Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Market to return next month with 'major change'

Stratford-upon-Avon's much-loved Victorian Christmas Market will have a brand-new look this December after last year's event became 'overcrowded'. The Christmas market, which takes place over two consecutive weekends in December, will feature an all-new layout designed to enhance visitor experience.

There will be revamped and smaller markets, cut to around 200 a day, and there will be no funfair. This will help crowd footfall around Wood Street, Union Street, High Street, and Bridge Street, with new traffic calming measures in place.

Organisers LSD promotions say there will be entertainment, but it will take the 'roaming' variety, and there will not be a centralised main stage to allow visitors to have an 'immersive' experience. LSD said the changes were made due to feedback from local residents and businesses from 2023's Christmas market.

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The market remains one of the largest in the West Midlands and will occur on Saturday, December 7, Sunday, December 8, Saturday, December 14, and Sunday, December 15. This allows visitors to experience the markets on what are 'traditionally' the most popular days, and the midweek traffic congestion in the town will be reduced. For more information about Stratford-upon-Avon's Christmas Market, click here.

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In terms of road closures, Bridge Street and Waterside will be fully closed, with changes to traffic flow in High Street and Union Street. Wood Street will be open both ways, but egress will be down Union Street, as there will be no access to other streets. Organisers encourage visitors to use the Stratford-upon-Avon Park and Ride in Bishopton for those using their own transport.

The market will be open from 10 am to 8pm on Saturdays and 10am to 5pm on Sundays.