Last updated 11th October 2020
Do you love a Christmas Fair? Do you yearn for that first glimpse of stalls laden with fabulous seasonal handmade wares? Does that first stroll around with wafts of mulled wine and gingerbread in the air signify the beginning of the festive season for you?
If you answered yes to any of the above then this is the list for you!
Covid-19 has sadly left no part of life untouched and many of our favourite Christmas fairs won’t be back until next year.
However, many hours spent scouring the internet and speaking with event organisers up and down the country has confirmed that we Brits are determined to keep our seasonal shopping traditions alive if at all possible.
Organisers have been wonderfully creative in their adjustments to make fairs covid-secure. Altered venues, split morning/afternoon sessions, extended dates and many other considerations have all been put in place so that we can still get our Christmas Fair fix this year.
And when physical barriers have been too high, a number of fairs have decided to take their show online instead. Now we can browse stalls and support smaller independent craftsmen and women around the country from the comfort of our sofas as well. Mince pies and cuppas at the ready!
Here is your complete round-up of England’s Biggest and Best Christmas Fairs 2020…
Update 11/10/20: Following the Government’s latest COVID-19 guidance, we are really sad to report that many of the National Christmas Fairs have been cancelled for this year. This includes: Spirit of Christmas in London, Country Living Christmas Fairs in Glasgow, Harrogate & London, Ideal Home Show Christmas in London, Country Homes & Interiors Christmas Fair in Henley, Simply Christmas: The Crafty Christmas Show in Birmingham & Glasgow and Living North Christmas Fairs in Newcastle & York.
This information is accurate at the time detailed at the top of the post. It has been consolidated from our own research and we would strongly urge you to check with the organiser for the latest news before attending any events. If we know one thing about 2020, it is that plans are most certainly subject to change!
London & The South East
Waddesdon Manor Christmas Fair
Set against the stunnig backdrop of Waddesdon Manor, the chalet-style Christmas Fair will showcase a host of high-quality crafts and seasonal products. Vendors change week on week so there’s plenty of reason to visit more than once!
When: 14 November – 23 December 2020
More information: Waddesdon Manor Christmas Fair
SEAS Winter Fair 2020
Staying South of London, organisers are working hard to ensure that the The Winter Fair in Ardingly, West Sussex can remain in the calendar. More than just a shopping opportunity, the fair hopes to entice the whole family along with street food and entertainment as well as workshops and a giant Snow Globe for your perfect Christmas Card photo!
When: 21 – 22 November 2020
More information: SEAS Winter Fair
Bushey Frost Christmas Fair
Perfect for those last minute gifts, the Frost Christmas Fair will really help you embrace the Christmas Spirit. There’s over 180 vendors together with plenty of festive food & drink and even a Christmas Donkey! And Father Christmas will be taking some time out from loading his sleigh to come along as well so there’s something for the whole family.
When: 20 – 22 December 2020
More information: Frost Christmas Fair
The South West
Widcombe Christmas Market
Now in its 13th year, the Widcombe Christmas Market has a growing reputation for the quality of the gifts on offer from local artists and artisans in and around Bath.
When: 16 – 17 November 2020
More information: Widcombe Christmas Market
Plymouth Christmas Show
In the heart of Plymouth, the Plymouth Christmas Show is back for a 5th year. With indoor stalls galore, live entertainment and an opportunity for the little ones to visit Santa, this is sure to be a popular event!
When: 21 November 2020
More information: Plymouth Christmas Show
Made in Cornwall Christmas Market
The Made in Cornwall Christmas Market in Truro is the flagship event of the year and showcases the many talents of Cornwall’s finest craftspeople. (Made in Cornwall is the mark given to products which have the Trading Standards seal of approval as 100% Cornish.) And, with a significantly extended schedule this year, you can shop til your heart’s content, safe in the knowledge that you are supporting the local community.
When: 23 November – 13 December 2020
More information: Made in Cornwall Christmas Market
The Anonymous Travelling Markets
The Anonymous Travelling Market are extremely hopeful that their Christmas Producer’s Market in Sturminster Newton and Christmas Market in Shaftesbury will be able to bring festive local artisan gifts and produce to the towns once again this year.
When: 28 November 2020 (Sturminster Newton), 13 December 2020 (Shaftesbury)
More information: The Anonymous Travelling Markets
East Anglia
Presents GAlore
Held at the Racecourse in Newmarket, Presents Galore describes itself as East Anglia’s Biggest and Most Glamorous Christmas Fair. Organisers told us they are working hard to ensure that they will be able to bring the festive cheer back to the Grandstand once again this year. Get your wallets ready!
When: 20 – 22 November 2020
More information: Presents Galore
Sandringham’s Christmas, Craft, Food & Gift Fair
We can’t deny the appeal of visiting the Queen’s Christmas Estate for a spot of festive shopping. With organisers extending the Fair by a day in order to manage visitor numbers in Covid times, there are even more opportunities to enjoy the entertainment and crafts on offer.
When: 19 – 22 November 2020
More information: Sandringham’s Christmas, Craft, Food & Gift Fair
The Norfolk Festive Gift & Food Show
Based at the Norfolk Showground in Norwich, this is one of a trio of festive gift & food shows by Aztec Shows (others in Essex & Nottinghamshire). The fair promises a weekend of festive shopping and fun for the whole family.
When: 13 – 15 November 2020
More information: The Norfolk Festive Gift & Food Show
The Midlands
The NEWARK & NOTTINGHAMSHIRE FESTIVE GIFT & FOOD SHOW
Organisers of the Newark & Nottinghamshire Festive Gift & Food Show are working hard to incorporate covid-secure procedures so that shoppers can enjoy safely browsing the plethora of gift & food stalls on offer and kick-start their seasonal shopping. (Sister shows are held in Essex & Norfolk).
When: 31 October – 1 November 2020
More information: The Newark & Nottingham Festive Gift & Food Show
The North
Belfrey Hall Xmas Craft & Gift Fair
Held every Saturday from 24 Oct – 12 Dec, Heritage Promotions’ weekly Craft Fair has been bringing Christmas cheer to York since 1991. With a wide range of crafts and gifts on show, there is sure to be something special for everyone!
When: Every Saturday from 24 October – 12 December 2020 inclusive
More information: Belfry Hall Xmas Craft & Gift Fair
Harewood House Christmas Markets
A series of four weekend Christmas Shopping Markets are planned throughout November. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Harewood House near Leeds, they offer a delightful way to discover unique and thoughtful handmade gifts for loved ones this year.
When: Every weekend in November 2020
More information: Harewood House Christmas Markets
Christmas Craft & Gift Fairs
The Creative Craft Association will be hosting a number of craft and gift fairs throughout the region during the festive run-up. With their combined wealth of event planning experience and access to a plethora of extremely talented craftsmen and women, these fairs offer a super and more intimate way to find unique creations for loved ones (and maybe one or two for ourselves too!).
More information regarding dates and locations can be found at the Creative Craft Association website.
Online
Update 11/10/20: With an increasing number of Christmas Fairs going virtual, we have prepared a separate post about these online events. For more details click here.
Is your favourite Christmas Fair missing? Are the details above out of date?
Get in touch to let us know.