Stratford Upon Avon Christmas Market 2026: Over 2 Weekends

Shakespeare’s hometown has held markets since Edward VI granted its charter in 1553, and the Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Market continues that tradition across the town’s Tudor and Georgian streets. With 200 stalls spread along Waterside, Bridge Street and Henley Street over two weekends, it’s one of the largest winter events in the West Midlands and a strong excuse to pair festive shopping with a visit to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Market 2026

Dates

Status: Confirmed
Stratford dates: 28th to 29th November and 5th to 6th December 2026
Last checked: July 2026

Update: Dates were announced in January. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.

Source: Verified by Ultimate Christmas Markets via the Stratford City Council.

Plan Your Visit

Location and Times

Locations:
Wood Street
Bridge Street
Henley Street
High Street
Meer Street
Waterside
Opening times:
Saturday: 10am to 8pm.
Sunday: 10am to 5pm.

Travel and Accommodation

Recommended tour: Walking tour with a local guide.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. If driving, a shuttle service is available at Bishopton Park & Ride (charges apply).
Where to stay: Hotel Indigo is 4 minutes from the event.

Amenities and Attractions

Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Lights switch-on: 14th November 2026, 5:30pm to 6:30pm (unconfirmed). Full details.
Santa: Meet Father Christmas, his reindeer and Frosty the Snowman.
Ice skating: No.
Reason to visit: One of the largest winter events in the West Midlands.

Dietary Options

Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Specialities: Warwickshire street food vendors, local microbrewery ales and spiced hot chocolate.

Accessibility

Accessible: Yes. If you have questions regarding accessibility, email: [email protected].
Pet-friendly: No.

Convenient Hotels

The historic centre of Stratford is compact and easy to get around. Staying anywhere between Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Shakespeare’s Schoolroom would be well-located. I suggest staying at Hotel Indigo as it’s centrally located opposite Shakespeare’s Schoolroom.

Read our complete list of Christmas Markets in the UK.

Visitor Feedback

What Visitors Loved

• The setting is the main draw. Stalls winding through Stratford’s historic Tudor and Georgian streets give the market a character that purpose-built venues can’t match, and the illuminated Waterside stretch along the River Avon is a highlight after dark.
• The variety of food vendors impresses, with visitors praising the global street food options alongside traditional festive fare. Wood Street is the centre of the food action.
• The two-weekend format has made the experience more manageable. Spreading visitors across four days rather than cramming them into one long weekend has noticeably reduced the crush.
• Combining the market with a Shakespeare attraction visit or a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre makes for a rewarding day or weekend trip.

Common Complaints

• Some visitors felt last year was lower key than the previous Victorian format, with the removal of the main stage and funfair leaving some wanting more festive entertainment, particularly live music.
• Traffic congestion remains an issue despite improvements. Road closures on Bridge Street and Waterside cause delays, and the Bridgeway multi-storey car park has seen significant queues. The Park and Ride is strongly recommended.
• The market runs only on weekends, so visitors arriving midweek expecting stalls will be disappointed. Unlike Bath or Birmingham, there’s no extended weekday market here.

The Bottom Line

This event works best as part of a broader visit to the town rather than as a standalone destination. Arrive by train or Park and Ride, explore the stalls on a Sunday morning when crowds are lighter, and combine it with a visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace or an evening show at the RSC.

Event Location

Captured a moment that embodies the holiday season? Tag your photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets — we can’t wait to see your festive finds!

At the Food Stalls

• Mulled Wine – Available in a commemorative mug worth keeping as a souvenir.
• Mince Pies – Pick up freshly baked ones from local bakery stalls.
• Warwickshire Ales – Look out for local microbreweries like Windmill Hill Brewery, a Warwickshire operation that regularly trades at the market.
• Spiced Hot Chocolate – A rich alternative to mulled wine on colder evenings.
• Global Street Food – Greek souvlaki wraps, Italian street food, gourmet loaded fries and hog roasts alongside the classic bratwurst stands.

What to Buy

• Shakespeare Memorabilia – The town’s connection to the playwright makes themed prints, first folio reproductions and literary gifts a genuinely unique souvenir you won’t find at other markets.
• Stratford Honey – Locally produced and a popular gift or food hamper addition.
• Warwickshire Cheese – Regional varieties from nearby producers, from creamy cheddar to tangy Stilton.
• Artisan Jams and Preserves – Made by local producers using Warwickshire fruit.
• Jewellery and Stained Glass – Artisan craftspeople sell bespoke pieces across the stalls on Bridge Street and Henley Street.

Sustainability Tips

• Take the Train – Stratford-upon-Avon station is a 10-minute walk from the market, with direct services from Birmingham Moor Street, Leamington Spa and London Marylebone (Chiltern Railways on peak weekends).
• Use Park and Ride – The Bishopton Park and Ride (CV37 0RJ) runs shuttle buses throughout market hours. Town centre car parks fill quickly on Saturdays.
• Support Local Producers – Prioritise Warwickshire made food, drink and crafts over mass produced imports.
• Walk the Town – The centre is compact. Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Holy Trinity Church are all within walking distance of the market streets.