Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas markets 2025: Dates, times, stalls and road closures explained
Stratford-upon-Avon is set for another sparkling festive season as Stratford-on-Avon District Council , LSD Promotions and Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council team up once again to deliver the town’s 2025 Christmas Markets.
This year’s markets run over two festive weekends – 29–30 November and 6–7 December 2025 – turning the riverside and surrounding streets into a seasonal shopping trail, complete with lights, music and plenty of places to stop for something warm to eat or drink.
What to expect
Around 200 stalls will line Waterside, Henley Street and Bridge Street, making this one of the biggest Christmas markets in the West Midlands. You can browse handmade gifts, crafts, decorations, local produce, street food and festive treats, all set against the backdrop of Stratford’s historic centre.
The markets take place on:
- Saturday 29 November 2025: 12pm – 8pm
- Sunday 30 November 2025: 10am – 5pm
- Saturday 6 December 2025: 12pm – 8pm
- Sunday 7 December 2025: 10am – 5pm
Entry is free and you’re welcome to dip in and out as you explore the town’s independent shops, cafés and riverside walks alongside the market.
Road changes, closures and access
To keep visitors safe and create a traffic-free event space, several streets in the town centre will be affected on market days. Plan your journey in advance if you’re driving into Stratford.
Streets fully closed:
- Bridge Street
- Waterside
Changes to traffic flow and parking restrictions:
- High Street: One-way towards the Barclays roundabout. No parking will be permitted.
- Union Street: No parking will be allowed.
- Wood Street: Open in both directions, but vehicles will only be able to exit via Union Street. There will be no vehicle access from Wood Street to other surrounding streets.
- Sheep Street: Open to traffic, but Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) barriers will be installed near Waterside.
Parking and Park & Ride
If you are travelling by car, visitors are strongly encouraged to use the Stratford-upon-Avon Park & Ride at Bishopton. Normal Park & Ride charges apply on all Christmas Market dates. Using Park & Ride helps ease congestion in the town centre and makes getting to the markets simpler.
Perform at the markets – choirs and singers
The Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Markets also double as a festive stage for local talent. Free performance slots are available for choirs and singing groups, adding live music to the atmosphere across the weekends.
School choirs, community groups, friends and solo singers are all welcome to apply – the only requirement is that your performance is Christmas themed. Groups can also hold a collection for their own organisation or chosen charity while they perform.
To express interest in performing, email events@stratford-dc.gov.uk and the events team will get back to you with further details.
Accessibility and further information
If you have questions about accessibility or need specific information ahead of your visit, contact Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s Leisure, Events & Markets Officer at info-markets@stratford-dc.gov.uk.
For general queries about the markets or council-run events, you can get in touch using the contact details below.
Event details at a glance
- Event: Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Markets 2025
- Location: Waterside, Henley Street & Bridge Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
- Dates: Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 November 2025; Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 December 2025
- Opening times: Saturdays 12pm–8pm; Sundays 10am–5pm
- Price: Free entry (usual charges apply for food, drink and purchases)
- Best for: Families, couples, day trippers, Christmas shoppers, choir and music fans, and anyone who enjoys festive markets in a historic riverside town
- Organiser: Stratford-on-Avon District Council, in partnership with LSD Promotions and Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council
- General contact: Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6HX
- Telephone: 01789 267575
