The best Christmas markets in the region

Thursday, 11 November 2021

We’re sure that most of you would agree that the hardest part about Christmas is trying to decide what to buy your nearest and dearest as a gift.

With an increased drive towards shopping locally and independently, there’s been an increase in the number of Christmas markets taking place across the region. Often selling locally made wares, Christmas markets are the perfect place to find something special. Sip on a mug of gluhwein, nibble on a mince pie and spend the day getting into the Christmas spirit.

We’ve found some of the best Christmas markets taking place across the region, so you don’t have to.

Markets are in date order.

Mama Meet and Market, Derby

Image © Mama + Meet

Mama Meet and Market, Derby

£2, Children under 17 are free.

November 13 - 14

Held at Derby’s Bustler Market , this annual event is a great way to kick off the Christmas shopping for the year! With small businesses from all over the UK, there will be plenty of opportunities to pick up something special.

Father Christmas will also be in attendance, so bring the little’uns along to meet Santa. Hot food and drink vendors will keep visitors fully stocked up, too.

From Derby Station

4 minute walk

Book your ticket to Derby

Peak District Candle Company

Image © Peak District Candle Co

Derbyshire County Cricket Club Christmas Market

£2 entry, under 12s go free.

November 21

Expect over 40 local and independent small businesses and makers at this year’s Christmas market at Derbyshire County Cricket Club . The indoor venue means that you won’t get cold and wet, no matter the weather outside. There will be a number of hot food venues to keep you warm, too. With everything from mince pies to mulled wine and boozy hot chocolates, it might be hard to keep your mind on the Christmas shopping and not on the food...

From Derby Station

28 minute walk | 6 minute taxi

Book your ticket to Derby

Matlock Victorian Christmas Market

Matlock Victorian Christmas Market

Free

December 3 - 5

One of the largest Christmas Markets in Derbyshire, Matlock Christmas Market houses over 200 stalls in two marquees and across Hall Leys Park. Offering a unique selection of hand-crafted goods, you can expect to be plunged well and truly into the Christmas spirit here. The Matlock Christmas lights switch-on are over the same weekend, including Santa’s Christmas parade and the famous firework display, so make a full weekend of it!

From Matlock Station

7 minute walk | 3 minute taxi

Book your ticket to Matlock

Chesterfield Christmas Market

Image © Chesterfield Christmas Market

Chesterfield Christmas Market

Free

December 10 - 24

Stalls have been present on the cobbled streets of Chesterfield for hundreds of years, but it’s Christmas time when the magic truly comes alive. Chesterfield Market is the place to grab all of the tastiest local produce for your Christmas dinner, as well as Christmas gifts for the whole family!

The existing Market Hall will be extending its opening hours in the run up to the big day, with all stalls open from Monday - Saturday every week from 8:30 - 5:00pm. Extra trading days have been added on Sunday 21st November to coincide with the Chesterfield Christmas lights switch-on, along with extra hours on the 12th and 19th December.

From Chesterfield Station

9 minute walk | 4 minute taxi

Book your ticket to Chesterfield

Sheffield Christmas Market

Image © Sheffield Christmas Market

Sheffield Christmas Market

Free

November 12 - December 24

Run by a small, independent company which features over 80 percent of Sheffield-based traders, you’re sure to find something at Sheffield Christmas Markets that stands out from the rest. There will be over 50 log cabins and stalls, offering everything from home decorations to clothing and food and drink.

Stop for a tipple in the Alpine Bar, or warm yourselves up at the German sausage grill or the churros stall. Kids will be able to visit Santa at his grotto, and visitors will be able to get a birds eye view of the city on the iconic big wheel.

From Sheffield Station

10 minute walk | 6 minute taxi

Book your ticket to Sheffield

Nottingham Christmas Market

Image © Nottingham Christmas Market

Nottingham Winter Wonderland

Free

November 15 - December 31

Traditional chalet style market stalls return to Nottingham city centre for the festive period, offering steaming mugs of Glühwein and huge choices of gifts, crafts and speciality food. The 60ft Christmas tree in the Old Market Square will once again be the focal point for the city’s Christmas events, as the Helter Skelter bar and specially-constructed Christmas village also make a return.

Those looking for an adrenaline rush will want to head up on the giant observation wheel - 33m up in the air, with stunning views over the city's skyline. For those who prefer to stay closer to ground level, there is a new Après Ski themed pop-up bar, and a traditional carousel.

From Nottingham Station

11 minute walk | 5 minute taxi

Book your ticket to Nottingham

It’s safe to say that there is an abundance of things to do in the region to help get you into the Christmas spirit this year. After what had to be a quiet Christmas for us all in 2020, there’s never been a better time to get out and about and discover the festivities of the Midlands.

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