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Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas Market 2025 Guide

Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire • 29 Nov – 7 Dec 2025 • England

Victorian-costumed traders, live entertainment, a traditional funfair and nearly 300 stalls fill Stratford’s historic streets across two weekends.

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Why visit in 2025?

  • Actors, choirs and parades celebrating Stratford’s Victorian heritage
  • Local independent retailers trading outside their premises
  • Coach-friendly park & ride with accessibility planning

At a glance

Location

Waterside, Bridge Street, High Street & Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37

Dates (2025)

  • Weekend 1: 29–30 November
  • Weekend 2: 6–7 December
  • Trading 10am – 8pm Sat ¡ 10am – 6pm Sun

Costs

Free entry. Victorian fairground rides, park & ride, and theatre tickets are paid separately.

Contact

stratford.gov.uk

Why Stratford’s market is special

Shakespeare’s hometown transforms into a Victorian street party twice each December. Hundreds of traders don waistcoats, bonnets and shawls, selling artisan crafts, wreaths, jewellery and festive foods among gas-lamp-style decorations. The River Avon glitters with lights while the Royal Shakespeare Company joins the celebrations with carols outside the theatre.

Live entertainment stretches from costumed stilt walkers to brass bands, traditional barrel organs and carol singers. The Victorian funfair on Waterside brings a carousel, helter-skelter and Ferris wheel. Santa makes regular appearances, and the evenings end with lantern parades along Bridge Street.

Getting there

By train

Stratford-upon-Avon station is a 10-minute walk; West Midlands Railway operates frequent services from Birmingham Moor Street and Leamington Spa. Chiltern Railways runs direct trains from London Marylebone on peak weekends.

By coach

National Express coaches stop at Riverside Bus Station next to the theatre. Stagecoach local buses link to Warwick and Leamington Spa.

Driving & parking

Use Park & Ride at Bishopton or the marshalling site at Stratford Racecourse, both connected by dedicated shuttle buses. Town centre car parks (Bridgeway, Windsor Street, Rother Street) fill early.

Accessibility

Markets span pedestrianised streets with some cobbles. Accessible toilets are available at Bell Court and Bancroft Gardens. The event publishes an accessibility map each year—check before you travel.

Need-to-know details

  • Tell me something unusual: Look out for the “Victorian policeman” patrols—they’re actors who share stories of Stratford’s past while keeping crowds flowing.
  • Year established: 2013 (grew from a small Christmas Fayre into a two-weekend festival).
  • Typical attendance: Around 120,000 visitors across both weekends.
  • Official opening: Led by Stratford’s Town Crier and civic leaders with a lantern parade on Friday evening.
  • Entry cost: Free.

Top things to do

  • Victorian fairground: Ride the carousel and helter-skelter against the backdrop of the RSC theatre.
  • Meet the characters: Snap photos with chimney sweeps, Dickensian carollers and the town crier.
  • Shop indie: Browse more than 300 stalls for artisan jams, handmade wreaths, stained glass and bespoke jewellery.
  • River Avon stroll: Warm up with mulled wine as you wander the illuminated towpath.

Make a weekend of it

Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and the Holy Trinity Church. Book a festive performance at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and dine at independent restaurants around Sheep Street. Day trips to Warwick Castle (for “Christmas at the Castle”) or the Cotswolds villages round out a cosy festive escape.

Plan your trip

Accommodation

Book hotels or guesthouses as early as possible—weekend dates around the market book up quickly. Consider nearby villages for boutique stays.

Travel

Rail is often the most convenient way to arrive. If driving, look for park and ride services to avoid city-centre congestion.

Accessibility

Most markets provide accessible routes, but cobbles and temporary surfaces can be uneven—check the organiser accessibility guide linked below.

Weather Ready

Pack layers, waterproof footwear and gloves (touchscreen-friendly for photos). Early sessions are quieter; evenings bring the best atmosphere.