Festive fairs & light switch-ons

Kick off the season with a full day of festive cheer in Bromyard on 18 November. Start the day with a mooch around the Christmas Fair in Falcon Mews (open 10am) and the Street Market, feasting on hot food and listening to tunes played on a magnificent fairground organ. The colourful Santa's Parade will officially open Santa's grotto, followed by live music and a lantern parade, leading up to the switch on of  the magnificent lights at 5.30pm.

Trip the light fantastic ot the special Light Up Leominster event, held 22 and 23 November from 5 - 8pm. Follow the trail to enjoy light prohection, soundscapes, lantern parades, performances and music.

Then on 9 December from 10am to 4pm, step back in time and enjoy a truly Dickensian adventure at the Victorian Christmas Market. The town centre will be brimming with stalls selling handmade and locally produced gifts, plus street food, roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. Take a horse and carriage ride, before being entertained by Punch and Judy, Morris dancers and live seasonal music and more. 

Head to Ledbury on Sunday 26 November for an afternoon of festive fun. Santa's Grotto opens at 1.30pm and there will be music, entertainment, food and even funfair rides until 6pm on the high street and in St Katherine's car park. The lights will be offiically switched on at 5pm. Get ready for the count down! Read more.

Then on Friday 1 December, Ledbury's lovely independent shops will be open until 8pm. Pop along for jolly vibes, carols, mulled wine, bell-ringing and, of course, gorgeous gifts.

Make for Ross-on-Wye on Sunday 26 November, 11am to 5pm, for a festive mooch of over 70 artisan stalls, featuring handmade arts and crafts plus delicious artisan food and drink. Enjoy a bite to eat or a mulled wine whilst you listen to live music at the Market House from local choirs and bands. Lights switch on at 4pm. Read more.

At the top of town, peek into St Mary's Church to enjoy the Christmas Tree Festival, taking place 25 to 28 November.

Make for the area around Kington's Market Hall, Place De Marines and Coach House for the annual switch-on event on Wednesday 29 November 2023 from 5.30pm onwards. Enjoy music, carol singing, hot food and drink as well as Santa’s Grotto and his post box. 

Sample the best of what the borders has to offer. Tour five venues hosting 100 stalls, each hand picked to offer a wide range of producers from charcuterie and oils to patisserie and chocolate. A super tasty way to spend a Saturday! 2 December, 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Make the most of free parking and late night openings on Wednesdays in December. Pick up unusual gifts at independent shops as well as family favourites at high street stores.

Meanwhile, take a tour of around 40 stalls at the Christmas markets which will be held throughout December on 7th & 8th, 14 & 15th, 21st & 22nd. From local makers to street food, there will be a wealth of independent traders selling their wares.