Best Christmas market in the UK for: handmade treasures
When: Thursday 14 November – Monday 23 December 2024
Organised by Craft*folk for nearly 30 years, this Cardiff market has a proper handmade focus, with stalls selling silver jewellery or glass work, hand-thrown ceramics or quilts. The taster scheme – where new artists and crafters sell their wares for five-, seven- or 10-day – includes Castell Apothecary (visit for home fragrances and soaps) and prints by Carmarthen-based artist Louise Jones.
Address: St John Street, CF10 1GL; Working Street, CF10 1GP; Trinity Street, CF10 1BH
Website: cardiffchristmasmarket.com
Cheltenham Christmas Market
Best Christmas market in the UK for: weekend festivities
When: Thursday 21 November – Sunday 24 November 2024; 12 December – 22 December 2024
Cheltenham has not one but three Christmas markets, all alongside the covered ice rink in Imperial Gardens. First up is the craft market, over one weekend in November, when stalls will include stoneware pots from Vineyard Pottery and original wildlife illustrations as prints and adorning homeware by Kerry Jane Art. Then, there’s the main festive market, which runs until Christmas Eve, where local traders sell homemade arts, crafts and gifts for last-minute present buying.
Address: The Promenade and Long Gardens, GL50 1PJ
Website: visitcheltenham.com