Discover The Biggest & Best Christmas Fairs Across The UK In 2024

Hands up if you’re a Christmas Fair fan?

That first glimpse of tables laden with gorgeous goodies, the smiling faces of talented crafters, and wafts of gingerbread and mulled wine in the air.  Gahhh, we can scarcely wait … and now I really want a snack too!

So if you’re considering which Christmas fair(s) to visit this year, you need our round-up of the biggest and best Christmas fairs across the UK for 2024.

Note: Please check organiser’s websites for latest details. We do not represent any of the fairs.  From time to time we may share affiliate links – this means we may earn a small commission when you click on such links, at no additional cost to you.  You can read the full disclaimer here.

The Christmas Cotswold Fair

There’s plenty of Christmas cheer to be found at The Christmas Cotswold Fair, held this year at Todenham Manor Farm, just outside Moreton-in-Marsh (with 450 hard standing parking spaces available to book after some challenges in this area last year.)

Over 220 carefully selected stalls are spread across its iconic marquees with the fair describing itself as the epitome of ‘shop independent’.  An opportunity to purchase directly from unique designers with 10% of all stallholder purchases going to national charity WellChild.

Book signings from household names such as Alexander Armstrong, Jilly Cooper & Kaleb Cooper – no relation to each other as far as I am aware 🙂 – keep the celeb list high.

Pre-bookable hands-on workshops, included in your ticket price, cover a multitude of topics from Indian block painting to Christmas tablescaping and even how to create the ultimate Christmas sandwich(!), not to mention the Espresso Martini masterclass fair opener on Monday evening!

Where:  The Christmas Cotswold Fair, Todenham Manor Farm Estate, GL56 9NW

When:  11 – 14 November 2024

More: Further information about The Christmas Cotswold Fair

Good Housekeeping Live With Country Living Christmas Market

The iconic Country Living Christmas Market has had a glow-up for 2024, and joined forces with Good Housekeeping. Promoting the best of British craft and artisan design, browse designers and creators from the length and breadth of the country as you find unique gifts, decorations and food & drink delights.

The Good Housekeeping team have all the festivities covered with their Good Conversation, Good Eating and Good Looks.  Go behind the scenes on the infamous Good Housekeeping Taste Tests and hear from your favourite TV stars and authors at the main stage (think Prue Leith, Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock and Kelly Hoppen). Should you fancy some pampering to round off your day, the Beauty Bar with L’Oréal Paris​ will be offering make-up touch ups, tips and shade matching.

With a whole host of other festive extras available plus VIP experiences, you’re sure to leave feeling festive and jolly!

Country Living Christmas Market

Where:  Country Living Christmas Market, Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, London, N1 0QH

When:  13 – 16 November 2024

More:  Further information & to book tickets for Country Living Christmas Market

The Festive Gift Fair

The Festive Gift Fair is back for its 28th year to fill the NEC in Birmingham.  With the mood firmyl focused on festive fun, the Grinch, Father Christmas & The Bluebird Belles (what a Christmas combo!) will be circulating amongst shoppers as musicians and jazz stilt walkers entertain.

There’s 300+ stalls from indie businesses   to explore during the 4-day shopping extravaganza – including over 100 new vendors for 2024, from Christmas décor to food stalls as well as gifts for the ladies, the gents, and of course the little ones in the family too.

Where:  The Festive Gift Fair, Birmingham NEC, Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT

When:  14 – 17 November 2024

More:  Further information about the Festive Gift Fair.

Ideal Home Show Christmas

The enormous Ideal Home Show Christmas at Olympia in London promises more than 600 exhibitors to tempt your purse from your handbag. 

With the infamous Ideal Home interiors centrepiece, featuring some of our absolute favourite brands: Not On The High Street, Laura Ashley & Lights4Fun – check out this year’s hottest festive trends in action.

And in case that’s not enough … tickets include entry to the delicious Eat & Drink Festival too (I can never resist a free taster…!). 

Plus there’s workshops, live talks, festive music galore from the bandstand and even a chance to meet Santa and his elves.  Oh, and there’s a Panto Dame … oh no there isn’t … oh yes there it!  Should be a great day out!

