Present Made Snowconut Shy – to shared photo moments and lively community entertainment, there are plenty of ways to come together and enjoy the festivities. The children’s funfair also returns this year, guaranteed to bring smiles to younger visitors once again.
The Knights Park Festive Market at Turing Locke and Hyatt Centric Hotel (12pm-4pm) will be brimming with 20+ stalls offering unique crafts and thoughtful gifts, and Douce will be taking their makers and vintage flea market to the rooftop (12pm-5pm). R3FORM will also be getting involved with their open studio day offering taster classes at £1 (10:30am-4:30pm).
Christmas shopping at Ben’s Yard
Christmas officially begins at Ben’s Yard as we host a special late-night shopping event filled with atmosphere, great food and festive cheer.
Late Night Shopping at Ben’s Yard on Friday 28th November, with the village open from 9am into the evening. Browse gifts, seasonal pieces and winter treats across our shops, and explore their pop up Christmas Market in Unit 11 by Love Lane by Abi, where additional businesses will be joining us, along with other businesses popping up in Unit 12 and 14.
Enjoy wine tastings in the Farm Shop from 5pm, a DJ from 6pm and the Christmas lights switch-on at around 6.30pm. Food and drink will be available throughout the evening, including Venezuelan arepas, festive churros, winter warmers and Amelie Restaurant’s seasonal evening menu, with bookings until around 8pm. A festive evening of lights, great shopping and Christmas inspiration awaits.
Late Night Shopping at Ben’s Yard – Friday 28th November
Christmas at Bury St. Edmunds
Christmas in Bury St Edmunds is magical with award-winning food & drink, cosy hotels, wintery walks and fantastic shopping.Celebrate the festive season in the historic and unique town of Bury St Edmunds, the jewel in Suffolk’s crown.
Whether you want to whisk your loved one away, take your little ones to meet Santa, enjoy a magical family day out or simply leave the madness behind and escape this festive season, Bury St Edmunds & Beyond is the perfect place to spend Christmas.
Christmas in Bury St Edmunds is magical. With award-winning festive food to tuck into, high street brands and independent shops for Christmas gifts, and a range of cosy places to snuggle up in.
A Christmas Market at quaint Saffron Walden
The first of SWTC’s Indoor Christmas Markets takes place on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 November in The Town Hall (CB10 1HR) with a range of stalls, a perfect chance to start your Christmas Shopping! Two more markets will be held over the weekends of Friday 05 / Saturday 06 December and Friday 19 / Saturday 20 December. For indoor trader enquiries for 19 & 20 Dec only, please email:
The indoor market on Friday 05 December is complemented with The 2025 Winstanley Christmas Late Night Shopping, organised and managed by Saffron Walden Initiative (for more information on this event only, go to www.swinitiative.org/late-night-christmas-shopping)
Find unique gifts at independent shops
We can be proud of the vast number of independent shops in Cambridge. Unfortunately, these lovely shops are often hard to find, tucked away in alleyways and a bit further away from Kings Parade, close to Mill Road. Here are our favourite indie shops in Cambridge.
The hot spots to celebrate New Year’s Eve
Start the New Year right and celebrate the start of the new year in Cambridge. Visit one of the many parties, casual or posh dinners or join an English sparkling wine tasting. Cambridge is one of the most popular cities in Europe, so why not celebrate the New Year with our excellent list of options for keeping it low-key or going top-notch? Here is our selection of events to end the year with a bang.
The perfect foodie gift for Christmas
Lost for ideas? Looking to surprise a foodie friend or loved one? Their kitchen is probably already completely kitted out, and a hamper is unlikely to thrill them. Fear not, though, we have the perfect gift – joining one of our award-winning Cambridge Food Tours!
Cambridge is a food lover’s dream! Joining one of our food walking tours is the only gift that lets you take a bite out of Cambridge as you eat your way through the city, guided by local food blogger Gerla de Boer. She even keeps surprising locals with exciting places which are often in plain sight.
She works closely with Cambridge’s food suppliers, restaurants, bars, cafes, and market vendors. On these food tours, you will be taken to areas many visitors never get to see, and you’ll sample some of the best food and drink in Cambridge.
Blow the cobwebs away on a Boxing Day walk
One of the best ways to cure your hangover the day after the big party is to hit the commons for fresh air and end up at a pub for a bite to eat or a drink. If the countryside is not your kinda thing, we suggest a scenic leisurely stroll through the historic centre.
Are you not quite sure where to go for a celebratory drink or lunch? Check out the link below, which includes places for a good cup of coffee and cocktails, too.
Have a great time!
Have a great time over the festive season!
Gerla
