Christmas Markets at Cathedrals and Abbeys 2026
16 Christmas markets at cathedrals and abbeys in the UK, 15 with 2026 dates confirmed by their organisers. The first to open is Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market, on Friday 13 November.
Markets held inside a cathedral, minster or abbey, or in its close or grounds. Several of those held inside are ticketed.
None open this weekend (17 and 18 October 2026). Next to open: Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market, on Friday 13 November 2026.
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2026 Dates, in the Order They Open
| Market | Dates | Days Closed | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market Exeter, South West | 13 Nov to 13 Dec 2026 | Open every day of its run | Free |
| Ely Cathedral Christmas Gift & Food Fair Ely, East of England | 19 to 21 Nov 2026 | Open every day of its run | Ticket |
| Guildford Cathedral Christmas Fair Guildford, South East | 20 to 21 Nov 2026 | Open every day of its run | Ticket |
| Peterborough Cathedral Christmas Craft & Gift Market Peterborough, East of England | 20 to 22 Nov 2026 | Open every day of its run | Ticket |
| Ripon Cathedral Christmas Food & Gift Fair Ripon, Yorkshire | 20 to 21 Nov 2026 | Open every day of its run | Ticket |
| Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market Winchester, South East | 20 Nov to 22 Dec 2026 | Open every day of its run | Free |
| Cathedral Christmas Market Truro, South West | 25 to 28 Nov 2026 | Open every day of its run | Free |
| Bath Christmas Market Bath, South West | 26 Nov to 13 Dec 2026 | Open every day of its run | Free |
| Buckfast Abbey Christmas Market Buckfastleigh, South West | 26 to 28 Nov 2026 | Open every day of its run | Ticket |
| St Edmundsbury Cathedral Christmas Market Bury St Edmunds, East of England | 26 to 28 Nov 2026 | Open every day of its run | Ticket |
| Ampleforth Abbey Christmas Craft Market Ampleforth, Yorkshire | 28 to 29 Nov 2026 | Open every day of its run | Free |
| Fountains Abbey Christmas Market Ripon, Yorkshire | 28 to 29 Nov 2026 | Open every day of its run | |
| Hull Minster Victorian Christmas Market Hull, Yorkshire | 28 Nov 2026 | One day only | Free |
| Lincoln Cathedral Christmas Market Lincoln, East Midlands | 3 to 5 Dec 2026 | Open every day of its run | Ticket |
| Leicester Cathedral Christmas Market Leicester, East Midlands | 5 Dec 2026 | One day only | Free |
Dates Not Yet Announced
- Christmas in Cathedral Square, Birmingham
Staying the night? See hotels in Bath, Winchester, Exeter, Lincoln and Bury St Edmunds, priced for a night when the market there is open. affiliate links
Questions
When do Christmas markets at cathedrals and abbeys start in 2026?
The first in this guide is Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market in Exeter, which opens on Friday 13 November 2026. The last to close is Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market, on Tuesday 22 December 2026.
Do Christmas markets at cathedrals and abbeys charge for entry?
Of the 16 listed here, 7 need a ticket or paid entry and 8 are free to walk into, going by their organisers' pages; the rest have not said. Each market's page gives the price where it has been published.
Other types: Christmas Fairs and Fayres, Victorian and Dickensian Christmas Markets, Christmas Craft Fairs and Makers' Markets, The Biggest Christmas Markets in the UK, Indoor Christmas Markets, Christmas Food Markets and Farmers' Markets, National Trust Christmas Markets, German-Style Christmas Markets in the UK, Christmas Markets at Stately Homes and Castles, Christmas Markets with an Ice Rink, Dog-Friendly Christmas Markets. Or find the markets nearest your postcode. How we check dates.