It comes around quickly each year, doesn’t it? It seems no sooner have we begun the new academic year, with memories of summer holidays still in the rear-view mirror, Christmas preparations are here! It won’t be long until Christmas markets are lining streets and squares, and we’ve compiled a list of some of the festive markets across the North West and North Wales.
Shropshire
With markets across the county and opportunities to book to see the big man himself, there’s a lot going on in Shropshire for the festive season build-up. Shrewsbury Christmas Market takes place on 3rd and 4th December and will allow you to ease into the festivities and pick up a present or two, with 60 stalls showcasing handmade gifts, crafts and local food and drink. Find out more.
10th – 11th December sees the Shropshire Festive Gift Market 2022 at St Mary’s, Shrewsbury, returning for its 5th year. Find out more. https://m.facebook.com/events/st-marys-church-shrewsbury/shropshire-festive-gift-market-2022-at-st-marys-shrewsbury/5009538715765049/
Find out about all the Christmas events taking place in Shropshire.
Chester
Chester’s popular Christmas markets take place between 18th November and 21st December in a central location outside Town Hall Square, with over 70 stalls of Christmas goodies. This year marks the 10th anniversary of this now stalwart of the festive season in Chester, with stalls outside the town hall, in the new arcade and surrounding the Christmas tree in the heart of Chester city centre. Make it a double deal and see the Christmas lights switched on – 18th November. Find out more.
Father Christmas has found some space in his diary to visit Chester at several events, but booking is advised. From toddler mornings, elf workshops, breakfast with Santa, a Christmas cruise and Santa’s grotto, you’ll find many events here.
Wirral
Bromborough Village Christmas Fair takes place on 30 November (10am – 4pm) with a selection of stalls to get you in the Christmas mood. On the same date, Wirral Holistic Care Services Christmas Fayre (12pm – 4pm) sees Santa visiting and the opportunity to purchase crafts, toys, and books.
Heswall Hall invites you to sample ‘A Taste of Christmas’ on 1st December is an event to showcase what Heswall has to offer, and there’s the Christmas Market at Egan Road on 7th December (2-6pm), Christmas Nights in Port Sunlight – 5, 12 and 19 December (4 - 8pm) with festive shopping, Christmas trees to buy and a café,
Birkenhead Priory holds its Christmas Market on 8 December (11am-4pm), in the magical surroundings of a 12th century Benedictine Priory. You’ll find gifts, food and drink and music and festive entertainment. There’s a fair taking place at Thornton Hough Village Hall too on the same day (12-4pm) with 30 local stalls and fine artisan gifts. Find out about all the Christmas events taking place across the Wirral.
North Wales
As well as planned events for underground grottos, a ‘zipmas’ Christmas, an enchanted forest and even breakfast with Father Christmas, there are a wide selection of Christmas markets taking place across North Wales in November and December.
Llandudno Christmas Extravaganza is now in its second year after a super successful 2021. It takes place on 17th November at Trinity Square and promises to really get you into the festive mood! Expect a family fun event including food, drink, gifts, funfair, and entertainment. The 2021 event was our first year and the event attracted approx. 30,000 people.
Beaumaris Artisans' Christmas Weekend on 26th and 27th November will host the best in crafts, food, drink, and local produce from artisans across the North Wales area, all inside and outside the David Hughes Community Hall. There’s also the Snowdonia & Local Christmas Market in Betws-Y-Coed a week later (3-4 December) with local traders offering handmade items. Supporting the local community is a driving force for this market so you’ll find all manner of local producers.
The Portmeirion Christmas event taking place on 3rd and 4th December is a showcase of the best local food, drinks, gifts, and entertainment, all in the beautiful surroundings of Portmeirion. With a full programme of entertainment planned alongside local produce and crafts, gates are open from 9.30am – 5pm.
Lancashire
Lytham St Annes’ Christmas market allows you to meet the makers and buy local food, crafts, and gifts. It takes place on 12th November, and you can find out more. https://www.visitstannes.info/recreation-entertainment/events-featured/christmas-in-st-annes/. The town’s Christmas lights switch on is happening in Clifton Square on 19th November too. Find out more.
Liverpool
From 19th November to 24th December, Liverpool plays host to its popular Christmas market, taking over St Johns Gardens, William Brown Street and North Entrance of St Georges Hall. You’ll be able to shop till you drop with stalls catering for all tastes of shopping, eating, and drinking, and a new Bavarian bar featuring entertainment from local performers. See the whole spectacle from the sky with a ride on the big wheel or take a walk through the Williamson Square Christmas Tree – a 16-metre-high tree.
