Must-visit Christmas Markets, Fairs and Events in West Berkshire
How can it possibly be almost that time of year again? Dare we say it, but Christmas is only a few weeks away – well, nine and a half to be exact, not that we’re counting, of course.
We know many of you like to prepare well ahead and plan your Christmas events and gift buying in advance, so here is a round-up of all manner of exciting festive events and wintery things to do in West Berkshire in the run-up to the big day.
1. Modern Makers Collective Winter Market - 25 & 26 November
This wonderful market is back for another year. The Modern Makers Collective is a select group of artists and designers, crafters, and jewellers, who share a passion for outstanding craftmanship, and who come together once a year to showcase and sell their work during the festive season. This talented group offers work of an exceptionally high standard using different mediums such as ceramics, textiles, jewellery, woodwork, and weaving. The winter market takes place in the village hall in the pretty village of Yattendon on 25th and 26th November, 10am-4pm and promises to be a very special market indeed. Tickets are £2, (children under 16 are free). Book online in advance or pay on the door. Check out their website to see some of the collective’s work modernmakerscollective.co.uk. Plenty of Christmas gift inspiration!
2. Spectacle of Light at Welford Park
Don’t miss the fabulous Christmas light spectacle at Welford Park this festive season. Running from Friday 20th October – Sunday 12th November, this is bound to be a sell-out event, so get booking now. This is a magical after-dark sensation, allowing for a whole new perspective on the beauty of Welford Park. Be wowed by the illuminated trail going through the grounds and woodland, under the stars, and sip hot chocolate or spiced cider along the way. Tickets are £24 per adult, £12 per child. Book at www.welfordpark.co.uk
3. Christmas Fair and other events at The Retreat, Elcot Park
- Christmas Market: The Christmas market at The Retreat at Elcot Park is back for another year, and we can’t wait. With over 40 luxury stalls with fabulous local brands and artisans at the beautiful venue of The Retreat, this is one Christmas market not to be missed. Taking place on 21st and 22nd November, this is the perfect place to start your Christmas shopping. Pick up some festive gifts, and pop into Clodagh’s for a quick coffee break while you’re at it. Entry is free.
- Wreath making workshop: Get into the festive spirit and book onto this wonderful workshop on Thursday 23rd November 10.30am-2pm. Join florist Sarah Styles and create a masterpiece for your front door. A two-course lunch is included in the ticket price of £80. You’ll get to enjoy your lunch whilst listening to the dulcet tones of the Newbury Rock Choir.
- Christmas Ball: The Retreat’s Christmas Ball is the party to be at this December. This black-tie event takes place on Saturday 9th December at 7pm and includes a welcome drink, a three-course festive meal, live music and entertainment until midnight. Make a night of it and stay at The Retreat in one of their gorgeous rooms or enjoy their three-night festive minibreak package. Ball tickets are £100, £90 for members.
- Winter afternoon tea: Enjoy afternoon tea at The Retreat every day throughout December from 12pm-5pm. This is a real treat, where the delicious afternoon tea, which includes seasonal sandwiches, scones, and cakes, can be taken in the Atlas Room or the Orangery.
Book these events online at www.retreatelcotpark.com
4. Christmas Fair at The Watermill Theatre - 11 November
This fabulous Christmas Fair at the stunning Watermill Theatre on Friday 10th November, from 10am-2.00pm, offers an exciting array of Christmas gifts and decorations, as well as mulled wine (it’s never too early for mulled wine!), hot drinks and a light lunch. Tickets are £3 on entry.
If you haven’t visited the Watermill before, take the opportunity to explore the beautiful grounds and have a peek into the theatre itself, which has plenty of wow factor.
5. Christmas Fair at Shaw House - 3 December
Keep the whole family happy and combine a visit to the Christmas fair at Shaw House on Sunday 3rd December from 11am-3pm with an outdoor trail for the little ones. If you’re looking for gifts you can’t find on the high street, this is the perfect place to shop. With over 65 stalls offering local craft, art, jewellery, clothing, and food and drink, there is something for everyone. Enjoy the vintage tunes from Gramofun and from a local choir as you shop, and don’t forget to stop off for some mulled wine and hot food. Tickets can be purchased on the day. £2 for adults, £1 per child.
6. Wreath-making Workshops
- The Wessex Flower Company – you’re in for a treat with these festive Christmas wreath-making workshops. Choose from two workshops:
- The Luxury Christmas Wreath Workshop: wreaths are made from traditional moss and wire and include foliage such as berries, thistles, flowers, dried fruits, feathers, and ribbons. This workshop takes place on Saturday 2nd December 10.30am-12.30pm and Monday 4th December 6.30-9pm at The Flower Studio, at the Wessex Flower Company. Tickets are £75 per person.
