Christmas Markets in Cambridgeshire 2020
11 Nov 2020
Things have certainly been different this year. Lots of events have been postponed, taken online, or straight-up cancelled. But we were happy to discover that there are a few Christmas markets happening in Cambridgeshire for 2020, albeit with many of them taking place virtually.
The festive period is one of joy and excitement, with Christmas Fairs often marking the start of the celebrations for many families.
If you’re looking to attend a Cambridgeshire Christmas Market in 2020, then take a look at some of the events which are taking place in November and December, and find out how you can join in with the festive fun!
Peterborough Cathedral Christmas Market
When? 4th Decebember - 5th December 2020
Where? Peterborough Cathedral
Peterborough Cathedral Christmas Market. Photo credit: Peterborough Telegraph
Taking place across the first weekend of December, the historic Peterborough Cathedral is a picture-perfect backdrop for the city’s annual Christmas market.
Offering a unique range of gifts and handmade items, visitors can browse a selection of glassware, jewellery, food, festive decorations and woven items, including those made from recycled materials.
The event was recently pushed back from its November dates to Friday 4th and Saturday 5th December to allow for the recent national lockdown. After much careful planning, social distancing measures will continue to be observed inside the venue, with stalls spread 2 metres apart, one-way walkways imposed, and visitors asked to wear face coverings whilst inside.
As such, shoppers will be asked to book a timed ticket online before they arrive to avoid overcrowding. Entry is £2 per person, with under 16s allowed in free of charge.
Note: Peterborough Cathedral have announced that if lockdown is to be extended into December, then the event will be cancelled and ticket holders will be issued a full refund.
Ely Cathedral Christmas Gift & Food Fair
When? 15th November - 20th December 2020
Where? Online
Ely Cathedral Christmas Fair. Photo Credit: Cambridge News
Now in its 7th year, the Christmas Gift & Food Fair at Ely Cathedral continues to be one of the most popular and memorable Christmas markets in Cambridgeshire.
With the event unable to physically take place in 2020, Ely Cathedral have decided to run their event virtually, creating an easy-to-navigate online platform where festive shoppers can buy unique and handcrafted Christmas gifts, crafts, and food items.
There will be over 200 exhibitors displaying their crafts online, as well as some entertainment and festive workshops for the whole family to get involved with at home. You can expect carol performances by the Cathedral Choristers, Christmas music played by Ian Anderson, as well as seasonal presentations from Wild Oak Workshops. And, with the event taking place online, if you do happen to miss one of the live events, you can catch them again later on the site!
Once the event begins, a full programme of events and activities will be released, including a list of all the exhibitors taking part.
Histon Handmade Craft Fair
When? From 2nd November
Where? Online
Histon's Handmade Craft Fair will take place online for 2020. Photo credit: Cambridge News
Established in 2016, Histon Handmade Craft Fair has attracted thousands over the years, where visitors have browsed and purchased a whole range of homemade goods, including handcrafted jewellery, ceramics, textiles, homewares, prints and soaps.
After five successful years of events, Histon Handmade Craft Fair took the decision to postpone their face-to-face event due to the pandemic and instead move it online.
Not wanting to disappoint those who enjoy visiting the fair, the team have brought together a collection of items from its ever-growing list of exhibitors, which you can browse on the dedicated website at home.
The virtual Histon Handmade Marketplace has been live since Monday 2nd November, where you can browse a whole range of homemade crafts and homewares.
Burghley Christmas Fair
When? 1st December - 18th December 2020
Where? Online
Exterior of Burghley House in winter. Photo credit: Burghley House
Sitting on the cusp of the Cambridgeshire county border, the stunning Burghley House is the perfect venue to get visitors into the festive spirit and shop locally.
As with many of the Christmas Markets on this list, as a result of the current public health lockdown, Burghley Christmas Fair has had to be moved online.
However, shoppers can still enjoy browsing items from the 80 different independent businesses which are taking part, finding the perfect handcrafted gifts from the comfort and safety of home. There will also be exclusive discounts available throughout the event, as well as exclusive interviews from the venue’s Christmas Fair experts.
More information on the event will be released on the 1st December over on Burghley House’s website.
Mill Road Winter Fair
When? From 1st December
Where? Online
Previous Mill Road Winter Fair Celebrations. Photo credit: John Fahy
Each year, Mill Road Winter Fair brings together locals and draws in visitors, celebrating the community of one of the most diverse and vibrant roads in central Cambridge. Held on the first Saturday of December, the fair brings local businesses, traders and performers together in one big day of celebration.
Still keen to share the festive spirit with the locals, from 1st December, the team will be offering an online festival which features many of the local performers and artists who are usually part of the face-to-face celebrations.
For those who live in the area, new charity Love Mill Road are planning an inspiring new community project to help celebrate the identity and culture of Mill Road. Highlighting the diversity, history and independence of the neighbourhood, ten community lanterns will be hung in shops along Mill Road and illuminated on 5th December (on what would have been Fair day).
For more information on how to attend virtually or get involved, take a look at Mill Road Winter Fair’s website.
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Although Christmas is going to feel a little different this year, we’re still looking forward to getting into the festive spirit and celebrating local businesses with these virtual Christmas markets and fairs.
Don’t forget that as 2021 approaches to keep an eye out on our excursions page. We’ll be updating it as and when we are able to book group visits and arrange a prgramme which complies with government guidance.
In the meantime, should you wish to make any enquiries about a private hire trip, please get in contact with us. Our Customer Liaison team will be happy to assist and arrange an obligation-free quote for you.
