Twinkling lights glisten above Hertfordshire’s streets, scarves are tightly wrapped around the necks of every flustered last-minute shopper in town and the stress of buying something ideal for the relative who has it all has well and truly kicked in - it's the most wonderful time of the year again! To get you into the Christmas spirit this year, your trusty Visit Herts team has put together a guide of the best Christmas markets that Hertfordshire has on offer. Plus, we've let you know the nearest train stations to each market, meaning you can save on the worries and the wonga this festive season as you hop on board the Christmas Express and get whisked away to your very own winter wonderland...Mulled wine for two please!
Lannock Winter Market
📍Hitchin
Crossover Blendery is hosting its Lannock Winter Market coming Saturday 7th December and you’re invited! With free entry and free parking, round up the troops and head to the magical Christmas wonderland with local food suppliers, mulled wine, live music in the taproom from 2 pm, and delicious street food from Crossover Blendery… Pst, the taproom will be in full flow and you can search for your perfect real Christmas tree at Lannock Christmas Trees, so rush and pick the best one!
Harpenden Christmas Carnival & Market
📍Harpenden
This one is definitely a date to pop in your diaries! Head along to experience festive fun like no other at Harpenden Christmas Carnival on Sunday 24th November. Shop until you drop for your Christmas goodies from the Farmers’ Market, then take a stroll along the high street to enjoy the funfair, Santa’s grotto, the Harris Funfair and much more!
Tring Together Christmas Festival
📍Tring (followed by a bus ride)
Are you making a list and checking it twice? Because the Tring Together Christmas Festival is coming to town! On Saturday 30th November, the High Street will be filled with smells of roasted chestnuts, rows of twinkling lights and more. Keep an eye out on their page for more updates.
Knebworth House Christmas Fair
📍Knebworth
You can’t do Christmas in Herts without experiencing a day out at Knebworth House’s Christmas Fair! This is the region’s biggest festive shopping event, filled with those Christmas gifts and presents for all ages. This is a must visit for the weekend of 22nd – 24th. Don’t forget to pick up that delicious festive food and drinks!
Bishop's Stortford Christmas Fayre
📍Bishop's Stortford
Hurry down to Bishop’s Stortford Christmas Fayre on the 7th December to see over 100 stalls, all selling local favourites from Bishop’s Stortford’s Markets and Farmers and Crafts markets. You can find everything from handmade jewellery, to candles, to delicious Christmas treats. Topped off with live music throughout the town centre, plenty of family entertainment and event a visit from Father Christmas. It’ll be hard to stay a Grinch after a day at this fabulously festive event!
Hertford Christmas Gala
📍Hertford North
Dreaming of a Christmas just like the ones you used to know? Well, the annual Christmas Gala will return on 22nd November, bringing Christmas markets and street entertainment to Hertford. Tree tops will glisten at the Christmas light switch on, take a spin on the rides (if you’re brave enough) and enjoy live entertainment on the performance stage.
Hertford Castle Christmas Market
📍Hertford East
Fancy a day of perusing local delights, revelling in Christmas wonder, and sharing seasonal festivities with all? Within the grounds of Hertford Castle from 22nd- 23rd November, you can find a whole host of magical delights, from fantastic food, to locally made jewellery, you’ll find everything you could hope for in your Christmas market dreams.
Redbourn Christmas Market
📍St Albans City (followed by a bus ride)
Renowned for its independent shopping in picturesque, quaint streets, it’s no surprise St Albans is a stunning winter wonderland come December. This year on 1st December, Cumberland Gardens will be transformed into a magnificent winter wonderland for all to enjoy. With live performances, mulled wine, mince pies, crafts and more!
Watford's Festive Sunday Market
📍Watford Junction
Get ready for a day of Christmas cheer at the Watford Festive Sunday Market. Come along on the 8th December and discover a world of ever changing mix of goods, produce and street food! Open for four days this year, what more could you want from a festive day of fun?
Southern Maltings Christmas Market
📍Ware
Bringing to you a range of local suppliers and small business treats, the Southern Maltings Christmas Markets are hotspots for festive cheer and wonder. Get ahead of the game in some Christmas shopping at the local produce and craft markets on 17th November, or indulge in some amazing food and drink at the Christmas Food and Craft Market on 1st December. Whichever you choose, you, friends, and family will have an unforgettable experience!
Standalone Farm Christmas Market
📍Letchworth Garden City
It’s all about the festive fun over at Standalone Farm this Christmas with their Christmas market running from 30th November to 8th December. Enjoy festive present ideas stalls and tasty food to get you into that festive spirit.
Watersmeet Christmas Market
📍Rickmansworth
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow... from stalls, snow and Santa’s grotto, what more could you want? Watersmeet Christmas Market will take place on Sunday 16th November so get ready to shop away and enjoy the day with a full programme of entertainment! From Christmas Carols to festive refreshments and more. Mark you diaries and spread the word!