- The Forager Christmas Wreath Workshop: at £55 a head, this includes seasonal foraged foliage and luxury velvet ribbon. The workshop is on 7th December at 6.30pm-9pm at the Good Life Hub in Hampstead Norreys.
Book online at www.wessexflowercompany.co.uk. Whichever workshop you choose, you’re bound to end up with a beautiful wreath which you’ll be proud to hang on your door.
- Basildon Park are also hosting Christmas Wreath making workshops on 20th, 21st, 27th and 28th November and 4th and 5th December from 10.30am-12.30pm. Tickets are £30. Book online at nationaltrust.org.uk or call 0344 249 1895
7. Festive workshops for adults at The Base
If you fancy doing some more Christmas crafts, The Base, in partnership with Honesty Group, are hosting some fabulous workshops, including children’s Christmas printing, Christmas calligraphy, macramé, wreath making and lots more. Call the box office on 01635 522733 or see their website for more details thebasegreenham.co.uk
8. Christmas BREAKS & Getaway IDEAS
Whether you’re looking for Christmas markets or visits with Santa, why not take your adventure abroad?
- If you like the sound of a European Christmas market, The Travel Design Company are the people to call. Specialising in bespoke holidays tailormade for your family, they will be able to cater to your every Christmas wish. Visit magical destinations such as Salzburg, Krakow, Prague, and Vienna. Europe is your oyster when it comes to Christmas markets – you’ll be spoilt for choice. Check out their website at thetraveldesigncompany.com
- If your children’s Christmas wish is to visit Santa in the North Pole – and let’s face it, isn’t that every child’s dream? Get in touch with Little People, Big Adventures. They are now offering a magical trip to Lapland, which includes a visit with the big man himself, husky sledding and a reindeer sleigh ride – you may well also see the Northern Lights. Book your adventure now at littlepeoplebigadventures.com/lapland-family-holidays and treasure the wonder on your children’s faces and those family memories for a lifetime.
9. Festival of Light and the Christmas Light switch-on festival - 18 Nov & 10 Dec
The Festival of Light is always one of the highlights of the Newbury calendar, where the town centre is transformed into a twinkling wonderland. Northbrook Street comes alive with music and lanterns everywhere you look. This event will certainly get you into the Christmas spirit, if nothing else does!
The procession is on Sunday 10th December and starts at the top of Northbrook Street at 4.30pm and travels down towards the marketplace where it ends with live music and a festive atmosphere. It really is a sight to behold. If you want to be part of the procession and make your own lantern, you can book on to one of the lantern-making workshops run by the Corn Exchange on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th November, and Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th December. Call the box office on 01635 522733 or book online at www.cornexchangenew.com.
As well as the Festival of Light, don’t forget the Christmas Lights Switch-on Festival in Newbury town centre, which takes place on Saturday 18th November from 10am-6pm. This festival kicks off the festive season in style. The town is awash with Christmas cheer, fairground rides, activities for children, festive food stalls, as well as Santa in his grotto. Also appearing this year is a living nativity, a giant snow globe, and street entertainers and artists. The festival sees the switch-on of the town’s Christmas lights as the day draws in, culminating in the lighting up of the Christmas tree in the marketplace. Not to be missed.
10. Christmas Theatre Productions
- Corn Exchange: “Oh no, you’re not, oh yes, we are!” Christmas is not Christmas without an annual trip to the pantomime. This year, the Corn Exchange is putting on the popular fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast. Numerous performances are being shown between Tuesday 28th November and Saturday 31st December. Pantomime always sells out fast, and this year will be no exception, so book your tickets now on www.cornexchangenew.com or call the box office on 10635 522733 and look forward to some festive slapstick humour.
- The Watermill Theatre: Not to be outdone, The Watermill Theatre is putting on its own show, the Wizard of Oz, from 17th Tickets start at £15 and can be booked online at www.watermill.org.uk
11. Other local festive markets
There are so many markets in West Berkshire, so why not visit a few over the festive season!
- Woolton Hill and Highclere Village Market will be holding their Christmas-themed market on Saturday 25th November at the usual venue of Thorngrove School from 10-30am-1.00pm.
- Look out for the Artisan Christmas fair weekends at City Arts from Friday 17th to Sunday 19thNovember and from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th November from 10am-4pm. From ceramics, prints, and jewellery to photography and glass art. Entry is free. Seasonal refreshments available.
- The Corn Exchange are hosting a Christmas craft fair on Wednesday 18th November from 10am-5pm. Enjoy seasonal refreshments from the Café Bar whilst shopping for festive gifts from independent crafters. Entry is free.
Did you know you can subscribe to Made In The Shire and be the first to know about small business news near you? Just enter your details into the subscribe box on our home page here.
Remember Made In The Shire readers get 10% off more or less ALL brands featured on our website with code MITS10. Shop All here.
Copyright 2024 Made In The Shire | Terms and Conditions