If you’re looking for a fun day out where you can tick a few Christmas gifts off your list while enjoying delicious festive food and drink, why not visit a Christmas market in Shropshire?
As Christmas Day draws closer, visiting a Christmas market in Shropshire is a great way to enjoy a day out while ticking a few jobs off your to-do list.
You can buy Christmas gifts from local traders and crafters or stock up your cupboards with artisanal food and drink. You could even pick up a few extra Christmas decorations for your home.
The towns and villages of Shropshire look even more beautiful in their festive finery. And the mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies are sure to get you in the Christmas spirit. But do remember your winter coat and footwear as many of these events take place outdoors!
So, whether you live locally or are visiting Shropshire for the day, here’s a selection of Shropshire Christmas markets for 2023 to help you plan your festive diary.
In this Post:
Shrewsbury Chronicle Christmas Market
The Shrewsbury Christmas Market comes to the Square in the heart of Shrewsbury town centre. This is your chance to tick plenty off your Christmas shopping list, from handmade gifts and crafts created by local makers and traders to locally produced artisanal food and drink.
And don’t forget to treat yourself to something delicious from one of the street food traders, a yummy mince pie or a warming mug of mulled wine!
- The Square, Shrewsbury
- 15th and 16th December 2023
- 10am to 5pm
- Find out more here
December in the Square
The Made in Shropshire’ Fair in the Square’ takes place on the second Saturday of each month. It features some of Shropshire’s best artisanal food producers, artists and crafters.
And when Christmas rolls around, the Old Market Hall and the Square wear their best Christmas finery, and the festive atmosphere makes the market feel even more special.
You’ll find beautifully crafted gift ideas like glassware, artworks and wooden sculptures, natural skincare to pamper your loved ones and gorgeous handmade jewellery. You can stock up your Christmas store cupboard with jams, chutneys, award-winning gins, and freshly baked cakes and pastries.
- The Square, Shrewsbury
- 9th December 2023
- 9am to 5pm
- Find out more here
Late Night at Shrewsbury Market Hall
Get into the Christmas spirit with one of Shrewsbury Market’s fantastic late-night events. The award-winning market hall will keep its doors open late into the night with a selection of lifestyle, book, gift and vintage stalls available for Christmas shopping.
The bars and eateries will also be open til late evening. With Christmas tunes and a lively festive atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit!
- Shrewsbury Market Hall, Claremont Street, Shrewsbury, SY1 1HQ
- 9th December 2023
- 5pm to 10 pm
- Find out more here
Shrewsbury Prison Christmas Market
A festive Christmas market with a twist, the Shrewsbury Prison Christmas Market is held at Shrewsbury Prison, the town’s Immersive Dark Tourism Attraction.
An unusual venue, yes, but you can enjoy shopping at more than 65 stalls selling gifts, crafts, clothing and Christmas decorations from local independent businesses. There will also be a range of food and drink vendors in the prison’s exercise yard, where you can enjoy some delicious mince pies, street food and a cup of warming mulled wine.
Entry is free, but tickets must be booked in advance. They sell out quickly, so don’t delay!
- Shrewsbury Prison, The Dana, Shrewsbury, SY1 2HP
- 9th and 10th December 2023
- 10am – 4pm
- Find out more here
Telford Christmas Market
The traditional wooden chalets of Telford Christmas Market return to Southwater this year.
As well as shopping for Christmas gifts, food and drink from independent traders, you can also enjoy festive entertainment and an exciting range of delicious street food including Hog Roast, Caribbean BBQ, Yorkshire Pudding Wraps, craft beers and barista coffee.
- Southwater, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 4EJ
- 23rd November to 23rd December 2023
- 10am to 7pm, Sunday to Wednesday
- 10am to 9pm, Thursday to Saturday
- Find out more here
Ludlow Castle Winter Festival
Head to Ludlow for a magical Winter Festival hosted within the grounds of Ludlow Castle transformed into a festive wonderland.
You can shop for Christmas gifts at the Artisan Makers Market in the Beacon Rooms, enjoy festive entertainment from choirs and bands, feast on delicious food from Ludlow Food Festival favourites and seasonal drinks from the fully stocked bar.
Tickets for this Christmas event cost £9 for adults and £5 for children aged 5-15 and are available online. The time on the ticket is your entry time, but you are free to stay at the Castle until closing.
- Ludlow Castle, Castle Square, Ludlow, SY8 1AY
- 24th to 26th November 2023
- 5pm to 9pm
- Find out more here
Much Wenlock Christmas Fayre
Set in the historical surroundings of Much Wenlock town centre, the Much Wenlock Christmas Fayre features over 100 fabulous stalls showcasing local producers and businesses. Festive entertainment and performances will take place throughout the town, with the Georgian houses, black and white buildings and church green as a beautiful backdrop.
And the day will end with a candle-lit procession on the High Street and carol singing on the Square.
- High Street, Much Wenlock
- 2nd December 2023
- 10am to 5pm
- Find out more here
Apley Christmas Market
Discover some of Shropshire’s finest artisanal food, drink and gifts at the Apley Christmas Market.
Hosted at Apley Farm Shop, this festive event has everything you need for a fabulous Christmas, from mince pies and cheese to Christmas wreaths and mistletoe. It takes place a little earlier than some other Shropshire Christmas markets, so it’s the ideal way to kick off your Christmas shopping with handmade gifts, local crafts and much more.
With free entrance and more stalls than ever, this Christmas event is not to be missed!
- Apley Farm Shop, Norton, TF11 9EF
- 18th and 19th November 2023
- 10am to 4pm
- Find out more here
Weston Park Christmas Food & Craft Fayre
Weston Park Christmas Food & Craft Fayre is the perfect festive day out, with stalls selling everything from luxurious handmade gifts to festive wreaths and Christmas tree decorations.
You can also treat yourself to fabulous festive food and drink to put the finishing touches to your Christmas feast. The Temple Wood will be open for walks (well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome), and the Granary Restaurant will be serving up seasonal favourites.
And with plenty of delicious mulled cider, hot chocolate, street food and live entertainment, this will be a Christmas day out to remember.
Admission to the Christmas Market costs £6 per person when booked online in advance, and you can also visit the House for an additional £4 per person. Standard admission charges apply if you pay on the day, and there’s free entry for Weston Park members and under 4’s.
- Weston Park, Weston-under-Lizard, Shropshire, TF11 8LE
- 2nd, 3rd, 9th and 10th December 2023
- Find out more here
Craven Arms Frost Fair
The Craven Arms Frost Fair takes place at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre over the weekend of 4th and 5th November 2023.
Entry to the Frost Fair is free of charge, and you’ll discover a wide range of handmade gifts and crafts made by talented Shropshire makers and craftspeople. With such a fabulous selection on display, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for that special someone!
- Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, School Road, Craven Arms, SY7 9RS
- 4th to 5th November 2023
- 10am to 4pm
- Find out more here
Made on the Borders: Homemade Christmas Festival
Oswestry is the location of the Made on the Borders: Homemade Christmas Festival. The Marquee at the British Ironwork Centre will be filled with around 80 stalls celebrating all things homemade.
So you’re sure to find something you love at this festive market, which supports local crafters and makers, whether they stitch, knit, carve or weld.
- The British Ironwork Centre, Whitehall, Aston, Oswestry SY11 4JH
- 2nd and 3rd December 2023
- Find out more here
Christmas markets are one of my favourite things to do. Along with looking at the lights