Where:  Ideal Home Show Christmas, Olympia, Hammersmith Road, London W14 8UX

When:  27 November – 1 December 2024

More:  Further information about Ideal Home Show Christmas

Living North Christmas Fairs

The Living North Christmas Fairs are the most established and prestigious Christmas shopping events in the North of England. With events in both Newcastle and York, Living North Christmas fairs attract a fabulous array of over 250 quality artisan suppliers from across the region.

Foodies will be delighted once again to discover the Living North’s Festival of Food with festive treats to sample and Christmas tipples to buy.  Plus, there’s daily Chef Demonstrations to help you cook up a storm this Christmas!

Christmas Fair North East

Where:  Living North Christmas Fair North East, Newcastle Racecourse, High Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 5HP

When:  24 – 27 October 2024

More:  Further information about Living North Christmas Fair North East

Christmas Fair Yorkshire

Where:  Living North Christmas Fair Yorkshire, York Racecourse, York YO23 1EX 

When:  14 – 17 November 2024

More:  Further information about Living North Christmas Fair Yorkshire

Simply Christmas by The Creative Craft Show

Simply Christmas by The Creative Craft Show returns to both Birmingham NEC and Glasgow SEC for 2024 offering a delightful selection of local handicraft stalls as well as workshops to try your hand at festive creations of your own.

Talented independent makers will share handcrafted glassware, toys, ceramics, pottery, jewellery, woodwork, Christmas accessories, food / drink and more – there really is something for everyone!  Workshops are pre-bookable in advance and come at an additional charge but offer the opportunity to try everything from festive calligraphy artwork to making patchwork bags and glass fusion Christmas tree decorations.

Plus, get double the bang for your buck as tickets at both venues include entry to neighbouring The Creative Craft Show.

Simply Christmas Glasgow

Where:  Simply Christmas, SEC, Glasgow, Scotland, G3 8YW 

When:  24 -27 October 2024

More:  Further information about Simply Christmas Glasgow

Simply Christmas Birmingham

Where:  Simply Christmas, NEC, Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT

When:  31 October – 3 November 2024

More:  Further information about Simply Christmas Birmingham

Spirit of Christmas Fair

Spirit of Christmas Fair returns to London Olympia for its 23rd Anniversary.  With a focus on the British-led design and ethical and sustainable manufacture, there’s lots to celebrate as you explore the 600+ exhibitors booked to fill this iconic fair.

Chef José Pizarro returns with his Spanish take on festive fare with his fine dining opportunities pre-bookable to enjoy for a little time out.  Or raise a glass of bubbles with family and friends at the Louis Roederer Champagne Bar.

Workshops cover a range of topics from personal styling to tablescaping, gift wrapping, candle making and cocktails. And there’s the chance to hear from celebs ranging from Shirley Ballas to Martin Clunes.

With special unlimited entry and return entry tickets available, there’ll be plenty of opportunity to explore the stalls.

Click here for more information and our first-hand review of the Spirit of Christmas fair.

Where:  Spirit of London, Olympia, Hammersmith Road, London W14 8UX

When:  4 – 10 November 2024

More:  Further information about Spirit of Christmas.

Christmas Fairs or Christmas Markets?

I’ve spent far too long trying to work out the difference between a Christmas Fair and a Christmas Market.  The two phrases get used interchangeably and there’s no official dictionary definition to worry about.  However, they often conjure up slightly different images in people’s minds.  So in case you were wondering, and for the purposes of this article, …

Christmas Markets are typically held outside, often in a town centre.  Whilst they do include designers selling artisanal crafts from stalls, the market will typically extend beyond the shopping experience, with plenty of food and drink stalls, and seasonal entertainment too (fairground rides, ice-skating rinks, etc.).

Christmas Fairs are typically held indoors at an exhibition centre or local hall.  The emphasis is firmly on gift inspiration for what to put under the tree.   There will usually be some food outlets and often workshops available to complement this but they are primarily gift showcases for local designers and independent brands.

Head here if you’re looking for the Best Christmas Markets In The UK or Christmas Market Inspiration In Europe.

For the best Christmas Craft Fairs around the UK, keep reading!