Breaking News............2026 Dates
2025 Christmas Markets were a great success ! Over 250,000 people descended on our streets over the two Weekends with lots of smiles and festive spirit. This had a knock on effect to local businesses, with some reporting record sales. We hope it gave some festive cheer and put you in the Christmas mood ! Here, hot off the press, are the dates for 2026:
- Weekend 1 - Saturday 28th/Sunday 29th November
- Weekend 2 - Saturday 5th/Sunday 6th December
Please note that the weekend of 12th/13th December will be used as a reserve if one of the two weekends is forced to cancel due to inclement weather.
Check out more information about the event on the Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Markets website below:
Road Closures
Road closures will come into effect from 6pm on each Friday evening before the events at the weekends, to allow for the set up and installation of our Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) measures. Security staff will be on hand at each road closure point to offer advice on alternative routes around the town and to monitor all pedestrian movements into the market footprint. Inevitably, there will be some vehicular delays around the town centre and we urge drivers to allow more time for journeys.
Waterside - fully closed.
Bridge Street - fully closed (both directions).
High Street - one way system will be in operation.
Sheep Street - open but no access onto Waterside.
Bus Services
We encourage visitors, using their own transport, to use the Stratford-upon-Avon Park & Ride in Bishopton. Normal park & ride charges will apply on each of these days. Service times:
- Saturdays: Buses will run up to 20:30 (waiting room & toilets open until 8pm).
- Sundays: Buses will run until 18:40, with one last bus at 19:30 (waiting room & toilets open until 8pm).
With Bridge Street shut, the Park & Ride service (+ Town Service no. 19) will go from Windsor Street Coach Park. All other bus services will depart from the bus stops in Guild Street behind M&S.
For more information about any aspect to do with accessibility, please contact Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Leisure, Events & Markets Officer, email info-markets@stratford-dc.gov.uk.
Coaches - Parking will be at the Riverside Coach & Lorry Park (CV37 6YY) on Bridgeway. This will operate on a first come, first served basis (70 spaces available) and there will be arrangements in place for an overspill coach park at the Stratford-upon-Avon Park & Ride in Bishopton (once passengers have alighted at the Riverside Coach & Lorry Park).
Coach Drop Off/Pick up - will be at the Riverside Coach & Lorry Park only.
Being Part of the Event
If you are a business situated within the market area and would like to take part, it is possible you can trade outside of your premises to make the most of what will be the high footfall generated by the Christmas Markets. To do this you need to register with the market operator and you must only promote or sell your normal stock or service. You must be confident that you comply with the Town's regulatory standards, trade within its agreed licenses, and have all the necessary insurance, safety documentation and equipment, as these stalls will not fall under the umbrella of permissions and insurances in place for the main event.
The Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Markets will benefit the whole of Stratford-upon-Avon in a variety of ways, in particular by bringing in additional visitors and a much needed boost to the local economy. However, we are aware that not everyone enjoys or gets a direct benefit from the event, and we could not run this event without the support and understanding of local residents, who we know can be inconvenienced at this time. Dedicated stewards will be working throughout the site.
Please note that none of the public car parks within the town centre will be affected. Please be aware that you may be required to prove eligibility to take advantage of any alternative arrangements that may be available.
If you are a market trader and would like more information on how you can be part of this event as a local business, please contact LSD Promotions (Market Place) Ltd on 01384 877336 or email customerservice@lsdpromotions.com.
Accessibility Statement
Please find the Accessibility Statement for the Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Markets 2025
For more information about the event itself, please contact Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Leisure, Events & Markets Officer, email info-markets@stratford-dc.gov.uk
