Festive Spirit: Christmas Markets & Fairs
There’s nothing quite like a Christmas market or fair to get you in the festive spirit. Here in Herefordshire, we’ve got a fab selection to choose from – food markets for the gastronomes, craft fairs for discerning gift-givers and even an Alpine-themed gathering… Pop along to one, some, or even all of them! Here’s our pick from across the county.
Love Local @ Christmas 2024
Where? Madley Plants, near Hereford
Where? Saturday 16 November
Over at Madley plants, a short drive south-west of Hereford, you’re in for a real treat at their annual Love Local event. Browse over 30 local makers’ stalls, picking up all sorts of unique and handmade products, from perfect pet prezzies and delightful Christmas decorations to baked goodies, artisan gin and traditional Herefordshire cider. Free entry.
The Yard's Winter Night Market
Where? The Yard, Hereford
When? Saturday 16 November, 3pm – 8pm
For food, drink and a little boogie, make your way over to The Yard’s Winter Night Market. Sample local wines and ciders, and take your pick of grub from the Burger Shop, Leaven, or the Bookshop, washed down with mulled wine. Plus a beautiful selection of handcrafted gifts, from illustrations to ironwork, accompanied by an eclectic DJ set. Free entry.
FestiveNest
Where? Little Verzons Farm, near Ledbury
When? Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 November, 10am – 4pm
Pop along to Little Verzons Farm for a delightful day of street food, shopping and music. Held over two days, the farm’s FestiveNest is a lovely way to enjoy some early Christmas cheer. Join in with the carol singing, grab some stocking fillers from the charming artisan market, or simply settle down for tea and cake in the cosy café. Free entry.
Winter Glow 2024
Where? Three Counties Showground, Malvern
When? 22 November – 31 December 2024
For an all-out expanse of festive activities, make your way to the Three Counties Showground, where it’s nigh on impossible to get bored. Here, you’ll find everything from fairground rides and crazy golf to ice skating and a Santa’s grotto, as well as a superb food quarter and Christmas market. Attractions are individually priced, free entry to Christmas market.
The Courtyard’s Festive Artisan Market
Where? The Courtyard, Hereford
When? Saturday 23 November, 11am - 4pm
If you’re looking for special, handmade gifts for loved ones (or yourself!), it’s well worth giving this artisan market a go. Weave through the stalls, exploring locally made artwork, crafts, clothing and more. Indulge in a mince pie or two from the bar, washed down with a deliciously festive cup of mulled wine. Plus live music from local performers. Free entry.
Christmas Market at Lyde Court
Where? Lyde Court, near Hereford
When? Sunday 24 November, 11am - 6pm
A handpicked selection of small businesses will be selling their wares at this beautiful, candlelit rustic barn, situated only a couple of miles outside Hereford city centre. Find unique gifts from local favourites such as Heavenly Homes & Gardens, Evvys Childrenswear, Jayne Parry Ceramics and Gemma Gough Jewellery. Then relax with festive treats and live music in the cafe. Free entry.
Herefordshire Gift Fair
Where? The Pavilion Rooms, Ledbury
When? Thursday 28 November, 4pm – 8.30pm
Natural skincare, colourful jewellery, recycled cashmere… Get your hands on some truly wonderful goodies and treats at this after-hours fair supporting Herefordshire Samaritans. Over 35 local businesses should cover all gift-giving bases, from posh tipples to chic homewares. Don’t miss sponsor Gattertop Drinks’ flavoured vodka tasting while you’re there. £5 entry.
Find out more
Ledbury Late Night Shopping
Where? Ledbury
When? Friday 6 December 2024, 5pm – 8pm
For a wonderfully wholesome Friday night out, make a trip to Ledbury for their annual late-night shopping event. Hunt down the perfect gift as you mooch independent shops and the street market, enjoying the jolly sounds of carol singers in the background. Grab some fresh holly and mistletoe while you’re there, and have a go at making your own decorations at home. And, of course, drop into one of the town’s lovely cafés for seasonal treats. Free entry.
Late Night Leominster
Where? Leominster
When? Friday 6 December, 5 - 8pm
Leominster’s independent shops are also opening for an after-hours meander, accompanied by a late night Charter Market. Make an evening of it with friends and family by tucking into festive food and drink whilst you enjoy outdoor entertainment. Free entry.
Kington Festive Foods from the Border
Where? Kington
When? Saturday 7 December, 9.30am – 3pm
Since its inception in 2004, Kington’s Winter Food Festival has just kept getting bigger and better. In true foodie heaven, you’ll find a vendor for every craving and palate, whether that’s veggie curry and crêpes, or goat sausages, pizza and burgers! Of course, there’s plenty of traditional Christmassy fare on offer, as well as a fab selection of crafts stalls to browse. Little ones can visit Kington Primary School’s playground for child-friendly activities. Free entry.
Hellens Christmas Craft Market
Where? Hellens Manor, near Ledbury
When? Sunday 8 December, 10am – 4pm
For something completely new, drop in at Hellens Manor’s first Christmas craft market. Browse African- and Japanese-inspired jewellery, handmade candles, stoneware pottery and all sorts more. Outside, grab some hot food, before cosying up by the firepit to watch some artisan demonstrations. Back in the Great Hall dining room, you’ll find warming mulled wine and a tempting range of festive snacks to keep the wolf from the door if you get peckish again. Free entry.
Find out more
Alpine Saturdays
Where? Lower House Farm, Longtown
When? Saturday 14 & Saturday 21 December, ticketed arrivals for 12pm, 2pm & 4pm
Running with the tagline ‘Why head to the Alps when you have the Black Mountains on your back doorstep?’,Wild By Nature has put together a cosy Alpine-themed festive showcase. Take a turn around the Winter Makers Market to sort your shopping, before settling in front of the open fire. Wood-fired alpine food and mulled drinks are sure to warm your cockles, and keep the kids entertained with crafts and toasting marshmallows. The farm shop will also be open so you can stock up on their pasture-fed produce. £5 entry to include a mulled drink, under 8s go free.
Leominster Victorian Christmas Street Market
Where? Leominster
When? Saturday 14 December, 9am - 3pm
Step back in time and enjoy a truly Dickensian adventure. The town will be brimming with stalls selling handmade and locally produced gifts, plus street food, roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. Head to Corn Square and Broad Street before taking a wander around Grange Court, The Lion Ballroom and Leominster Sports & Social Club. With live seasonal music,Punch and Judy and Morris dancing. Free entry.
