Local choirs, school children, live bands and roaming saxophonists will bring the sound of Christmas to the town centre on 28-29 November and 5-6 December

The Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Markets are returning to the heart of the historic town centre across two festive weekends: Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November, and Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December 2026.

Organised by LSD Promotions, the markets will transform Stratford's streets into a Christmas shopping destination, with dozens of independent traders offering handmade gifts, local drinks and delicious festive food, set against the backdrop of one of the UK's best-loved tourist destinations.

Councillor Sam McNaught Barrow, Mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon, said: "The Christmas Markets provide a wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything that makes Stratford-upon-Avon so special at this time of year. They bring our community together and create a fantastic festive atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

"I am particularly pleased to see local schools, choirs and performers taking part, making the markets a real celebration of our community. I would encourage everyone to come along and experience the magic of Christmas in Stratford-upon-Avon."

LIVE MUSIC THROUGH BOTH WEEKENDS

A full programme of live entertainment will run across the Waterside Performance Area and, on Sunday 29 November and Sunday 6 December, a second performance area on Henley Street, with roaming performers adding to the atmosphere.

Highlights include:

Saturday 28 November: Brimstone take to the Waterside stage (12pm and 3:30pm), joined by singer Molly Smout (2pm and 5pm) and the Stratford Musical Theatre Company Choir (6:30pm).

Sunday 29 November: Holy Trinity Primary School Choir (10am) and Rock Choir (11am on Waterside and 12pm on Henley Street), with Brimstone back on stage (12pm and 3:30pm) and The Sax Pistols roaming the markets from 4pm.

Saturday 5 December: St Gregory's Primary School Choir (11:30am), singer Elodie Markwell (12:30pm) and Shelter Choir (4pm), with The Sax Pistols roaming.

Sunday 6 December: a packed day of music, from Brimstone (10am and 12pm), Got2Sing Choir (11am) and Holy Trinity Church Choir (1:15pm) on Waterside, to Louise Hatton Choir and her vocal students, and Holy Trinity Primary School Choir on Henley Street, plus Ukes of Ale (2:30pm) and Stamp Choir (4pm).

The full programme is available on request.

TRADERS, FOOD AND DRINK

Visitors can browse a diverse mix of stalls, from jewellery, ceramics, fused glass, velvet jackets, tweed accessories, art prints and handmade teddy bears to gifts for dog lovers. Local and regional producers include Bluebell Cottage Fudge, Shakespeare Distillery, Gwatkin Cider Co and Ryan Jepson Cheeses.

There will also be plenty to eat and drink, with a line-up including Spanish churros, award-winning cannoli, gourmet doughnuts, German sausages, Italian piadinas, Nepalese momos, bubble waffles, a chocolate fountain, mulled wine and warm festive cocktails.

Cllr Lorraine Grocott, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Neighbourhood Services at Stratford-on-Avon District Council, said: "The Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Markets are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our town, and bring residents and visitors together to enjoy everything that makes Stratford such a special place. With a wonderful mix of local businesses, independent traders, festive food and street entertainment, the markets will create a real sense of Christmas spirit whilst helping to support our local economy. We look forward to welcoming people to the town over both weekends!"

MAKE A DAY OF IT

Stratford-upon-Avon welcomes visitors, shoppers and tourists from near and far, and the Christmas Markets are designed to be part of a wider festive day out, alongside the town's independent shops, attractions and restaurants.

Siobhan Noake, Head of Brand and Corporate Communications at LSD Promotions, said: "The Christmas Markets are about bringing the whole town together. We've got brilliant independent traders, a fantastic mix of food and drink and a line-up of local choirs, school children and bands who really make the place feel like Christmas. Whether you're starting your Christmas shopping or just want a festive day out with family and friends, we can't wait to welcome everyone to Stratford."

EVENT INFORMATION

What: Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Markets

Where: Stratford-upon-Avon Town Centre, CV37 6BA

When: Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November; Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December 2026

Trading times: Saturdays 12pm-8pm; Sundays 10am-5pm

Find out more: https://stratforduponavonchristmasmarkets.co.uk/