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Suffolk Christmas Markets for family fun and festive shopping, with locations in Bury St Edmunds, Sudbury and Ipswich




Looking to indulge a little this festive season? Still got plenty of gifts you need to check off your shopping list before the big day?

Look no further, as we've devised a list of twelve of this year's must-visit Suffolk Christmas markets, filled with family fun, festive shopping and delicious seasonal snacks.

St Edmundsbury Cathedral Christmas Market, Bury St Edmunds - November 25

Bury St Edmunds Christmas Light Event 2021. Picture: Mecha Morton
Bury St Edmunds Christmas Light Event 2021. Picture: Mecha Morton

While the traditional Bury St Edmunds Christmas Market has been cancelled for a second year, there is no need to miss out on the festive cheer as St Edmundsbury Cathedral will be holding its own fair packed with local produce and gift ideas.

Running from Thursday November 25 to Saturday November 27, businesses from Suffolk Soap Co to Birdhouse Brewery will be selling their wares alongside delicious food and drink stalls.

Set in the stunning cathedral, this market is sure to get you in the mood for the Christmas period with carol singing and an appearance from the Haverhill Silver Band.

This new event will run from 10am to 4.30pm and tower tours will be available for a £10 fee.

Christmas Fair and Light Switch On, Sudbury - November 26

Sudbury's Christmas Fair and Light Switch On is set to return this year and promises fun for all the family, with everything from shopping to funfair rides to live music on offer.

The event begins at 5pm on Friday November 26 and takes place all over the town centre with stalls on Market Hill, East Street, North Street and Gaol Lane.

The iconic Christmas light switch on will give way to packed craft stalls, live entertainment, funfair rides, Santa's Grotto and even an appearance from Frozen characters Elsa, Anna and Olaf.

Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre 2017. Picture: Mecha Morton
Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre 2017. Picture: Mecha Morton

Stonham Barns Christmas Craft Market - November 27

The annual Christmas craft market at Stonham Barns, near Stowmarket, is perfect for those looking for not-on-the-highstreet gifts to treat their loved ones this year.

Free to enter, the market boasts stalls full of handmade local products as well as plenty of opportunities to pick up Christmas table staples from mulled wine to minced pies.

Small children will be well catered for at the market, with rides and train rides, free face painting and live music as well as an indoor play barn, bouncy pillow, foot golf and adventure golf also on the site.

Open Saturday November 27 and Sunday November 28, the Stonham Barns market is sure to get you in the festive mood while ticking off plenty of gifts from your list nice and early.

Stowmarket Christmas Fayre - November 28

Following the cancellation of the historical Stowmarket Christmas light switch on, this year the Christmas Fayre will be spread out in locations across the town centre.

Gifts, treats, food and drink from local and regional traders will be on sale on market stalls throughout the town, and an ice rink, merry-go-round and miniature model fairground will ensure everyone leaves in the festive mood.

Father Christmas and his reindeer will make a special appearance at the Museum of East Anglian Life and the Regal will be showing classic Christmas films.

Open from 10.30am to 5pm, a charity fair will also take place at Red Gables and children will be able to create Christmas crafts at Stowmarket Library.

Christmas Craft Fair, Haverhill - December 3

Held in the Haverhill Arts Centre on December 3, this Christmas craft fair is the perfect place to grab original, unique and quirky gifts while supporting local creators.

An evening of festive fun with presents for the whole family, a trip to the Haverhill craft fair is sure to help you tick off some of your Christmas shopping list off before the big day.

Bury St Edmunds Christmas Light Event 2021. Picture: Mecha Morton
Bury St Edmunds Christmas Light Event 2021. Picture: Mecha Morton

Trinity Park Christmas Market, Ipswich - December 4

The first Christmas market held by Helen Rollason Cancer Charity, this event is sure to bring crowds of people looking for festive fun to Trinity Park in Ipswich, the famous home of the Suffolk Show.

The market houses over 70 small businesses from across the East of England selling high-quality and unique decorations and gifts.

Christmas food and drink will also be available, allowing visitors to emmerse themselves in the sights, smells and tastes of the season.

The market will be open from 10.30am to 6pm.

Christmas craft market, Hadleigh - December 4

Hadleigh town hall will be full of Christmas spirit on December 4, as their craft market promises a unique shopping experience and plenty of festive treats.

Hosted by Simply Events, everything from cards to glass ornaments and ceramics to jewellery will be on show, all handmade by local crafters.

Their tearoom will also be open serving cakes and snacks as well as hot drinks. The market is open from 10am to 4pm.

Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre 2017. Pictured: Emma Musgrave with niece Kaitlin Hack in the carousel. Picture: Mecha Morton
Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre 2017. Pictured: Emma Musgrave with niece Kaitlin Hack in the carousel. Picture: Mecha Morton

Bungay Christmas Street Market - December 5

Bungay's popular Christmas street market will return this year, packed full of christmassy stalls and live entertainment.

Earsham Street and Butter Cross will be a hive of activity with festive shopping stalls open from 9am to 5pm on December 5.

Christmas Suffolk Farmers Market at Trinity Park, Ipswich - December 11

Trinity Park will open its gates for a second festive market this year, as fifty of the region's best food and drink producers flock to the Farmers Market on December 11.

Selling everything from Suffolk cheeses to local meats, fins and treats, this Ipswich market is sure to provide everything you could possibly need for your Christmas dinner table.

Entry is free and dogs are welcome. Gates open at 10am and the event ends at 2pm.

Christmas Market and Santa's Grotto, Felixstowe - December 11

This Christmas market and festive fun day is perfect for the children with lots of treats and even a visit from Santa himself.

Craft stalls showcasing Christmas wares along with great food and drink will be on offer alongside activities and entertainment.

A stop off at Santa's grotto is a must for the youngsters, and photo opportunities are also available.

The Beach Street market is free entry and is open from 10am to 4pm on December 11.

Kersey Church Christmas Fair - December 11

Kersey Church Christmas Fair offers over 20 stalls of craft items that would make great gifts for all the family.

Mulled wine, mince pies and Christmas carols will ensure all visitors are well into the festive spirit while they shop by candlelight in the church.

Open from 10am to 4pm on December 11, this fair offers a last-minute opportunity to grab some unique presents for your loved ones this year.

Which Christmas market will you visit this year?