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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