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Festive Shopping: Velvet’s round-up of sparkling Christmas Markets




Jingle all the way to the region’s joyful festive markets and pick up unique Christmas gifts whilst supporting brilliant local businesses

Presents Galore shoppers
Presents Galore shoppers

PRESENTS GALORE

Where:
Rowley Mile Racecourse, Newmarket, Suffolk

When: November 29 - December 1

What: Get your Christmas shopping all wrapped up (well in advance, for ultimate gloating rights!) during this three-day festive shopping spectacular.

Peruse more than 120 beautiful boutique stalls from local and independent businesses, spanning interiors, clothing and footwear, jewellery and accessories, food and drink, outdoor living and children’s gifts. And embrace all the holiday feels by immersing yourself in the atmosphere, sights and aromas of Christmas (we can almost smell the cinnamon and cloves!).

The ultimate feel-good event, which raised more than £78,000 for its three chosen charities last year, Presents Galore will once again be supporting the Cambridge Children’s Hospital, Newmarket Charitable Foundation and the National Horseracing Museum. All proceeds, including 100 per cent of ticket sales, will be donated to these local causes. Tickets for adults cost £8 online or £10 on the door and £6 for Blue Light Card holders. Under 16s with an accompanying adult are free.

More: Find a list of exhibitors at presentsgalore.org where you can also purchase tickets. Alternatively buy tickets at the National Horseracing Museum Gift Shop, Newmarket.

The popular arts & craft fairs at Blackthorpe Barn
The popular arts & craft fairs at Blackthorpe Barn

CHRISTMAS AT BLACKTHORPE BARN

Where: Blackthorpe Barn, Rougham Estate, Suffolk

When:Arts & crafts fair launches November 16, for five consecutive weekends

What: If there’s one place that’s guaranteed to ignite the spirit of Christmas, it’s Blackthorpe Barn with its jolly yuletide offering of Christmas trees, dazzling decorations, arts, crafts and workshops, all nestled in enchanting woodland. Kicking off the festive bonanza is the popular Country Christmas Shop, brimming with elegant decorations, which unveils its seasonal splendour on October 21 (until December 22). Blackthorpe’s renowned arts and crafts weekends present an opportunity to discover one-off treasured pieces, from fused glass and sculpture to jewellery and ceramics, hand crafted by the region’s finest designer makers, who will be on-hand to say hello.

There’s also living Nordmann Firs, pre-cut Christmas trees and creative workshops so you fashion your own resplendent door wreath, before heading to Roots Café for some tasty treats.

More: Visit roughamestate.com

Ely Cathedral choristers on the Christmas carousel, Picture by Bav Media
Ely Cathedral choristers on the Christmas carousel, Picture by Bav Media

ELY CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS GIFT & FOOD FAIR

Where: Ely Cathedral

When: November 21 - 23

What: Tickets get snapped up fast for this enchanting fair, held in a truly magnificent venue, so we suggest getting yours booked pronto!

More than 100 boutique stalls - selling a cornucopia of crafts, from decorative brooches to fairy lit wooden trees - will fan out around Ely Cathedral’s magnificent nave and aisles.

If you don’t manage to secure a coveted ticket, no need to weep into your eggnog as you can still browse the super-sized Festive Shopping Marquee, located in the grounds adjacent to the Cathedral, home to a further 100 stalls selling festive produce, gifts and treasures. Don’t forget to fuel your present-buying spree with the delicious cuisine, refreshments and hot drinks available from on-site food vendors.

More: Visit elycathedral.org

Histon Handmade BenBan Wood Design, Picture Simon Callaghan Photography
Histon Handmade BenBan Wood Design, Picture Simon Callaghan Photography

HISTON HANDMADE

Where: St Andrew’s Centre, Histon

When: Saturday, November 30, 12 - 7pm

What: Now in its eighth year, this delightful contemporary design and craft fair, established by jeweller Claire Howieson in 2016, boasts an exceptional line up of 23 leading local designers/makers.

Alongside jewellery from founder Claire, there will be printing from Sarah Vigliotti, David Mitchell and Judith Handley, ceramics by Daniela Stief, Amanda MacPhail and Sarah Went, glass by Jutta Robinson, Katie Lynn (AKA Molten Wonky) and Terry Chance, woodwork from Ben Bannister, embroidered cushions and textiles from Anna Osborne and books by children’s illustrator Nicola Killen. Look out for handwoven baskets and decorations from Nadine Anderson, needle felting by Annie Brown, paintings and illustrations from Roxana de Rond, Kate Green and Sue Smith, painting and textiles from Greengage & Riley, handmade hats by Sally Wilding (AKA Hedkase), handmade books from Helen Perry, and jewellery by Abi Cochran and Melinda LLewdib (AKA Kittiwake Jewellery).

More: Visit histonhandmade.com

Mill Road Winter Fair by night
Mill Road Winter Fair by night

MILL ROAD WINTER FAIR

Where: Mill Road, Cambridge

When: Saturday, December 7, 10.30am - 4.30pm

What: Feel the love as the community comes together to celebrate one of the most vibrant and diverse roads in Cambridge. Shops, faith centres, cafés, restaurants, community centres and more join together for this uplifting event, run entirely by volunteers. The road closes from Coleridge Road to Gonville place to make way for food and drink stalls, live music, dancing, parades, film and art events, family activities and guided walking tours. Our top tip? Arrive early to beat the crowds and ensure you see the main parade, which sets off along the road at midday.

More: Visit millroadwinterfair.org

Christmas market at The Athenaeum, Bury
Christmas market at The Athenaeum, Bury

CHRISTMAS CRAFT & GIFT FAIR, BURY ST EDMUNDS

Where: The Athenaeum, Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds

When: October 27; November 24, 10am – 4pm

What: Bringing joy to the world (or at least to the lucky folk of Bury St Edmunds) will be 50 fabulous festive stalls at this splendid gift market. Admission is free and refreshments available for when you’ve filled your tote with seasonal goodies!

More: Visit craftedevents.co.uk

Huntingdon Christmas Market, Picture Karl Webb
Huntingdon Christmas Market, Picture Karl Webb

HUNTINGDON CHRISTMAS MARKET

Where: Huntingdon town centre

When: November 22 – 24

What: Pop on your fairisle scarf and gloves to step into the frozen fantasy that is Huntingdon Christmas Market. Expect cascading snowflakes, twinkling lights, and a sleigh-load of festive cheer, courtesy of Santa and his cheeky elves, live music, stalls galore and scrumptious fare.

More: Visit huntingdonchristmasmarket.co.uk


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