The Best Cambridge Christmas Markets

As Britain's leaves turn red, gold and orange and the weather takes a cooler turn, it's inevitable that minds wander to the most wonderful time of the year.

Of all the magical moments that make up the festive season, Christmas markets have to be up there with our favourites. It's when local artisans have their moment to shine, mulled wine and hot chocolate flow freely, and twinkly lights adorn trees and window displays across the city.

Cambridge gets into the spirit early this year. The city centre's Big Switch On takes place on Sunday 15 November 2026, just two days after the Christmas village opens on Parker's Piece. So wrap up warm and get ready to explore: the Cambridge Christmas markets are calling.

Christmas in Cambridge

When it comes to Cambridge Christmas markets, our pick of the bunch happens right on our doorstep. We might be a little biased, but Parker's Piece's transformation into an Alpine-style Christmas village is nothing short of magical, and this year it stays open into the first weekend of 2027.

Wander rows of wooden chalets filled with gifts and stocking fillers, then refuel at the street food stalls with a Yorkshire pudding wrap and a mulled wine. Glide around Cambridge's largest outdoor ice rink, take in the city skyline from the Big Wheel, or gather friends for a round of curling on the Après Terrace. The Alpine Lodge bar is perfect for warming up, and the Christmas Tipi hosts live music on Sunday afternoons.

When? Every day from Friday 13 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027

Opening times: 10am at weekends, and 11.30am on weekdays until 18 December (10am every day after that). Closes at 10pm, or 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Where? Parker's Piece, CB1 1NA (right next to Gonville Hotel)

How much: Free entry to the site, individual activities require booking

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Mill Road Winter Fair

Held on the first Saturday of December since 2005, Mill Road Winter Fair is one of Cambridge's best-loved community days, and well worth blocking out time for.

Mill Road closes to traffic and fills with stalls, live music and performers celebrating one of the city's most diverse and vibrant neighbourhoods. The morning brings the opening ceremony and parade, while food stalls from around the world line the street and fill the Food Fair on Gwydir Street. Browse local arts and crafts along the road, then step into venues like David Parr House and the St Barnabas Centre to see work by local artists.

It's entirely volunteer-run and attracts thousands of visitors, so arrive early to catch the parade.

When? Saturday 5 December 2026, 10.30am – 4.30pm

Where? Mill Road, CB1 3DF (East Road to Coleridge Road)

How much: Free entry

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Ely Cathedral Christmas Gift & Food Fair

If you're staying a few days, the short trip north to Ely is well worth it. For three days, the soaring nave of the "Ship of the Fens" fills with boutique makers and designers, making it one of the most atmospheric Christmas shopping experiences in the East of England.

Around 160 exhibitors take part across the cathedral and a festive marquee in its grounds, with plenty of food and warming drinks on hand. Now in its 14th year, it's ticketed and very popular, so book well ahead: the all-day tickets for Thursday and Friday had sold out by mid-October.

When? Thursday 19 to Saturday 21 November 2026

Opening times: Morning (9.30am–1pm) and afternoon (1pm–4.30pm) sessions each day, plus an evening session (6.30pm–8.30pm) on Thursday and Friday.

Where? Ely Cathedral, Ely, around 16 miles from Cambridge (a short, direct train ride)

How much: £10 per session, £5 for ages 3–15 with an adult. The outdoor marquee is free to enter.

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Eddington's Winter Welcome & Knights Park Festive Market

Just two miles from the city centre, Eddington marks the start of the season with a festive day out in the heart of its growing neighbourhood. Last year's Winter Welcome drew around 2,000 visitors to Eddington Square.

Expect seasonal games like curling, a children's funfair and a packed line-up of local choirs, brass bands and performers. Grab a mulled wine from the double-decker bus bar and tuck into Yorkshire pudding wraps, bao buns and churros. Next door, the Knights Park Festive Market fills the courtyard of the Turing Locke and Hyatt Centric hotels with 20+ stalls of handmade crafts and thoughtful gifts.

When? 2026 dates to be confirmed. Last year's event ran on the last Saturday of November, 12pm–8pm, with the Knights Park market from 12pm–4pm.

Where? Eddington Square and Eddington Avenue, CB3 1SE

How much: Free entry; registering in advance is encouraged

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All Saints Garden Art & Craft Market

Tucked opposite Trinity College, this charming outdoor market has been a home for local makers for more than 35 years, and it's a lovely spot for unhurried Christmas shopping.

Everything on sale is handmade by the person behind the stall: jewellery, pottery, ceramics, sculpture, photography, paintings, prints and clothing. Come December, the stalls fill with festive gifts, and the market traditionally adds extra trading days in the run-up to Christmas, weather permitting.

When? Every Saturday, 10am – 4pm, with extra December days in the lead-up to Christmas (check before you go)

Where? All Saints Garden, Trinity Street, CB2 1TQ

How much: Free entry

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