The Winter Markets, Fayres and Christmas Lights Events – Road Closures Schedule in Stratford-upon-Avon turns the whole district into a festive trail of markets, light switch-ons and village celebrations from late November through to New Year’s Day.
What to Expect
Waterside Upmarket on the riverside in Stratford-upon-Avon runs on selected Sundays, with Waterside closed 7:00am–7:00pm. Expect an outdoor market lining the Avon, packed with stalls, local traders and riverside browsing.
Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Markets transform Waterside, Bridge Street, Henley Street and High Street under a special one-way traffic system. On selected Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, streets are filled from morning into late evening with Christmas shopping, gift stalls and a buzzing town-centre atmosphere.
Across the wider district, villages and market towns host their own seasonal highlights. Kineton’s Victorian Evening on Banbury Street brings a nostalgic, themed night with stalls, entertainment and late-night shopping. Wellesbourne Christmas Fayre turns School Road into an afternoon-and-evening street fayre, while Welford-on-Avon Christmas Fayre fills Chapel Street with community stalls and family fun.
Christmas lights switch-ons bring residents together in Beaudesert and Henley-in-Arden, Southam, Bidford-on-Avon, Broom, Salford Priors and Tiddington, each closing a short stretch of High Street or main road for live entertainment, countdowns and community celebrations.
Bidford-on-Avon also hosts a Village Market on High Street, and Alcester comes alive twice: first for St Nicholas Night in December, then with an Annual New Year’s Day Meet using Henley Street, Church Street and High Street for a lively town-centre gathering.
Practical Info & Who It’s For
Events run from Sun 23 November through Thu 1 January, mostly at weekends and early evenings, making them ideal for families, local shoppers, food lovers and anyone planning a festive day trip around Stratford-upon-Avon and its villages.
More information via the official page.
Most activities are open-air, drop-in style and generally free to attend, though bring some cash or card for shopping, rides and refreshments.
Event details at a glance
- Location: Various town and village centres across Stratford-on-Avon District (admin address: Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6HX)
- Dates: Late November to early January, including Christmas markets, fayres, lights switch-ons and a New Year’s Day meet
- Price: Public community events in public spaces; generally free to attend
- Best for: Families, local residents, festive shoppers, foodies and visitors exploring Stratford-upon-Avon and surrounding villages
- Organiser: Stratford-on-Avon District Council
