Christmas isn’t complete without a trip to a festive fair. From German-style food stalls to vintage fetes, Hertfordshire’s Christmas markets have it all...
1. St Albans Christmas Wine Fair
What better way to celebrate the festive season than with a tipple or two? Cellar Door Wines on Verulam Industrial Estate will provide the opportunity to taste over 50 different styles of still, sparkling, fortified and sweet wine from around the globe. Perfectly timed to help you get your cellar stocked and stockings filled in the run up to Christmas. The £25 ticket includes a snack pack of savoury and sweet treats. Visit
When: Saturday November 27; 12pm-1.45pm; 2pm-3.45pm; 4pm-5.45pm
Where: Unit 1, Verulam Industrial Estate, London Road, St Albans AL1 1JB
Website: eventbrite.co.uk
2. Southern Maltings Christmas Farmers' Market
Stock up on tasty Christmas treats, local artisan food and gifts, and indulge in a well-deserved glass of mulled wine to celebrate your purchases!
When: December 5; 10am-2pm
Where: Kibes Lane, Ware, SG12 7BS
Website: southernmaltings.co.uk
3. Watford Market Lates
Against a backdrop of live music, Watford Market’s food traders will be rustling up some delicacies to delight your tastebuds – including Caribbean, Asian and Korean street food. Enjoy the special ambience of market dining and be treated to a menu of fresh dishes, plus drinks, in the rejuvenated covered casual dining space.
When: December 3; 5.30pm-10pm
Where: Watford House Lane, Watford WD17 1BJ
Website: watfordmarket.co.uk
4. Watford Christmas Market
Expect stalls selling everything from toys, crafts and decorations to bric-a-brac and jams. There will also be games, a treasure hunt, live entertainment, raffle and tombola.
When: December 4; 10.30am-2.30pm
Where: Leavesden’s All Saints Church and hall, All Saints Crescent, Watford WD25 0LU
Website: allsaintslife.com
5. Tring Christmas Market
A boozy market hosted by Puddingstone Distillery, along the High Street there will be a Campfire Gin gazebo, Christmas gin to buy, gift and drink, and warm gin cocktails to put in in the festive mood.
When: Saturday November 27, 3pm-8pm
Where: Tring High Street, HP23 5AE
Website: puddingstonedistillery.com
6. Hitchin Christmas Market
Market Place once again plays host to Hitchin's annual festive market, a German-style Christmas market with log cabins running for two weeks. Feast on street food and support local business and shop for unique gifts including homeware and crafts.
When: December 8-21
Where: Market Place SG5 1DT
Website: hitchinherts.com
7. Olde Watermill Shopping Centre's Christmas Barn
Head to our border with Bedfordshire Olde Watermill's Christmas barn peddling a range of gifts and festive furnishings and decorations. There's also Santa's Grotto and Elfie Shelfie.
When: On now until December 24
Where: The Old Watermill Shopping Village, Barton Mill Lane, Barton-Le-Clay, MK45 4RF
Website: oldewatermill.co.uk
8. St Albans Christmas Gift Show
Whether it’s a special gift for a loved one, something for your home, a festive treat or great stocking fillers, the huge sports hall at Oaklands College will be packed to the rafters with inspirational Christmas ideas.
When: Saturday-Sunday, November 6-7, 10am-5pm/10am-4pm
Where: Oaklands College, Hatfield Road, Oaklands, St Albans, AL4 0JA
Website: stayhappening.com
9. Christmas Market at the Southern Maltings
Start your Christmas shopping early at a bumper market at this community and arts venue in beautiful former maltings in Ware. Over two floors will be handmade and boutique gifts from local makers, bakers and businesses - from high-quality crafts, ceramics and handcrafted homeware to Christmas decorations and wreaths. There will also be mulled wine, hot food and creative festive family workshops.
When: Sunday November 7, 10am-3pm
Where: Southern Maltings, Kibes Lane, Ware SG12 7BS
Website: stayhappening.com
10. Harpenden Christmas Carnival
Kicking off Christmas celebrations, the carnival features a funfair the Farmers Christmas Market, outdoor bars and food stalls and Santa will be at his Grotto from 12.30-5.30pm.
When: Sunday, November 28 12pm-6pm
Where: Harpenden High Street, AL5 2SJ
Website: facebook.com
11. Redbourn Christmas Market
Punching way above its size, visit the pretty, historic village and listen to local talent performing carols and festive tunes while you take the opportunity to peruse more than 90 stalls laden with food, crafts and gift ideas.
When: Sunday, November 28; 11am-5pm
Where: High Street, Redbourn AL3 7LN
Website: redbournchristmasmarket.com
12. Knebworth Christmas fair
One of Hertfordshire's biggest festive markets, this Christmas shopping bonanza is packed with gifts for ages (and pets) and festive cheer. There's more than 250 stalls, and the Luton Brass Band will perform Christmas Carols.
When: November 26-28
Cost: Tickets from £8/£7.50/£5 adult/consession/child
Where: Knebworth House, SG1 2AX
Website: knebworthchristmasfair.co.uk
13. Bishop's Stortford Christmas Fayre
Streets will be closed off to traffic and filled with more than 100 stalls selling crafts, home-made jams, chutneys, cakes, jewellery, candles. There's also the monthly Craft and Farmer's Market, hot food stalls, three stages featuring more than 20 music acts, and plenty of entertainment for the kids - including Santa.
When: December 4, 9.30am-4.30pm
Where: North Street, Market Square, Potter Street, and South Street, CM23 3UU
Website: bishopsstortfordtc.gov.uk
14. Hertford Castle Christmas Gala
Expect a magical atmosphere at the first Christmas market in the grounds of Hertford Castle. As well as plenty of stalls selling an array of crafts and gifts, there will also be festive entertainment and treats to enjoy. If you’re there on the Friday, why not head along to the town centre’s Christmas gala and festive lights switch-on too?
When: Friday, November 26, 3.30pm-8pm Saturday-Sunday, November 27-28 11am-7pm
Where: Hertford town centre SG14 1HR
Website: visitherts.co.uk
Please note Ware Dickensian Evening will relaunch in 2022.
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